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Your Observer

Colin Bankert, 3, kisses the head of his little sister, Giuliana, 1.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • July 4, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Freedom Fest

The Longboat Key community enjoyed an All-American morning at the town's annual Fourth of July celebration, Freedom Fest, on July 4.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Parker Lui walks with teacher Kenia Gonzalez
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 4, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Primrose Independence Day Parade

Children at Primrose at Lakewood Ranch celebrated the Fourth of July Thursday with a patriotic parade.

  • East County
  • News
Spirit of America: 'The American Experience'
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • July 4, 2014
VIDEO: Spirit of America - The American Experience

Six prominent residents of Sarasota and Manatee County recall their journey to the 'Land of the Free.'

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Right-hander George Davis got the call on the mound for the Lakewood Ranch Majors All-Stars in their tournament opener versus Buffalo Creek.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 3, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: BRLL and LRLL All-Stars

The Braden River and Lakewood Ranch Little League All-Stars hit the field for their District 26 tournament June 23 through July 2. Lakewood Ranch defeated Braden River 14-4 to win the 10/11 title. The Braden River Intermediate All-Stars defeated Manatee West 15-5 to win the championship. Buffalo Creek held off Lakewood Ranch 11-4 to win the Majors division.

  • East County
  • Sports
Michael Fesko wears a homemade costume for the parade.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 3, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Grand Prix Boat Parade

Residents and Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix fans gathered downtown for the annual Boat Parade Friday, July 3, on Main Street. The parade is one of many events held by the Super Boat Grand Prix, which ends July 6.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Thousands flock to Siesta Key Beach for the annual fireworks display.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 3, 2014
Weekend Best Bet: Fourth of July Fireworks

Celebrate the Fourth of July with an evening full of fireworks at Siesta Key Beach or over Sarasota Bay. Both displays are free and open to the public.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Craig Little received Superintendent Rick Mills' recommendation for the Lakewood Ranch High principal position.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • July 3, 2014
Craig Little recommended for Lakewood Ranch High principal position

Superintendent Rick Mills recommends Craig Little for the Lakewood Ranch High principal position.

  • East County
  • News
Blaise Fluker, 21 months, rides in a wagon in last year's parade.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • July 3, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: Freedom Fest

It may only be a quarter-mile long, but the Longboat Key Freedom Fest parade goes the distance on community charm. Hosted by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, the All-American morning begins with the parade line up at 8:30 a.m. Friday, July 4, between Bank of America and SunTrust Bank on Bay Isles Road.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota County contractors remove sea flora near the end of North Shell Road to make room for one of 17 parking spaces.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • July 3, 2014
Shell Road reopens with improvements

Sarasota County reopened North Shell Road today, after installing 17 parking spaces at the popular Siesta Key beach access.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A woman was saved in Sarasota Bay Wednesday and didn’t need medical attention because of the quick actions of two marine patrol officers.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • July 3, 2014
Marine patrol officers rescue woman

Marine Patrol Officer John Majka jumped into Sarasota Bay Wednesday to save a woman who went under water and couldn't swim.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Dr. David Marshall is currently the assistant principal at Horizons Academy.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • July 3, 2014
Lakewood Ranch High School principal candidates address discipline, parents' concerns

Candidates Craig Little and Dr. David Marshall met with faculty members, students and their parents at a community forum July 2, to determine the next Lakewood Ranch High principal.

  • East County
  • Schools
NEW HEIGHTS. Nikki Taylor and Jane Thompson took their most recent issue of the Sarasota Observer to the rooftop of the Kimberly Hotel in New York City.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2014
It's Read Everywhere

Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along! Visit YourObserver.com/itsreadeverywhere to submit your entries. One winner will receive two travel certificates, good for travel from SRQ Airport.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
...
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2014
It's Read Everywhere

Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along! Visit YourObserver.com/itsreadeverywhere to submit your entries. One winner will receive two travel certificates, good for travel from SRQ Airport.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo Elaina Mand of All Faiths Food Bank and her husband, Brandon, man the donation site at Big Cat Habitat.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2014
Big hearts

Big Cat Habitat's Jam Out Hunger event was overflowing Sunday, with guests, volunteers and - most importantly - food.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2014
Thankful for First

First America Bank showed its love for the local Humane Society June 13, at its 'Paws for a Cause' adoption event.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 3, 2014
Bayfront plan envisions $100 million aquarium

A recently leaked private proposal for public bayfront land tops $300 million, causing a stir among groups developing a plan for the future of the property.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Photo by David Conway Lido Key residents say their shoreline is in need of immediate assistance. A FEMA-backed project, approved following Tropical Storm Debby, is scheduled to provide sand later this year.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 3, 2014
County endorses Lido renourishment

At a workshop Monday, the Sarasota County Commission encouraged city staff to maximize the potential of a Lido Beach renourishment project scheduled for later this year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • July 3, 2014
Commissioners praise Harmer's initial budget

Last year, Sarasota County Commission budget workshops were often tense, with the possibility of large looming budget shortfalls and emergency meetings to slash spending before public hearings.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 3, 2014
VIDEO: Main Street moratorium on events to take effect

With planned construction restricting the available parking downtown, the city is instituting a policy that will significantly reduce the number of Main Street events.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2014
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Cardinal Mooney High senior Alex Stoffel was one of 25 players chosen to represent Florida at the 2014 Brine National Lacrosse Classic July 1 through July 3. Courtesy photos
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 3, 2014
Time to Shine

Cardinal Mooney High lacrosse players Reagan Griffith and Alex Stoffel both are playing in the 2014 Brine National Lacrosse Classic.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Photo by Jessica Salmond Some residents attempt to solve the problem by putting up no-parking signs.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • July 3, 2014
Shell Road closure drives beachgoers to new street

Roberts Point Road residents petitioned the Sarasota County Commission for no parking signs on their street to deter beachgoers from crowding the road.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • July 3, 2014
Grand Prix celebrates 30 years of fundraising

In 1985, five Sarasota men founded the successful boat race that continues strong today.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 3, 2014
JFCS continues efforts to combat homelessness

For a decade, Jewish Family and Children's Service of the Suncoast has worked to prevent homelessness, with services expanding to include the housing of veterans.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2014
News Briefs

Artspace proposal gains momentum; Siesta Key property values outpace county; New Pass closed Sunday for Grand Prix boat race

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 3, 2014
Sidelines

Sarasota Little League; GSJGA golfers post impressive numbers; Babe Ruth All-Stars win district crowns

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 3, 2014
Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Peter Fanning
  • July 3, 2014
My View: Charter proposal: unlike others before it

The proposed charter deserves to be on the ballot. It's not what opponents say it is. It's a charter for effective leadership that's different from prior referendums on the issue.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2014
Letters to the Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: To send in your Letters to the Editor, email them to Deputy Executive Editor Jessica Luck at [email protected]. Letters pertaining to local issues receive priority. Letters may be edited for grammar and space.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 3, 2014
Children share Fourth of July plans

With the Fourth of July a few days away, the Sarsota Observer hears what children at the Evalyn Sadlier Jones YMCA's Selby Aquatic Center have planned for the holiday and what it means to them.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 3, 2014
Your Neighbor: Mary DeArment

For artist Mary DeArment, words have a broader meaning than their dictionary definition.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Photo by Harriet Sokmensuer This home at 8037 Midnight Pass Road has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,061 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.64 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 3, 2014
Home in Mira Mar sells for $1.64 million

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

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Sarasota resident Carolyn Bistline submitted this photo of father-and-son, Charles and Jack Wittmaak.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2014
Weather: Sarasota

Sarasota resident Carolyn Bistline submitted this photo of father-and-son, Charles and Jack Wittmaak.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
On Thursday, several street closures will be in effect for the Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival Parade of Boats.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 2, 2014
Closures announced for holiday weekend

Beginning Thursday, street and office closures will be in effect as a variety of events are slated for the Fourth of July weekend.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota County deputies arrested 28-year-old Keith Hernandez for grand theft Sunday, in Siesta Key Village.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • July 2, 2014
VIDEO: Video assists in Siesta Village arrest

Sarasota County deputies arrested a West Palm Beach man who was allegedly caught on tape stealing a woman's purse from the Beach Club Tuesday morning.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The license plate cameras helped the Longboat Key Police Department to realize that the suspect was driving on and off the Key frequently.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • July 2, 2014
License plate cameras help arrest burglar

Daniel Lee Upton confessed to burglaries on Longboat Key and Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, where he broke into condominium storage sheds and stole bicycles.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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