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Sarasota | Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
February 28, 2013

St. Boniface welcomes new rector

The Rev. John C. N. Hall smiles at his installation Saturday, Feb 23. After months of searching and the narrowing down of 50 candidates, St. Boniface Episcopal Church has found its new rector.

Sarasota
News

Jen Blanco
February 28, 2013

Quiet Confidence: Peter Runge

Out-of-Door Academy junior Peter Runge is hoping to make a return trip to the FHSAA 1A-Region 3 meet, where he finished ninth in the 1600 meters last season.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
February 28, 2013

JUST THE STATS

5 - The number of singles matches the Riverview High girls tennis team won in its 6-1 victory over Manatee Feb. 20.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
February 28, 2013

Student Spotlight: Carson Beattie

Riverview High School freshman Carson Beattie moves his drumsticks with intense speed as the rhythm flows through him.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
February 28, 2013

36-Hour Giving Challenge raises local awareness

The fundraiser returns March 5 with more participating foundations and additional opportunities for nonprofits.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Jean Gruss
February 27, 2013

Tampa to Marco

Naples-based Premier Sotheby's International Realty, fresh off a banner year in 2012, moves into South Tampa's luxury market with its first office there.

Longboat Key
Real Estate

Observer Staff
February 27, 2013

Weather Photo: GOLDEN GLOW

Samantha Bisceglia submitted this photo of sunrise on Siesta Key.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
February 26, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : The 38th Annual Plant and Flower Show

The 38th Annual Plant and Flower Show took place at Selby Garden Saturday and Sunday Feb, 23 and 24 to show off beautiful plants and give the community an opportunity to purchase some. About 3,000 people attended the show with about 40 vendors and 100 volunteers. 'Its an opportunity for members and guests to buy plants and have them all in one spot,' said volunteer coordinator Phyllis Kirtley.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
February 25, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Purim Pandemonium at Temple Emanu-El

Temple Emanu-El hosted a carnival, Saturday, Feb. 23, to celebrate the Jewish Holiday of Purim. In celebration, attendees dressed in costume, snacked on light food and played games. Other entertainment included a dunk tank and inflatable bounce houses.

Sarasota
News

Yaryna Klimchak
February 23, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Booker High School Renaissance Rally

Students at Booker High School were honored at the Renaissance Rally Friday, Feb. 22 at the schools courtyard to showcase their hard work. Students with a 3.0 GPA or above were invited to participate in games, dancing, and a raffle for a 2002 Saturn SL. Mayor Susan Atwell handed the keys over to sophomore Megan Adams. 'I need to get my permit now and learn how to drive a manual,' said Adams smiling. Students wore different colored dog tags to represent their GPA. Students with a bronze tag had between a 3.0 and 3.5 GPA, silver 3.5 to 4.0, and students wearing a gold dog tag had a 4.0 or above. Community businesses like Publix, PPI Technologies and Best Buy donated gift cards, volunteer hours, and food.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
February 22, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : ADDY Awards

The American Advertising Association - Suncoast presented the 2012 ADDY Awards Thursday, Feb. 21 at Marie Selby Gardens. Ringling student Louie Zuniga designed the Through the Looking Glass themed gala Through the ADDY Glass where people mingled. More than 100 ADDY's were presented to Suncoast area businesses and agencies. 'The ADDY's is a three tier national competition, so this is the best work of the Suncoast,' said President of the 2012 to 2013 AAF Suncoast.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
February 22, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : NewGate students plant salsa garden

NewGate School fourth through sixth graders participated in a grant funded salsa project through the University of Florida Wednesday, Feb. 20 to learn about gardening. Parent Domitria Moore made contact with the University of Florida and since the partnership many students spend their recess gardening as opposed to playing. The idea came from 11-year-old Andrew Florio who approached Moore about the project. 'I wanted to start a garden because last year a student did it and it was fun.,' Floria said. 'I wanted to bring it back so we can take care of it with friends and everyone would enjoy it,' NewGate School Elementary students planted cilantro, tomatoes, onions and bell peppers. Once the plants are ripe students plan to have a salsa party. 'We enjoty doing this because we like getting dirty and having fun with each other. We learn how to cooperate with each other too,' said fifth grader Aiden Pearson.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Robin Hartill
February 22, 2013

Mote announces new international consortium

The new consortium will bring national and international groups together for conservation efforts.

Longboat Key
News

Rachel S. OHara
February 21, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Girls (Inc) Day Out

Six girls from Girls Inc had the chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of Saks Fifth Avenue Wednesday, Feb. 20, at Westfield Southgate Mall.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
February 21, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota v. Riverview softball

The Lady Sailors softball team played the Lady Rams Wednesday, Feb. 20, at Sarasota High School. While both teams had impressive plays, the Rams came out victorious with a 5-3 win over the Sailors.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
February 21, 2013

Flash mob

The Sarasota Orchestra surprised passengers at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport with an impromptu musical flash mob Monday, Jan. 21, to entertain and demonstrate Sarasota Orchestra's energy.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
February 21, 2013

Hitting hope

Special Olympics of Florida Athletes got to spend a day in the life of a Boston Red Sox baseball player Saturday, Feb. 16, as part of the CVS Caremark All Kids Can Baseball Camp, at the Red Sox's spring training facility in Fort Myers.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
February 21, 2013

Senior Friendship Centers brings people together

Laughter and chatter is heard as seniors sit around a flat-screen TV and play bowling on a Nintendo Wii.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
February 21, 2013

SCHOOL BOARD BULLETIN

Mr. Riverview; Fueling their futures; Life Skills; iPad intuition

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
February 21, 2013

Teacher Spotlight: Heather Dachille

Every Wednesday afternoon, Southside Elementary second-grade teacher and Hawaii native Heather Dachille teaches students how to play Hawaiian instruments, count in Hawaiian and dance the hula.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
February 21, 2013

SIDELINES

Local wrestlers win medals at state tournament; Cardinal Mooney finishes second in Pope Cup; Sarasota softball swings past Lakewood Ranch; Riverview pitcher tosses no-hitter, allows one walk

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
February 21, 2013

JUST THE STATS

12 - The height in feet The Out-of-Door Academy sophomore Tre Gregory cleared to set a new school record in the pole vault Feb. 12.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
February 21, 2013

Renewed Love: Couples take vows again on Siesta Key

They say love can weather any storm, and more than 500 couples arrived at the Siesta Key Beach Pavilion to prove it Thursday, Feb. 14, as part of the annual Valentine's Day vow renewal ceremony. Sarasota Parks and Recreation has hosted the ceremony every Valentine's Day for the last 28 years. Couples picked up flowers, had their photos taken and renewed their wedding vows.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
February 21, 2013

Weather Photo: SPARKLE ON THE BAY

Mike Hang submitted this photo of a morning kayak on Little Sarasota Bay.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
February 20, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Goodwill Grand Opening

Goodwill Manasota celebrated the grand opening of its new North Trail location, Tuesday, Feb. 19. Named after retired chief executive and his wife, the Peggy and Don Roberts Good Neighbor Center features a job connection center in addition to its regular store. 'This is a completely integrated Goodwill,' said CEO and President Bob Rosinsky. 'We're dedicated to providing first-class service to anyone in need in our community.'

Sarasota
News

Rachel S. OHara
February 20, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Cardinal Mooney versus St. Petersburg Catholic semi-final game

Cardinal Mooney played against St. Petersburg Catholic for the semi-final game Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Cardinal Mooney. The final score was Cardinal Mooney 55, St. Petersburg Catholic 51.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
February 20, 2013

Design and Dine Contest Winners: Kevin and Missy Cooper

Monday, Feb. 18, representatives from ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance and Design, Michael's On East and the Observer Media Group set out to surprise the winners of the Design and Dine $10,000 Backyard Makeover contest.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
February 20, 2013

Athlete of the Week: Reanna Gregory

The Out-of-Door Academy sophomore Reanna Gregory won the high jump, triple jump and long jump at the ODA Invitational Feb. 12.

East County
Sports

Yaryna Klimchak
February 18, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Sarasota Christian School 54th Annual Auction and Festival

Sarasota Christian School held their 54th annual Auction and Festival Saturday, Feb. 16 at the school's campus. There was also a silent auction, rummage sale, food, and games for children to play. The school currently has 417 students with this festival being it's largest fundraiser. All proceeds go to the school. Last year the community helped the school raise $150,00. This year superintendent Jeff Shank outlined a long-term project to get a high school building built. 'Its just really a blessing to see family, friends, and the community get behind Christian education and what we do as a school,' Shank said.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
February 18, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : The 25th Annual Sarasota Festival of the Arts

Thousands of people walked the streets of downtown for the 25th Annual Sarasota Festival of the Arts Saturday, Feb 16 and Sunday, Feb 17 to buy unique work and check out the craftsmanship. Old time friends from New Jersey Judy Eisner, Irene Britman and Marilyn Wiener wandered through the festival enjoying the artistic talent. 'It's just beautiful,' said Britman. Locals and tourists alike walked the crowded streets marveling at sculptures, paintings, jewelry and more.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
February 17, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Little League Opening Day

Sarasota Little League held their annual opening day ceremony Saturday, Feb. 16, at Twin Lakes Park.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
February 15, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: One Billion Rising Valentines Dance

People all over the world participated in a variety of events as part of V-Day's One Billion Rising, a single-day, Valentine's Day, of dedicated global action consisting primarily of dance strikes against violence against women.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
February 14, 2013

School Board honors Teacher of the Year finalists

Sarasota County School Board members made their rounds to three schools Thursday, Feb. 7, to surprise the three finalists for the annual Teacher of the Year competition.