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Your Observer

    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • October 2, 2014
Classmates help international students navigate high school

Three seniors at Cardinal Mooney High started a club this year to help international students get more involved.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 2, 2014
News Briefs

Garden Club restores historical sculpture; The Legacy Trail to receive beacon sign at crossing; USF Sarasota-Manatee selects regional chancellor

  • Sarasota
  • News
Already a popular attraction downtown on Saturdays, the Sarasota Farmers Market is planning a Wednesday event in a new location.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 2, 2014
Farmers market hopes to grow to Wednesdays

The Sarasota Farmers Market is planning to hold a mid-week event in Five Points Park, a proposal that has drawn both praise and concern.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jay Patel has long been an advocate for the redevelopment of the North Trail. He's enlisting the help of other stakeholders like Maegan Ochoa as he attempts to revitalize his own property. Photo by Alex Mahadevan
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 2, 2014
Motel owner outlines vision for Trail

Jay Patel, the owner of the Regency Inn on North Tamiami Trail, believes improvements to his motel property could eventually lead to widespread improvements in the area.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • October 2, 2014
Tourism season stretches into Labor Day

Summer sporting events and revved up marketing campaigns sparked a 77.5% occupancy rate in July.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 2, 2014
DSA looks to Nashville for lessons on new code

The Downtown Sarasota Alliance hosted a lecture from a Nashville head planner to learn about the process of implementing a form-based code and fostering growth.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 2, 2014
Starlite Room makes play for theater crowd

As Tyler Yurckonis prepared to move into a space that housed one of Sarasota's oldest restaurants, he looked for a way to fill a new niche in the area.

  • Sarasota
  • News
John and Ida Chidsey, snowbirds who lived in Sarasota in the 1930s and ‘40s, donated $25,000 to the city to open its first public library building.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • October 2, 2014
Historical Commission strives to expand in historic library building

After Visit Sarasota County moves out of Chidsey Library, county historical resources wants to take its former space.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The farmhouse, built in 1916, was the first building erected on the Phillippi Estate. Photo by Jessica Salmond
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • October 2, 2014
Phillippi Farmhouse Market raises money for restoration

Now in its fifth year, the Wednesday farmers market has expanded and raised funds to help restore its historical location.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 2, 2014
Laurel Park project clears first hurdle

The second proposal to go through the Laurel Park Overlay District review process - a mixed-use development with 24 residential units - drew few concerns from residents.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Effective Oct. 31, the Manatee County School District will no longer contract with Sarasota Security Patrol, Inc. to provide unarmed security officials to area elementary schools.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • October 2, 2014
Manatee County School District cancels security contract

Schools Superintendent Rick Mills announced Oct. 1 that the Manatee County School District is canceling its contract with Sarasota Security Patrol, Inc., effective Oct. 31.

  • East County
  • Schools
Center for Architecture Sarasota Chair, Cindy Peterson and Joe Farrell of Architects Hawaii Ltd.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • October 1, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: CFA kicks off Archtober

The Center for Architecture Sarasota celebrated one year and kicked off a month-long celebration of architecture and design with Archtober.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The site in question is located adjacent to Lakewood Ranch Cinemas.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 1, 2014
SMR requests continuance

Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch will continue a public hearing on its University Lakes DRI proposal to Nov. 6.

  • East County
  • News
Rick Bernhardt, executive director of the Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County Planning Commission, said form-based codes have helped Nashville grow over the past decade.
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 1, 2014
DSA looks to Nashville for lessons on new code

The Downtown Sarasota Alliance hosted a lecture from a Nashville head planner to learn about the process of implementing a form-based code and fostering growth.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Phillippi Farmhouse Market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday from October through April. Wednesday, Oct. 1 was its first market day this fall.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • October 1, 2014
Phillippi Farmhouse Market kicks off sixth season

The Wednesday market runs from October to March. The market, located on the Phillippi Estate grounds, gathers 30 to 45 vendors each week.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The 880,000-square-foot shopping center will offer a range of environmentally-friendly features when it opens Oct. 16, from energy-efficient light bulbs to 16 electric car charging stations.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • October 1, 2014
The Mall at University Town Center boasts environmentally-friendly features

The Mall at University Town Center will offer energy-efficient light bulbs and 16 car charging stations, among other environmentally-friendly features.

  • East County
  • News
Courtesy Friendship Centers.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • October 1, 2014
Friendship Centers welcomes director of development

Senior Friendship Centers, Inc. welcomes Marty Katz as the new director of development and marketing.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 1, 2014
Bulldogs battle Wildcats in wet weather

The East Manatee Bulldogs posted a pair of wins against the Manatee Wildcats Sept. 27, at G.T. Bray Park.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 1, 2014
ODA girls remain unbeaten

The Out-of-Door Academy girls swim team continued its undefeated season with a 156-134 victory over Port Charlotte Sept. 30.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
Cops Corner: East County

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
Casks of rum inside the Siesta Key Rum distillery.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
IN THE KITCHEN - Local Field Trip: Siesta Key Rum

Join chef John Horne on a field trip to the locally owned and operated Siesta Key Rum distillery. Then go in the kitchen at the USF Culinary Innovation Lab as chef Horne prepares a spiced rum cake with rum syrup.

  • Arts + Culture
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
IN THE KITCHEN - Local Field Trip: Siesta Key Rum

IN THE KITCHEN - Local Field Trip: Siesta Key Rum

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Kiwanis members Eric Teoh, Michael Garey, John Wild, incoming President Armando Linde, Corey Schaul, Michael Renick and outgoing President Richard Crawford. Photos by Caleb Motsinger
  • By Caleb Motsinger
  • October 1, 2014
Passing the gavel

Armando Linde plans to continue the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key's growth in his new role as president.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch High senior Nicole Grant has helped lead the Lady Mustangs to district championships each of the past three seasons. File photo
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 1, 2014
LWR Mustang commits to Owls

Lakewood Ranch High senior middle hitter Nicole Grant plans to play beach volleyball for Florida Atlantic University next year.

  • East County
  • Sports
Charles Hayes set a new ODA school record in the 100-yard backstroke Sept. 9 with a time of 1 minute, 4.31 seconds. Photo by Jen Blanco
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 1, 2014
Back in action

After a debilitating knee injury a year ago, sophomore Charles Hayes returned to competitive swimming last month.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
High Five Moments of the Week

The top five sports moments of the week.

  • East County
  • Sports
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
Ashlynn Martin put her "paws" to action

Ashlynn Martin's dance-a-thon fundraiser Sept. 7, at Jump Dance Co., benefitting Nate's Honor Animal Rescue and its Lexi's Paw Pals program, welcomed more than 60 participants.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Petey
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
Honor seeks home for Petey

A 1-year-old hound dog named Petey has been waiting to find a new home for more than 6 months at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Some residents have seen traffic backups at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club that are backed up almost to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 1, 2014
Gate policies irk residents

Guards at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club gates are trained to ask questions and record data on those entering. But residents say the practice creates annoying backups.

  • East County
  • News
With two weeks to go until The Mall at University Town Center opens Oct. 16, mall businesses are interviewing prospective employees and going through extensive training. Photos by Amanda Sebastiano
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • October 1, 2014
UTC attracts diverse workforce

The Cheesecake Factory has team members transferring from cities more than a 30-mile radius away to come work at the mall. Others are coming from out of state.

  • East County
  • News
McKitrick, second from left
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
Golfer sees swinging success

Longboat Key resident Arlene McKitrick celebrated her 200th golf championship win this week at Sara Bay Country Club in an FSGA event.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
Mote receives NOAA grant

Mote Marine Laboratory recently received a $99,615 grand for its dolphin and whale rehabilitation efforts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Yvonne Schloss, owner of Sunglass Express Optical, fits a customer with new glasses Monday, at her St. Armands Circle store. Schloss believes the mall will draw more potential shoppers to the area. Photo by Caleb Motsinger
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 1, 2014
Circle spotlight

As the new Mall at University Town Center generates buzz, Circle merchants focus on what makes the shopping district unique.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The 31-unit Arbomar condominium is located at 4485 Gulf of Mexico Drive. File photo
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 1, 2014
Arbomar dispute continues through calls, court

The condo dispute rages on, according to police reports and court records.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Manfred Welfonder stands in front of the shuttered Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, where he used to play tennis. Photo by Robin Hartill
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 1, 2014
After seven years, Welfonder still pursues the Colony plan

Longboat Key resident Manfred Welfonder still believes he can solve the legal warfare over the shuttered resort through a business resolution.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 1, 2014
Scammers dial Key residents

Has the IRS called you to say you owe money? It's probably part of a growing scam.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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Latest News

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
3
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
4
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
5
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy

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