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Sarasota | Neighbors

Siesta Key resident John Sanders takes a break from carrying a solid-oak cross along Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 18, 2014
Photo of the Day: John Sanders carries cross

Drivers on Tamiami Trail can't miss John Sanders and his 120 pound cross. Sanders has been walking along Tamiami Trail since early this morning and plans to walk as far as Bradenton. The Siesta Key resident has carried the cross every Good Friday for more than a decade. "We have a country in dire need of a prayer," says Sanders.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rev. David Bumsted and Fr. Fred Robinson
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 18, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Stations of the Cross

Members of the community observed the beginning of Good Friday with the Stations of the Cross Friday, April 18. The walk was held on Main Street and was led by Fr. Fred Robinson and Rev. David Bumsted from Church of the Redeemer. More than eight churches were represented at the walk, which ended at Church of the Redeemer. "It helps people focus on what Jesus did," says Mike Dull.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Linda Korff submitted this photo of the halo, taken from her driveway in Bradenton.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 17, 2014
Reader-submitted photos of the sun halo

Check out these reader-submitted photos of the sun halo, which formed a rainbow-colored ring around the sun Wednesday, April 16. Clouds containing ice crystals cause the sun's light to refract, resulting in this phenomenon.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Clementine Silver-Schwartz
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 17, 2014
Sweet Celebration

Temple Beth Sholom's youth group celebrated Passover with a Chocolate Seder Sunday, April 13.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 17, 2014
Seminole Spirit

Members of the Sarasota Seminole Club worked with Habitat for Humanity of Sarasota as part of Florida State University's Seminole Service Day.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Travis Amuso's personal best pole vault is 13 feet, 6 inches. He's hoping to break that this season. (Photos by Jen Blanco)
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 17, 2014
Familiar Heights

Pole vaulter Travis Amuso hopes to return to the Class 4A state championships this season in honor of his late grandfather and coach, Guy Amuso.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 17, 2014
High five moments of the week

The top five sports moments of the week.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
WARM WELCOME. Mark Sortet escaped the cold Chicago winter and enjoyed a five-day stay on Lido Key earlier this year. He learned more about his vacation destination while reading his Sarasota Observer at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 17, 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. We can't wait to see where The Observer will travel next!

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tre Gregory
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 17, 2014
Sidelines

Founders Club to offer summer membership; Orioles minor league to hold extended training; Play Golf Sarasota to hold tournament; Sarasota is right up alley of professional bowlers

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 17, 2014
Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Webber
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 17, 2014
Your Neighbor: Amy Webber

When Amy Webber isn't teaching adult ceramics at Sarasota County Technical Institute, she is designing teapots.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Borris
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 17, 2014
VIDEO: Paws-ative Impact

Southeastern Guide Dogs has trained more than 2,800 guide-dog teams since its establishment in 1982.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sally Ullman brings 30 years' experience as a photographer.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 17, 2014
Business Observer

Sally Ullman relocates business to Sarasota; ArtisTree hires new account executive; Tervis Tumbler store will open on St. Armands Circle; Lawson named as Australian Tourist Board representative

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Logan Oliva
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 17, 2014
Occasions

The Observer celebrates Sarasota's most recent births and marriages.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
T. Guy Spencer submitted this sunset photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 17, 2014
Weather: Sarasota

T. Guy Spencer submitted this sunset photo.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Stephani Cz with Debbie and Brittany LaPinska
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 16, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: YPG State of Jobs Conference

The Sarasota Young Professionals Group (YPG) held its inaugural State of Jobs Conference Wednesday, April 16, at Sarasota County Technical Institute. Members networked before hearing from keynote speaker and Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of the Orland Magic Pat Williams.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sandy Caliendo and Shannon Parsons
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 16, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Dreams Are Free Food Truck Rally

Dreams Are Free held its inaugural Food Truck Rally Wednesday, April 16. Families from both Dreams Are Free and St. Martha's Catholic School celebrated the beginning of spring break with hot food from food trucks. The luncheon was a fundraiser for the school for students with special needs. 'All of our families were able to join together,' says Dreams Are Free Principal Rebecca Shields. 'This was really a community builder as well as a fundraiser.'

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Lakewood Ranch High softball team is introduced prior to its Class 7A-District 10 semifinal versus Sarasota April 15.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 16, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Class 7A-District 10 Semifinal Softball- Lakewood Ranch vs. Sarasota

The No. 2 seed Lakewood Ranch High softball team defeated No. 3 seed Sarasota 9-1 in the Class 7A-District 10 semifinals April 15. Freshman Logan Newton allowed one run on five hits and two walks while striking out four in five innings of work to earn the win on the mound. Junior Amanda Rak pitched the final two innings in relief, striking out five, to earn the save. Jackie Schoff went 1-for-1 with a double, three walks, a stolen base, a RBI and three runs scored to lead the way for Lakewood at the plate. Maddie Biggs went 2-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored. Kaylee Misiti went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs. SaraBeth Wengerd went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored to lead the way for Sarasota at the plate. Clarissa Lynch pitched 1/3 of an inning before turning the ball over to Brittany Bendel. Lakewood Ranch will travel to rival Braden River for the district championship April 17.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota School District Superintendent Lori White, left, and School Board Chair Jane Goodwin.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 16, 2014
School Board pushes to leave Todd's seat vacant

The selection of former board member Carol Todd's replacement should wait until the Aug. 26 primary election, the Sarasota School Board said Tuesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tracy and Landen Cornelius
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Early Care Center's Easter Luncheon

First Church, Downtown Saraosta's Early Care Center held its annual Easter lunch Tuesday, April 15. Parents and grandparents spent an hour with their loved ones and enjoyed a lunch prepared by volunteers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota County School Board at a meeting in October, 2013.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 15, 2014
School Board set to discuss Todd's vacancy

Topping the board's agenda Tuesday will be a discussion about replacing former board member Carol Todd, who unexpectedly resigned April 2.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 15, 2014
Founders Club to offer summer membership program

The Founders Club is now offering $750 summer memberships, which run from May 1 to Oct. 31.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 15, 2014
Orioles to hold extended Spring Training

Baltimore Orioles minor league players will be in action during an extended Spring Training, which will continue through June.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 15, 2014
Professional Bowlers Sarasota Open this week

The Professional Bowlers Association 50 Regional Tour will return to Sarasota Lanes April 16 through April 18 after a 30-year absence.

  • East County
  • Sports
Cardinal Mooney’s Cal Davidson anchored the boys 4x800-meter relay, which finished third.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Class 1A-District 10 Track Meet

The Out-of-Door Academy and Cardinal Mooney High boys and girls track teams competed in the Class 1A-District 10 meet April 10, at ODA.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
“Sarasota has a longstanding history in advocating and supporting runners,” says Sarasota Athletic Association President Felicia Cox.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 14, 2014
Road Runners Club of America honors Sarasota County

Sarasota County has been honored for its running-friendly community. The Sarasota Athletic Association bestowed the county with the award April 9.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Steven Bishop, Mary Beth Schrowang and Phillip Mateer
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Laurel Park Tunes in the Park

Residents of downtown Sarasota's Laurel Park neighborhood spent the night at Tunes in the Park Saturday, April 12, in Laurel Park. Neighbors got to know one another over live music and a potluck dinner. The Laurel Park Neighborhood Association held the biannual event, which marks the beginning of spring.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Marcella Byzewski and Keria Smith
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Martha Catholic School Cajun Crawfish Festival

St. Martha Catholic School held its annyal Cajun Crawfish Festival Saturday, April 12. Families enjoyed lived music, played games and ate fresh crawfish.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Axel, Brandon and Valeria Espinosa play with rainbow sand.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Family Living's Kids Day

Sarasota families spent the day at Family Living's Kids Day Saturday, April 12, at Payne Park. Children of all ages played vollyball, learned karate and met with firefighters and police officers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alana Biller and Alex Kaplon as wild animals.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 11, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: The Gan at Temple Sinai's Passover Sensory Experience

Students of The Gan at Temple Sinai learned about Passover at the school's Passover Sensory Experience Friday, April 11. Director of Early Childhood Education Laura Freedman told the story of Passover. After the lesson students walked through the parted sea, built pyramids and experienced the ten plagues.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Maria Lane Sulimirski, left, performs on the Hammond organ, while sitting in ankle-deep water with Sarah Fulton, assistant director.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 11, 2014
Siesta group releases "Big Pass Piano" video

Save Our Siesta Sands 2, a nonprofit formed to oppose dredging Big Pass, released a music video on YouTube Friday, featuring the Beatles song 'Let it Be' performed on a Hammond organ in the middle of Big Pass.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
There will be interactive activities, games and prizes, ACH ambulance tours and a Kids4Kids Dash.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 11, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: Kids Day

Kids Day invites families of all ages to have fun while learning about health and safety, educational programs and summer fun Saturday, April 12.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jan Brown, Troy Peterman, Terry Gutowski and Jaquelyne Assell
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 10, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: 2014 SCC Hob Nob

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce held its annual Hob Nob Thursday, April 10, at Ed Smith Stadium. Chamber members, Sarasotans and business leaders enjoyed an evening of mingling and networking with live entertainment. Chamber member "company teams" dressed up for this year's theme "Night at the Movies" and offered free food and drinks.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tom Smith, Kenny Barr, Chip Harris and Ted Smith
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 10, 2014
Kenny Barr receives TideWell Honors pin

Sarasota resident and veteran Kenny Barr received the TideWell Honors pin for his service in the United States Air Force Thursday, April 10, at Marina Tower Condo.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The nearly 10-mile long Legacy Trail stretches from just south of the city of Sarasota to the city of Venice and is the largest public recreation project ever constructed in Sarasota County.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 10, 2014
Weather Channel to showcase Legacy Trail

The Legacy Trail will take center stage on a nationally televised show Friday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 10, 2014
ODA Lacrosse teams net wins

The Out-of-Door Academy boys and girls lacrosse teams both defeated Fort Myers Canterbury School April 9.

  • East County
  • Sports
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