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Your Observer

The District at UTC, where the Super Target is located, falls within the project's overall boundaries.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 4, 2014
Planning Commission recommends UTC changes

The Sarasota County Planning Commission raised concerns over traffic and wetland mitigation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch sophomore center LaDhazia Williams finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds in the Lady Mustangs 78-15 victory over rival Braden River Dec. 4.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 4, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch vs. Braden River

The Lakewood Ranch High girls basketball team cruised to a 78-15 victory over rival Braden River Dec. 4. Sophomore center LaDhazia Williams scored 24 points and hauled in 10 rebounds to lead the way for the Lady Mustangs. Junior point guard Kailyn Scully had 16 points, five rebounds and three steals. Junior forward Elise Spiller added 15 points, five rebounds and five steals.

  • East County
  • Sports
The White Cottage at Historic Spanish Point is decorated for Holly Days and Mangrove Nights.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 4, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Holly Holiday Party

The smell of night-blooming jasmine filled the air for the Holly Holiday Party at Historic Spanish Point, Friday, Dec. 5.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Carrie Ardgers, Ashley Burroughs, Merete Hermansen and Cindy Hill
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 4, 2014
White Haute

White Haute

  • Black Tie
Jennifer Arreguin, Susana Riedel, Mary Beth Flynn, Santa LaBellman and Lulu Soeder
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 4, 2014
Men, Whiskey and Watches

Men, Whiskey and Watches

  • Black Tie
Sandy Cowing and Lee Dougherty Ross
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 4, 2014
Cause 4 Fashion By the Bay

Cause 4 Fashion By the Bay

  • Black Tie
Norma Martin, center, stands with Rod Thomas, left, and Laura Martin, right, and thanks a 100-person crowd for attending her party Thursday night.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • December 3, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Norma Martin's 100-year Birthday

Norma Martin celebrated an early 100th birthday party at the Bentley Hotel in Osprey Thursday night. The owner, Rod Thomas, wanted to have her party early so he would be able to attend.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Nora Patterson thanked the Siesta Key associations for organizing the party Thursday evening at Daiquiri Deck.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • December 3, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Siesta Key's thank you to Nora Patterson

Siesta Key associations and the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations threw a celebration to thank former county Commissioner Nora Patterson for her service on the board.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
P.J. O’Rourke addresses guests and gives his satirical approach to current political issues.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 3, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Tiger Bay Club Lunchoen featuring P.J. O'Rourke

The Tiger Bay Club hosted author and political satirist P.J. O'Rourke for the monthly luncheon Thursday at Michael's on East.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The 700,000 square feet of space would be located at the eastern portion of the project site, which is home to The Mall at University Town Center.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 3, 2014
Sarasota board considers mall site expansion

As part of the approval, county staff recommends a stipulation requiring the formation of a private transportation management association.

  • East County
  • News
Former Vice Chairwoman Michelle Patterson has been a member of the Heritage Harbour South CDD for about two years.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 3, 2014
Heritage Harbour CDD welcomes new leadership

The Heritage Harbour South CDD elected Michelle Patterson as its chairwoman at the Dec. 2 meeting.

  • East County
  • News
William Brader, Heather Reece and Tom Gruss
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 3, 2014
They CAN do it!

When challenged with the task of building a can structure for food donations, the employees at LexJet, a part of S-One Holdings Corp., delivered.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Christopher Dibert
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 3, 2014
Knights of the Thanksgiving table

More than 650 meals were served during Our Lady of Victory, Knights of Columbus Council 3358's 29th annual Thanksgiving Feed the Hungry dinner.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 3, 2014
High Five Moments of the Week

The Observer counts down the top five sports moments of the week.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The spending called into question includes a $15,000 grant, given to an outside group as part of a larger fundraising campaign to promote the district.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 3, 2014
Barfield scrutinizes DID spending

Following allegations of impropriety, the city is now working to clarify the spending authority of the Downtown Improvement District board.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Eileen Walsh Normile and Stan Zimmerman joined the City Commission Nov. 19. On Monday, the commissioners attended their first regular meeting on the board. Photo by David Conway
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 3, 2014
New commissioners speak out

Two recently appointed city commissioners have emphasized a focus on collegiality, but the pair says they're also unafraid to speak their minds.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Glenn Zimmerman, Sarasota County director of IT. Photo by Jessica Salmond
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • December 3, 2014
County confident system can deter cyber attacks

In the aftermath of the Sarasota County School District's cyber attack, the Sarasota County IT department says user monitoring and access level can help prevent attacks.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 3, 2014
Sidelines

Eleven-year-old wins designated championship; Lady Sailors basketball sinks rival Lady Rams; McMahon leads Cougars basketball to a win; and more local sports news.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 3, 2014
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 3, 2014
Our View

Revise the Van Wezel model

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
A Sahib Shriner, of Sahib Shrine Temple, drove a vintage car in last year’s Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade. File photo
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 3, 2014
Seasonal celebrations promise to spread cheer

This holiday season, Sarasota is pulling out all the stops to celebrate.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Beach Way sign
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • December 3, 2014
Siesta Isles Association scopes out new signage

The homeowners association wants to brighten up the entrances to the deed-restricted community.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although the property sits in the shadow of downtown high-rise construction, the area around 1505 Dolphin St. is largely comprised of one- and two-story buildings. Photo by David Conway
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 3, 2014
Developer pitches Burns Court condo

A vacant lot on Dolphin Street could become home for an eight-story condominium building.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 3, 2014
Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Wellington Chase Homeowners Association President Kathy Peters, center, asks the developer why only a few homeowners seemed to receive notice of the proposed zoning change. Photo by Jessica Salmond
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • December 3, 2014
Apartment plans rile Palmer Ranch residents

Residents mainly from the Wellington Chase neighborhood voiced their displeasure during a three-hour meeting with the project's developer.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Francis Tiner lives in city of Sarasota limits. His hens — or his "girls"— are fenced in his yard, and he considers them pets. "Chickens are personable," Tiner said. Photo by Jessica Salmond
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • December 3, 2014
County residents peck at chicken-keeping ban

CLUCK hopes the county will adopt similar chicken-keeping allowances as the city. Its online petition has garnered 600 signatures.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Graphic by Nicole Thompson
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 3, 2014
Mobility plan raises questions for residents

The city's proposed changes to impact fees for new developments have some residents concerned they won't prevent traffic issues in their area.

  • Sarasota
  • News
SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. Rick Doherty and Mary Puleo took their Observer along for a visit to the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shinto Shrine in southern Koyoto, Japan. This shrine has ancient origins predating 794.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 3, 2014
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
  • December 3, 2014
Business Briefs

LoriTech moves into new space on Beneva Road; White Aluminum receives honor from magazine; Soul Studios opens in former Flex building; PEMCO appoints field risk manager

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Unit 502 at 136 Golden Gate Point has three bedrooms, three baths, one half-bath and 3,785 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.86 million. File photo
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 3, 2014
The Phoenix condo sells for $1.86 million

A condominium in The Phoenix tops all transactions in this week's real estate.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Nathan Frantz submitted this sunset photo, taken at Bee Ridge Park on Thanksgiving Eve.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 3, 2014
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
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 2, 2014
Cops Corner: East County

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
Madeline Raftery and Barbara Bell
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • December 2, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Mary Christmas Party

On Dec. 3, St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church held its annual Christmas party, which featured a performance by soprano Michelle Giglio and accompanist Lee Dougherty Ross.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
About 70 people showed up at the neighborhood meeting held at the Covenant Life Presbyterian Church Tuesday night.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • December 2, 2014
Palmer Ranch plans anger residents

Wellington Chase residents voiced their displeasure for a proposed development in Palmer Ranch at a neighborhood meeting.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Although residential construction has picked up in the downtown core, the area surrounding 1505 Dolphin St. is mostly occupied by one- and two-story commercial buildings.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 2, 2014
Developer pitches eight-story Burns Court condo

A vacant lot on Dolphin Street could serve as the home of a six-unit condominium building, as a developer has begun plans to build a project on the land.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jerry Schoenholtz, vice president of Tandem Construction, developer Randy Moore, interior designer Carrie Riley, Michael Saunders, president of Michael Saunders and Company, and architect Mark Sultana
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • December 2, 2014
INFINITY Longboat Key groundbreaking

On Dec. 3, INFINITY Longboat Key held its groundbreaking.

  • 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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Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
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Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
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Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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