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Sarasota | Neighbors

Yolanda Vodila enjoys Parker's company while she rests in her room. Vodila has five dogs of her own at home and talked about how eager she was to get back to all of them.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • June 2, 2011
Creature Comfort

When Ginger, Alie, Finnegan, Parker, Kara and Kirby hear the phrase, "Time to go to work!" these canines know just what to do.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 2, 2011
Legacy Grill team creates new legacy with first-place win

The Central Sarasota Little League AAA team Legacy Grill was undefeated in the playoffs and won its championship game Thursday, May 26 against Atlas Insurance, with a score of 16-12.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Paul Peterzell submitted this sunset photo overlooking Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 2, 2011
WEEKLY WINNER: Breathtaking Bay

Paul Peterzell submitted this sunset photo overlooking Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota Military Academy makes their way down Main Street Monday, May 30 during the Memorial Day parade.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • May 30, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Memorial Day parade and ceremony

Thousands of people came out to celebrate Memorial Day, Monday, May 30 by attending the Memorial Day parade downtown and the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Memorial Day ceremony that took place at J.D. Hamel Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tyler, Ryan and Dylan Katchen hang out at the awards ceremony.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 28, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: SAMMY'S RUN

Runners laced up their shoes Saturday for the third annual Sammy's Run, held at Oak Park School.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Stephen Hueston, Alyssa Nutter, Lauren Kennedy, Andrew Interial, Taylor Keenan, Jason Rosales and Jereme Johnston pose together while they wait down stairs prior to graduating Friday, May 27 at the Van Wezel.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • May 27, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Cardinal Mooney Graduation

Cardinal Mooney's Class of 2011 graduated Friday, May 27 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Prior to graduating, the class of 124 students primped and posed for photos with friends and teachers down stairs before heading into the performing arts hall.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Joie Giannini and Kenny Routte will graduate from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School tonight.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 27, 2011
VIDEO OF THE DAY: Senior sound off

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School seniors tonight will bid adieu to their high school. In the following video, they talk about their experiences and their future plans.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ray Borghesi and Mike Broy
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 26, 2011
Wall of winners finds a home

One Sarasota animal-lover, who also happens to be a barber and stylist, is kicking off a community program to benefit animal welfare at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 28, at the Boardwalk Studio (1500 Stickney Point Road), in the Boatyard Village.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cardinal Mooney seniors make their mark.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 26, 2011
Cardinal Mooney seniors make mark

Shortly after fresh cement was poured on the grounds of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Thursday, May 19, the seniors started signing their names and sketching out "2011" in giant letters.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
During their long-distance relationship and marriage, Michael Haluska and Susan Lorenc-Haluska shared the tradition of fixing the same meal and clinking wine glasses via their computers.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • May 26, 2011
Couple stays connected through virtual reality

Susan Lorenc-Haluska and Michael Haluska fell in love over dinner, drinks and long conversations - via their computers. after nearly two-and-a-half years of marriage.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kathy Baylis and Debra Jacobs, The Patterson Foundation
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 26, 2011
Baylis admirers cheer her accomplishments

The Economic Development Foundation of Sarasota County hosted a retirement reception Tuesday, May 24, at Laurel Oak Country Club, for Kathy Baylis, founding president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.

  • 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
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