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Your Observer

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
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
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Latest News

1
DragonBoot Quartet performs the world premiere of Roger Zare’s “Gamma” for string quartet for Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota on April 12.
  • April 6, 2026
Pine View grad solves for 'Gamma' in his latest music composition
2
Benderson Development's latest plans for the former Sarasota County Administrative Center property as presented to Laurel Park residents in December 2025.
  • April 6, 2026
Benderson begins trek through rezoning of 1660 Ringling Boulevard
3
Emi Frydman checks out the basket of Easter eggs her family members found at the April 4 egg hunt at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church. The Easter activities, open to the public, made their return for the first time since the early 2020s through the efforts of church members.
  • April 6, 2026
Back from pre-COVID hiatus, St. Armands hosts Easter bash
4
Lydia Lardner, 3, makes an impressive start filling up her Easter basket with Kelly Lardner and family at the April 3 Sand Cay Condominiums Beach Resort's Easter egg hunt, a beloved tradition at the resort for more than a decade.
  • April 6, 2026
Families return for Easter egg hunt tradition at Sand Cay
5
Sarasota's Harlyn Voyles, 7, holds on for dear life during the mutton busting at Dakin Dairy Farms' Bull Bash April 4.
  • April 5, 2026
Dakin Dairy Farms' Bull Bash attracts 2,000 fans on Easter weekend

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