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Sarasota | Neighbors

Photo by Nolan Peterson The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to renourish 1.6 miles of Lido Beach.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • March 20, 2014
The Army Corps sounds off on dredge backlash

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers representatives say their intentions have been unfairly represented in the debate swirling around a proposed project to mine Big Pass for Lido Beach sand.

  • Sarasota
  • News
ISLAND TIME. Cregg and Deven Johnson brought their Observer along on a recent vacation to Vieques, which is an island off the coast of Puerto Rico. The couple visited El Fortin Conde de Mirasol, a military fort the Spanish built in 1845.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 20, 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
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 20, 2014
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Jen Blanco Sarasota Crew senior rower Shawna Sims overcame a career-threatening injury her sophomore season to earn national and international accolades.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 20, 2014
Pushing forward

Shawna Sims, one of the Sarasota Crew's most decorated rowers, will row for the University of Virginia next year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Taylor Katz
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 20, 2014
High five moments of the week

The top five sports moments of the week.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 20, 2014
Athlete of the Week: Reagan Griffith

Cardinal Mooney High sophomore Reagan Griffith scored eight goals and notched two assists to lead the boys lacrosse team to a 20-5 victory over St. Stephen's in district action March 11.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Connor Steinfeld and Billy Sadlo
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 20, 2014
Sidelines

SCS beats Booker in five innings; Riverview Rams run wild at meet; Sarasota Sailors remain unbeaten; ODA baseball sweeps Mooney; ODA swings past Admiral Farragut

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 20, 2014
Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Senior Ashley Gilbert plays the tuba.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 20, 2014
Riverview Kiltie Band marches in historic parade

The Riverview High School Kiltie Band performed in the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade Monday.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Pettengill. Photo by Harriet Sokmensuer
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 20, 2014
Your Neighbor: Carol Pettengill

Carol Pettengill is the founder and instructor of Senior Friendship Centers' harmonica band, Second Wind.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Holland
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 20, 2014
Business Briefs

Mike Holland joins Berkshire Hathaway; Parishioner named Member of the Year; Salvation Army Advisory Board installs new officers; Stowe joins RE/MAX Alliance Group; PrimeLending adds downtown location; First Federal Bank welcomes Mark Rosenthal

  • Sarasota
  • News
File photo Unit PH9B at 464 Golden Gate Point has four bedrooms, four baths, one half-bath and 5,469 square feet of living area. It sold for $4.25 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 20, 2014
Condominium in La Bellasara sells for $4.25 million

A condominium in La Bellasara tops all transactions in this week's real estate.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Sarasota resident Judy Schattner submitted this sunset photo, taken from the Venice Pier.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 20, 2014
Weather: Sarasota

Sarasota resident Judy Schattner submitted this sunset photo, taken from the Venice Pier.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Peter Hayes, Elizabeth Waters, CEO John Vandyk, Gary Kirschner
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 19, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: One88 Celebration

Clients, city dignitaries and realtors celebrated the Vandyk group's One88 luxury condominium building Wednesday, March 19 at the Sarasota Yacht Club. One88, located at 188 Golden Gate Point, is the first project of the Toronto-based company in the United States. The evening marked the unveiling of the building's interior designs. 'I think it's very exciting and unique building for Sarasota,' says Mark Sultana One88 architect.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
More than 550 parks nationwide have been selected by Macy’s in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 19, 2014
Sarasota parks selected for Macy's 'Heart Your Park' program

The national program, which was introduced as part of Macy's 'Secret Garden' campaign, aims to raise not only money but awareness of local parks around the country.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
County Commissioner Nora Patterson.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • March 19, 2014
County tightens noise rules

The Sarasota County Commission voted Wednesday for more restrictive countywide noise restrictions.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Sandra Frank has spent the majority of her career in the nonprofit sector. She became CEO of All Faiths Food Bank two years ago.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • March 18, 2014
The Good News: All Faiths Food Bank

All Faiths Food Bank CEO Sandra Frank's desire to help children fuels her work at the nonprofit organization.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
“We are honored to be recognized for our efforts at helping residents make healthy choices,” says Thomas A. Harmer Sarasota County administrator.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 18, 2014
Sarasota County named a "Healthy Weight Community Champion"

Sarasota County is among 37 communities recognized by the Florida Department of Health's Healthiest Weight Florida program that recognizes local government efforts to raise awareness of a healthy and active lifestyle.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota County Commissioners Christine Robinson (left), Carolyn Mason (center) and Charles Hines.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • March 18, 2014
Homeless shelter showdown

The Sarasota County Commission is accusing some city of Sarasota commissioners of deliberately stalling site selection for a downtown homeless shelter.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Dr. Wendy Katz
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 18, 2014
Temple Beth Sholom Schools appoints new interim director

Dr. Wendy Katz is taking the place of Kavita Vasil, who has held the position for the past 20 years and is moving to Birmingham, Ala., for a new position closer to her family.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Indiana University wide receiver Isaac Griffith is in critical condition after a swimming accident on Siesta Key public beach.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • March 18, 2014
Indiana football player nearly drowns on Siesta

Sarasota County emergency personnel transported Indiana University wide receiver Isaac Griffith to Sarasota Memorial Hospital Monday, after the current pulled him beyond the swim buoy.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Drunken Poet Cafe is located on Main Street in Sarasota and serves daily signature sushi specials and fresh, authentic Thai cuisine.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 18, 2014
IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Drunken Poet Cafe

This week we went in the kitchen at Drunken Poet Cafe with owner and chef Oy Punyahotra as she prepares homemade green curry. Watch a video of the preparation.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Dick and Ellen Murphy
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 17, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sam Snead's St. Patrick's Day

Sam Snead's American Grill held its seventh annual St. Patrick's Day party Saturday, March 15. The all-day event was held outside the Southside Village restaurant on Hillview Street. Brian Sullivan, co-owner of Sam Snead's, says he enjoys hosting the party because it lets everyone celebrate their Irish roots together.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tickets are limited to 500 people; registration is necessary.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 17, 2014
Saraosota YPG hosts free TEDxManasota Live viewing party

The Young Professionals Group has teamed up with the city of Sarasota Parking Division, Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association and other Sarasota organizations to make the free simulcast possible Tuesday, March 18.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 17, 2014
ODA baseball sweeps Cardinal Mooney

The Out-of-Door Academy baseball team completed a regular-season sweep of rival Cardinal Mooney with a 5-2 victory in Class 3A-District 10 action March 15.

  • East County
  • Sports
The risk for rip currents at area beaches will remain elevated through Monday evening. Courtesy National Weather Service.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • March 17, 2014
Severe thunderstorms forecasted today

The National Weather Service is predicting a line of thunderstorms will move through the area today; isolated tornadoes and heavy rain are possible.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Nani Maloney, Randy Avon, Lucy Rosenbluth flew in from around the country to celebrate Linda Rosenbluth’s honoring.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 16, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sister Cities Association of Sarasota Gala

The Sister Cities Association of Sarasota (SCAS) held its fourth annual One World Gala Sunday, March 16 at Michael's On East. The event honored Linda Rosenbluth and Embracing Our Differences for their involvement with the association and community. Members and guests celebrated the association's 51st anniversary with a dinner program including pianist Guilia Vazzoler from sister city Treviso, Italy.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Suzanne and Dennis Plasse and daughter, Bethany Kasten, cheer on three family members.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 16, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Half Marathon

Runners from around the country hit the pavement early Sunday morning for the ninth annual Sarasota Half Marathon. More than 4,500 runners ran over Ringling Bridge and up North Tamiami Trail while onlookers lined the streets cheering. Defending champion, Evan DeHart, came in first place while Sara Petrick defended her title as fastest woman for the second year in a row.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dan Armstrong says the City of Venice’s ribs are made with love.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Firefighters Rib Cook-Off

Hundreds of barbecue-lovers flocked to Phillippi Creek Park for the annual Firefighters Rib Cook-Off Saturday, March 15. Families enjoyed live music, cold drinks and plenty of hot ribs. Proceeds from the event benefit the Firefighters Benevolent Fund.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 14, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: Firefighters Rib Cook-Off

Taste eight homemade recipes while raising money for the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund Saturday, March 15.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • March 14, 2014
Homelessness plan comes into focus

The Sarasota County Commission will receive an update from County Administrator Tom Harmer on the area's homelessness plan Tuesday.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 14, 2014
Riverview High School Kiltie Band to perform in New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade

More than 150 members of the Kiltie band will march a 1.5-mile stretch up Fifth Avenue, alongside Central Park and to St. Patrick's Cathedral at 79th Street Monday, March 17.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Surfers at Lido Beach.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • March 13, 2014
Surf's up

A cold front kicked up a chest-high swell along Florida's Suncoast Thursday, much to the delight of surfers at Lido Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Maryann Higgins models.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 13, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Michael's Women Guild Fashion Show

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church's Women Guild held its annual Fashion Show Thursday, March 13. The luncheon's theme was 'Butterflies are Free' with fashions supplied by Dillards.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • March 13, 2014
VIDEO: Aerial yoga takes flight

Although most yoga participants have found peace on the floor, many yoga-lovers and newcomers are taking their love for yoga to new heights.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 13, 2014
SRQVolunteen Now Enrolling

SRQVolunteen is a six-week long program for middle school students interested in giving back to their community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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