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Your Observer

The Observer wants you to share your favorite holiday memory or mishap in about 300 words or less.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 14, 2014
Observer seeks holiday memories stories

The Observer is collecting holiday stories that center around a great holiday memory or a holiday mishaps for our Dec. 25 issue.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A diamondback terrapin hatchling
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • December 14, 2014
Mote Aquarium to hold exhibit on life cycles of marine animals

'Oh Baby! Life Cycles of the Seas" will explore marine animal romance, babies and families.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Entrepreneur Jesse Biter bought the future site of Paddy Wagon Irish Pub in downtown Sarasota for $2 million in 2012.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 14, 2014
Downtown Sarasota attracts more nightlife options

Owners of the Paddy Wagon Irish Pub aim to open this summer on Main Street.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Two of the alleged incidents are still under investigation.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • December 14, 2014
Sheriff's Office investigates stabbing, homicide and an attempted robbery

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office reported multiple crimes occurred over the weekend.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The town hired Hoyt Architects to create sketches for a possible town center. (Courtesy)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 14, 2014
Public workshop to focus on town center concept

The first public workshop to discuss a possible town center will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Ranch CDD meetings for December start at 8 a.m. Thursday at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 14, 2014
Ranch CDDs debate gator policy this week

Community Development Districts 2, 5 and 6 attorney Andy Cohen doesn't believe the CDDs should set a gator policy.

  • East County
  • News
Members of the Sisterhood of Temple Beth Sholom: Ruthe Actor, Randi Brodsky, Jane Greenfield, Arlene Levine and Betty Levitt.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 14, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Temple Beth Sholom Latkes & Vodka

The ladies of the Temple Beth Sholom sisterhood shared fellowship and songs during Latkes & Vodka Sunday, Dec. 14.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Observer Challenge Division four champions Jim Purcell, Roger Blair, Kristin Beeman and Angie Eason display their trophy.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 14, 2014
MONDAY EVENT MASHUP: Weekend photo events

Observer Challenge; Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade; Living Nativity; and MORE!

  • Longboat Key
  • News
As part of her plans for growth, Rominiecki said Selby Gardens could offer a museum-like experience to draw repeat customers.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 14, 2014
Selby Gardens hires new CEO

Jennifer Rominiecki will bring 15 years of experience with the New York Botanical Garden to Sarasota, as she steps in as the new CEO of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nancy Barrie and Marvin Kadesh
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 14, 2014
Puttin' On the Ritz for the Betterment of Our Community - JFCS Gala

Puttin' On the Ritz for the Betterment of Our Community - JFCS Gala

  • Black Tie
An entry from Fruitville Elementary School in the CYD Gingerbread Festival.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 13, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: CYD Gingerbread Festival

More than 100 gingerbread houses are on display for the CYD 6th annual Gingerbread Festival this weekend at Westfield Sarasota Square Mall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A boat decorated as a Christmas tree makes its way down the bay for the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 13, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Holiday Boat Parade

Boats of all shapes and sizes lit up the waterways for the Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on Sarasota Bay Saturday night.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jake Roman, 8, is all smiles during "The 12 Days of Christmas."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 13, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Bashaw Chorus

Students in the Bashaw Elementary School Chorus showcased the holiday spirit with a special Christmas music show for parents Dec. 11. The children joined students from Miller Elementary Dec. 14, to sing in the Manatee Village Historical Park during its special Christmas open house event.

  • East County
  • News
Knickole Barger and her daughter Katherine Curtis
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 13, 2014
Christmas in Candy Land 'Winter Wonderland'

Christmas in Candy Land 'Winter Wonderland'

  • Black Tie
Erica Lawson and her bachelorette party reindeers prepare for the Sandy Claws Beach Run.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: 38th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run

Runners hit the sand this morning on Siesta Beach for holiday-themed 5K the 38th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The forecast called for snow at Gecko's Grill and Pub for the Southside Village Holiday Stroll.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Southside Village Holiday Stroll

The night was perfect for residents to take a stroll Friday for the Southside Village Holiday Stroll along Hillview Street and Osprey Avenue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Gavin, Cynthia, Kyla and Billy Swales enjoy time together.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Supper with Santa

Braden River Elementary School's Parent Teacher Organization welcomed more than 600 people to the school's annual Supper with Santa event Dec. 11.

  • East County
  • News
Alayna Montgomery and Caleb Jordan, as Mary and Joseph, hold the newborn baby Jesus, played by 2-month-old Daniel Lawson.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Living Nativity

Performance of the Living Nativity, at the Tabernacle Church in Sarasota, run at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. through Dec. 14.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Santa listens to Carter Ebling's Christmas list.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 11, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Holidays Around the Ranch

Christmas music and cookies, Santa Claus and carolers took over the Holidays Around the Ranch celebration, Dec. 12, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

  • East County
  • News
Boats float by in the Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 11, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade

Grab your beach chair this weekend for the parade where the floats actually float on by for the Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.

  • Sarasota
  • News
This week's FYI Friday features two stories about teen criminals, an update from SRQ Airport, alligator news and more!
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 11, 2014
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 position is a part of the reorganization of the county's departmental structure.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • December 11, 2014
Sarasota County hires development services manager

Dennis Murphy, who worked previously as the director of growth management for the city Punta Gorda, will begin Monday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Renovations at Marina Jack include a new patio bar and service station, and a new commercial kitchen to service that area.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 11, 2014
Marina Jack to get new look

Halfacre Construction Co. has been chosen to oversee a renovation project at Marina Jack.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mar Vista owner Ed Chiles first sought to build a second story deck for the restaurant in 2010. (File photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 11, 2014
Town staff recommends Mar Vista project

Owner Ed Chiles aims to build a second story deck but no longer seeks to increase the restaurant's seating.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Three snowmen — Vincent Vanacore, Garrett Brooks and Jordan Janeck — show off their costumes.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 11, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Snow Jubilee

Robert E. Willis Elementary third-grade students sang and danced their way across the stage during the Snow Jubilee play Dec. 12.

  • East County
  • News
Barbara Strauss
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • December 11, 2014
Our View: The givers .... of joy

The sides of Main were teeming with children filled with joy and excitement as they watched and waved at 4,000 parade participants marching the length of Main Street. What a great gift for the families of Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Chris Norton and Jordan Hoopingarner enjoy a night out with friends.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 11, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Manatee Young Professionals' Networking Social

Future business leader movers and shakers met for their monthly networking social, Dec. 11, at Stonewood Grill & Tavern.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Town Hall seeks applicants for an open CDD 5 board seat.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 11, 2014
Bishop retiring from CDD 6 board

Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 5 Secretary Tom Bishop has been a board member for six years.

  • East County
  • News
Ed Bertha, Kim Burns and Ted Gollnick
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 11, 2014
Sarasota Exotic Car Fest Kickoff Party

Sarasota Exotic Car Fest Kickoff Party

  • Black Tie
Nada and David Farr take a turn on the dance floor.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 10, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: The Glenridge Holiday Gala

Residents of The Glenridge mixed, mingled and danced the night away for the annual Holiday Gala Wednesday evening.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Chef Ray Arpke shares his favorite holiday recipe.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 10, 2014
HOLIDAY EATS: Euphemia Haye

Euphemia Haye Owner and Chef Ray Arpke shares one of his favorite holiday meal of Sauerbraten, Braised Red Cabbage and Potato Dumplings.

  • Arts + Culture
John and Sonja Ellis
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • December 10, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Seaplace holiday party

Seaplace residents celebrated the holidays on Dec. 10.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Michael Drake and President Fred Kagi
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • December 10, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Longbeach Village Christmas party

Moore's Stone Crab Restaurant was closed to customers on the evening of Dec. 10 for Longbeach Village Association's annual Christmas party. Residents of the Village, some dressed as elves and Santa Claus, came out to celebrate the holidays and their neighbors.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Manatee County Animal Services will have dogs and cats available for $20 this weekend.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 10, 2014
Animal Services offers holiday adoption specials

Dec. 13 and Dec. 14, Manatee County Animal Services is offering dogs and cats for discounted prices.

  • East County
  • News
Deputy Chief Steve Moyer, Chief Bernadette DiPino, Roger Ralph and Nate Brown. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 10, 2014
Stepping up to the plate

The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County teamed up to bring the anti-bullying event Rachel's Challenge to Sarasota Dec. 3.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cameron and Katie Morton with their daughter, Hannah. Photo by Amanda Morales
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 10, 2014
Helping out by working out

Few workouts help a good cause and provide a good sweat at the same time.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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