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Your Observer

Caleb Batson, Lydia and Molly Warrington, and Christina Batson make their red carpet debut.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 16, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Inspiration Film Fest

Private Christian school Inspiration Academy hosted its first international film festival, Inspiration Film Fest, Jan. 17, at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas. The event featured 35 films throughout the day and ended with a cocktail hour, awards ceremony and question-and-answer session with "The Walking Dead" star Lawrence Gilliard Jr.

  • East County
  • News
Artist Michael Behrens with his “Seaforms 2011-18”
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • January 16, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Reflections from the Fire at Longboat Key Center for the Arts

The Longboat Key Center for the Arts in collaboration with Habatat Galleries held its opening for Reflections from the Fire on Jan. 16. The exhibition will be on display until Feb. 26 and displays glasswork by artists representing 13 countries from around the world.

  • Arts + Culture
This week’s FYI Friday features news about a bomb threat at Southside Elementary, a Rosemary District update and more!
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 15, 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
Mike Evanoff is the owner of Evie's Tavern, one of three nightlife options slated to move into Jesse Biter-owned properties in the 1500 block of Main Street this year.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 15, 2015
Evie's owner discusses Main Street move

Mike Evanoff is in the process of opening a new sports bar and bowling alley on Main Street - slated to go under construction soon - and retooling the Evie's Tavern location on Ringling.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Commissioner Phill Younger has served on the commission since 2010.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 15, 2015
Younger leads in fundraising for commission race

Commissioner Phill Younger raised $6,400 through Jan. 7, according to campaign reports.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The value of the stolen metals was estimated to be $8,800.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • January 15, 2015
Dental tech caught pawning dental gold

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office arrested Isaiah Fast for stealing and pawning gold and palladium silver.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Randy Cooper constructed the library, pictured here. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 15, 2015
Library added to Conservatory Park

Conservatory Park is the sixth county park to receive a "Little Free Library."

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 15, 2015
Neal breaks ground on Indigo

Located at the intersection of Pope Road and 44th Avenue East, Indigo will be a gated, island-resort style community with maintenance-included homes.

  • East County
  • News
Government employees will not be able to send emails starting at 6 p.m. tonight through 8 a.m. Jan. 20.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 15, 2015
County email down over weekend

Manatee County Government offices will be closed Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as well.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
President Gail Loefgren
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • January 14, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce held a special Business After Hours event at Sailor Circus Academy, Jan. 15. The academy's students, who range in age from fourth to 12th grade, filled the night with performances while chamber members munched on carnival food.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Virginia Sanders and Mayor Jim Brown
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • January 14, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Garden Club Arbor Day celebration

The Longboat Key Garden Club held its annual Arbor Day event at Bicentennial Park, where it donated a tree to be planted on Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Students have been evacuated and accounted for at Southside Elementary, which was the target of a bomb threat Thursday afternoon. (Courtesy Sarasota Police Department)
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 14, 2015
UPDATE: 'All clear' after bomb threat at Southside Elementary

Southside Elementary School was evacuated following a bomb threat this afternoon.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Carly Mitchell watches the ball before moving down the field.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 14, 2015
Mustangs defeat Bobcats to continue in districts

In their first district game of the season, the Lakewood Ranch Lady Mustangs defeated the North Port Bobcats, 2-0, Jan. 14. The 4A-11 semifinal win advances Lakewood Ranch to its second district game, Jan. 16, at home against Venice High School.

  • East County
  • Sports
Although Blackburn Point Park is already a popular fishing spot, Dave Babel said the new additions, such as the boat launch and fishing pier, will add to the foot traffic. File photo.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • January 14, 2015
Marina owner asks for crosswalk at Blackburn Point

Dave Babel, owner of Osprey Harbor Club Marina, is concerned for pedestrian safety between his bait shop and the new fishing pier in the park.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Manatee County will see more job and population growth in 2015, Economist Dr. Henry "Hank" Fishkind said today.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 14, 2015
Economist sees job and population growth for Manatee County in 2015

Dr. Henry "Hank" Fishkind sees positive trends in job and population growth for Manatee County in 2015, according to the economist's economic forecast presentation, Jan. 15, at Manatee Technical College's State Road 70 campus.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 14, 2015
Sarasota on the social map

... Well, we already knew that, right? Now apparently all of New York knows how wonderful our slice of paradise is, too.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Carol Sawyer
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 14, 2015
Elephant in the room

Ironically, Carol Sawyer says that her collection of elephants has nothing to do with her position as president of the Republican Women's Club of Sarasota but more so with her love of elephants.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 14, 2015
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
FRENCH CONNECTION. Patrick Enright visited his uncle, Frank Enright, this summer in Paris and caught up on their Observer news near the Eiffel Tower.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 14, 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. YOUROBSERVER.COM/ITSREADEVERYWHERE

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Camille Giardina is leading the Lady Sailors in points, assists and steals, but the senior point guard's leadership also includes setting the tone for her younger teammates. Photos by Jessica Salmond
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 14, 2015
Senior moment

Hungry to improve after a surprising run to the state semifinals, the Sarasota High School girls squad is on a roll again behind the leadership of senior Camille Giardina.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Patrol officers like J.D. Miller have taken on additional responsibilities as the Sarasota Police Department has undergone staffing cuts over the past several years. Photo by David Conway
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 14, 2015
Policing policy

Down more than 20% of its sworn officers since 2007, the Sarasota Police Department is adjusting to life with a leaner force.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cindy Kolb fishes at a beach access across from Givens Street on Siesta Key. Lido Key is across Big Pass in the distance.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • January 14, 2015
Corps to redesign Lido groins

All three groins will be designed to be smaller and less intensive as part of the Big Pass dredging project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jason Bennett shares his thoughts regarding the city's bayfront at an event Saturday, at JDub's Brewing Co. Photo by David Conway
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 14, 2015
Vision statements

In its quest to guide the redevelopment of 75 acres of bayfront land, Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 remains focused on six principles - and keeping the public involved.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 14, 2015
St. Armands BID circles traffic issues

As area stakeholders await an update on a parking study, the St. Armands Business Improvement District board hopes to find solutions to some shorter-term traffic woes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jessica Hays, formerly the director of community awareness at Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, starts her new role as president and CEO Monday. Photo by Amanda Morales
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • January 14, 2015
Hays will continue SPARCC's mission

SPARCC promotes from within in choosing Jessica Hays to replace outgoing president Olivia Thomas.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The municipal parking lot is located near the intersection of Calle Minorga and Avenida Madera. Nearby residents say when the lot is full, they see an uptick on cars parked on their streets. Photo by Jessica Salmond
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • January 14, 2015
Commission tables parking ban for Siesta streets

Sarasota County commissioners want the fire department to review the parking issues on Avenida Milano and Avenida Madera before they take a vote later this month on banning parking there.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Beginning this month, Darwin's on 4th owner Darwin Santa Maria, right, has paid homeless individuals camped on nearby Kumquat Court to assist him with jobs in and around his restaurant. Courtesy photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 14, 2015
Rosemary stakeholders search for solutions

As issues stemming from a growing homeless population have worsened, people in the Rosemary District are addressing the problems themselves.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • January 14, 2015
Flatwoods conservation changes irk residents

Commissioners laud environmental connectivity; residents worry for species survival.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 14, 2015
Letters to the Editor

Condo Council lighting contest is unfair; Settling the lawsuit would have no effect

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Kafi Benz, new board president, presents Lourdes Ramirez with CONA's 2014 Citizen of the Year award. Photo by Jessica Salmond
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • January 14, 2015
CONA forms committee to examine county issues

The top three issues the association will investigate this year are new sidewalks, roadway improvements and wildlife animal control.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Unit 303 condominium at 5300 Ocean Blvd. has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,375 square feet of living area. It sold for $910,000. Photo by Amanda Morales
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 14, 2015
Condominium in Terrace East sells for $910,000

A condominium in Terrace East tops all transactions in this week's real estate.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
David Macdonald submitted this sunset photo, taken on Siesta Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 14, 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
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 14, 2015
Cops Corner: East County

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
Newlyweds Judith Glickman and Leonard Lauder. Photo by Cliff Roles.
    By
  • Stephanie Hannum
  • January 13, 2015
Sarasota on the social map

The New York Social Diary discovers Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Over the next two months, a FEMA project will restore sand to the eroded Lido Key shoreline. Lido residents have repeatedly voiced concerns about the vulnerability of their shores.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 13, 2015
Short-term Lido renourishment begins Thursday

As Lido Key residents await approval for a long-term shoreline restoration project, a smaller renourishment effort is aimed at restoring sand lost after Tropical Storm Debby.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A mediation to resolve two lawsuits around the death of Donald Mader, a bicyclist who died April 4, 2014, after being struck by a vehicle, has failed.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 13, 2015
Mediation fails in cyclist death lawsuit

Joyce Mader, whose husband died in April after being struck by a car, has filed two lawsuits.

  • East County
  • 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
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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.
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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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The Fruitville Townhomes site plan to replace the vacant former Sarasota Lanes bowling center.
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