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Sarasota | Neighbors

Ashley Baker and Joy Loos produce and package their soaps at home. Photo by Harriet Sokmensuer
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 17, 2014
YOUR NEIGHBOR | Ashley Baker and Joy Loos

The smell of handmade soap wafts from Joy Loos' kitchen, where she and her daughter, Ashley Baker, make soap for their company, Ashjoi All Natural Soaps.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 17, 2014
Sidelines

SLL Junior All-Stars win championship; Junior golfers tee off in Summer Series

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lotus Bolan and Sabrina Benoit show “blue” and  “yellow” in American Sign Language.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Selby American Sign Language Class

Families learned American Sign Language at Selby Public Library's Youth Summer Program Tuesday, July 15. Erin Bosch taught students colors in sign language by reading "Pete the Cat" by Eric Litwin. After reading "Pete the Cat," students took part in an arts and crafts project.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
"It's all very real now," says bride-to-be Sara Amick as she tries on her first wedding dress at "Operation Wedding Gown."
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 14, 2014
Sarasota store hosts 'Operation Wedding Gown'

Military brides were invited to choose the dress of their dreams for free at Sarasota Brides & Formalwear as part of Brides Across America's "Operation Wedding Gown."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Christina “Pinky” Williams helps Amelia Desha skate.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Face Autism Skate Party

Face Autism Inc. held a skate party for families Saturday, July 11, at Stardust Skate Center. Families were able to rent skates and skate for two hours for free thanks to the Sarasota-based nonprofit founded by Colleen Buccieri. The Manasota roller-derby team, the Rolling Renegades, helped children skate. The team has skated with Face Autism families for more than a year. "They're great kids," says teammate Shylynn "Tess Tickles" Gamble.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cade Strom passes the volleyball to his dad, Kyle.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Dig the Beach

Siesta Key Beach transformed into a volleyball haven for the 2014 Dig the Beach Volleyball Series Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13. Professional and amateur volleyball players ages 10 years and up will compete in the day two-day tournament.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Blackboard CEO Jay Bhatt says it's an honor to recognize “forward-thinking educators who are helping create a world inspired to learn.”
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 11, 2014
Blackboard Inc. honors Sarasota schools

The award honors those in the education field who strive for excellence in teaching.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
County Commissioner Joe Barbetta, County Commissioner Christine Robinson with Mark Huey
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 10, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Tiger Bay Club luncheon

Sarasota community leaders gathered for the monthly Tiger Bay Club luncheon Thursday, July 10, at Michael's On East. The club invited guests to meet county commission candidates Paul Caragiulo, Shannon Snyder, Pete Theisen, Steve McAllister and Alexandra Coe. Tom Tryon of the Herald Tribune served as moderator for the forum.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo Klaus Fritsch with Mary Manhoff
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 10, 2014
Show of support

Siesta Key Hardware owners Patricia and James Hillier are bringing the island community closer together.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 10, 2014
Creative contest

Southeastern Guide Dogs has announced a T-shirt design contest for its 2015 walkathon held across the state.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 10, 2014
Growing up green

More than 80 campers experienced the beauty of nature at the S.T.E.M. Summer Camp last week in Venice.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Twins Zach and Christian Berendes were the only two players from the area selected for the LB3 Lacrosse 2016 National Team.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 10, 2014
National Recognition

Nineteen Monsters Lacrosse Academy players, including three from Cardinal Mooney, will play this summer on LB3 National Teams, which comprise the best players from across the nation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
DINNER DUO. Linda Pearson and Phil Pickrell brought their Sarasota Observer along to a dinner at Pearson's sister's house in Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 10, 2014
It's Read Everywhere

Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along! Visit YourObserver.com/itsreadeverywhere to submit your entries. One winner will receive two travel certificates, good for travel from SRQ Airport.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
...
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 10, 2014
It's Read Everywhere

Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along! Visit YourObserver.com/itsreadeverywhere to submit your entries. One winner will receive two travel certificates, good for travel from SRQ Airport.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
...
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 10, 2014
It's Read Everywhere

Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along! Visit YourObserver.com/itsreadeverywhere to submit your entries. One winner will receive two travel certificates, good for travel from SRQ Airport.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
...
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 10, 2014
It's Read Everywhere

Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along! Visit YourObserver.com/itsreadeverywhere to submit your entries. One winner will receive two travel certificates, good for travel from SRQ Airport.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 10, 2014
Sidelines

Sarasota National wins district crown; Sarasota County voted top destination for sports vacation; i9 Sports fall registration underway

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 10, 2014
Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Brynn Dejohgh meets Nala, a Sahara spiny-tailed lizard.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 10, 2014
Kids go wild at Zoo Camp

Children at Sarasota Jungle Gardens' Zoo Camp learned about African animals July 2.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Annamarie Hedekin submitted this photo of Fourth of July fireworks and lightning, taken from Casey Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 10, 2014
Weather: Sarasota

Annamarie Hedekin submitted this photo of Fourth of July fireworks and lightning, taken from Casey Key.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Gabby Barmash and Lauren Sambursky
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 9, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Temple Emanu-El candle making

Members of Temple Emanu-El hosted a Havdalah candle making workshop Wednesday, July 9. Attendees learned how to hand dip candles for the Jewish ceremony that separates the Sabbath from the week ahead. The candles serve as centerpieces and are made of different colored wicks woven together.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota High senior catcher Carson Keyser works on a hand-eye coordination drill during the Sailors baseball camp July 7.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 8, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota High Baseball Camp

Eighty kids hit the diamond for Sarasota High's annual summer baseball camp, which began June 7 and runs through July 10. During the 20-session camp, players, who were divided into groups based on age, focused on baseball fundamentals, including hitting, fielding, pitching and more. Players also spent a hour each day working on strength training.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Weston Elken enjoys corn on the cob.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 5, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Shrimp and Lobster Festival

Seafood lovers had a whale of a time at the annual Shrimp and Lobster Festival Saturday, July 5, at the Downtown Farmers Market. Sarasota restaurants served their seafood specialties including shrimp pasta dishes and lobster bisque to hungry festival-goers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ryelynn and Marla Brunner
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 5, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: 'Tropical 4th of July'

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens invited Sarasota residents to watch the fireworks at its annual 'Tropical 4th of July' Friday, July 4. The evening event included live music and outdoor activities for kids.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kayla LaBlanc lights a sparkler.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 5, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Fourth of July

Families celebrated the Fourth of July on Sarasota Bay Friday, July 4, with the annual fireworks display. Hundreds spent the evening at Bayfront Park before the 30-minute display began.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rabbi Michael Werbow with wife, Melissa, and children Lev, Maya and Asher
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 4, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Temple Beth Sholom Meet and Greet

Rabbi Michael Werbow and his family were welcomed by Temple Beth Sholom members with a meet and greet Friday, July 4. After the event, Rabbi Werbow led his first service. Werbow comes from Buffalo, NY with his wife, Melissa, and their three children. He is know for his warmth and holds a bachelor's degree in Special Education and a master's in Jewish Education. Members of the temple were excited to meet their new rabbi and dressed in red, white and blue for the occasion.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Henry Romo and Jodi Koepp
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • July 4, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Siesta Key Beach VIP Party and Fireworks

Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce hosted a VIP Party prior to the Siesta Key Beach fireworks show Friday, July 4.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Michael Fesko wears a homemade costume for the parade.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 3, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Grand Prix Boat Parade

Residents and Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix fans gathered downtown for the annual Boat Parade Friday, July 3, on Main Street. The parade is one of many events held by the Super Boat Grand Prix, which ends July 6.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Thousands flock to Siesta Key Beach for the annual fireworks display.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 3, 2014
Weekend Best Bet: Fourth of July Fireworks

Celebrate the Fourth of July with an evening full of fireworks at Siesta Key Beach or over Sarasota Bay. Both displays are free and open to the public.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
NEW HEIGHTS. Nikki Taylor and Jane Thompson took their most recent issue of the Sarasota Observer to the rooftop of the Kimberly Hotel in New York City.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2014
It's Read Everywhere

Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along! Visit YourObserver.com/itsreadeverywhere to submit your entries. One winner will receive two travel certificates, good for travel from SRQ Airport.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
...
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2014
It's Read Everywhere

Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along! Visit YourObserver.com/itsreadeverywhere to submit your entries. One winner will receive two travel certificates, good for travel from SRQ Airport.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo Elaina Mand of All Faiths Food Bank and her husband, Brandon, man the donation site at Big Cat Habitat.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2014
Big hearts

Big Cat Habitat's Jam Out Hunger event was overflowing Sunday, with guests, volunteers and - most importantly - food.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2014
Thankful for First

First America Bank showed its love for the local Humane Society June 13, at its 'Paws for a Cause' adoption event.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cardinal Mooney High senior Alex Stoffel was one of 25 players chosen to represent Florida at the 2014 Brine National Lacrosse Classic July 1 through July 3. Courtesy photos
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 3, 2014
Time to Shine

Cardinal Mooney High lacrosse players Reagan Griffith and Alex Stoffel both are playing in the 2014 Brine National Lacrosse Classic.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 3, 2014
Sidelines

Sarasota Little League; GSJGA golfers post impressive numbers; Babe Ruth All-Stars win district crowns

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 3, 2014
Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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