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Sarasota | Neighbors

Sarasota design professionals including architects, engineers, interior designers and students will construct original sculptures made of cans showcased throughout the mall.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 18, 2014
Canstruction exhibit hopes to help others

Canstruction is a national program aimed to help feed the hungry through art. Sarasota artists will create sculptures made of cans to help those in need.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dominic Mattera, 4, runs to first base.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Little League Opening Day

The Sarasota Little League celebrated its 75th annual Opening Day Saturday, Feb. 15. Families cheered on their favorite players as they hit home runs and played their first games of the season at Twin Lakes Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Heather Kasten and Kevin Cooper from the Chamber
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 13, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Greater Sarasota County Chamber of Commerce Kick-Off Breakfast

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce held its annual kick-off breakfast Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Polo Grill and Bar. Members enjoyed breakfast while learning about the chamber's upcoming projects and events such as the 2050 plan. Keynote Speaker Michael Burcham, president and CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center talked about the importance of creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Officer Linda Senior, with the Crime Prevention Unit, and Tom Berry, founder of the Blue Alert Foundation
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 13, 2014
Cops of joe

Sarasota police officers spent the morning catching up with Sarasota residents over coffee Wednesday, Feb. 5 during 'Coffee with a Cop.'

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Members of the Bay Island-Siesta Neighborhood Association with the new sign
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 13, 2014
Sign me up

If you went over the north bridge to Siesta Key Saturday morning, chances are you saw the Bay Island Siesta Neighborhood Association put up its new sign.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 13, 2014
Tax talk

Members of the Women's Republican Club met to discuss school referendum and the tax levy Wednesday at Michael's On East.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
CELEBRATORY COUPLE. Sarasota residents Dr. Greg and Jeri Lynn Towsley brought their Sarasota Observer along on their recent anniversary trip to Bali, Indonesia.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 13, 2014
It's Read Everywhere

Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along! Visit YourObserver.com and click on the 'Contests' tab in the upper-right hand corner to submit your entries. We can't wait to see where The Observer will travel next!

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Photos by Harriet Sokmensuer
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 13, 2014
Farmers Market Roundup

Sarasota's farmers markets offer local produce, entertainment and fun. Take advantage of the Florida weather at these neighborhood markets.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nick Bernier
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 13, 2014
College commitment

Athletes from Riverview, Cardinal Mooney and Booker high schools made their college choices official during National Signing Day Feb. 5.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota Christian boys basketball team defeated Southwest Florida Christian 63-56 to win the Class 2A-District 9 championship Feb. 7.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 13, 2014
High five moments of the week

The top five sports moments of the week.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Cardinal Mooney High boys basketball team
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 13, 2014
Sidelines

Cardinal Mooney High Boys Basketball; GSJGA golfers tee off for WTS; Riverview names new girls basketball head coach; Sarasota Military Eagles advance two to state meet; SCSC honored for its outstanding service

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 13, 2014
Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Harriet Sokmensuer Joanna Fox sits at one of the tables in her classroom.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 13, 2014
Teacher Spotlight: Joanna Fox

Fox has been teaching creative writing at Booker Middle School for 14 years.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Harriet Sokmensuer Barbara Miller sits in her office on St. Armands surrounded by past modeling photos.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 13, 2014
Your Neighbor: Barbara Miller

During the '70s and '80s, Miller modeled in national campaigns for A&W, Linens 'N' Things and Bayer Aspirin.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sepp Gmuender submitted this sunset photo, taken near Sunset Drive.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 13, 2014
Weather: Sarasota

Sepp Gmuender submitted this sunset photo, taken near Sunset Drive.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ina Jaffe was the keynote speaker at this year's International Conference on Positive Aging
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Ina Jaffe "Continuous Inspiration"

Ina Jaffe, journalist and National Public Radio correspondent, was the keynote speaker at the 7th annual International Conference on Positive Aging Tuesday. Jaffe presented "Continuous Inspiration" at the conference's Dinner with Ina Jaffe. After the dinner, Rick Moody, director of academic affairs at AARP, led a fireside chat with Ina Jaffe, Nancy Schlossberg, author and Institute for the Ages board chair, and public radio producer Connie Goldman.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cowboy waits to be kissed.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: HSS Smooch a Pooch

The Humane Society of Sarasota County shared the love with a puppy kissing booth Wednesday, Feb. 12. The booth, which was made by volunteer Lynn Billi, could be found at the Phillippi Farmhouse Market. Market goers celebrated Valentines Day early with kisses from affectionate puppies.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sheriff Tom Knight and Chief of Police Bernadette DiPino
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Tiger Bay Club luncheon

Members of the Tiger Bay Club met for the highly anticipated discussion on legalizing medical marijuana in Florida Wednesday, Feb. 12. Judge Nancy Donnellan moderated Sheriff Tom Knight and John Morgan as they discussed the pros and cons of medical marijuana for Sarasota and the state of Florida. Knight told The Observer he was excited to let the people hear 'the other side' of the topic. 'Its important for the public to learn' he said.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 12, 2014
ODA swings past Braden River

The Out-of-Door Academy boys and girls tennis teams both earned victories over Braden River Feb. 11.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 12, 2014
Sarasota ousts Lakewood Ranch in OT

The Sarasota High girls basketball team held on to defeat Lakewood Ranch 50-44 in overtime of the Class 7A-Region 3 semifinals Feb. 11.

  • East County
  • Sports
Kristen Little, center, with volunteers Chuck and Joan Stahlman at an adoption event in downtown Sarasota. The Sarasota County shelter holds adoption events weekly.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • February 11, 2014
The Good News: Kristen Little

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Animal Services gives stray animals a forever home by matching them with adoptees.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Jordan Blake, Mercedes Trava and Alison McKenna
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 11, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: El Restaurante Bay Haven

Bay Haven School of Basic Plus held its annual El Restaurante Bay Haven luncheon Tuesday, Feb. 11. The school's cafeteria was turned into a Mexican restaurante with decorations, music and tacos. Students ordered their lunch in Spanish and learned some Mexican dance moves.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ringling College President Larry Thompson with Former Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and Gary Heard from BMO Private Bank
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 10, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Raymond Kelly speaks at Town Hall Lecture Series

Former New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly spoke in the Town Hall Lecture Series Monday, Feb. 10. The Former Police Commissioner shared stories from his forty-seven years on the force. Kelly also discussed the controversial stop-and-frisk policy. After the lecture, a luncheon was held for a small group of attendees where Kelly answered questions form members of the public.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
French singer Michelet Innocent will perform old-time favorites and love songs at all three shows held at Selby Five Points Park.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 10, 2014
Winter concert series returns

The Downtown Sarasota Alliance invites families and members of the community to enjoy Sarasota's downtown with a free concert series.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jenna Belch with Tara
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 8, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Cause for Paws

Families spent the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 8 supporting the Humane Society of Sarasota County at Cause for Paws. The puppy-themed party was held at the Sarasota Children's Garden and invited families to take part in arts and crafts, games and a scavenger hunt. Children read stories and received wet kisses from the Reading Fur Fun Dogs.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
EcoFest is an all-day free festival that includes fitness demonstrations and live music.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 7, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: World Wellness EcoFest

The festival's mission is to create awareness for living healthy and to teach the community the importance of a healthy planet.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Gina Barresi is the district's High School Teacher of the Year.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 6, 2014
Gina Barresi wins High School Teacher of the Year

The announcement came as a surprise to Barresi who teaches English and Reading at SHS.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ina Jaffe will deliver the Keynote Dinner Speech at the Conference for Positive Aging Tuesday, Feb. 11.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 6, 2014
Ina Jaffe to speak at Conference for Positive Aging

Jaffe will present Continuous Inspiration at Dinner with Ina Jaffe Tuesday, Feb. 11.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota resident Ron Fandrick says legalizing medical marijuana will make it too easy for children to obtain the drug illegally.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 6, 2014
VIDEO: Residents weigh in on medical marijuana

The Observer video team asks Sarasota residents what they think about the medical marijuana amendment on the November ballot.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Wellesley Club President Nancy Wettlaufer, with New College President Dr. Donal O'Shea and Wellesley Club Vice President Charlotte Isaacs
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 6, 2014
Doctors visit

Dr. Donal O'Shea, president of New College of Florida, spoke to members of the Sarasota Wellesley Club Jan. 10, at Plymouth Harbor.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tim Dorsey
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 6, 2014
Best-seller

Brant's Books hosted best-selling author Tim Dorsey for a meet-and-greet Feb. 1.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 6, 2014
Souper heroes

Siesta Key Chapel members participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring Feb. 2. The national fundraiser began in 1990 to help feed local families.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Photo courtesy of Imely Photography
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 6, 2014
Occasions

To see your own wedding, engagement, anniversary and birth annoucements in the Sarasota Observer, send your information to Jessica Luck at [email protected].

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ten-year-old Sarah Cripe typically drives between 45 and 50 mph when she's solo go-kart racing.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 6, 2014
Fast track

Ten-year-old Sarah Cripe began solo go-kart racing last summer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 6, 2014
High five moments of the week

The top five sports moments of the week.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 6, 2014
Sidelines

Rams open season with win; Lady Blazers win district; Cougars outlast Tornadoes; The Sailors' season ends

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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