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Your Observer

Hugh thinks about selecting the Patriots but changes his mind.
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • January 28, 2015
Mote Aquarium manatees select the Super Bowl winners

Hugh and Buffett, two manatees at the Mote Marine Aquarium, selected their choices for the Super Bowl champions on Jan. 29.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jamie Myers soaks in the excitement after his Make-A-Wish reveal Tuesday morning.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • January 28, 2015
Make-A-Wish grants Pine View student's dream trip

A normal day at school turns into a wish come true for Pine View student Jamie Myers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This map shows the location of the future improvement.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 28, 2015
Ranch boulevard expansion approved

Sarasota County commissioners voted Wednesday to further advance plans for extending Lakewood Ranch Boulevard to Fruitville Road.

  • East County
  • News
Of the 17 county students advancing to the 60th annual State Science and Engineering Fair in March, nine are form East County.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 28, 2015
After big wins regionally, East County students head to state science competition

Nine East County students won first-place at the Lockheed Martin Manatee Regional Science and Engineering Fair recently. The troupe will advance to the 60th annual State Science and Engineering Fair, held March 31 through April 2, in Lakeland.

  • East County
  • News
Deianeira McClain
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 28, 2015
Soaring singers

The ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday for the Gulf Gate Public Library was a cause for celebration.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jett Segal takes the heartbeat of a stuffed animal with Eliana Tibi.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 28, 2015
The doctor is in

Students in the early childhood program The Gan at Temple Sinai donned stethoscopes for an exercise in veterinary medicine.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 28, 2015
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 28, 2015
Our view: How codes hurt the poor

Sarasota entrepreneur Harvey Vengroff has spent much of the past two decades here buying and refurbishing old apartments and hotels in the city to fill a big vacuum - affordable housing for low-income individuals and families.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The Sarasota County Commission voted Wednesday to ban parking on Avenida Milano and Madera in Siesta Key Village. The commissioners determined it a safety issue – but it pushes more cars back in into the Village.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • January 28, 2015
Parking problem

Public parking spots on Siesta Key are decreasing. Season is upon us. Where is everyone going to park?

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 28, 2015
Codes dictate how city staff must respond

All tenants are entitled to occupy structures that have had life-safety type of work done by licensed contractors pursuant to properly issued permits.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The inspiration for the Paintbox program came from one resident's trip to Calgary, Canada, where painted utility boxes have adorned city streets since 2010. Courtesy photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 28, 2015
Arts Alliance paints picture of a colorful city

The City Commission could soon consider a project that would allow local artists to paint Sarasota utility boxes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city now expects substantial completion of the State Street parking garage to take place in March, not February, and for the project to be finalized in April. Photo by David Conway
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 28, 2015
Delays, progress at State Street garage

Although the completion of the State Street parking garage has been pushed back a month, developers of commercial property at the site are moving forward.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 28, 2015
News Briefs

SRQ Airport unveils new marketing campaign

  • Sarasota
  • News
Main Street is lined with signs and other decorations in front of shops, but those objects could be the subject of increased scrutiny. Photo by David Conway
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 28, 2015
City works to define public sign language

The city of Sarasota is moving closer to establishing new regulations disallowing signs in the public right of way. Still, questions remain about the ability of city staff to enforce the new - and existing - rules governing signs.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Rob Alfieri, left, helps his business partner, Justin Bloom, push off the pontoon boat on Bird Key. Photo by Jessica Salmond
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • January 28, 2015
Turtle Beach considered for vendor opportunities

Sarasota County plans to add Turtle Beach to its non-motorized water sports program, which launched a year ago on South Lido.

  • Sarasota
  • News
City staff discussed its wayfinding efforts at a Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce event Jan. 22.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 28, 2015
City navigates new approach to its wayfinding program

Bill Nichols, Public Works project manager, has been working on instituting a wayfinding program in the city for nearly five years.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Christian coach Scott Lantz, left, and daughter McKenzie Lantz, second from left, on the sidelines during an SCS girls basketball game against Palmetto Jan. 22.
  • By Jason Clary
  • January 28, 2015
Coming together

Sarasota Christian girls step up after the loss of a key player to a torn ACL.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 28, 2015
Sidelines

Yanez wins USTA Florida Winter Championships; Local teams spar on the mat at tournament; McMahon gets kudos on national level

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 28, 2015
Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
DOWN UNDER DUO. Lois and Ken Kiehl brought their Sarasota Observer along on a trip to Sydney and the Tamar Ridge wine region in Tasmania.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 28, 2015
It's Read Everywhere

Headed on a great trip? Make sure to take your Observer along! Snap a photo of you holding your Observer on vacation, then submit it and you could win travel tickets, courtesy of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 28, 2015
School board

Applications due soon; Kiltie band performs; St. Martha hosts gala

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This home at 1917 Hibiscus St. has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,225 square feet of living area. It sold for $739,000. Photo by Amanda Morales
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 28, 2015
Home in Casey Cove sells for $883,300

A home in Casey Cove tops all transactions in this week's real estate.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • January 28, 2015
Business Briefs

Siesta Key Salon receives 2015 Couples Choice Award; Sarasota Yacht Club receives distinguished award; Bob Rosinsky to serve as president of FGA

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bruce Lehman submitted this sunset photo, taken from a condo overlooking Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 28, 2015
Weather: Sarasota

Visit YourObserver.com to submit your local weather photos. Each weekly winner will be entered into a monthly drawing for a $25 gift card. One grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 flooring makeover.*

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Bob Biallas and Drayton Saunders
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 28, 2015
Baubles and Bourbon: The Final Touch

Baubles and Bourbon: The Final Touch

  • Black Tie
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 28, 2015
Come At Me, Sarasota: Sarasota High School Softball

Come At Me, Sarasota: Sarasota High School Softball

  • Sarasota
  • News
Party committee Phyllis Ross, Barbara Raphael and Rochelle McKinney
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • January 27, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: The Beaches welcome back party

The Beach of Longboat Key said hello its snowbird residents back in town for the season at a welcome back party on Jan. 29.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota guard Camille Giardina drives to the basket during the second half of a district semifinal game against Palmetto on Wednesday night in Sarasota.
  • By Jason Clary
  • January 27, 2015
Sarasota cruises in district semifinal against Palmetto

The Sarasota girls basketball team beat Palmetto 52-24 Wednesday night.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Event chair Catherine strongman and model chair Jane Krombeen
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • January 27, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: University Park Women's Club Fashion Forward luncheon

The University Park Women's Club held its annual Oh La La Fashion Forward event on Jan. 28. The luncheon featured models in clothing from Dream Weaver on St. Armands Circle, and there was a 50/50 raffle, with proceeds donated to charity.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The number of violent crimes in Sarasota County fell 3% in 2014 compared with the previous year, but have declined 24% since 2009.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 27, 2015
Sarasota County crime continues decline

Total countywide offenses followed a five-year downward trend with a 10% drop in 2014, according to Sarasota County Sheriff's Office data.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The informal meeting provided commissioners with the opportunity to discuss pressing topics even if no action needed to be taken.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 27, 2015
Commission hopes to rekindle affordable housing talks

At an informal meeting of the City Commission Tuesday, board members broached a number of big picture issues, including the need for more affordable housing in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Pine View School art teacher Adam Seider, 36, allegedly pawned three $1,400 computers six times for a total of $260, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 27, 2015
Pine View teacher arrested for pawning laptops

Sarasota County deputies arrested Pine View School art teacher Adam Seider Tuesday, for allegedly pawning several school computers, and more charges are pending.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Residents were concerned than emergency vehicles would be unable to navigate Avenida Milano or Avenida Madera if cars lined the sides of the roads.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • January 27, 2015
Siesta residents win parking ban on Avenida Milano, Madera

After almost a year of waiting, residents of the streets finally received approval of their request to ban parking on the south sides of their streets.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Susan Landau and Susan Phillips
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • January 27, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Garden Club meeting

The Longboat Key Garden Club held its monthly meeting on Jan. 27. Floral designer Katie Cornell was the keynote speaker and gave guests tips on perfecting flower arranging.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 27, 2015
Gauls celebrate sweet 60

On Jan. 29, Jack and Joan Gaul will celebrate their 60th anniversary.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Walters
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 27, 2015
Dora Walters goes by the book for readers

You saw her byline countless times during her 26 years at the Longboat Observer, but now, retired Senior Editor Dora Walters' byline appears on her new book, 'Rewind...Playback: A Collection of Life's 'Little' Memories.'

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
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