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Sarasota | Neighbors

    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • July 5, 2013
FRIDAY FIVE: Fun ways to find serenity this weekend

Celebrate your freedom from the frenzy of the Fourth of July with these serene settings.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cousins Kambel Cook and Rayne Hunter
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • July 5, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Selby Gardens Tropical Fourth

Marie Selby Gardens' lawn was filled with red, white and blue sprouts of an energetic and patriotic variety at Tropical Fourth of July Celebration. Underneath the banyans children balanced on can stilts, drew with sidewalk chalk and played garden-themed lawn games.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Thousands of people watched fireworks over Sarasota Bay at Bayfront Park.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • July 4, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Fireworks Spectacular at Bayfront Park

Thousands of people enjoyed the annual Fireworks Spectacular Thursday, July 4, at Bayfront Park. The grass was packed with people and Zambelli Fireworks put on the show. Zambelli Fireworks also does the fireworks at the Statue of Liberty in New York.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Knight Hamalian
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • July 4, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Independence Day Regatta

Sarasota Sailing Squadron hosted an Independence Day Regatta Thursday, July 4. Participants sailed in the race before enjoying barbecue and family activities.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sara Green, 6, and her sister Izzy, 8, celebrate in patriotic attire.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • July 4, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : Freedom Fest Part 3

Children played games and showed of their patriotism Thursday, July 4, at Freedom Fest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mallory Gnaegy sings the national anthem at Freedom Fest.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • July 4, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY Freedom Fest Part 2

Children rode on their decorated bikes and wagons Thursday, July 4, at Freedom Fest. See more photographs.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Blaise Fluker, 21 months, rides in a wagon in the parade.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • July 4, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : Freedom Fest

Families and community members celebrated Thursday, July 4, at Bicentennial Park for the Longboat Key Freedom Fest with a parade and children's games. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and Longboat Observer were sponsors of Freedom Fest.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • July 3, 2013
Children's World named charity giveaway store

Children's World is asking the community to help distribute toys to charity.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Observer team wishes the community a safe and happy Fourth of July!
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • July 3, 2013
Preparing for Fourth of July: weather, tips, and parking

Find out where to park, the weather forecast and safety tips for a fun-filled Fourth of July holiday.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Jay Daniel, Ric Romanoff and Steele Harris, with Connor Flick, her father, Dieter, and Martin Sobel
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • July 3, 2013
Building wings of experience

Sarasota teens with the Young Eagles Program and Experimental Aircraft Association members are building an RV-12 out of an airplane kit.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mike Salerno was one of the finalists for the 12-and-under skimboard competition.
  • By Randi Donahue
  • July 3, 2013
Moments in time

Before there were Suncoast Offshore Super Boat Grand Prix events to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday week in Sarasota, there were the Land 'n' Sea Freedom Races on Siesta Key Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 3, 2013
Athlete of the Week: Kylie Warner

Sarasota High senior point guard Kylie Warner scored 11 points to lead the Navy team to a 79-73 come-from-behind victory over the White team in the FABC Futures Shootout June 17, at Berkeley Preparatory School.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Camp counselor Alison Krizen helps camper Sarah Windom, 10, balance on the globes.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • July 3, 2013
Camp Spotlight: CIRCUS SARASOTA Camp

Campers learned circus tricks on a triple trapeze, ladder, globes, tumbling, hammock and the web June 10 to June 26, at Circus Sarasota Circus Camp.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Richard Chen submitted this photo, taken recently on a foggy, wet morning in Village Walk on Palmer Ranch.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2013
Weather Photo: Sarasota 07/03/13

Richard Chen submitted this photo, taken recently on a foggy, wet morning in Village Walk on Palmer Ranch.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Scott Stottlemyer helped Josh Compton on the fishing trip. Compton caught eight fish including trout and ladyfish.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • July 2, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : The Friendliest Catch Outing for the Physically and Mentally Challenged

Excited children and adults fished Tuesday, July 2, at The Friendliest Catch Outing put on by Suncoast Charities for Children to benefit the charities and as part of the 29th annual Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival. Community members took children out for a morning of fishing followed by an award ceremony with food from Chick-fil-A and Sam's Club.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 2, 2013
Destination: East County

Eastern Manatee County may not have beaches or famous museums, but it has plenty of local flavor, winding rivers and parks in which to relax with your family. Consider these options for spending your summer days and nights:

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Michael's On East co-proprietors Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • July 1, 2013
AAA designates Michael's On East as a premier restaurant

Michael's On East gets the only 2013 AAA Four Diamond distinction in Sarasota - its 24th consecutive Four Diamond rating.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nancy and Jerry Schrantz
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • June 29, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Shrimp and Lobster Festival

Seafood fans flocked downtown Saturday, June 29, to take part in the annual Sarasota Farmer's Market Shrimp and Lobster Festival. Guests enjoyed fresh seafood and live music while browsing vendors' booths.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Alejandra Powell and her daughter, Natalia
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • June 29, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Culverhouse Nature Park Opening

Residents gathered Saturday, June 29, to celebrate the opening of Culverhouse Nature Park in Palmer Ranch. Sarasota County Parks and Recreation, Friends of Sarasota County Parks, Friends of The Legacy Trail, Friends of Palmer Ranch Parks, Friends of Culverhouse Community Garden, the Sarasota YMCA and the Palmer Ranch Master Association hosted the open-house celebration. The new 82-acre park is one of seven trailheads on the Legacy Trail and features opportunities for picnicking, hiking, bicycling and gardening.

  • Sarasota
  • News
After more than seven years of planning and deliberation the Culverhouse Nature Park will be open to the public Saturday, June 29 with a kick-off celebration and refreshments.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 28, 2013
Weekend Best Bet: Culverhouse Nature Park Celebration

After more than seven years of planning and deliberation the Culverhouse Nature Park will be open to the public Saturday, June 29 with a kick-off celebration and refreshments.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • June 28, 2013
Jeweler donates to Girls Incorporated

Carats Fine Jewelry and Watches donated a $1,737 grant to the organization.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Arik Katz swims against the competition in the 800-meter freestyle.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • June 28, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: 2013 Sharks Open

Swimmers competed Friday, June 28, at the Selby Aquatic Center for the 2013 Sharks Open. Teams came from as far as Puerto Rico and Colorado to compete in the three-day competition.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Natalie Rolfs gets ready to row with fellow campers.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • June 28, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : Sarasota Crew's Mini Summer Camp Regatta

Family and friends came out to watch children row Friday, June 28, at the Sarasota Crew Mini Summer Camp Regatta. Children have been learning the basics of rowing since the camp started June 17 and invited parents to show off their new skills. Rowers received certificates and a summer camp 2013 T-shirt at the end.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The daily thunderheads lurking on the western horizon mean summer is officially here in Sarasota.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • June 28, 2013
FRIDAY FIVE: Funky ways to beat the weekend rain

Meteorologists expect thunderstorms throughout the last weekend of June but that's no reason not to enjoy your weekend.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ben Wilder and Barbara Loeschen
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • June 27, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: The Argus Foundation Meet the Minds with Tom Esselman

Community leaders and the business community met Thursday, June 27, at The Francis, to hear president and CEO of Institute for the Ages Tom Esselman speak. Esselman explained the sustainability of the institute and how it will become integrated into the business community to a group of about 90 people. The Argus Foundation hosts a Meet the Mind Luncheon once a month where community members can learn new topics from experts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Happy Fourth of July Cartoon — June 27, 2002 Observer archives
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • June 27, 2013
Moments in time

Two French Olympic gymnastics team members, Joel Suty and Martha Roberta, highlighted the Gymnastics Jamboree at the Boys Club June 21, 1985.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Missing Links decided to keep playing after being reunited at high school reunion performance. Here they are shown playing at a bonfire in February. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • June 27, 2013
Blast from the past

Formed in 1967, The Missing Links reunited in 2008, to play at founding member Gary Roy's 40th high school reunion. But, the one-time gig turned into a permanent reunion.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alia Bivona, Nissi Luvavali, Olivia Caragiulo and Emma Bivona act like superstars during wig class.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • June 27, 2013
Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh, here I am at: Sarasota Opera Camp

Campers sang their hearts out June 10 to June 28, at the Sarasota Opera, where they learned about different aspects that make-up opera, including make-up, set design, acting, opera history, dance, percussion and costuming.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
David Frayer submitted this photo, taken of the Sarasota skyline at night.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 27, 2013
Weather Photo: Sarasota 06/27/13

David Frayer submitted this photo, taken of the Sarasota skyline at night.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rabbi Andy Baker greets community members as he begins his talk.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • June 26, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : AJC's 2013 Summer Lunch and Learn

Community members came out for AJC's2013 Summer Lunch & Learn Wednesday, June 26, at Michael's On East to hear Rabbi Andrew Baker speak about confronting anti-Semitism in Europe. One hundred seventy people listened to the rabbi, who is also AJC's director of International Jewish Affairs. He has been instrumental in addressing Holocaust-era issues in Europe and about anti-Semitism.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rabbi Jonathan Katz of Temple Beth Israel and Florence Katz
    By
  • Molly Schechter
  • June 26, 2013
Friends celebrate Florence Katz's tireless volunteer work with seniors

Florence Katz, 98, recently received the Salute to Senior Service Award for the entire state in a contest sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Michael Tendall moved to Longboat Key from Minnesota 15 years ago.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • June 25, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : Bird Key Yacht Club Spa Day at The Met

Bird Key Yacht Club members enjoyed a spa day Monday, June 24, at The Met on St. Armands Circle. Hair stylist Raquel Ruiz gave ladies tips on how to use the proper tools and keep hair lifted during the summer months. Consultants talked to ladies in the fashion house about summer styling and make-up.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alia Bivona, Nissi Luvavali, Olivia Caragiulo and Emma Bivona act like superstars during wig class.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • June 25, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : Sarasota Youth Opera Explore 2013

Kids at Opera Camp sang their hearts out June 10 to June 28 at the Sarasota Opera and learned about different aspects of an opera including make-up, set design, acting, opera history, dance, percussion and costuming. Children ages 8 to 18 learned from artists in the community and professionals in the field.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • June 25, 2013
Highlands Golf Course set to reopen

The Highlands Golf Course, part of the Meadows Country Club, will hold its grand reopening July 5-7.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sailor Circus performers watch the live stream.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • June 24, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Nik Wallenda Watch Party

Thousands of spectators gathered Sunday, June23, at Mattison's City Grille to watch as hometown hero, Nik Wallenda, became the first person to cross the Grand Canyon.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A.J. Grande paddles at the Kids Demo on Siesta Key Beach.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • June 22, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : Siesta Key race of the SUP series

Spectators packed the beach Saturday, June 22 to watch the first race of the SUP Series. One hundred ten racers participated in either the three-mile open race or the six-mile elite race at the paddle board competition. After Rob Alfieri, the founder of the Sarasota Stand Up Paddle Board Series, handed out awards, paddlers had demos for kids and adults to try out paddle boarding.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
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