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Your Observer

Sarasota County Commissioners agreed to continue to address the other ideas in Dr. Robert Marbut's homelessness report, but to stop looking for a shelter site in unincorporated county land.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • August 26, 2014
County Commission ends search for shelter site

After losing the partnership with the City of Sarasota, the Sarasota County Commission voted unanimously to end a search for a shelter site in county property.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Renee Sheade votes at the Municipal Auditorium.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Primary Election 2014

Polls are open for voting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26. For more information, go to sarasotavotes.com.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Collectively, 46,807 students attend area schools — a 2% increase from the 2013-2014 school year.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • August 26, 2014
Five-day count of Manatee County students up 2% from 2013-2014 school year

The Manatee County School District gauged an increase of 1,007 students for the 2014-2015 school year after a five-day count.

  • East County
  • Schools
Angela, David and Lea Thierman filled their trays at the 2012 Longboat Key Gourmet Lawn Party. (File photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • August 26, 2014
Kiwanis Club reschedules Lawn Party to Dec. 6

Organizers opted to push the event back by four weeks due to concerns about conflicts with a St. Armands event scheduled for the original date.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Janet Andres, a Manatee County resident from Longboat Key, casts her vote at the Longboat Island Chapel Tuesday morning.
  • By Caleb Motsinger
  • August 26, 2014
Sarasota and Manatee county voters turn out on Longboat

Primary elections for both counties see steady turnout at Longboat Island Chapel and Town Hall.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sanborn Studios claims it lost the business of a client because the county had a prejudice against Sanborn.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • August 26, 2014
Sanborn Studios files counter lawsuit against county

The film production company said Sarasota County had undermined its reputation among clients and in the industry.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Go to sarasotavotes.com or votemanatee.com to find a polling location.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • August 26, 2014
Primary election polls open today

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Two new faces will join the City Commission in November, as two sitting commissioners seeking county office are set to resign.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 25, 2014
City seeks applicants for commission seats

With two vacancies set to open on the Sarasota City Commission later this year, the city will begin accepting applications from interested candidates next week.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Sarasota County Commission will discuss the media production incentive rebate program, the Come As You Are homeless shelter and Sarasota County Area Transit tomorrow.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • August 25, 2014
County Commission convenes for August meeting

The Sarasota County Commission will gather tomorrow for the first part of a two-day meeting after the summer recess.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Guest speaker Jessica Buchanan with the Brian Bill Foundation President Scott Bill
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • August 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: A Heroes Luncheon

The Bill Brian Foundation held its first fundraiser, 'A Heroes Luncheon' Monday, Aug. 25, at the Sarasota Yacht Club. The Brian Bill Foundation, named after Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Brian Robert Bill, is a nonprofit dedicated to helping Navy SEAL families and survivors with a retreat and resource house. Guest speaker Jessica Buchanan, author of 'Impossible Odds,' shared the story of her kidnapping in Somalia and the rescue by SEAL Team Six. 'It's a dream I've had for three years,' says Scott Bill, president of Brian Bills Foundation. 'Today's a new beginning.'

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The sky was slightly cloudy Monday, with highs in the low 90s.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • August 25, 2014
Longboat Key temperatures reach record highs

Temperatures reached a scorching 100 degrees over the weekend.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 25, 2014
Primary election takes place tomorrow

Longboat Key residents vote at two separate places on the island, depending on whether they live in Sarasota or Manatee county.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The district reserved $1.68 million to hire about 35 security personnel to occupy each area elementary school.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • August 25, 2014
School District to decide on armed security at elementary schools

At its meeting at 5:45 p.m. July 26, the Manatee County School District will discuss options for armed security personnel at each area elementary school.

  • East County
  • News
Gerri Walden and Jeanne Betty Weiner
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • August 23, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Mimi Edlin's birthday

Mimi Edlin held her birthday party Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Sarasota Bay Club. Guests wore their favorite hats while enjoying lunch. A silent auction was held benefitting Senior Friendship Centers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rio and Kaleb Rice found scallops while searching the grasslands with their parents.
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • August 23, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Bay Watch Scallop Search

More than 130 volunteers searched for scallops with Sarasota Bay Watch Saturday, Aug. 23.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jackie Apatow, Monica Caldwell and Cooper, Abby and Rebecca Zion all live in GreyHawk Landing.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 23, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Temple Emanu-El Picnic

Members and guests of Temple Emanu-El gathered at Summerfield Park Aug. 23 for a special gathering and havdalah ceremony.

  • East County
  • News
Hundreds of families turned out for the event.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 23, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Back to School Splash Bash

Hundreds of families donned their swimsuits Aug. 23 and headed to the Lakewood Ranch YMCA for Lakewood Ranch Community Activities' annual Back to School Splash Bash event.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Key reported just .28 violent crimes per 1,000 citizens in 2012.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • August 22, 2014
Longboat Key makes list of Florida's safest places

The town is the 10th safest city in Florida, according to Safe Choice Security's "20 Safest Cities in Florida."

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Everglades University Sarasota campus President Kristi Mollis and Bob Knapik.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • August 22, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Grand opening of Everglades University solar energy teaching lab

Everglades University showcased its new outdoor solar energy teaching lab to the public Aug. 21 at the lab's grand opening.

  • East County
  • News
Temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees in the summer heat inside a locked car. These temperatures can be fatal for children and animals.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • August 22, 2014
VIDEO: Sheriff's Office warns community of heat danger

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office made a video to demonstrate the dangerous rise in temperatures that occur inside a vehicle when it is off.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The Sarasota County Post-Disaster Redevelopment Plan has been in the works since 2008.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • August 22, 2014
County continues work on PDRP

The Sarasota County Planning Commission listened to an update about the county Post-Disaster Redevelopment Plan at its meeting last night.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The former Golden Apple Dinner Theatre building is getting a new storefront, one of several changes planned for the property.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 22, 2014
Golden Apple building gets facelift

Construction is under way at the former site of the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre, as the property owner plans to turn the building into retail and restaurant space.

  • Sarasota
  • News
“Everyone’s responses are so valuable for assessing the current needs of our community,” said Joan Haber.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • August 22, 2014
SCOPE invites community to participate in survey

The survey runs through the month of August and focuses on aging, child wellness and early learning, developmental disabilities, health, homelessness and positive youth development.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
B.J. Burnside and Carol Banach show off their pink attire.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • August 22, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Awareness Kickoff

To inform attendees of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, slated for October, event Chairwoman Vanessa Baugh and members of the American Cancer Society hosted an awareness kickoff event Aug. 21, at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. Attendees decked in pink boas, T-shirts, pants and shoes snacked on pink icing-topped cupcakes while listening to Baugh give a presentation on the disease.

  • East County
  • News
Jim McGuire mans the grill at St. Mary Men’s Club’s Hot Dog Cookout.
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • August 22, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Mary Men's Club Hot Dog Cookout

Guests gathered for St. Mary Men's Club's first annual Hot Dog Cookout Thursday, Aug. 21, at St. Mary Star of the Sea.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
famous2
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • August 21, 2014
TWIS Asks: Mark Sherman, owner of The Famous Tavern

TWIS Asks: Mark Sherman, owner of The Famous Tavern

  • Sarasota
  • News
SRQ Airport will use newly acquired grant money for construction of an air traffic control tower and terminal renovations.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • August 21, 2014
SRQ Airport to receive $9 million in grants

The Federal Aviation Authority has awarded Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport with $9.1 million in grants for the 2014 fiscal year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Candidates for the District One Sarasota County School Board seat answered questions from the Tiger Bay Club members at Michel's On East.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • August 21, 2014
Tiger Bay Club questions School Board candidates

Moderator, State Senator Nancy Detert, kept members laughing with her pointed and sharp political quips.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Senator Nancy Deter and Lynn Robbins
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • August 21, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Tiger Bay Club luncheon

Tiger Bay Club held the second installment of its School Board candidates luncheon Thursday, Aug. 21, at Michael's On East. Attendees enjoyed lunch while hearing from District 1 candidates Velton Hodges, Ken Marsh, Paul Schafer and Bridget Ziegler.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Michael Uribe and Steve Beauregard drench Assistant General Manager Russ Swan while Chrissy Vale watches. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 21, 2014
Tw-Ice as Nice

Bob's Boathouse hosted an ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and fundraiser event Tuesday.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Scientists with the Mote Marine laboratory release snook into Sarasota bat Aug. 15 as part of an effort to find the most effective methods to replenish and enhance wild snook populations. Photo Provided
  • By Caleb Motsinger
  • August 21, 2014
Mote and Florida Fish & Wildlife release snook into Sarasota Bay

More than 2,000 snook were released over three days.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Individuals traveling on State Road 64 near Bayside Community Church, located at 15800 E. State Road 64, will see lane closures through Aug. 29.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • August 21, 2014
FDOT announces lane closures on State Road 64, at Bayside Church

Drivers on State Road 64, near Bayside Community Church, located at 15800 E. State Road 64, should expect delays east and westbound from 8 a.m. to 5 pm. through Aug. 29.

  • East County
  • News
Haile Middle Principal Sharon Scarbrough had previously only had her feet soaked in ice.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • August 21, 2014
Haile Middle administrators accept the challenge

Haile Middle School principal Sharon Scarbrough and Assistant Principals Bob Sloman and Kate Collis participated in the ALS Association's Ice Bucket Challenge Aug. 20.

  • East County
  • News
Michael Crosby, Mote president and CEO, helped craft the organization's 2020 Vision and Strategic Plan in 2010. Now, he's working on making that vision a reality. Photo by David Conway
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 21, 2014
Think Tank

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is intent on expanding its research capability on its City Island campus - and hopes to build a new bayfront aquarium on the mainland.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 21, 2014
News Briefs

Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 raises money for plan; St. Armands Circle leaders seek bus shelter; County approves Grand Prix funding

  • Sarasota
  • News
The last remaining retail tenant at the Palm Avenue building moved out of the space earlier this year, making way for new owner XAC Developers LLC to construct an 18-story building on the downtown land. Photo by David Conway
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 21, 2014
Developer plans high-rise on historic property

Downtown leaders have sought to preserve the DeMarcay Hotel on Palm Avenue, but the new owner has filed plans for an 18-story condo.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

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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.
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Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
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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.
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