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Sarasota | Neighbors

The front page of the Aug. 26, 1993, Pelican Press featured the headline "Downtown theater dazzles, delights."
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 29, 2013
Moments in time

Low-speed vehicles may be the hot topic on Siesta Key right now, but it isn't the first time a low-speed mode of transportation has come into question. Motorized bicycles became the topic of conversation in 1976 on Siesta Key.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Cardinal Mooney High football team cruised to a 49-7 victory over Bradenton Christian in its Kickoff Classic Aug. 23.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 29, 2013
SIDELINES

Lady Blazers notch come-from-behind win; Sailors breeze to Kickoff Classic win

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 29, 2013
JUST THE STATS

2 - The number of games Booker High quarterback Jeremiah Henderson has played at the position.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Samantha Bisceglia submitted this photo of a lifeguard stand on Siesta Key Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 29, 2013
Observer Weather: Sarasota

Samantha Bisceglia submitted this photo of a lifeguard stand on Siesta Key Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
ODA junior setter Monica Costa netted 37 assists during the Lady Thunder's 3-1 victory over Sarasota Christian Aug. 26.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • August 28, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: ODA vs. Sarasota Christian School

The Out-of-Door Academy volleyball team defeated Sarasota Christian 25-23, 18-25, 25-21, 25-21 Aug. 26. Natalie Buffett powered the Lady Thunder with 16 kills, 14 perfect passes and eight digs. Lauren Maxey added 13 kills and three aces. Cameron Graham finished with 17 perfect passes and 16 digs. Setter Monica Costa had 37 assists.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Navy veteran Steve Pitt looks for a suit to wear to job interviews. He uses the resources Goodwill provides to find a job as a licensed practical nurse.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • August 28, 2013
Goodwill dresses veterans for success

Goodwill Manasota helps veterans dress for success to prepare them for job interviews and the Veterans and their Families Jobs Services Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Ed Smith Stadium.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Pam Eubanks and her husband, Andy, welcomed the newest addition to their family, Andrew Elliott Eubanks, at 1:34 a.m. Aug. 22, at Birthways Birthing Center, in Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 28, 2013
Observer babies make headlines

It happens once in a blue moon: The Observer welcomed two new additions to its family on the same day! East County Observer Managing Editor Pam Eubanks and Sarasota Observer Managing Editor Randi Donahue each welcomed their first child into the world Aug. 22 (two days after the blue moon).

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 28, 2013
Football Preview: Sarasota Sailors

Sarasota High School senior wide receiver Shawn Bane Jr. is hoping to experience a breakout season for the Sailors this fall.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Helping Hand: Higdon, who maintains a 4.0 grade point average, has aspirations of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. “I broke both of my legs when I was younger, and I saw what my doctor was doing and would ask him questions. He inspired me.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 28, 2013
Football Preview: Riverview Rams

Riverview High junior running back Karan Higdon is fully recovered from last season's leg injury and is hoping to cement his position as one of the area's great running backs.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
College Credit: White, who has aspirations of playing college football, has already started taking college courses. White plans to study psychology, particularly body language, with the hopes of becoming a police detective.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 28, 2013
Football Preview: Booker Tornadoes

Booker senior left tackle Najee White is hoping to secure a starting position in his first season with the Tornadoes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ivy League: Grain Jr. has aspirations of playing college football and is looking into several Ivy League schools, including Dartmouth College, Amherst College and Carnegie Mellon University.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 28, 2013
Football Preview: ODA Thunder

David Grain Jr. won the Most Improved Player Award two years ago. Now, The Out-of-Door Academy senior wide receiver is hoping to lead the ODA Thunder back to the postseason.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
CHEESEHEAD: The majority of Mike Bello's family is from Wisconsin, so he grew up watching Brett Favre.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 28, 2013
Football Preview: Cardinal Mooney Cougars

Cougars senior center Mike Bello has lost 105 pounds since moving up to varsity at the end of his sophomore year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Community members can drop off donations at any Goodwill locations.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • August 27, 2013
Mayor proclaims September Hunger Action Month

Mayor Shannon Snyder encourages community members to donate food for Hunger Action Month in September.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
London native Anjuli Hookway, 13, made bracelets and sold them to raise money for Royal Rescue, a local organization that saves cats and dogs from high-kill shelters.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • August 26, 2013
Teen raises funds to help puppies

Anjuli Hookway was so taken with the Royal Rescue puppies she saw at Wet Noses that she decided to raise funds during her vacation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Justine Amdur and her daughter, Mia, partake in beading.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • August 25, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Temple Emanu-El Family Picnic

Families of all ages spent Saturday evening together in Summerfield Park for a picnic and sunset Havdalah service held by Temple Emanu-El and the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. From face painting to beading, the picnic was full of fun things in which children and parents could partake.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Eileen and Adam Smith with host Sandra Ceshker and George Ceshker
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • August 24, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: The SYC Lounge

The Lounge opened Friday, Aug. 23, at Sarasota Yacht Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Senior Valorie Gochnauer touches up Lacey Landers' make-up during the game.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • August 23, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota bests Dixie Hollins

Students wearing orange shirts showed their Sailor spirit Friday, Aug. 23, at the Sarasota vs. Dixie Hollins football game. Sarasota High School stayed ahead through the entirety of the game.The final score 37-7.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ashley Kozel and her daughters cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Kozel Family Amphitheater.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • August 23, 2013
The Kozel Family presents new amphitheater to students

The Kozel Family cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the Out-Of-Door Academy amphitheater. Out-Of-Door Academy made nearly $1 million in renovations this summer thanks to the Kozel family's generosity.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Crew rower Shawna Sims won a silver medal for Team USA in the 4x at the World Rowing Junior Championships Aug. 10, in Lithuania.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • August 22, 2013
Sidelines

Golfers tee off during Tournament of Champions; Sarasota SUP Series returns this weekend; Fleet Feet Sarasota offers training program; i9 sports gearing up for fall season; Rower wins silver medal

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ian Arov, 5, organizes coins into separate areas depending on their value. He tells kindergarten teacher Shonna Brady the value of each coin.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • August 22, 2013
Teachers ease transition for incoming students

When Goldie Feldman Academy's kindergarten teacher Shonna Brady paid a visit to new student Ian Arov, 5, in his Siesta Key home, Ian shook her hand as if he were an adult.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Abigail Oakes plans to always stay involved in community service in some capacity. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • August 22, 2013
New College student keeps her eyes on philanthropy

Abigail Oakes is a busy college student with a drive and passion for community service.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
T. Guy Spencer submitted this photo of a sunrise over Palmer Ranch.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 22, 2013
Sarasota: Weather photo

Do you love taking photos? We want your best photos of sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, etc. Submit your local weather photos for a chance to have your photo published in the paper!

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A clown made balloon hats for children.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 21, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : Family Sports Fun Fair

Parents and children signed up for a variety of fall sports Saturday, Aug. 17, at Encore Motorcars, 6000 Tamiami Trail. Children enjoyed arts and crafts, a bouncy house, dunking booth, mobile 20-passenger train, snacks, refreshments and hot dogs. Encore Motorcars accepted donations for the Suncoast Sports Club Scholarship Program. The scholarships will go to low-income families who would not be able to afford fall sports otherwise.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
NewGate students spent their first day of class learning to sail. Out of 27 students 10 of the students experienced sailing for the first time.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • August 21, 2013
NewGate students start school year with sailing

NewGate students spent the first day of school learning team- and community-building skills through sailing.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Second-graders Jackson F., and Blaine B., and fifth-graders Kaki F., and Dabney B., head back to school for their first day. They say hello to classmates after a summer away.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • August 21, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: ODA First Day of School

The Out-Of-Door Academy welcomed back lower-school students Wednesday, Aug. 21, to begin the school year. Students bustled in with new backpacks and pressed uniforms while parents caught up with teachers and each other.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Brooke Cherry, Hannah and Jeff Toale, Kim and Liam McKay, Merete Hermansen and Assistant Principal Intern Jaime Kisner at Bay Haven’s Boohoo Breakfast.
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • August 19, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Back To School

Sarasota Schools welcome students and parents today. The Observer visited Bay Haven, Temple Beth Sholom, Booker VPA and Phillippi Shores.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Colin Stalker, Mack Reid and Bill Sadlo
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • August 17, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Mack Reid Retirement Celebration

Family and friends attended a retirement celebration for Mack Reid Saturday, Aug. 17, at The Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
WWE stars Natalie Neidhart and Tyson Kidd hosted their wedding reception at Michael's On East. Photo copyright 2013 WWE.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • August 16, 2013
FRIDAY FIVE: Shows that showcased Sarasota

The World Wrestling Entertainment royalty who will be featured on E! this weekend aren't the first famous pair to bring the cameras of the small screen to Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Sign up for fall sports at the Family Sports Fun Fair tomorrow.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • August 16, 2013
WEEKEND BEST BET: Family Fun Sports Fair

Sign up for fall sports, enjoy summer activities and donate to the Suncoast Sports Club Scholarship Program this Saturday.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kylie Giasson and first-grade teacher Amy Pedler
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • August 16, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Meet the Teacher night at Southside Elementary

Southside Elementary School held its Meet the Teacher night Thursday, Aug. 15. Students and parents met their new teachers, picked up school supply lists and caught up with friends just in time for school to start Monday.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Venice High senior Shawna Sims represented the Sarasota Crew at the 2013 World Rowing Junior Championships.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • August 16, 2013
Crew rower wins silver medal

Sarasota Crew rower Shawna Sims won a silver medal for Team USA in the 4X at the Jr. World Championships Aug. 10 in Lithuania.

  • East County
  • Sports
Fifth graders Dru Cappar, Josh Streitmatter, Blaze the mascot, Paige Palmer and Faith Rice
  • By Sarasota Christian School
  • August 15, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : First Day Sarasota Christian School

Sarasota Christian School students were welcomed back Wednesday, Aug. 14, with a red carpet, music in the halls, games and photo ops with Blaze the school mascot. Students settled into their classrooms and participated in team building exercises to strengthen relationships with classmates.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Imagine School at Palmer Ranch first-grade teacher Sarah Walsh sticks months of the year over the colorful calendar in preparation for the first day of school Monday, Aug. 19.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • August 15, 2013
Preparing for the school year

Teachers gear up for back to school with some finishing touches.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Molly Klauber and Ethan Biter. Photo by Cliff Roles.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • August 15, 2013
Going to the chapel ...

Sarasota resident Ethan Biter proposed to his now-fiance, Molly Klauber, in late June on a private cruise in the Bahamas.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota wedding planner Nicole Kaney put the wedding together, and 60 guests traveled to Sarasota to partake in the festivities.
    By
  • Stephanie Hannum
  • August 15, 2013
Sarasota taps into its inner diva

Sarasota, as well as local businesses, will be in the spotlight this weekend on E!'s show, 'Total Divas.'

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jennifer Riesenberger brings four years of experience with Senior Friendship Centers to her new position. She uses her love for art and creativity to plan new programs for seniors.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • August 15, 2013
Branching Out

In her second month as senior center manager at Sarasota Senior Friendship Centers, Jennifer Riesenberger uses her passion for creativity and helping others to broaden seniors' horizons.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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