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Sarasota | Neighbors

Carolyn Johnson and Cheray Keyes-Shima
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 29, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Celebrate Outstanding Leadership Awards Luncheon

The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Sarasota County held its Celebrating Outstanding Leadership Awards Luncheon Tuesday, April 29. Chamber members and Leadership Sarasota alumni gathered to recognized Corporate Partner of the Year Sun Hydrolics, Rubert Ludwif, Mery Beth and Jim Bos and Charles Hines.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nancy Koplin, Shaunna Brady and Barabara O’Brien with their classes.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 29, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Temple Beth Sholom School Kachina Dolls

Temple Beth Sholom School students stuffed their Hopi tribe dolls Tuesday, April 29. The dolls, known as Kachina, were originally made by the Southwestern Native American tribe the Hopi. Kindergarteners, first and second grade students, led by Nancy Koplin, Shaunna Brady and Barbara O'Brien, have been learning about Native Americans this school year. The students used cotton harvested from the school's garden to stuff the small, colorful dolls.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Josh and Addison Miller
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 27, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Siesta Fiesta

Art lovers flocked to Siesta Key Village for the 36th annual Siesta Fiesta Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27. The annual art festival showcases work by local and national artists and crafters. Attendees admired the unique art with live music and fresh food.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Shelton and Sabria Bruton with Maggie Zanders and Shelton Jr. Bruton
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: March of Dimes "March for Babies"

Residents helped raise money for babies at the March of Dimes "March for Babies" Saturday, April 26. The walk started and finished at J.D. Hamel Park where participants enjoyed hot dogs, donuts, snow cones and music after walking along Sarasota Bay. March of Dimes is a nonprofit that focuses on ending premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Melqui Batancourt competes in the Water Relay.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Phillippi Shores Measurement Olympics

Phillippi Shores Elementary's second grade gathered for the 2nd annual Measurement Olympics Friday, April 26. The students took part in Olympic games focused on measuring such as paper pate discus, Olympic golf and water relay. The second grade has been learning about measuring this year and used their estimating and measuring skills to garner points.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Start time for the 5k is 7:30 a.m.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 25, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: Run to Remember

The run, which takes place at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, will benefit Pines of Sarasota's Alzheimers families.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The birthday girls take a group photo.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Pines of Sarasota 100-Plus Club Tea Party

The Pines of Sarasota held its annual 100-Plus Club Tea Party Thursday, April 24. Ten residents, all over the age of 100, and their family members celebrated their birthdays with tea and cake. The eldest of the group, Catherine Penman turns 107 Sunday, April 27. 'Each of the women have had a rich and full life,' says Pines of Sarasota CEO Tom Overton. 'It has been a cathartic experience over the years for me.'

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch freshman Sophia Falco set a new personal record in the 100-meter dash, crossing the finish line in 11.97 seconds to finish second.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 24, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: 3A-3 and 4A-2 track and field meets

The Braden River, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota High boys and girls track teams competed in the Class 3A-Region 3 meet April 23, at Tampa Leto High. Lakewood scored 77 points to win the girls team title while Sarasota won the boys title with 40 points. Riverview competed in the Class 4A-Region 3 meet the same day.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Recipients of the grants provided by Designing Women Boutique received their checks at the Designing Women Boutique Grant Awards Ceremony Thursday, April 24.
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • April 24, 2014
Designing Women Boutique Grant Awards Ceremony

Designing Women Boutique's 2014 grants were presented at its Grant Awards Ceremony Thursday, April 24, at Designing Women Boutique.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jill Levine, Southeastern Guide Dog Co-Founder Harris Silverman and Marjorie Singer
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 24, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Southeastern Guide Dog Graduation Ceremony

Southeastern Guide Dogs celebrated the beginning of a new chapter at its graduation ceremony Thursday, April 24. Eight graduates and their guide dogs spent the afternoon enjoying their new companionship. Guests heard from Southeaster Guide Dog alumnus guest speaker Donald Olinger. "I'm absolutely ecstatic," says Tina Ladner of bringing her guide, Tangerine, home.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tom Smith, Kenny Barr, Chip Harris and Ted Smith. (Photo by Harriet Sokensuer)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 24, 2014
Raising the Barr

TideWell Hospice honored veteran and longtime Sarasota resident Kenny Barr Thursday, April 10.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 24, 2014
Holocaust tribute

Sarasota resident and Holocaust survivor Jack Brodman will light the memorial candle at this year's Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Day Remembrance, hosted by Temple Beth Israel.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Pine View School and Sarasota High sailing teams are both part of the Sarasota Youth Sailing Program. (Photo by Jen Blanco)
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 24, 2014
Bound for Nationals

The Pine View School and Sarasota High sailing teams will compete in the Mallory Fleet Race National High School Championship May 9 through May 11.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 24, 2014
High five moments of the week

The top five sports moments of the week.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 24, 2014
Sidelines

Lady Thunder lacrosse wins the district crown; Suncoast Tennis League wraps up season; Sarasota women win tennis championship; Sara Bay to offer summer membership

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 24, 2014
Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 24, 2014
Business Observer

Lighthouse Property Management adds location; RE/MAX Alliance Group welcomes Ellen Laura Esses; Heritage Oaks recognized for environmental efforts

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Luis Luis creates a colorful painting during last year's Siesta Fiesta. File photo
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 24, 2014
Siesta Fiesta attracts creative types to Siesta Village

Siesta Fiesta returns to Siesta Key Village for its 36th year Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
First-graders Randall Collins and Ronan Murphy. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 24, 2014
School Board

The latest news from Sarasota schools.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kerri Scolardi and Brooke Cherry. (Photo by Harriet Sokmensuer)
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 24, 2014
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT: Bay Haven School of Basics Plus

When Bay Haven School of Basics Plus parents Brooke Cherry and Kerri Scolardi wanted to boost recycling at their children's school, the two came up with a monstrous plan - to introduce to students two recycling bins dressed as monsters.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Annamarie Hedekin submitted this photo of the blood moon, taken from Casey Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 24, 2014
Weather: Sarasota

Annamarie Hedekin submitted this photo of the blood moon, taken from Casey Key.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Chef Kory Foltz led the team.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 23, 2014
Hyatt Regency gives back with All Faiths Food Bank

A group of Hyatt staff members joined the All Faiths Food Bank's Sprout Mobile Farm Market to teach local children the importance of eating healthy.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 23, 2014
Homes sales spike 33% in Sarasota

Property sales in Sarasota County jumped 33% in March over February and surpassed 1,000 for the month, the Sarasota Association of Realtors reports.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 23, 2014
ODA's season ends in playoffs

The Out-of-Door Academy girls lacrosse team saw its season come to an end with a 13-10 loss to Tampa Catholic in the opening round of the playoffs April 22.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 23, 2014
Australia's Kyrgios captures the men's singles Sarasota Open title

The 2014 Sarasota Open concluded with the men's singles and doubles finals April 20, at the Tennis Gardens at the Longboat Key Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Cameron Greco, a sophomore at Riverview High School, is an aspiring actor who hopes to see the message of valued diversity translate into his future field of work.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • April 23, 2014
The Good News: Embracing Our Differences' Cameron Greco

Using the universal language of art, Embracing Our Differences hopes to create newfound appreciation for the value of diversity.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
David LaCamera, Sonya Dlug, Matthew Graham, Roy McBean Youth of the Year Maria Monroy and Sarasota County Boys and Girls Club President/CEO Bill Sadlo
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 22, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Leadership Sarasota celebration ceremony

The 2014 Leadership Sarasota class celebrated the completion of this year's project Tuesday, April 22. 36 The class of 36 donated more then 600 hours to the Roy McBean Club of the Boys and Girls Club since September. The volunteers helped organize nutrition classes, build rain barrels, create a learning garden and paint a mural by the club's playground. The class worked closely with Boys and Girls Club volunteers and children and thanked the children during the ceremony.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Shirin Desai-Gibson tries to help collect trash every couple of months.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 22, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sunset Beach Cleanup

Beach lovers celebrated Earth Day at Whole Foods Market's Sunset Beach Cleanup Tuesday, April 22, on South Lido Beach. Volunteers spent two hours cleaning the beach and park before enjoying healthy snacks provided by the market. 'I love the beach and I like it clean,' says Shirin Desai-Gibson.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 22, 2014
Siesta special event permits to get another look

The county commission agreed Tuesday to consider adding Halloween to the list of holidays covered by a special event permit available to Siesta businesses.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota County Commissioners Christine Robinson (left), Carolyn Mason (center) and Charles Hines.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 22, 2014
Shelter talks set to continue

The Sarasota City Commission will meet with county commissioners Tuesday to discuss the results of study evaluating the primary option for a downtown homeless shelter.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Dr. Fritz and Ping Faulhaber of the Faulhaber Family Foundation.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 21, 2014
Sarasota welcomes Suncoast Science Center

The Suncoast Science Center will provide 60,000 square feet of experiential learning for students and members of the community. 'We need a place outside the classroom where there are no time limits," says Ping Faulhaber, "where kids can explore, create and be innovative."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
County Commissioner Nora Patterson has requested more information about the FDOT project.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 21, 2014
Bee Ridge pedestrian islands are under review

The FDOT project is one of a series that has recently caught county staff off-guard.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Olivia and Logan Armstrong goof around.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 19, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Big Truck Day

Sarasota County hosed its 18th annual Big Truck Day Saturday, April 19, at Twin Lakes Park. The free event invited families to climb aboard vehicles of all sizes and shapes; including fire trucks, monster trucks and city busses. Easter eggs were hidden on the grounds and in the vehicles for children to find while the Easter bunny handed out sweets.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Heidi and Sloane McAllister hunt for eggs.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 19, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Siesta Key Village Easter Party

Siesta Key Village hosted its annual Easter Party Saturday, April 19, at Beach Access 5. The party included a meet and greet with the Easter bunny, face painting, an egg hunt and a visit from the fire station and sheriff's office.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
All Easter eggs will contain prizes donated by Siesta Key vendors. Registration for the egg hunt is $10.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 18, 2014
Weekend Best Bet: Siesta Key Village Easter Party

Meet the Easter bunny and hunt fun for eggs on Siesta Beach at the fifth annual Siesta Key Village Easter Party Saturday, April 18.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Sheriff Knight announces in an Aug. 1 press conference the success of a collaborative effort with area businesses to crack down on retail theft.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 18, 2014
Sheriff's Office reports falling crime rate

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office released its annual report Wednesday, highlighting agency milestones and achievements.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
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