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Your Observer

A Bass Pro Shops rendering shows plans for the outdoor retailer's 14th Florida store, which is slated to be part of the Fruitville Initiative.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • July 7, 2014
Bass Pro Shops confirmed for Fruitville Initiative

The outdoor retailer announced plans yesterday for an 80,000-square-foot store as part of a larger mixed-use development at the intersection of I-75 and Fruitville Road.

  • East County
  • News
The evaluation will provide information for commissioners to decide what the next step for SCAT will be.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • July 7, 2014
County Commission to discuss SCAT evaluation

Sarasota County Area Transit went under an organizational evaluation after the April 29 commission meeting. The County Commission will discuss the results at tomorrow's meeting.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Mote researchers tagged Katharine in August 2013 on the M/V OCEARCH. (Robert Snow Photography)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • July 7, 2014
Great white shark heads toward Sarasota

Mote scientists tagged the 2,300-pound great white shark last August, near Cape Cod, Mass.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A white tarp was placed over the Hilton sign in June, dubbing the hotel property at 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive as the Gulfside Beach Resort.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • July 7, 2014
Hilton closes its doors

The Hilton project is the first applicant to take advantage of a town-wide 250 tourism unit pool that's been waiting for applicants to apply for additional units since 2008.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Weston Elken enjoys corn on the cob.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 5, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Shrimp and Lobster Festival

Seafood lovers had a whale of a time at the annual Shrimp and Lobster Festival Saturday, July 5, at the Downtown Farmers Market. Sarasota restaurants served their seafood specialties including shrimp pasta dishes and lobster bisque to hungry festival-goers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ryelynn and Marla Brunner
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 5, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: 'Tropical 4th of July'

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens invited Sarasota residents to watch the fireworks at its annual 'Tropical 4th of July' Friday, July 4. The evening event included live music and outdoor activities for kids.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kayla LaBlanc lights a sparkler.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 5, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Fourth of July

Families celebrated the Fourth of July on Sarasota Bay Friday, July 4, with the annual fireworks display. Hundreds spent the evening at Bayfront Park before the 30-minute display began.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
George Allgair with David and Rebecca Taylor
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • July 5, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Bird Key Yacht Club Fourth of July Celebration

Residents and guests alike enjoyed a Fourth of July Celebration July 4, at Bird Key Yacht Club. The afternoon started with fun and games followed by a flag ceremony, dinner and potato car races.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Caroline Moreno plays with sand on the beach.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • July 5, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: The Resort at Longboat Key Club's Beach Barbecue

The Resort at Longboat Key Club hosted a beach barbecue with games, sandcastle building and live entertainment July 4.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Judge Nancy Donnellan, Michael Cuttler and Bobbi Hurwitz
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • July 5, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Yacht Club Independence Day Dinner

Members of the Sarasota Yacht Club enjoyed an 'Independence Day Dinner' after participating in the yachting tradition of the Sundowner Ceremony July 4.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Rabbi Michael Werbow with wife, Melissa, and children Lev, Maya and Asher
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 4, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Temple Beth Sholom Meet and Greet

Rabbi Michael Werbow and his family were welcomed by Temple Beth Sholom members with a meet and greet Friday, July 4. After the event, Rabbi Werbow led his first service. Werbow comes from Buffalo, NY with his wife, Melissa, and their three children. He is know for his warmth and holds a bachelor's degree in Special Education and a master's in Jewish Education. Members of the temple were excited to meet their new rabbi and dressed in red, white and blue for the occasion.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Henry Romo and Jodi Koepp
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • July 4, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Siesta Key Beach VIP Party and Fireworks

Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce hosted a VIP Party prior to the Siesta Key Beach fireworks show Friday, July 4.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Kimi Brady and Lilly Harvey show their patriotism.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • July 4, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Music on Main

Attendees of the July 4 Music on Main event sported red, white and blue clothing, as they listened to music by Smokey's Session, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

  • East County
  • News
Karen Bell paints a patriotic picture on Anna Donnellan’s face.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • July 4, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Freedom Fest II

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
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
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