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Sarasota | Neighbors

    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 11, 2011
Non-profit launches diaper drive

The Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County Inc., a non-profit with a goal to improve the health and well-being of pregnant women, infants and young children, is collecting diapers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nina Insinna with Donald Kayton. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 11, 2011
Sarasota Council welcomes new board members in its 33rd year

Donald Kayton, of Longboat Key, was elected as the new board president of the Literacy Council of Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 11, 2011
Sarasota Crew team rows its way to multiple golden victories

In July, Sarasota Crew traveled to Indianapolis to participate in the U.S. Club National Championships and brought home four gold medals and one bronze medal.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Residents say after the feedings in Five Points Park, many homeless loiter and commit crimes. File photo.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • August 11, 2011
Association acts as homeless feedings facilitator

The Sarasota Ministerial Association will work this fall to hold discussions with all groups involved in the controversial homeless feedings issue at Selby Five Points Park.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Andrew Stevens, Katy Cartlidge, Amara Merritt, Stefani Wald and Nicholas Collins will sport pink T-shirts during their end-of-summer recital at Florida Studio Theatre.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • August 11, 2011
Florida Studio Theatre camper passionate about pink

Nicholas Collins' heartfelt idea convinced his fellow FST summer campers to sport pink T-shirts for their recital to be held 5 p.m. Aug. 18, at Florida Studio Theatre.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The large avocado tree is full of fresh avocados that will soon be ready to be picked.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • August 11, 2011
Sarasota garden captures zen feeling

This home on Bay Shore Road features landscaping with natural, zen-like touches and architectural nuances. In the front yard, there are two standout trees: a silk floss tree and a gumbo-limbo tree surrounded by white crinum lilies.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
“I joined Kiwanis when women were first allowed to join,” Jo Rita Stevens says. “They did a lot at Riley Hospital for Children, where I spent the first six months of my life.”
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • August 11, 2011
Neighbors: Jo Rita Stevens

There's not much than can slow Jo Rita Stevens down.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Arlene Fortsch submitted this sunrise photo taken on Siesta Key overlooking Little Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 11, 2011
Weekly Winner: Rising Rowers

Arlene Fortsch submitted this sunrise photo taken on Siesta Key overlooking Little Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Denise Cotler of the American Cancer Society with Sarah Tello and Barbara Tello-Accola
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • August 10, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: R.O.C.K. Scholarship Recipient College Send-Off Luncheon

Reaching Out to Cancer Kids -- R.O.C.K. -- held a college send-off luncheon for its scholarship recipients at Columbia Restaurant.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Check out the footage we shot at our local airport.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • August 10, 2011
VIDEO: BEHIND THE SCENES - SRQ Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

We take you behind the scenes at the SRQ Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Look for the story in this week's edition of the Sarasota Observer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lisa Knopp and her daughter, Grace, 11, walk to the bank in the rain after having lunch Wednesday, August 10 at Barnacle Bill's downtown.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • August 10, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Strolling in the rain

Lisa Knopp walks under the protection of an umbrella while her daughter, Grace, 11, enjoys walking in the cool rain drops Wednesday, August 10 down Main Street.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A common moorhen runs across the lily pads in the pond by the Payne Park tennis courts.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • August 9, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Splish, Splash

A common moorhen enjoyed cooling off Tuesday, August 9 in the pond next to the tennis courts at Payne Park. Many different types of birds have found food, water and camaraderie in the ponds over in Payne Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota Ballet School will give a performance at noon Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 34243.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • August 9, 2011
Sarasota Ballet School gives final summer performance

The performance includes classic and original works taught by company principals, Octavio Martin and Kate Honea, Sarasota Ballet faculty and others.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Team Dirt Dragger posed with their 61 lbs. Amberjack Saturday, August 6 during the Sarasota Slam weigh-in at Marina Jack’s.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • August 6, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Slam

The 2011 Sarasota Slam was a huge success this past week with the final weighing in of the fish caught taking place Saturday, August 6 at Marina Jack's.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
John Ryan, Commodore Jeff Birnbach and Rusty Chinnis
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • August 6, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Scallopalooza

Many local community members as well as Sarasota Yacht Club members came out Saturday, August 6 to attend Scallopalooza at the Sarasota Yacht Club. The evening included a cocktail hour, dinner and a silent auction to raise money for the Sarasota Bay Watch's scallop restoration project.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Peter Abbott, John Overton and Paul Gardener
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • August 5, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Kiwanis, Rotary joint meeting

The Downtown Sarasota Kiwanis Club today held a joint meeting with the Rotary Club of Sarasota at Broadway Bar.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Betty Poire’s dress spins while dancing with John Moldthan.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • August 5, 2011
Weekend Best Bet: Florida State DanceSport Championships

Head over to the Ritz Carlton, Sarasota this weekend to see some amazing dance moves.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The cattle egret appears to try to guilt customers inside a McDonald’s into feeding it by staring at them through the window. The bird has been meeting great success with its ploy.
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • August 4, 2011
Egret addicted to fast food?

The same cattle egret has been visiting a McDonald's restaurant for more than a year, because customers were regularly feeding it. Now wildlife officials are warning people that an unnatural diet could harm the bird.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarah Moore created SRQ Volunteen, a website that helps students find the nonprofits for which they would like to volunteer. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • August 4, 2011
Sarasota teen helps youth get involved

Sarah Moore, a 17-year-old senior this fall in Riverview High's International Baccalaureate Program, created a website for teens who want to volunteer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 4, 2011
Weekly Winner: Double Vision

Neal Adams submitted this sunset photo of Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Recently awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, Urfer Family Park has also been nominated for “America’s Favorite Park.”
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • August 3, 2011
Urfer Family Park nominated for 'America's Favorite Park'

Sarasota's Urfer Family Park could win a $100,000 grant.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dancers show off their best moves for the judges Wednesday, August 3 during the Florida State DanceSport Championships at the Ritz Carlton Sarasota.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • August 3, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Florida State DanceSport Championships

Ballroom dancers from around the state of Florida came out to show off their stuff Wednesday, August 3 in the ballroom of the Ritz Carlton Sarasota for the Florida State DanceSport Championships.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Jorge Blanco
  • August 3, 2011
The Castaway

This week's Castaway cartoon.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Skyler Munson, 21, gets high above the bowl Tuesday, August 2 at Payne Park's Skate Park.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • August 2, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Sky High

The Payne Park Skate Park in downtown Sarasota is a great place to hang out with friends and get some practice time on either your skateboard or scooter.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Donna Tortorice, co-owner of Pop Craft, poses out by her cart Monday, August 1 on the sidewalk across the street from Hollywood 20.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • August 1, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Pop Star

Donna Tortorice, co-owner of Pop Craft, poses out by her cart Monday, August 1 on the sidewalk across the street from Hollywood 20. Tortorice's co-owner is her son, Martin Scott, who makes the all natural artisan popsicles. Flavors range from the typical icy strawberry lemon to a creamy Mexican chocolate to the more unique watermelon dill.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ellen Bartlett, Pat Kolodgy and Gregg Gamso enjoy themselves Thursday, July 28 during the Alta Vista neighborhood picnic at Payne Park.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • July 28, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Alta Vista neighborhood picnic

The Alta Vista Neighborhood got together for a picnic Thursday evening at Payne Park. The picnic was attended by about 25 neighbors and was catered by Panera.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • July 28, 2011
Memorable Reunion

Riverview High School's class of 1991 celebrated its 20-year reunion Saturday, July 23, at Michael's On East.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Travis and McKayla Taaffe rowed at the 2011 Club National Championships in July, at the Indianapolis Rowing Center.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • July 28, 2011
Brother, sister duo to compete at CanAmMex Games

Last August, McKayla Taaffe, a senior at Pine View School, claimed her first gold medal at the 2010 U.S. Rowing Club National Championship, in Oak Ridge, Tenn. This August, she and her younger brother, Travis, a Pine View sophomore, are planning to take home the gold when they compete in the CanAmMex Games, in Canada.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • July 28, 2011
Reverend follows his heart for trip

Rev. Michael Mansperger, of Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, plans to take a sabbitical for the first time in his more than 30-year career.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Coudal
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 28, 2011
Business Observer

Community Foundation names new chief of staff; SMH opens Stickney Point Urgent Care Center; New Sarasota shop celebrates fine wine; USF Sarasota-Manatee appoints council members

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 28, 2011
Weekly Winner: Sky Light

T. Richard Chen submitted this sunset photo, taken in Palmer Ranch.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
We found a pumpkin sculpture sitting in a parking lot on Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • July 27, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: The great pumpkin

Have you seen this pumpkin before?

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Beverly Bartner, Steve Seidensticker and Judi Gallagher
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 27, 2011
Make him an offer he can't refuse

Innocently enough, Libby's Cafe + Bar owner Steve Seidensticker came to greet a table of ladies who were lunching in his restaurant on a recent summer day.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Jorge Blanco
  • July 27, 2011
The Castaway

This week's Castaway cartoon.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Those who graduated from Riverview High School’s 1991 class got together for a class photo prior to dinner and dancing Saturday, July 23 at Michael’s on East.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • July 23, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Riverview High School 20-year reunion

Riverview High School's class of 1991 celebrated their 20-year reunion Saturday, July 23 at Michael's on East.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
People browsed the jewelry and other trinkets that were for sale Friday, July 22 at the estate sale.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • July 22, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Estate Sale benefits the Y

The Y Foundation and PEL (premium estate liquidators) volunteers ran an estate sale of items from a prominent Sarasota philanthropist this past weekend out at the Airport Mall. The estate sale was first open to the public Friday, July 22 and ran through Saturday, July 23.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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