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Sarasota | Neighbors

Briauna Jones, Deja DuBose and Anita Clark show their school spirit in their Booker Basketball t-shirts.
    By
  • Maria Amodio
  • February 11, 2011
Booker Middle School Tornado Trot

The cold and rainy weather didn't dampen the spirits of Booker Middle School students as they participated in the school's Tornado Trot on Friday, Feb. 11. Students walked, jogged and even danced around the ¼ mile track from 7:30 a.m. until noon to raise money to buy picnic tables so they could eat their lunch outside.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Abby Telinger and A.J. Frye made a precious pair as a princess and a knight.
    By
  • Maria Amodio
  • February 11, 2011
Costumed cuties parade Ashton Elementary

Kindergarteners at Ashton Elementary School dressed as their favorite storybook characters for the school's Fairytale Parade on Friday, Feb. 11.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Out-of-Door Academy preschoolers danced to "Lollipop" during the school's annual Jump Rope for Heart event today.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 11, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Lollipop, lollipop!

Out-of-Door Academy preschoolers danced to "Lollipop" during the school's annual Jump Rope for Heart event today.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Winner Dr. Patrick Bower
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 10, 2011
Locals veg out for eating contest

On Saturday, Veg restaurant, in Gulf Gate, held its own eating contest with a healthier twist - veggie burgers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 10, 2011
FAB is not your momma's craft guild

The artists of Fabulous Arts Boutique will showcase their dazzling works starting with an opening reception from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, at Art Center Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
B.J. Kleindist and Aida Florsheim
    By
  • Maria Amodio
  • February 10, 2011
Organization shows appreciation for volunteers

Volunteers from Resurrection House homeless shelter were honored at the non-profit organization's annual volunteer appreciation dinner on Thursday, Feb. 10, at Church of the Redeemer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 10, 2011
USF launches its first collegiate crew team

In partnership with Sarasota Crew, USF announced the team Feb. 3, at Bay Preserve, in Osprey.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kevin and Missy Cooper
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 10, 2011
Love Story

In honor of Valentine's Day, we asked two Sarasota couples - newlyweds Kevin and Missy Cooper and longtime loves and high-school sweethearts Billy and Mary Franklin - to share their love stories.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mark Kapusta runs to hit a backhand during a doubles match Saturday, Feb. 5 at the tennis courts at Payne Park.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 10, 2011
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Powerful return

Mark Kapusta runs to hit a backhand during a doubles match Saturday, Feb. 5 at the tennis courts at Payne Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Joseph Klarberg submitted this sunset photo, taken on Siesta Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 10, 2011
WEEKLY WINNER: FLIGHTY SUNSET

Joseph Klarberg submitted this sunset photo, taken on Siesta Key.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Juggles the Clown (Jeff Lovett) adds some balloon flair to Joanna Tsoukos' wardrobe.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 9, 2011
Festive event celebrates Italian culture and heritage

The tables were saturated in confetti, balloons spanned the room and guests couldn't turn off their excitement - Sarasota Italian Cultural Events, Inc., had transformed Michael's on East into little Italy for its 'Festa Siciliana' luncheon Wednesday, Feb. 9. Performers ranged from balloon crafting 'Juggles the Clown' (Jeff Lovett) to accordion player Mario DeLeon to Tarantella Dancers. In the past, proceeds have benefited Sarasota Opera, Ringling Museum and Big Brother Big Sister on the Gulfcoast.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Luke Palmer, 5
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 9, 2011
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT: St. Martha Catholic School (WITH VIDEO)

We asked youngsters at St. Martha Catholic School to chat about the country's mushiest holiday of the year - Valentine's Day.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Claire Milligan, Daisy Cotton owner, Jan Allen and Sue Angle
    By
  • Maria Amodio
  • February 7, 2011
Garden Club holds flowery fashion show

Sarasota Garden Club members strutted their stuff at the club's annual fashion show and luncheon held Monday, Feb. 7 at the Sarasota Yacht Club.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
...
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 7, 2011
VEG Out!

Eating contests are usually associated with large amounts of meat at some sort of a state fair venue. This weekend, Veg held their very own eating contest involving veggie burgers on Saturday, Feb. 5 outside of their restaurant on Gulf Gate Drive.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nancy Koci and Esther Erickson look at some of the yard art creations by Aart Vark Studios during the 17th annual Siesta Key Craft Festival Saturday, Feb. 5, in Siesta Key Village.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 7, 2011
Crafty weekend brightens up Siesta Key

The 17th annual Siesta Key Craft Festival took place Saturday and Sunday along Ocean Boulevard and Beach Road in Siesta Key Village.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
One of Wendy Vroom's paintings, entitled "Grace."
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 6, 2011
Alluring art: Sarasota Masters reels in creative junkies

Artists displayed their work along Palm Avenue for the Sarasota Masters Art Festival Saturday and Sunday.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Harry Echtman and Seth Morton play a game of frisbee.
    By
  • Maria Amodio
  • February 4, 2011
Students get groovy reward for good grades

Students at Phillippi Shores Elementary had a far out time at the school's '60s Day on Friday, Feb. 4. Students, teachers and parents all donned their grooviest '60s fashions and enjoyed a day full of tie-dying, face-painting and retro games including frisbee and twister.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ashton Elementary students ran for 40 minutes around the school's track for their annual Star Sprint jog-a-thon.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 4, 2011
Runners star in Ashton Elementary jog-a-thon

Ashton Elementary students ran with all their might during the school's biggest fundraiser of the year, "Star Sprint," Friday.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Steve Queior and Vicki Vega
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 4, 2011
GSCC hosts Prime Time on college grounds

Members of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce flocked to New College to attend Prime Time.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Chris Innocenti lays vinyl over the windows at the Sarasota Museum of Art for future enhancements to the façade.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 4, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Beam me up, Scotty!

Sarasota Museum of Art is getting a window makeover in hues of blue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2011
Archives peel away New College layers

A banana peel that has been safely tucked away in New College of Florida's archives since 1970 was recently discovered.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mary Lynn Desjarlais
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2011
Get 'em while they're hot!

The Kiwanis Club of South Sarasota hosted a hot-off-the-griddle pancake breakfast fundraiser Saturday, Jan. 29, at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Steve Dickman, who plays Gilly the Shark, always stays in character with his fans.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 3, 2011
Dickman sinks his teeth into Mote mascot role

Steve Dickman - the man who has dressed up as Gilly the Shark for the past seven years - opens up about what its like to play Mote Marine's mascot.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Moore
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 3, 2011
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Bryan Moore

Bryan Moore is a professional sponsored athlete. His sport? Disc golf.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rich Nicoli submitted this sunset photo, taken from the Ringling Bridge and overlooking City Island.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2011
WEEKLY WINNER: Sunny Outlook

Rich Nicoli submitted this sunset photo, taken from the Ringling Bridge and overlooking City Island.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Orioles Bird and Sarabeth Kalajian, director of libraries
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • February 2, 2011
Local libraries, Orioles step up to the plate to promote literacy

Sarasota County libraries and the Baltimore Orioles yesterday announced a partnership to promote literacy through the Orioles Big League Reader Program.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Birgene Linse, Sean McDonald, Grace Duffy and Renee Pitts perform "Little Red Riding Hood."
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • January 28, 2011
Pajamarific party

Out-of-Door Academy preschoolers snuggled up for an afternoon of stories, songs and skits performed by their favorite teachers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
These glowing martini glasses were a big hit with guests.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • January 27, 2011
Admiral Travel sparkles at celebration event

To mark its first anniversary as a Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club partner, Admiral Travel hosted a celebration event featuring interactive stations that showcased its top 25 travel partners.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kelsey Byers, Pastors from Sarasota Alliance Church, Mike Thompson and Ron Hiers, Amanda Deriesthal and Hailee Kurtz
    By
  • Maria Amodio
  • January 27, 2011
Sarasota Christian School welcomes pastors

Students at Sarasota Christian School had an opportunity to interact with local pastors at the school's annual Pastor Day on Thursday, Jan. 27. Approximately 20 pastors from various congregations spent the morning visiting middle school and high school classes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 27, 2011
Official opening will be a close shave

Russell Matthes and Troy Syprett, co-owners of Daiquiri Deck and Daiquiri Deck Raw, are refusing to shave their beards - at least for a little while.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 27, 2011
Make yourself right at home

We spotted cute and cuddly Zeus sprawled out on the sidewalk Jan. 19, outside of Pastry Art.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Columbia University sophomores Dan Mullins, Caroline Lisankie, Maria Sulimirski and Eric Williams spoke at the luncheon.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 27, 2011
Columbia sophomores address local high school students

The Columbia University Club of Sarasota featured four Columbia sophomores during a luncheon Jan. 13, at the Field Club.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 27, 2011
Sarasota scavengers hunt for mobile adventures

SCVNGR and Sarasota County have partnered to allow people to play on-the-go with a mobile scavenger hunt.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jack Berry, Harrison Paparatto, Ollie Gray, Austin Seigel and Evan Tucker perform at the farmers market.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 27, 2011
Homemade instruments create unique image for The Garbage Men

The Garbage Men band is composed of five freshmen at Pine View School who made their instruments out of cereal boxes, old toys, glass bottles and other recyclables.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 27, 2011
Key Club sponsors annual walk-a-thon

The Key Club of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School will sponsor its 10th annual five-mile walk-a-thon Saturday, Jan. 29, to benefit the Children's Miracle Network, All Children's Hospital and the Joey Powers Leukemia Project.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Bokorney
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 27, 2011
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Jake Bokorney

Jake Bokorney plays soccer for Cardinal Mooney High School's team the U17 FC Sarasota Soccer team.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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