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Sarasota | Neighbors

Wayne Magee submitted this sunset photo of his granddaughters, taken on Siesta Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 26, 2011
WEEKLY WINNER: Sisterly Bonding

Wayne Magee submitted this sunset photo of his granddaughters, taken on Siesta Key.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jackson, 2nd grade, and Cassidy, 1st grade, Geach sing "The Climb" together Wednesday, May 25 during "An Evening With the Stars" Talent Show 2011 at Phillippi Shores Elementary.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • May 25, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Phillippi Shores Elementary talent show

Phillippi Shores Elementary students performed a wide variety of talents Wednesday, May 25 during "An Evening With the Stars" Talent Show 2011 at Phillippi Shores Elementary.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The new parking meters are electronic and take coins and debit/credit cards only.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • May 25, 2011
VIDEO: Man on the Street - Downtown Parking Meters

The new parking meters are up and running downtown as of Monday, May 23. So how do they work and what do people have to say about them?

  • Sarasota
  • News
Golden Lace makes a run for it as her owner, Matthew Rosen, races around trying to catch her.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 24, 2011
VIDEO OF THE DAY: CHICKEN CHASE

A chicken named Golden Lace fought for her freedom during Temple Emanu-El's Blessing of the Animals Saturday. She led her owner, Matthew Rosen, on quite the chase.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The students of Gocio Elementary School's bridge club play a few hands of bridge during their final meeting Monday, May 23 inside Gocico Elementary School's Media Center.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • May 23, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Gocio's Bridge Club

Gocio Elementary's newest Go-Getter program this school year was bridge club. Over 20 students participated in the after school program provided by the school. The bridge club held their final meeting Monday, May 23 inside Gocico Elementary School's Media Center where they played bridge, received awards and ate pizza.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Liza Dickson, Men's Varsity coach, poses with the boys going to Nationals in Oak Ridge, TN. at Sarasota Crew's Night of The Stars Sunday, May 22 at Michael's on East.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • May 22, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Crew's Night of The Stars

Sarasota Crew members, family and friends celebrated Sarasota Crew's Night of The Stars Sunday, May 22 at Michael's on East.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lauren Frisbie, 6, sits while Rafael Diez does a free caricature of her at the Kaufman, Englett & Lynd booth at the Craft Festival Sunday, May 22 along Main Street and in Five Points Park.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • May 22, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: 7th annual Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival

Hundreds of people came out to sell and buy a wide range of things from flowers to art to kettle corn during this weekend's 7th annual Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival along Main Street and in Five Points Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ebony Bass, Alexis Lee and Jaberia Jones show off their dresses at Booker High School's prom.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 21, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Booker High School Prom

Booker High School held its prom tonight, at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. This year's theme was 'Hollywood: A Red Carpet Affair.'

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rabbi Brenner Glickman with Joanne Watkins, Jasper and Rocky
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 21, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Temple Emanu-El Blessing of the Animals

Temple Emanu-El today celebrated pets and the importance of animals in Jewish tradition at its Blessing of the Animals.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
There were 37 desserts and 29 donors for Family Promises' Third Annual Just Desserts event Friday, May 20 at Selby Garden's Great Room by the Bay.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • May 20, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Family Promises' 3rd Annual Just Desserts

Family Promises' held their Third Annual Just Desserts event Friday, May 20 at Selby Garden's Great Room by the Bay. There were 37 different desserts from 29 different donors as well as a silent auction and raffle.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kaki France and her classmates acted as jurors during the mock trial.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 20, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: ODA Mock Trial at Sarasota Courthouse

Out-of-Door Academy students trekked to the Sarasota Courthouse to act as the jury for a mock trail after second-grade teacher, Kelly Rose, was subpoenaed, and teacher Sean McDonald was arrested for stealing the Banyan tree from the lower school campus.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The class of 2011 sit in their seats facing the stage during New College's 2011 Commencement ceremony Friday, May 20 at College Hall Bay Front.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • May 20, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: New College's 2011 Commencement Ceremony

New College's Class of 2011 had their commencement ceremony Friday, May 20 at College Hall Bay Front. This year marks New College's 45th commencement ceremony. Dr. Helen N. Fagin was this year's commencement speaker.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2011
Broadway Bar veggies out at neighboring garden

During the Historical Society Potluck Picnic on the Porch Saturday, Broadway Bar owner Carolyn Heath, above, could be seen watering a vegetable garden at the Bidwell House.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2011
New College poet celebrates first book of poems

Alexis Orgera, above, held a book-release party for her first book of poetry, "How Like Foreign Objects," Saturday, May 14, at Red Panty Press Studio, in The Rosemary District.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
"My day of beauty started out with a Swedish massage," Cindy Riggs said. "I had such a busy agenda that I ordered in lunch while having my hair done. The pampering is out-of-this-world."
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 19, 2011
Cancer survivor treated to day of beauty

After reviewing the submissions for its Cancer Survivor Essay Contest, the Ritz-Carlton Members Club, Sarasota, announced Cindy Riggs as its winner.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Katie Hipsher submitted this sunset photo, taken near Bayfront Park.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2011
WEEKLY WINNER: Calming Effect

Katie Hipsher submitted this sunset photo, taken near Bayfront Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
J.P. is one of 14 goldador puppies born to "Miss Fay" in Palmetto. The litter is record-breaking for the Palmetto area.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 18, 2011
VIDEO OF THE DAY: PUPPY CAM

J.P. is a 14-week-old Southeastern Guide Dog puppy in training. He spent today playing and socializing at the Southeastern Guide Dogs Discovery Center in downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Effective July 1, Woodland Middle School Principal Kristine Lawrence will become the new principal at Brookside Middle School.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 18, 2011
New principal joins Brookside Middle School

Woodland Middle School Principal Kristine Lawrence has been named the new principal at Brookside Middle School.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Heidi Anderson, Mary Pat Radford and Kellie Menke
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 18, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Junior League Annual Meeting and Dinner

The ladies of the Junior League of Sarasota County gathered Tuesday for their annual meeting and dinner, at Marina Jack.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alex Palmer, pushed by Jason Rawley of UCP, shakes hands with Chris Papa of Pi Kappa Phi and Gear Up America.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 17, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Jovial journey

After 85 miles of cycling, a group of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity members from Gear Up Florida wheeled into the United Cerebral Palsy of Sarasota-Manatee Center to present a $750 grant. The team enhances the lives of more than 1,300 individuals with disabilities through grant funding and community events.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Christy Perry, of Destination Florida, receives an award from St. Armands Circle Association President Andrew Vac.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • May 17, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Armands Circle Association Annual Awards

The St. Armands Circle Association stayed strong despite a sluggish economy and reduced budget during the 2010-11 season. The strong state of St. Armands was a cause for celebration at the association's annual meeting and awards ceremony Tuesday, May 17, at the Lido Beach Resort.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The 135 runners took off running Saturday, May 14 for the Divas & Dudes 5K at Payne Park.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • May 14, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Divas & Dudes 5K

The Sarasota Opera held the Divas & Dudes 5K Saturday, May 14 at Payne Park. The 5K had 135 runners participate and raised around $3,000. The monies raised will benefit the Sarasota Youth Opera with things like tuition scholarships, transportation costs, music and uniforms.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jacob Hill of Consolidated Consciousness primes the wall that will be covered in graffiti art by Tion Bukue during the Golden Era Tour event at Payne Park's skate park.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • May 14, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: The Golden Era Tour

The Golden Era Tour took place Saturday, May 14 at Payne Park's skate park from 5 - 11 p.m. The event included drinks, food, live graffiti art along with music by SNAPM and Big Blu House.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ken Abt, Jane Kirschner-Tuccillo and Commissioner Willie Shaw
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 14, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Historical Society Potluck Picnic on the Porch

The Historical Society of Sarasota County held its Annual Meeting and Potluck Picnic on the Porch Saturday.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Observer asked this group of guys from Sarasota Military Academy to give us their best pose.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 14, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Military Academy Prom

Sarasota Military Academy students swapped their school uniforms for posh gowns and tuxes for prom night, held at Polo Grill.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota High School students enjoy dancing around with their friends Saturday, May 14 at the Sarasota High School's prom at the Hyatt Regency.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • May 14, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: SHS Prom

Sarasota High School students danced up a storm at their Black Tie themed Prom Saturday, May 14 at the Hyatt Regency.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Alexis Orgera laughs and smiles at the warm reception she received from her peers at her book release party Saturday, May 14 at Red Panty Press Studio.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • May 14, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Orgera Book Release Party

Alexis Orgera held a book release party for her first book of poetry, "How like foreign objects" Saturday, May 14 at Red Panty Press Studio.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tyniah Atkins, Latavia Dailey, Tory James and Christian Hannon from Booker Elementary wait for the start of the 3rd grade section of the Sarasota Kiwanis Club's Spelling Bee Friday, May 13 at the Boys and Girls Club.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • May 13, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Kiwanis Club Spelling Bee

Sarasota Kiwanis Club's Spelling Bee was a huge success Friday, May 13 at the Boys and Girls Club. There were two bees, one for third graders and one for fourth and there were 150 students who participated.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Skip Kister, honored guest Betty Shilalie and U.S. Navy Lt. Commander Raul Rojas
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 12, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: USS Sarasota Reunion Dinner

Former USS Sarasota crew members and their wives held a reunion dinner Thursday to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the first USS Sarasota reunion.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kindergartners gave a Flamenco performance during the school's Latin Cultural Fair.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 12, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Bay Haven Latin Cultural Fair

Bay Haven School of Basics-Plus students transformed their classrooms into Spain, Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Honduras and the Dominican Republic for their Latin Cultural Fair.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Daniel Valderrama gives Kierra Henderson and Nassim Ghaffari a lesson on proper utensil placement.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 12, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Gocio Elementary Career Day

Gocio Elementary fifth-graders spent career day at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mae Cavazos, the pastry chef at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, helped Gocio Elementary students decorate cupcakes.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 12, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Hello, cupcake!

Gocio Elementary fifth-grader Robinson Du Shun today decorated this cupcake at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
County Commissioners Christine Robinson and Carolyn Mason smile and laugh as they surrounded a teary Norman Schimmel after he was surprised during the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony and given the “Voice of Tourism” Award.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • May 12, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: 2011 National Tourism Week Awards

The Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) held the 2011 National Tourism Week Awards ceremony Thursday, May 12, at Ed Smith Stadium.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Walter Derdeyn turned 100 years old last week.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 12, 2011
100 years and still going strong

Walter Derdeyn's 100th birthday was celebrated in style with a party Friday, May 6, at the Regency House.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 12, 2011
Student makes special donation

When Fruitville Elementary first-grader Kai Sutter purchased a $25 raffle ticket at a recent fundraiser, he promised his mother, Jan, that if he won the $10,000 prize, he would give half of the money to charity.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 12, 2011
News Briefs

Water-meter replacement begins; Inaugural police-panel meetings scheduled; Ed Smith Stadium changes approved; and Meetings & agendas.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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