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Your Observer

Kelly, Olivia and Callum Gessner hold their ferrets: Rufus, Shirley, Teddy and Flatso. All four ferrets escaped, but Teddy survived two days outside in the rain and cold alone, before returning home. Photos by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 16, 2014
Lost ferret returns home after scare

The Gessner family says they are lucky their ferret, Teddy, survived two cold nights and some rainy weather.

  • East County
  • News
This is Cheryl Lee's first year as a Salvation Army bell ringer. Her post is the Publix at the intersection of State Road 64 and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. Photo by Amanda Sebastiano
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 16, 2014
Salvation Army volunteer rings for bigger picture

A former child abuse investigator, Cheryl Lee is now having 'the time of her life' ringing her bell in retirement while helping kids.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club Manager Wayne Piazza stands among its Toys for Tots donations. The club collected more than $15,000 worth of toys this year. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 16, 2014
Presents break record

After a golf outing one day, Rick Shaw and more than 20 other men were sitting around at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club when manager Wayne Piazza approached them about helping with the club's annual Toys for Tots toy drive.

  • East County
  • News
AIPRC Executive Director Donna Dunio, Arnold Simonsen, Patty Sabow and Barbara Koetsier. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 16, 2014
News Briefs

Town to hold first town center public workshop; Arnold Simonsen donates $13,000 to Aging in Paradise; Town hires special counsel for bridge damages claim; Town issues permit for $2 million home

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key Foundation Chairman Bob Simmons with Vice Mayor David Brenner, board members Warren Simonds and Jeff Mayers, Longboat Key Mayor Jim Brown and Tom Aposporos
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 16, 2014
LBK Foundation to kick off $1 million campaign

The nonprofit organization's first priority is to generate funds to assist a future medical facility with startup costs.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Riana Rawson (second from left) accepts the $20,000 check from Lawn Party Chairman Michael Garey (left), Kiwanis Club Secretary John Wild and President Armando Linde. Photo by Robin Hartill
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 16, 2014
Kids win big at this year's Gourmet Lawn Party

Longboat Key Kiwanis Club members discussed the records it shattered at the Dec. 6 event, which raised at least $65,000 for children's charities and scholarships.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Ania Adderley and Carolyn Robinson
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 16, 2014
Signature Chef's Auction

Signature Chef's Auction

  • Black Tie
Students performed holiday songs for residents at the Jefferson Center.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Bay Haven Broadway Club performs

Students of the Bay Haven Broadway Club spread holiday cheer by performing at the Jefferson Center of Sarasota the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 16.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mary Czernyk, of St. Armands Circle Association and Executive Director Diana Corrigan
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • December 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Armands Circle Association's annual holiday party

St. Armands business owners, workers and residents gathered at Crab & Fin restaurant on Dec. 16 for the St. Armands Circle Association's annual holiday party.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Freshmen and juniors compete on the football field.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Filly Football

Dec. 16, the ladies of Lakewood Ranch High School hit the school's football field for the annual Filly Football game. Freshmen through seniors battled throughout the evening, as teenage boys coached the girls through the football games from the sidelines.

  • East County
  • News
Mar Vista owner Ed Chiles, pictured in 2010, plans to begin construction in fall 2015.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 15, 2014
Mar Vista deck receives approval

The Planning and Zoning Board approved two applications for a second-story deck at the Longbeach Village restaurant.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota County will designate a portion of the $7.5 million toward the design of the overpass.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 15, 2014
Sarasota moves forward with I-75 overpass idea

SMR President and CEO Rex Jensen said he is preparing to hire an engineer for the project.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 leader Michael Klauber will provide an update to city officials about the group's work at a workshop next month.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 15, 2014
Bayfront group works to refine principles

Based on feedback gathered over the past several months, Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 could increase its emphasis on creating a hub for cultural institutions on the waterfront.

  • Sarasota
  • News
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School Head of School Dr. Jan Pullen and Harvest United Methodist Church Co-Pastors Rev. Catherine Fluck Price and Rev. Steve Price announced a new East County Saint Stephen's campus Tuesday. (courtesy)
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 15, 2014
St. Stephen's announces East County expansion

St. Stephen's is opening a new school called St. Stephen's East Campus K/1 School in Lakewood Ranch with Harvest United Methodist Church.

  • East County
  • News
Residents in the area are under a boil water advisory.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • December 15, 2014
Water boil advisory issued for Wilkinson, Swift Road area

The water main at Swift Road and Wilkinson Road broke Monday night. Crews are still working to repair it.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Veronica Brady, Alastair and Cheryl MacLauchlan and Linda DiGabriel
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 15, 2014
Starry Night Dinner 2, Highlighting the Production of The Matchmaker

Starry Night Dinner 2, Highlighting the Production of The Matchmaker

  • Black Tie
Kay Adlin, Laurie Fitch and Carolyn Thompson
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 15, 2014
'Noel en Provence'

'Noel en Provence'

  • Black Tie
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
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