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Sarasota | Neighbors

Loren Mayo
August 17, 2009

Selby Gardens receives research grant

A grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services will enable the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Center for Tropical Plant Sciences and Conservation to establish a new molecular research program.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Robin Roy
August 14, 2009

Supporters vow to save iconic bookstore

Upon hearing that the economy may claim Sarasota News and Books as one of its victims, Sarasotans take to the Internet to try to save it.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Maggie Pahos
August 13, 2009

THE PERFORMER: Charley Leonard

Booker Middle School: Charley Leonard finishes helping a slew of first- and second-graders across a low-wire balance beam, finds another counselor to watch her group of campers and sits down in one of the Pal Sailor Circus' plastic audience seats to talk.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
August 13, 2009

THE KINDERGARTNER: Ansley Morris

Southside Elementary: Ansley Morris is all about chocolate. When she spots her mother, Amanda, stirring a bowl of chocolate-pie filling, the soon-to-be kindergartner doesn't have much interest in discussing school.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
August 13, 2009

Back to School: The Graduate Taylor Stein

Taylor Stein loves the feeling of starting something new. As Riverview High School student body president, Stein will be the first person to walk across the stage and graduate from the renovated school, leading the way for her fellow students - the class of 2010.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Maggie Pahos
August 13, 2009

St. Thomas More groups get crafty

The quilters group and crafty ladies group at St. Thomas More Catholic Church meet twice a week.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 13, 2009

Students to lead high school tours

The public is invited to tour the new Riverview High School buildings at an open house from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 15. Riverview students will be leading tours at the new facility, located at 1 Ram Way, Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 13, 2009

Conference hosts youth leaders

Ten high school students from Community Youth Development participated in the inaugural Lawton Chiles Leadership Corps. Aug. 7 through Aug. 9, at the University of Central Florida.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
August 13, 2009

Mom-preneur creates school organizer

One Sarasota mother created a better way to eliminate clutter by systematizing her children's schedules, homework, drawings and books into a hanging organizer - The Homework Caddy.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
August 13, 2009

THE COOL TEACHER: Justin Niemann

Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences: Soccer ball in hand, Justin Niemann bounds down the stairs of his Siesta Key townhouse, hippie curls bouncing with his rhythm. Wearing a T-shirt, shorts and flip-flops, he's ready to head to the beach and kick around a soccer ball.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
August 13, 2009

THE ATHLETE: Molly McKinney

Pine View School: When Pine View School let out for winter break last year, Molly McKinney made a break for it and landed herself in the hospital.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
August 13, 2009

THE PRINCIPAL: Kathy Helean

Imagine School: A lunch box, makeup case, purse, stuff-she-should-be-doing-at-home bag and workbag sit on top of Kathy Helean's desk. The principal at Imagine School, in Palmer Ranch, admits she hasn't moved in yet.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
August 13, 2009

THE VOLUNTEER: Stacey Stroth

Ashton Elementary: To 18-month-old Cason Stroth, a knock at the door can only mean one thing: his babysitter. Tears sliding down his cheeks, he tries to make a run for it.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
August 13, 2009

THE CAREGIVER: ShelleyStone

Out-of-Door Academy: Shelley Stone is a self-proclaimed 'big kid who hasn't grown up yet.'

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Maggie Pahos
August 6, 2009

Man on the street: Mystery Man

We asked Sarasota residents if they recognized the person in this photo, who is the subject of a story in the Aug. 6 Sarasota Observer. About 50% of people polled said they recognized him.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 6, 2009

Forty Carrots van receives free graphic gift-wrapping

You could call it a friendly gesture in a time of need.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 6, 2009

Blue-eyed babes bunch together

There they sat, swinging along without a care in the world last Wednesday, at Marina Jack.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 6, 2009

Teens hit the water for competition

Participants in the Brothers and Sisters summer teen program spent the day conquering the water Friday, July 31.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 6, 2009

Junior Olympian brings home silver

Jasmine Rosales, 13, represented the Eastern United States at the Junior Olympics National Finals July 23 through July 26 and took second place in the track-and-field event, earning a silver medal.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Maggie Pahos
August 5, 2009

Vitale gives $5,000 in college scholarships

Five Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota County members were each presented with a $1,000 college scholarship from Dick Vitale and his wife, Lorraine, Wednesday, Aug. 5.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
August 2, 2009

Two Sarasota restaurants to close

5One6 Burns quietly closed July 26, and Canvas Cafe's last operation date is Saturday, Aug. 1.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Maggie Pahos
July 31, 2009

Man on the street: Summer fun

We asked girls at Girls Inc. what they liked best about summer vacation.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
July 30, 2009

Siesta Key Beach Access 12 temporarily closes

Until noon today, Siesta Key Beach Access 12 will be closed while Erickson Consulting Engineers performs geotechnical core borings to improve area drainage.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 30, 2009

Magical event pairs up mutts and muggles

The Humane Society of Sarasota County will host its magical Harry Potter-themed event, Muggles 4 Mutts, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, in the HSSC Education Center, 2331 15th St., Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 30, 2009

Fellowship hall receives a face lift

Renovations to the Vamo United Methodist Church fellowship hall began a couple of weeks ago and are almost complete.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 30, 2009

Husband and wife co-author book

Authors John and Katherine Ford, of Palmer Ranch, held a book signing Saturday, July 25, at Books-A-Million for their newest novel, 'The Crumbling Empire: What Will Stop America's Downward Spiral?'

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Maggie Pahos
July 29, 2009

Man on the street: Circle theory

We strolled Palm Avenue to ask what locals think about installing roundabouts along Sarasota's bayfront.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Heidi Kurpiela
July 29, 2009

Profiles of Summer: The Gnarly Artist

After 35 years of painting the Pacific Ocean, Sarasota native and former pro surfer Chris Lundy returns to familiar waters.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Maggie Pahos
July 24, 2009

Man on the street: In writing

We browsed downtown Sarasota to ask people what are their favorite summer reads.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
July 23, 2009

Columbia Restaurant gains over-the-hill status

The original Columbia Restaurant, in Ybor City, was founded in 1905. It is the oldest restaurant in the state. Now the oldest restaurant in Sarasota, the St. Armands Circle location celebrated its 50th anniversary last weekend.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 23, 2009

One man's trash is another's artwork

Anita Wexler and the Sarasota County Arts Council co-hosted "Trashed," an eco-friendly art reception Wednesday, July 15, at the Arts Council.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 23, 2009

'Design Star' holds red carpet premiere

Even the paparazzi were after him. Interior designer Jason Champion made his television debut at a premiere screening of HGTV's 'Design Star' Sunday, July 19, at Burns Court Cinema. Due to an ad he posted on Craigslist, several 'paparazzi' photographers stalked his every move.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Maggie Pahos
July 22, 2009

Man on the street: Vacation destination

We hit the streets to find out locals' favorite places for a 'stay-cation.' With many people choosing to stay close to home for vacations this year, we rounded up your top nearby suggestions.