Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Neighbors

Jen Blanco
April 29, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Class 3A-District 10 Championship

The Out-of-Door Academy baseball team defeated rival Cardinal Mooney 11-3 in the Class 3A-District 10 championship April 26, at McKechnie Field.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Katie Hendrick
April 28, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Mote Marine Party on the Pass

Mote Marine Laboratory hosted Party on the Pass Saturday, April 27. The fundraiser, catered by 12 Sarasota-Manatee Originals Restaurants, benefited medical treatment for sick and injured dolphins, whales and sea turtles.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 28, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Historic Spanish Point High Tea Time

Community members gathered at Historic Spanish Point Sunday, April 28 to enjoy brunch and to celebrate 500 years of Florida history through Viva La Florida, a state collaboration. Community members listened to Spanish guitar my Bryan Spainhower and percussionist Max Kelly and heard actor Alessandro Rossal tell the story of an old Spanish trader. Gordon's Gourmet served the Spanish inspired brunch with more than 150 people in attendance during the two morning sessions. Community members also got a chance to bid on three personalized historic tours.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 28, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Child Protection Center Fundraiser at Casey Key Fish House

Community members streamed in and out of Casey Key Fish House from 2 to 6 pm Saturday, April 27 to raise money fro the Child Protection Center. Board member Elaine Crouse organized the event with Casey Key Fish House owner Jimmy VonHubertz to recognize National Child Abuse Prevention month. Neighbors wore blue, the color that represents child abuse prevention, and blue ribbons. The Child Protection Center deals with child abuse cases in Desoto and Sarasota County. This was the first time this event took place at Casey Key Fish House and the Child Protection Center hopes to keep up the partnership.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
April 27, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Class 3A-Region 3 Track Meet

The Braden River, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota High boys and girls track teams competed in the Class 3A-Region 3 meet April 25, at Charlotte High.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 27, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : The Great American Clean Up Siesta Key

Volunteers all over the country participated in the Great American Cleanup 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 27 to beautify and improve the community. Keep Sarasota County Beautiful has been an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc., for almost 25 years and participates in the nation wide cleanup every year. An estimated 800 volunteers from all over Sarasota County registered to participate in The Great American Clean Up and will be scattered throughout 20 locations around Sarasota to beautify and clean up the community. Approximately 38 volunteers helped pick up trash on Siesta Key Beach.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 26, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: First Presbyterian First Roots

First Presbyterian Church hosted their First Roots parent fundraiser Thursday, April 26 at Michael's On East to raise money for the preschool. First Presbyterian hosts the Butterfly Ball, a family event, every year but this time wanted to have something just for the adults Approximately 120 guests enjoyed refreshments, bid in a silent auction to raise money for preschool scholarships and new playground equipment. First Presbyterian Preschool has 74 students.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Katie Hendrick
April 26, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: SPARCC Designer Donation Party

The ladies of SPARCC, the Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, hosted a designer donation party Thursday, April 25, at the Longboat Key Club and Resort's Harbourside Dining Room. Saks Fifth Avenue stylists gave makeup demonstrations for the women who donated items for SPARCC's fall sale to benefit outreach programs for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
April 26, 2013

WEEKEND BEST BET: Bust a move at SRQ Dances 2013

In honor of National Dance Week, the Sarasota-Manatee Dance Alliance has partnered with the West Coast Civic Ballet to launch SRQDances2013.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 25, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Celebrating Paul Thorpe

The invitation to Paul Thorpe's Thursday, April 25 surprise party read 'Lets make a toast to Paul Thorpe a.k.a Mr. Downtown.' One hundred twenty community members and leaders, friends and family surprised Paul Thorpe at the Gator Club to show their appreciation and celebrate the strides he has been making for Sarasota for the past four decades. 'Young and old, we all love him,' said party organizer and close friend Barbara Strauss. 'This was long overdue.'

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
April 25, 2013

Children at Work

Many children took part in the 20th annual Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day Thursday, April 25.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Roger Drouin
April 25, 2013

Children watch K-9s in action at Sarasota Police Department

National Take Your Child to Work Day started with a K-9 unit demonstration.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 25, 2013

Green thumbs

St. Boniface Preschool has teamed up with the Florida Farm to School program to teach children from where their food comes.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
April 25, 2013

Hearts of gold

The Shamrock Pub donated $7,100 to the YMCA Youth Shelter April 1.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 25, 2013

MR. DOWNTOWN: a well-earned title

Through a strong love for the community, Paul Thorpe has helped develop downtown Sarasota into the thriving destination it is today.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
April 25, 2013

Laugh Out Loud: Laughter Unlimited

Laughter Unlimited keeps spirits high with humor therapy.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
April 25, 2013

Giving Matters honors philanthropist

Booker High School senior Laura Alston is the winner of the 2013 Young Woman Philanthropy Award.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
April 25, 2013

Former Crew rower steers Sharks

Sarasota High graduate and Nova Southeastern University coxswain Courtney Berger will return home to compete in the 2013 Sunshine State Conference Rowing Championship April 26, at Nathan Benderson Park.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
April 25, 2013

Athlete of the Week: MADISON SCHMIDT

Riverview High senior Madison Schmidt cleared 10 feet, 6 inches to win the pole vault event at the Class 4A-District 7 meet April 17, at Spoto High.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 25, 2013

JUST THE STATS

43 - The number of teams scheduled to compete in the Florida Scholastic Rowing Association Sweep Championships April 27 and April 28, at Nathan Benderson Park.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
April 25, 2013

Who Dunnit? Sarasota Bay Club residents on the case

Sarasota Bay Club residents are on the case at 'Murder at the Opera' dinner.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 25, 2013

Student Spotlight: STEPHANIE DRAPER

Riverview High School senior Stephanie Draper's interest in dentistry didn't begin in a dentist's office - it began on the ocean.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 25, 2013

SCHOOL BOARD BULLETIN

Pint-sized pioneers; Community cleanup; Little Einsteins; Painting positivity

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 25, 2013

YOUR NEIGHBOR: Jorie Lueloff

When Jorie Lueloff joined WMAQ-TV in 1966, as Chicago's first female news anchor, she didn't receive a warm welcome from everyone in the community.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 25, 2013

Weather Photo: PICTURE-PERFECT ENDING

David Frayer submitted this photo of a sunset near Beach Road, on Siesta Key.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Robin Hartill and Alex Mahadevan
April 24, 2013

Turtles swim the globe before returning home

A loggerhead that hatches on local beaches might swim thousands of miles before returning to nest at the place where it hatched.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
April 24, 2013

Prom-A-Palooza: Prom through the decades

Follow the East County and Sarasota Observers through May 23 for prom content and coverage, including feature stories, schedules, photos, contests and more.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
April 22, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota at Braden River

The Sarasota High softball team fell to Braden River 1-0 in the Class 7A-District 11 championship April 18.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 21, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Oscar Sherer State Park 24th Annual Earth Day

Oscar Sherer State Park held its 24th Annual Earth Day celebration Sunday, April 21 to get the community to enjoy the park and the great outdoors. Entry was free and approximately 1,500 people came to the park for Earth Day. Community members enjoyed free kayaking, guided hikes, BBQ, kids games, a coloring contest, photo contest and live music all day long. 'We are always taking from the planet,' said Park Manager Tony Clements. 'This is a good way to come back to earth and make a difference.'

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 18, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : AJC High Tea and Clybourne Park

The American Jewish Committee invited community members to see the play Clybourne Park Thursday, April 18 at Florida State University Performing Art Center. The play was followed by a panel discussion from Sarasota County Commission Chair Carolyn Mason, lead actors Tyla Abercrumbie and David Breitbarth, New College Professor of Anthropology Dr. Uzi Baram and Asolo Outreach and Education Director Brian Hersch. Audience member talked about race, racial stereotyping and what community means.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
April 18, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Chamber Mega Mingle

Members of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce gathered Wednesday, April 17 at Art Center Sarasota for the Mega Mingle event. Attendees socialized and enjoyed food and drink.