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Your Observer

Photo courtesy of Michael Saunders and Co.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
News Briefs

Longboat home sells for $3.45 million; Town, Sarasota County commissioners to meet; ZBA to hear setback petition

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Former Longboat Key resident Tana Sandefur was a philanthropic tour de force.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • October 1, 2014
Tana Sandefur: ringmaster of Sarasota

The late philanthropist dedicated her life to connecting the community.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A new solar irrigation pump constructed by maintenance crews waters new trees and shrubbery in spots around the Ranch that aren't close to irrigation wells. Photo by Amanda Sebastiano
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • October 1, 2014
Lakewood Ranch continues green practices

Town Hall utilizes solar technology to irrigate plants and finds creative ways to save the Ranch cash.

  • East County
  • News
Like in the Chicago location, guests who choose to sit at the bar can see into the kitchen through a specially designed linen glass, which allows them to watch chefs in action.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 1, 2014
Saks' restaurant only second in nation

Although it's located inside the store, Sophie's Sarasota is designed to draw in dine-in only customers to the new Saks Fifth Avenue store.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
News Briefs

Mall makes a splash with water-themed amenities; School District sued over security officer decision; Florida Balloon Festival canceled due to weather

  • East County
  • News
Commissioner Vanessa Baugh says some East County residents are upset about the height of The Venue and the proximity of the buildings to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 1, 2014
Venue appearance, location concerns neighbors

The Venue apartment complex already is 15% leased but some residents worry if it fits in with the Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 1, 2014
Ranch man tackles Appalachian Trail

After five months of hiking, Ken Knowles can't believe his 2,183-mile venture is over after hiking the trail for the third time. He finished the route with his brother, Sean.

  • East County
  • News
Jim Hill is interested in serving on the county level to represent Lakewood Ranch on growth matters coming before the Manatee County Planning Commission. Photo by Kurt Schultheis
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 1, 2014
Hill sees planning vacancies as opportunity

Jim Hill believes vacancies on a planning board should be an eye opener for residents to help manage growth in the Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 1, 2014
Sidelines

Lakewood Ranch gym opens new facility; Cougars suffer first loss; ODA tees off in tri-match; Golfers win championship

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 1, 2014
Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • East County
  • Sports
Christian Cotter submitted this photo, taken on an old railroad grade trail east of I-75.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
Weather: East County

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*.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A year after finding the distressed sea turtle near the Old Salty Dog, Paul Waldrop and Mike Leworthy release the turtle, nicknamed C.J., back into Sarasota Bay from the north end of Longboat Key. Photo by Caleb Motsinger
  • By Caleb Motsinger
  • October 1, 2014
Mote releases green sea turtle one year after rescue

The green sea turtle that would later be nicknamed C.J. was in the right place at the right time when it became distressed near two Mote Marine employees who were fishing at a nearby dock after work.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 1, 2014
Report flunks firefighter pension plan

All three plans received low grades, but there's good news: The study used measures from 2012, before the plans froze.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 1, 2014
Longboat Garden Club plans for smart growth

Madelyn Spoll is president of the Longboat Key Garden Club, but she isn't a fan of gardening.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Chris Elbon joined the town as its code enforcement officer in September. Photo by Caleb Motsinger
  • By Caleb Motsinger
  • October 1, 2014
Town hires new code enforcement officer

Chris Elbon, 28, is a nine-year Army veteran. He took on the new role in September.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
Our View

Where pot vote will take us

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
Obituary: Lamont Dell Fogt

Lamont Dell Fogt, 92, formerly of Longboat Key, died Sept. 1.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
Obituary: Arthur Brock

Arthur Brock, 90, of Sarasota and formerly of Longboat Key and New Rochelle, N.Y., died Sept. 22.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Pilar Guillen pulls monofilament out of a tree at the cleanup in 2012. File photo
  • By Caleb Motsinger
  • October 1, 2014
Cleanup aims to protect wildlife from fishing line

Sarasota Bay Watch and Florida Audubon volunteers will remove fishing line from rookeries this Saturday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This home at 6270 Gulf of Mexico Drive has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,457 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.05 million. Photo by Caleb Motsinger
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 1, 2014
Sleepy Lagoon home sells for $2.05 million

A home in Sleepy Lagoon tops all transactions in this week's real estate.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Eric Teoh and Michael Renick. Photo by Caleb Motsinger
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
Business Briefs

Team Renick Real Estate to sponsor Gourmet Lawn Party; Cannons Marina to host St. Armands Boat Show; Realtor wins prize from American Bar Association

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Patricia Bond submitted this sunrise photo, taken on Coquina Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 1, 2014
Weather: Longboat Key

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.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lennar's Cambridge Grande model, in Bridgewater, features 3,025 square feet of space, three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and a three-car garage. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 1, 2014
Ranch prepares for annual Tour of Homes

This year's event features 30 model homes and 11 builders in six communities within Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Braden Woods resident Braden Chandler was named Braden River's new varsity boys soccer coach Sept. 26. Photo by Jen Blanco
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 1, 2014
Familiar Face

Braden Chandler coached the Braden River boys soccer team from 2005 to 2009. He returns to the post this season after a stint with a major league soccer team.

  • East County
  • Sports
This home at 13623 Legends Walk Terrace has five bedrooms, fourth baths, a pool and 4,476 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.21 million. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 1, 2014
The Concession home sells for $1.8 million

A home in Concession tops all transactions in this week's real estate.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The schoolhouse still has original and donated desks inside. Photo by Amanda Sebastiano
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • October 1, 2014
Community school house celebrates 100th birthday

Built in 1914, the Old Miakka Schoolhouse still stands as a symbol of a rural community in eastern Sarasota County.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
kiki
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • September 30, 2014
Darwin's ramps up for Safe Sex Bash with Pre-Party Kiki

Darwin's ramps up for Safe Sex Bash with Pre-Party Kiki

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By Zara Barrie
  • September 30, 2014
Factory Girl: Broke and fabulous

Factory Girl: Broke and fabulous

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ciliana Jean, Mandkhai Zorigt and Nicole Juliano
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • September 30, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Maison Blanche Farm to Fork Dinner

Guests gathered for the Maison Blanche Farm to Fork final dinner prepared by Chef Jose Martinez and USFSM Hospitality students Tuesday, Sept. 30, at USFM Culinary Innovation Lab in Lakewood Ranch.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Jose Torres, Sarah Morgan and Kathy and Dr. Jim Demler
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • September 30, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Maison Blanche Farm to Fork

Guests took a tour of Sweetgrass Farms before enjoying a meal on site during the 'Maison Blanche Farm to Fork' food and wine experience Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Sweetgrass Farms.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Jessica Shiffner and the rest of the Sarasota volleyball team celebrate a point during their rivalry match versus Riverview Sept. 29.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 30, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Volleyball vs. Riverview

The Sarasota High volleyball team rallied from a two-set deficit to beat rival Riverview 19-25, 17-25, 27-25, 27-25, 15-10 in non-district action Sept. 29.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
This year alone, Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program and animal hospitals have responded to more than 80 stranded sea turtles and 40 stranded marine mammals.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • September 30, 2014
Mote receives NOAA grant

The grant was one of 35 awards totaling $2.7 million that NOAA awarded in the 2014 cycle of its John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Assistance Grant Program.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Local children’s books author Howard Binkow presents his series on the adventures of his character Howard B. Wigglebottom.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • September 30, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Wiggles and Giggles at Siesta Key Chapel

Local children's book author Howard Binkow presented new episodes of Howard B. Wigglebottom for Out of Door Academy students on Tuesday morning.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The home, located at 640 Rountree Drive, includes more than 200 feet of frontage on the bay.
    By
  • David Conway
  • September 30, 2014
Longboat home sells for $3.45 million

Yesterday's sale of a bayfront home on Longboat Key marked the highest purchase price for a single-family home on the Key in 2014.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 6 Vice Chairman Jim Hill uses a tablet during a meeting. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 30, 2014
Town Hall improves document access

Town Hall invested $3,500 for 11 tablets, and already the savings are adding up.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Caleb Motsinger
  • September 30, 2014
Gourmet Lawn Party gains sponsorships

Longboat Kiwanis member Woody Woverton, of Stifel Financial, is one of four platinum level sponsors for the event.

  • 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
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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
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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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