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Your Observer

Town Hall 2015 Chairwoman, Nancy Morgan with guest speaker Charles Krauthammer.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • January 12, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Charles Krauthammer Town Hall lecture luncheon

Guests met for a luncheon with Charles Krauthammer following the kickoff to the Ringling College Library Association 2015 Town Hall lecture series at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
President Murray Blueglass, keynote speaker Rob Lorei and Vice President Howard Veit
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • January 12, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Democratic Club luncheon

The Longboat Key Democratic Club held its first meeting of 2015 on Jan. 13. Keynote speaker Rob Lorei's topic was 'Where We've Been and Where We're Going in Florida Politics.' He spoke about the 2014 elections and where to go from there.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
(Courtesy Sarasota Police Department) Sarasota Police divers help pull a red Jeep Cherokee out of a north Sarasota lake Tuesday.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 12, 2015
Car backs into north Sarasota lake

A neighbor rescued three elderly individuals after their red Jeep Liberty backed into a lake on Glen Oaks Manor Drive.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Office of Professional Standards Investigator Troy Pumphrey sued the Manatee County School District after being put on paid administrative leave Jan. 12.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 12, 2015
Manatee County School District investigator put on administrative leave, sues district

Superintendent Rick Mills announced Jan. 12 that Office of Professional Standards Investigator Troy Pumphrey has been temporarily placed on paid administrative leave, effective immediately. Pumphrey then sued the district and School Board member Dave Miner.

  • East County
  • News
Charles Krauthammer discussed U.S.-Cuba relations and his proposal to raise the federal gas tax during a visit to Sarasota Tuesday.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 12, 2015
VIDEO: Krauthammer discusses Charlie Hebdo before lecture

Washington Post columnist and conservative commentator Charles Krauthammer blasted Pres. Barack Obama's response to the terrorist attacks in France during a Ringling College Library Association roundtable Tuesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kafi Benz presents Lourdes Ramirez with an award naming her the 2014 Citizen of the Year.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • January 12, 2015
CONA elects new officers

Kafi Benz replaced Lourdes Ramirez as president of Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations at last night's meeting.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Commissioner Stan Zimmerman, Mayor Willie Shaw, Van Wezel Foundation board member Marty Rappaport and Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 leader Michael Klauber chat following Monday's workshop.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 11, 2015
Commission offers support, guidance for bayfront plan

The City Commission was responsive to an update from Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 leaders, who offered some clarity regarding the next steps the group would take to implement its vision for the waterfront.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Oma McCall presents David Bair of Quality Boats with a certificate of recognition at the Monday Mixer Jan. 12.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • January 11, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Monday Mixer Quality Boats

Members of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce celebrated the remodeling of Quality Boats with a Monday Mixer on Jan. 12.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Roger Pettingell has sold 95 properties priced at $1 million or more over the past five years, more than any agent in Sarasota and Manatee counties during that period.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 11, 2015
Pettingell ranks No. 1 for fourth year

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate's Roger Pettingell sold $67 million worth of real estate in 2014, more than any agent in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 leader Michael Klauber addresses the crowd during Saturday's Bayfront and Brews event at JDub's Brewing Co.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 11, 2015
City Commission to hear bayfront update

Following a pair of public meetings this weekend, Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 leaders will present an update on the group's work at a City Commission workshop tonight.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The county received two petitions from Siesta Key residents in April, prompting the county to consider prohibiting parking on these streets.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • January 11, 2015
County Commission to address roadway worries

Sarasota County commissioners will consider banning parking on the sides of Avenida Milano and Avenida Madera on Siesta Key at Tuesday's meeting.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Ina Gross died at her home Jan. 9, 2012. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 11, 2015
Warrant issued for Gross' son

An arrest warrant has been issued for Thomas Gross, charged with murdering his mother, Ina Gross, of Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Louis Ducruet, grandson of H.S.H the Prince Rainier III of Monaco, Jacqueline Zerbini and Fred Pfening III prepare to unveil their respective plaques.
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • January 11, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Circus Ring of Fame Inductions

The 28th annual Circus Ring of Fame Inductions was held on Jan. 11 at St. Armands Circle. The ceremony honored those who have been monumental in the circus industry, and award recipients were H.S.H. the Prince Rainier III of Monaco, the Del Moral Troupe, Fred Pfening, Jr., Miguel Vazquez and Jacqueline Zerbini.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rhoda Cooper and Elaine Weill
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 11, 2015
Temple Beth Israel Gala

Temple Beth Israel Gala

  • Black Tie
Jeanne Auten and Edie Chaifetz
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 11, 2015
A Winter Soiree

A Winter Soiree

  • Black Tie
Jennifer Tullio and Joni Reid orchestrated the event.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 10, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: LWR Running Club New Year Social/Recognition Ceremony

The Lakewood Ranch Running Club rang in 2015 by celebrating members who ran 1,000 and 500 miles last year, during the New Year Social and Recognition Ceremony, Jan. 11, at The Ranch Grill. The group also presented a $14,766 check to the benefiting charity of the 2014 Boo Fest event - Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.

  • East County
  • News
Guitarist and vocalists Joey Bravo performs for the band Lazy Bonez.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • January 10, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: 17th annual Thunder by the Bay

Engines purred and live music boomed in Downtown Sarasota for the 17th annual Thunder by the Bay motorcycle festival this weekend.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Renee Fletcher with her sons Jack and Max were excited to try hot dogs and dessert at the Jewish Food Festival.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • January 10, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: 7th annual Jewish Food Festival

The pastrami was piled high and the knishes were fresh for the 7th annual Jewish Food Festival Sunday, Jan.11 at Temple Sinai.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Vicki Goffinet, Stacey Monroe, Tonya Stockhill and Cara Botelho.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • January 9, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: 2nd annual Andrew Monroe Memorial 5K

Friends and former teammates supported a late friend with the 2nd annual Andrew Monroe Memorial 5K Walk/Run Saturday, Jan. 10 at Siesta Beach. Proceeds benefit the scholarship that was created in Monroe's name after he was killed in a car accident in 2011.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Becky and Jeff Benninghoff with Melissa and Terrance Burzynski
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 9, 2015
The Matchmaker Opening Night

The Matchmaker Opening Night

  • Black Tie
Judy Cahn and Roxie Jerde
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 9, 2015
Lion of Judah and Pomegranate Luncheon featuring Andra London

Lion of Judah and Pomegranate Luncheon featuring Andra London

  • Black Tie
Pam Baran, Susan Brown and Carol Darnbush
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 9, 2015
Catwalk on the Boulevard

Catwalk on the Boulevard

  • Black Tie
This week's FYI Friday features the most important issues in 2015, news about new restaurants downtown and a new SPARCC president and CEO.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 8, 2015
FYI Friday - Your weekly news roundup

Catch up on the week's most important and most interesting news stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County with FYI Friday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The roar of choppers and hogs will boom in downtown Sarasota for the three-day long 17th annual Thunder by the Bay Motorcycle Festival starting today.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 8, 2015
'No revving' sign warns Thunder bikers

The Sarasota Police Department is being proactive about noise issues associated with Thunder by the Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dottie Peterson and Julie Brady recite The Pledge of Allegiance to start the Republican Women’s Club of Sarasota luncheon.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • January 8, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Republican Women's Club of Sarasota

The ladies of the Republican Women's Club of Sarasota met for a luncheon meeting Friday, Jan. 9 at Michael's on East.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jack Black, Town Manager Dave Bullock and Richard Thackery
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • January 8, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Republican Club luncheon

The Longboat Key Republican Club held its first meeting of 2015 on Jan. 9. Town Manager Dave Bullock was the keynote speaker and gave members an update on major plans and updates for the Key in the next 12 to 24 months.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Aleah Robinson dribbles the ball down the court.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 8, 2015
Lady Pirates fall to Lady Mustangs in conference game

Lakewood Ranch High School girl's basketball team defeated Braden River High 55-10, Jan. 8, in a conference matchup between the East County rivals.

  • East County
  • Sports
The two commissioners appointed in November will find themselves in a three-way race in the March election.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 8, 2015
Candidates finalized for March commission election

One district race for this year's City Commission election is already decided, while three competitors will face off in the other two districts.

  • Sarasota
  • News
After eight years of operating with a deficit, the Manatee County School District has received a positive credit rating from Fitch Ratings.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 8, 2015
Manatee County School District receives positive credit rating

Fitch Ratings raised the Manatee County School District's credit rating from negative to positive.

  • East County
  • News
The Rev. Elizabeth Deibert, pastor of Peace Presbyterian Church, stands at the church site. File photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 8, 2015
Commission OKs church expansion

The Manatee County Commission on Thursday approved a new 400-seat sanctuary structure for Peace Presbyterian Church.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Matthew Bobulsky, Patrick Bryant and Dan Gladding make new friends.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 8, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: MYP January Networking Social

Member of Manatee Young Professionals ate, drank and socialized Jan. 8, during the group's January Networking Social housed at Gecko's of State Road 64.

  • East County
  • News
Beathe and Jerry Elden
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 8, 2015
An Evening with Anu and Friends Dinner Series featuring Tamara Stefanovich

An Evening with Anu and Friends Dinner Series featuring Tamara Stefanovich

  • Black Tie
For an in-depth look at the Sarasota Observer’s top issues to watch in 2015, click on the following links below.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 7, 2015
Sarasota 2015 Issues to Watch

There are plenty of issues in Sarasota to watch that will make 2015 a newsworthy year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Borders bookstore in Paradise Plaza has been vacant since it closed its Sarasota location in 2011 when the company filed for bankruptcy.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 7, 2015
Pier 1 to take Borders space in Paradise Plaza

The shopping center's owner plans to spend more than $1 million to renovate the 21,000-square-foot skeleton of a former Borders bookstore at the intersection of South Tamiami Trail and Bay Road to make way for the home decor store and Salon Lofts.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dennis and Brenda Baron take in the festivities at the Thunder by the Bay Motorcycle Festival.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • January 7, 2015
WEEKEND BEST BET:Thunder by the Bay

Motorcycle festival will takeover downtown Sarasota for the weekend

  • Sarasota
  • News
Amore by Andrea is located at 555 Bay Isles Parkway.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 7, 2015
Amore by Andrea opens for lunch

The new restaurant is now open for lunch Monday through Friday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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