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Your Observer

    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 22, 2014
Sarasota approves Villages project

Sarasota County commissioners unanimously approved an expansion to Lakewood Ranch Wednesday.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2014
Redeemer welcomes new face

Sarasota's Church of the Redeemer welcomes the Rev. Charleston David Wilson as its new associate priest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2014
FPL illuminates Girls Inc. with makeover

On May 8, Girls Inc. of Sarasota County received free energy upgrades from Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) with the help of local contractors as part of a nonprofit energy makeover.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2014
Take Stock in Children gives scholarships

Take Stock in Children, a Florida nonprofit with the goal of helping children by providing scholarships, mentors and optimism to low-income students, announces the graduation of 49 local high school seniors.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 22, 2014
Switching Gears

The county has expressed an interest in upgrading a BMX facility, but it's unclear if it will be the draw proponents think.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The property at 1440 Boulevard of the Arts has sat vacant for years as the city has sought a project for the land. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 22, 2014
Developers pitch Rosemary project

Rosemary Square, a mixed-use 'catalyst project,' would feature residential, commercial and theater space.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Professional disc golf player Bryan Moore putts on the third hole of the disc-golf course located within North Water Tower Park. Photo by Alex Mahadevan
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 22, 2014
VIDEO: County pursues parkland on North Tamiami Trail

The county approved a plan to expand North Water Tower Park to improve its use and combat crime in the area.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lido Beach. File photo
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 22, 2014
St. Armands, Siesta groups make waves about project renourishment

As the proposed renourishment of Lido Beach remains a contested issue, the St. Armands Residents Association has submitted a petition to the city and county indicating that people in the area stand behind the project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2014
News Briefs

Democrat enters County Commission race; Sarasota County honors retiring fire chief

  • Sarasota
  • News
Fruitville Road Park could be sold to generate revenue for the city, but residents in nearby communities believe the green space is needed along a stretch of road that’s already home to multiple retail complexes. Photo by David Conway
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 22, 2014
Residents fight to preserve Fruitville Road Park

As the city examines selling 7.7 acres of land to make way for a shopping center, residents say it's not in the best interests of the city or the public.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Harvey Vengroff hopes to make the property that currently houses Bob's Train restaurant and Sarasota Fitness and Fight Club the site of 800 apartment units.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 22, 2014
Entrepreneur pushes for affordable housing

Harvey Vengroff plans to ask the city to change its density regulations to allow him to construct an 800-unit apartment complex on Fruitville Road.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • May 22, 2014
High five moments of the week

The top five sports moments of the week.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2014
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2014
Sidelines

Benderson Park unveils dragon boat; GSJGA wraps up its winter series; Sarasota athletic orientation upcoming; Sailors to hold dodgeball fundraiser; i9 Sports camp registration ongoing

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2014
Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Photo by Harriet Sokmensuer
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 22, 2014
School Board

Leading the way; Winning tournament; Initiating respect

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
James Smith submitted this sunset photo, taken on Siesta Key Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 22, 2014
Weather: Sarasota

James Smith submitted this sunset photo, taken on Siesta Key Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This home at 2145 Alameda Ave. has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths, a pool and 6,439 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.95 million. Photo by Harriet Sokmensuer
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • May 22, 2014
Home in Whitakers sells for $2.95 million

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

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Mitchell Burchett
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 22, 2014
Meet the Class of 2014

With graduation upon us, the Sarasota Observer asks six high school seniors to take a look back at their time in school and share a sneak peek into their futures.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dave Peters as "Chompy," with Melanie and Sierra Lipton.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • May 21, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Chompy's Luau

To raise money for its school mascot, "Chompy" the alligator, to receive a new costume, B.D. Gullett Elementary students and their families attended a luau May 21, at the school. Proceeds will help replace the more than six-year-old outfit Chompy wears around campus.

  • East County
  • Schools
Les Ciseaux Salon & Spa’s Kristina Shabalina, Angela Johnston, Nicci Phillips and Annie Sanfilippo with Bill Carman
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • May 21, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Armands Circle Association Annual Meeting

The St. Armands Circle Association held its annual meeting on May 21, at the Resort at Longboat Key Club's Island House. Attendees were treated to cocktails and hors d'oeuvres before they got down to business with the meeting and awards.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Gov. Rick Scott greets Donna Hayes.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 21, 2014
Scott raises funds in East County

Gov. Rick Scott spoke to supporters Wednesday, at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 21, 2014
Law enforcement groups to host boating safety event

The Sarasota Police Department, Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and other groups are holding an Interagency Boating Safety Inspection Day on Saturday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota County Fire Chief Mike Tobias will retire after 35 years with the Fire Department.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 21, 2014
Sarasota County honors retiring fire chief

Sarasota County commissioners honored Fire Chief Mike Tobias for his 35 years of public service during a meeting Wednesday.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The Garbage-Men Band played one its final shows in the Sarasota County Commission Chambers Wednesday.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 21, 2014
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Garbage Men rock Commission Chambers

Sarasota County commissioners honored the Garbage-Men Band, a local group known for their recycled instruments, during a meeting Wednesday.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The students with Lou and Rosemary Oberndorf. (Missing Kemery Colbert, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School; Nino Coutelle, Pine View School; Carlen Dickerson, Booker High; Carly Grimes, Pine View School and Rebecca Warner, North Port High.)
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 21, 2014
Town Hall Scholars receive college scholarships

The 15 students each received a $2,000 scholarship for their continuing education.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 21, 2014
Donation tosses up fun

Students at Nolan Middle School now can toss their way to victory thanks to a donation by Lowe's.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 21, 2014
Montooth author visits classroom

Greenfield Plantation resident Cameron Schindler, with his first-grade class at Rowlett Elementary School, had a special surprise visitor to his classroom - his grandfather, Robert Jay.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
More than 750 single-family homes sold in April in Sarasota County, according to the Sarasota Association of Realtors.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 21, 2014
Real estate sales sizzle in April

Sarasota County recorded the second greatest number of property sales in its history last month, with more than 1,100 closed transactions.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Family-owned and operated, the Broken Egg has been a breakfast, lunch and cocktail tradition since 1985.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 21, 2014
IN THE KITCHEN WITH: The Broken Egg

This week we went in the kitchen at The Broken Egg with owner Dawn Hair and chef Marco Estrada while he prepares Don's Fiesta Skillet, a Mexican-inspired breakfast medley with chorizo and peppers, served over a bed of the restaurant's Cheesy Potato Casserole.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • May 21, 2014
IDA budget increases by 5.4%

IDA officials plan to use $100,000 in reserves to fund improvements to Lakewood Ranch Town Hall and reduce district contributions to the IDA budget.

  • East County
  • News
Del Webb at Lakewood Ranch will feature 1,500 homes on 643 acres, if approved by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners June 5.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • May 21, 2014
Developer reveals new community's features

Although cosmetic details of Del Webb at Lakewood Ranch remain a secret, its developer promises senior-friendly features in homes.

  • East County
  • News
A Channel 7 WWSB ABC news reporter interviews Principal Bill Stenger by the raft. Photo by Laurie Rahn
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 21, 2014
Principal floats for school fundraiser

Willis Elementary students took aim at their principal after raising nearly $42,000.

  • East County
  • News
File photo The Creekwood Master Association dedicated its memorial, partially funded by the county's community enhancement program, during a Memorial Day celebration in 2010.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • May 21, 2014
Refocused grant program aims to better neighborhoods

By providing a little nudge, Manatee County hopes people will reinvest in their communities.

  • East County
  • News
Courtesy photos DeAnne Sipes, Sophia Masterson, Samantha Roller, Elizabeth Torres and Adriana Fernandez
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 21, 2014
Students sing for voice school

The Sarasota Voice Academy held its first spring performance, themed 'Divas, Divos and Desserts,' April 27, at the Palm-Aire Country Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 21, 2014
Senior earns art scholarship

Braden River High School senior Rachel Stenger has earned a $1,000 scholarship from the Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Cindy Ritchell, Ann Quackenbush, Brenda Korthauer, Beverly Sutton and Kit Torchia all lend a helping hand in packing seeds to send internationally to farmers who need them. Quackenbush is a driving force behind Hope Seeds, a charitable ministry through Christ Church of Longboat Key.
  • December 22, 2025
Longboat's Hope Seeds nears 10 years of giving back
2
Andrew Carrillo poses for a photo on Dec. 16 at Out-of-Door Academy. He's been the go-to guy on attack for the Thunder throughout their 2025-26 season.
  • December 22, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Andrew Carrillo
3
Manatee County commissioners approve reducing speed limits throughout the county.
  • December 22, 2025
Speed limits reduced on nine roads in Manatee County
4
The library will be constructed on the light green area depicted on this map within Longboat Key's Town Center Green. The entire library would be around 11,230 square feet with the possible enhancements.
  • December 22, 2025
Buchanan's $1 million donation formally accepted for library
5
Sarasota students share Christmas wishes in letters to Santa
  • December 22, 2025
Sarasota students share Christmas wishes in letters to Santa

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