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Your Observer

Sotheby in 2013.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2015
All grown pup

On Jan. 29, guide dog Sotheby walked across the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall stage to receive his diploma as a Southeastern Guide Dog graduate with his new handler, Ginny Eichholz.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Shelli Freeland Eddie
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 11, 2015
CCNA forum highlights neighborhood issues

A City Commission candidate forum Saturday illuminated key points leading up to the March 10 election, highlighting the interests of the candidates - and the neighborhood groups that posed the questions.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Florida Department of Transportation said a roundabout at Midnight Pass and Beach roads could make the intersection safer. Courtesy rendering
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 11, 2015
GOING IN CIRCLES: Does Siesta Key need a roundabout?

The Midnight Pass Road/Beach Road intersection experienced 11 accidents in the last five years. The No. 1 concern for Siesta Key residents is pedestrian safety.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 11, 2015
Taking minutes

The length of City Commission meetings has become a topic of concern for those sitting on the board, after commissioners questioned the structure of those meetings during two recent discussions.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Shelli Freeland Eddie
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2015
Your candidates: District three

In advance of the March 10 City Commission election, the Sarasota Observer will profile the six candidates vying for the open District 2 and 3 seats. We begin this week with the District 3 candidates. District 2 candidates will run in the Feb. 19 issue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2015
Our readers respond ...

We asked last week on this page: 'Never again?' It was referring to the Holocaust and implied that Islamic terrorists' atrocities resembled those of the Nazis. We said it was time for the U.S. to act forcefully. Our readers responded - forcefully.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
...
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2015
What's happening: Week of Feb. 12, 2015

Police recover body of Ringling Bridge jumper; County weeds out wildflower program

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Siesta Breakers Condominium on 6480 Midnight Pass Road received the Siesta Key Association’s Sea Grape Award for the most improved landscaping.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2015
This week in history

A glimpse of the way things were from the Pelican Press archives.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2015
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
John Davidson opened his first drug store in 1958 in Siesta Key Village. The store now has two locations on Siesta Key and one in Sarasota. Photo by Jessica Salmond
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 11, 2015
Q+A with John Davidson

John Davidson, owner of Davidson Drugs, opened his first store on Siesta Key in 1958.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cardinal Mooney's Blair Perry drives to the hoop during the first half of a district final game against Bradenton Christian Friday.
  • By Jason Clary
  • February 11, 2015
Cardinal Mooney basketball preps for regional playoffs

It's no secret the Cardinal Mooney boys basketball team has the talent to make a run in the playoffs.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The playground at Payne Park is the only significant amenity the city has added to one of its parks since the late-2000s, staff said at a workshop Monday. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 11, 2015
Commission mulls parks funding

On Monday, the City Commission discussed potential funding sources to help maintain the city's parks.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The new station will double in size compared with the old building, which was built in 1968. Courtesy rendering
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 11, 2015
Fire Station 12: New style, old tradition

Fire Station 12 on Bee Ridge Road will get a new building, but it won't lose its identity.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Joni Steinberg and Sandy Rederer brought their Sarasota Observer along on a recent trip to Cuba. Here they are standing next to a 1950s Chevrolet in the town of Trinidad.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 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
This home at 26 Sandy Hook Road has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,484 square feet of living area. It sold for $4.9 million. Photo by Amanda Morales
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 11, 2015
Home in Sandy Hook sells for $4.9 million

Stephen Moore, trustee, and Jennifer Moore, of Sarasota, sold the home at 26 Sandy Hook Road to Sheri Dwyer, of Sarasota, for $4.9 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Rich Segalland and Shawn Benderson attend the dedication of Jewish Family and Children’s Services' Flanzer campus. Photo courtesy of JFCS
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2015
Business Briefs

JFCS dedicates Flanzer campus The Jewish Family and Children Services; Swim Inc. hires new designer/consultant; Sculpture Center adds two new board members; The Posh Plum opens new store

  • Sarasota
  • News
All three living floors will have a walk-out porch facing the Gulf. Courtesy rendering of RE/MAX Tropical Sands
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 11, 2015
Multi-family building nears completion on Siesta Key

Midnight Pass Road will soon be the site of a one-of-a-kind property as a two-unit, multifamily building nears completion at 1136 Windsong Lane.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Patricia Orzechowski submitted this sunset photo, taken on Nokomis Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2015
Weather: Sarasota

Visit YourObserver.com to submit your local weather or nature-related 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, to be announced in October.*

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nancy Arbuckle and Sarabeth Kalajian
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 11, 2015
Author Luncheon featuring David Baldacci

Author Luncheon featuring David Baldacci

  • Black Tie
Brad Robbins, Anne Virag and West Coast Florida Regional Director, Brian Lipton attend a preview party for the 2015 AJC Global Forum.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 10, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: AJC Global Forum Kickoff

Members of the American Jewish Committee met to kickoff preparations for the 2015 AJC Global Forum on Wednesday, Feb.11 at Williams Parker law offices.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Pamela Hershorin, Nikki Sedacca, Sandra Hanan and Montana Taplinger modeled in the Temple Beth Sholom fashion show.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 10, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Sophisticated Ladies Fashion Show

The Sophisticated Ladies Fashion Show at Temple Beth Sholom took on a the theme of Broadway Bound for the 5th annual event Wednesday, Feb. 11.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although the board took no action, commissioners wanted to consider changing the county's policy on right of way maintenance in the future.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 10, 2015
County commissioners discuss mowing reduction

Sarasota County Commissioners said at today's meeting that the county should consider limiting its responsibility to mow rights of ways because it costs the county $1 million.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The community is invited to come to the new Gulf Gate Public Library with questions and comments for county staff and administration.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 10, 2015
County to hold comprehensive plan workshop

Sarasota County will start the first of a series of public meetings about updating the comprehensive plan tonight.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 10, 2015
Back in the running

We were skeptical last April when former Longboat Key resident John Wallace told us he had reached the finish line of his marathon career.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Edith Barr Dunn attended the Catholic Charities Ball in February 2007. File photo
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 10, 2015
The lady from Longboat Key

Restaurateur, philanthropist and Stetson hat lady Edith Barr Dunn died Feb. 4. She was 94.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
At-large incumbent Commissioner Phill Younger with his challenger, Gene Jaleski, and District 4 candidates Jack Daly and Larry Grossman. Photo by Robin Hartill
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 10, 2015
Candidates sound off at debate

Where do candidates stand on issues?

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 10, 2015
Cookie cruncher

Girl Scouts in Manatee County are in crunch time - cookie crunch time, to be exact.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nancy's Bar-B-Q owner Nancy Krohngold says the future Lakewood Ranch Main Street location will offer patrons the same experience as the original Sarasota restaurant. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 10, 2015
Nancy's Bar-B-Q coming to Main Street

The barbecue restaurant and Barre3 are the final ingredients. Now, Main Street is 100% leased.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 10, 2015
County changes vote on Waterline Road project

The controversial Waterline Road project still has 195 units, but includes more buffering along the roadway.

  • East County
  • News
Gene Witt began his career with the district as an educator in 1955. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 10, 2015
Former Manatee Superintendant Gene Witt leaves 'lasting legacy'

Witt, who worked in the Manatee County School District for 39 years, was 85.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 10, 2015
News Briefs

Police recover body after plunge from Ringling Bridge; Town Hall to close for Presidents Day; Longboat Pass bridge work begins; Mote announces dolphin's death

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 10, 2015
$42.1 million: The cost of undergrounding

A town-wide utility undergrounding project will cost taxpayers $42.1 million according to a draft report. Now commissioners can pick a project and let the voters decide in November if they want to pay for it.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Gene Jaleski has three complaints regarding past Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub hearings he wants the ZBA to review Thursday. File photo
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 10, 2015
Moore's, Mar Vista on Town Hall menu

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will hear complaints from Village resident and commission candidate Gene Jaleski Feb. 12.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 10, 2015
Daly raises $12,930 for campaign

Club Longboat resident Jack Daly has raised more than any of this year's candidates for Longboat Key Town Commission.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Traffic has increased around The Mall at University Town Center, but the county doesn't yet have data to determine by how much. To manage the flow of traffic, it manually changes the traffic signals during peak times. Kurt Schultheis
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 10, 2015
Officials give UTC traffic the yellow light

Traffic isn't flowing as quickly as many residents would prefer, but officials say UTC congestion hasn't been the 'doom and gloom' scenario many feared.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 10, 2015
News Briefs

Napiers found guilty of cruelty; Country Club East upgrades

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

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Jeremy Gandon tees off on the first hole of the Commander Course at Lakewood National Golf Club. The 29-year-old Frenchman carded six under par in the third round.
  • April 4, 2026
Race tightens in third round of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic
2
Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key President Danielle Gladding welcomes guest speaker Longboat Police Chief Russ Mager to update members about his approach to leadership since he assumed the role last autumn at the April 2 meeting.
  • April 4, 2026
Longboat police chief talks digital security with Kiwanians
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Lakewood Ranch's Jerry and Marilyn Schneider, who have been married for 63 years, enjoy the live music at Music on Main April 3.
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St. Regis at Longboat Key is a gulf-facing resort and condo development on the barrier island of Longboat Key. The Unicorp-developed property opened in 2024 at the former site of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.
  • April 4, 2026
St. Regis on track to receive permanent certificate of occupancy, eyes tennis courts
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The Fruitville Townhomes site plan to replace the vacant former Sarasota Lanes bowling center.
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Fruitville bowling alley submits plans to redevelop into 4-story townhomes

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