Your Observer

Harriet Sokmensuer
July 24, 2014

Sand Sculpture Camp

Sarasota County Parks and Recreation's Sand Sculpture Camp held its second day of this week's session Tuesday, on Siesta Key Beach.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 24, 2014

Weather: Sarasota

Mindy Towns submitted this photo of Sarasota Baptist Church, taken at sunset.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Adam Hughes
July 24, 2014

Home in Bay Island sells for $1.9 million

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

Sarasota
Real Estate

Nick Friedman
July 23, 2014

TWIS Asks: Ambrish Piare, of Ivory Lounge

Sarasota
News

Harriet Sokmensuer
July 23, 2014

Families spent their evening together at Selby Sunset Wednesday, July 23, at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. The gardens extended its hours for families to play on the lawn, explore the mangrove trail and watch the sunset. Attendees were able to bring their own picnic dinners.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Amanda Sebastiano
July 23, 2014

Risen Savior 'Dive in' Vacation Bible School

Children ages 3 through 12 participate in sea creature-themed activities, which Risen Savior Lutheran Church volunteers tie in with a variety of Bible stories during Dive in Vacation Bible School, July 21 through July 25.

East County
News

Harriet Sokmensuer
July 23, 2014

Habitat for Humanity receives grant from Bank of America

The grant will help the nonprofit purchase a cargo van that will help deliver tools, supplies and construction materials used to build homes for Sarasota families in need.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Amanda Sebastiano
July 23, 2014

Manatee County School District boasts balanced 2013-2014 school year budget, surplus

The Manatee County School District closed the 2013-2014 school year with a balanced budget, and with a surplus of $3 million to $4 million, which it discussed at its meeting July 22.

East County
Schools

Alex Mahadevan
July 23, 2014

Planning Commission to consider 2050 tweaks

The Sarasota County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing tomorrow to consider controversial changes to Sarasota 2050, the county's long-term regulations guiding growth east of I-75.

Siesta Key
News

Amanda Sebastiano
July 23, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Witty Kids Summer Camp

From June 16 through Aug. 1, Witty Kids Summer Camp, held at Gene Witt Elementary, offers children in grades kindergarten through fifth crafts, games and other activities centered on weekly themes, such as the Wild Wild West.

East County
Schools

Observer Staff
July 23, 2014

IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Siesta Key Oyster Bar

This week we went in the kitchen with chef Douglas Jennings of Siesta Key Oyster Bar, while he prepares shrimp and avocado ceviche. Get the recipe and watch an instructional video in this week's "In the Kitchen."

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
July 23, 2014

Have you seen Tiny Tim?

Tiny Tim, a 2-year-old Chihuahua, has gone missing from his foster home.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 23, 2014

Temple plans community outreach

Temple Sinai will expand its presence in the Lakewood Ranch area this fall with programs and opportunities for socializing and learning.

East County
Neighbors

Amanda Sebastiano
July 23, 2014

Friends amass business buy-in

Lakewood Ranch High seniors aim for business growth through professional networking alliance.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
July 23, 2014

Upgrades to remedy access angst

The IDA expects access improvements to be completed by the end of August.

East County
News

Observer Staff
July 23, 2014

Letters to the Editor

PTO applauds FCAT performance

East County
Opinion

Jen Blanco
July 23, 2014

State Champs

The Manatee Cal Ripken 9U All-Stars will close out their season in the Southeast Regional Tournament, which began July 23 and runs through July 27, in Palm Beach Gardens.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
July 23, 2014

Team of Triumph

The MBC Elite ninth-grade boys basketball team went 7-0 to win the AAU National Championship.

East County
Sports

Matt Walsh
July 23, 2014

Our View

Ridiculous election rumor

Longboat Key
Opinion

Observer Staff
July 23, 2014

Tiny trio tours safety facilities

Commissioner Lynn Larson's three grandchildren, Zander, 9, Zora, 8, and Zoe Ramsey, 5, got a close-up look at what Longboat Key police and firefighters do to keep residents safe earlier this month, during a tour of the police and north fire stations.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 23, 2014

Mar Vista dollars to benefit local teen

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub's walls and ceiling are covered with dollar bills, signed and decorated by patrons. Every few years the restaurant removes the bills for a good cause.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

David Conway
July 23, 2014

Report shows room for growth on Circle w/VIDEO

Robert Gibbs, a consultant conducting a retail analysis of several districts in Sarasota, said the Circle is in need of cosmetic upgrades.

Sarasota
News

Kurt Schultheis
July 23, 2014

Vice Mayor Duncan won't seek third term

The vice mayor said both commissioner and Manasota League duties take up almost 40 hours of his time per week.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
July 23, 2014

Ruth DeLynn was backbone of Mote collection

Ruth DeLynn, 87, was known as 'The Bone Lady' and the force behind the Ruth DeLynn Cetacean Osteological Collection.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 23, 2014

Obituary: J. Donald Monsky

J. Donald Monsky, 77, of Sarasota, died July 21.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 23, 2014

John 'Jack' Quincy Goodrich Jr.

John 'Jack' Quincy Goodrich Jr., 74, of Longboat Key, died July 10.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Molly Schechter
July 23, 2014

Put your best feet forward to maximize workouts

Treating your feet well goes beyond regular pedicures. Perform these simple moves to improve circulation, toe flexibility and mobility.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Kelsey Grau
July 23, 2014

Sarasota Bay Watch events promote scallop restoration

Sarasota Bay Watch, a nonprofit organization that aims to preserve and restore Sarasota Bay's ecosystem through education and active participation, will host an evening of food and fun to raise awareness and support for local scallop restoration at the fourth annualÂ Scallopalooza Aug. 9, at Sarasota Yacht Club.