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Your Observer

Photo courtesy of Susan Kenyon, Executive Director of Sarasota Crew.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • July 28, 2014
Sarasota Crew team places fifth at world championships

Shawna Sims, 18, and Devin Norder, 17, members of the Sarasota Crew rowing team, competed against 18 countries in the World Rowing Under 23 Championships.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Bayfront Park playground was closed to the public indefinitely in March due to public safety issues.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 28, 2014
Bayfront Park playground reopens

The playground at Bayfront Park has reopened today following a closure for repairs that lasted more than four months.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota County deputies investigate the scene of a plane crash on Caspersen Beach Sunday.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • July 28, 2014
UPDATE: Plane crash kills one on south county beach

Caspersen Beach is closed after a plane making an emergency landed killed 36-year-old Ommy Irizarry and seriously injured his daughter Sunday.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Alexandria Campbell models.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Fashion Dash

Fashion lovers and families spent the afternoon at Plato Closet's 2nd annual Fashion Dash - Clothing Exchange and Fashion Show Saturday, July 26, at Selby Library. The all-day event was hosted by Selby Library Youth Department and invited the community to swap clothes in exchange for gently used articles of clothing and accessories. In the afternoon, Plato's Closet hosted a catwalk with models and a dance performance by members of the Roy McBean Boys and Girls Club. All the clothes left at the end of the day were donated to Sarasota charities.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Janet Gibson, Christi Womack Villalobos and Diana Michael
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Women Equity Luncheon

The Manatee and Sarasota Commissions on the Status of Women and the League of Women Voters in Manatee and Sarasota hosted the 20th annual Women's Equity Luncheon Saturday, July 26, at the Hyatt Regency, Sarasota. Before eating, guests were invited to socialize and hear from national and local organizations including Planned Parenthood, New College of Florida Foundation and WSLR.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Students adjust their sails as they catch wind in Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • July 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Youth Sailing Program's Summer Sailing Camp

Campers in Sarasota Youth Sailing Program's annual summer sailing camp at Sarasota Sailing Squadron set sail and explore the waters of Sarasota Bay Friday, July 25.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This week's FYI Friday features changes proposed to Sarasota 2050 and a pack of violent raccoons.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • July 25, 2014
FYI Friday - Your weekly news roundup

Catch up on the week's most important and most interesting news stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County with FYI Friday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Former Sarasota Memorial Hospital Gwen MacKenzie resigned from her position in May. David Verinder served as CEO in the interim, and will now take on the post permanently.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • July 25, 2014
Sarasota Memorial names new CEO

The Sarasota County Public Hospital Board named former Sarasota Memorial Chief Operating Officer David Verinder as CEO in a unanimous vote Friday. Verinder has served as interim CEO since the departure of Gwen MacKenzie in May.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Siblings Elisha, Caleb and Ava Light all don animal-themed headgear.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Tabernacle VBS

More than 200 children enjoyed a week of animal-themed adventures during The Tabernacle church's Weird Animals Vacation Bible School July 21 through July 25.

  • East County
  • News
After two days of departmental budget presentations, commissioners unanimously approved a preliminary operating millage rate not to exceed 3.1728.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 25, 2014
Preliminary city millage rate stays flat

Despite a $3.6 million general fund deficit, the Sarasota City Commission voted to keep the property tax rate level, opting to explore other avenues for balancing the budget.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort has experienced break-ins and acts of vandalism since it closed in August 2010. (File photo)
  • By Caleb Motsinger
  • July 25, 2014
Vandals damage 33 Colony units

Police don't know who is responsible for the latest incidents at the shuttered Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The district's operations department will discuss the additional dollars for school resource officers, staff and employee benefits, among other aspects of the new budget, at a public hearing from 5:45 to 8 p.m., July 22, at 215 Manatee Ave. W.,
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • July 25, 2014
Manatee County School District to host public hearing on budget

The Manatee County School District will discuss its 2014-2015 school year budget in detail at a public hearing slated from 5:45 to 8 p.m., July 31.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • July 25, 2014
Sarasota 2050 changes advance to County Commission

After three hours of public comment, the Sarasota County Planning Commission unanimously approved proposed amendments to Sarasota 2050.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Sundown perform the Beach Boys.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 24, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Music at the Point

Sixties music lovers celebrated their favorite music with Music at the Point Thursday, July 24, at Historic Spanish Point. Local band Sundown performed hits by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Steppenwolf and more for attendees. The concert was held in the Sunken Garden and Pagoda.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kevin Cooper, Co-Chair George McGonagill, Co-Chair Nick Gladding and Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce president Steve Queior
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • July 24, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Trustee Reception

The Resort at Longboat Key Club hosted the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's Trustee Reception Thursday, July 24, in the Island House Dining Room.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Photo by Jessica Salmond. Candidate Alan Maio was asked about his stance on fiscal conservatism and his campaign donations from developers.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • July 24, 2014
County Commission Candidates grilled at Tiger Bay Club forum

Candidates for the District 4 Sarasota County Commission seat expressed their views on Sarasota 2050, public transportation and the Come As You Are homeless shelter

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nesting season runs from May 1 through Oct. 31. (File photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • July 24, 2014
Town alerts residents about turtle lighting issues

The town issued a CodeRED alert after receiving reports of several hatchling disorientations.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lee Byron with Sheriff Tom Knight
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 24, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Tiger Bay Club County Commission candidates luncheon

Tiger Bay Club held the second installment of its County Commission candidates luncheon Thursday, July 24, at Michael's On East. Attendees enjoyed lunch while hearing from Lourdes Ramirez, Al Maio, Ray Porter and John Minder. Susan Nilon, from WSRQ Radio, moderated the panel discussion. Next month members will hear from School Board candidates.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Town Manager Dave Bullock said he hopes the town and the city can continue to work together to jointly take sand out of New Pass.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • July 24, 2014
Bullock notifies city of sand sharing agreement

Leery of the city of Sarasota's intent to possibly take sand from New Pass for a South Lido project, Longboat Key Town Manager Bullock reminded city officials of a sand sharing agreement for pass dredging.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 24, 2014
Citizens show support for Payne Park auditorium

As city staff works on mapping out an updated long-term vision for Payne Park, residents are fighting for the continued preservation of the Payne Park Auditorium.

  • Sarasota
  • News
File photo "Snook Inn," a more than 6,000-square-foot home on the north end of Siesta Key, sold for $10 million in 2013.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 24, 2014
News Briefs

City of Sarasota named among top small towns for luxury homebuyers; Visit Sarasota County announces new locations; City withdraws from shelter conversation; Planning Commission to consider 2050 tweaks

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • July 24, 2014
School District's millage rate falls for the first time in three years

Although the Sarasota County School District's millage rate is proposed to be reduced this year, its revenues are still projected to increase because of rising property values.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • July 24, 2014
Hidden Gem

Sarasota's North Trail is a popular subject in the news, however, it is the residential neighborhood of Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores that steals the hearts of visitors and residents.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
DO THE CANNES CANNES. Jean Lolli brought her Observer along to the French Riviera during the annual Cannes Film Festival. One of the outdoor movie screens is set up in the background.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 24, 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 24, 2014
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 24, 2014
New developer sees promise in Sarasota housing market

Louisiana-based developer Level Homes has acquired property in Golden Gate Point and Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Courtesy photo Sandor Jakovics, Krisztina Ihaszy, Sue Dickson and Watkins Fessal, nicknamed "the four crazies," are hoping to set a new Guinness World Record for continuous badminton doubles play.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 24, 2014
Call me crazy

Sandor Jakovics and Krisztina Ihaszy plan to play badminton for 34 straight hours - a world record.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 24, 2014
Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo Prom queen and king, Barbara Davis and John Morey
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 24, 2014
Forever young

Heron East Assisted Living Facility held its second annual 'Senior Prom' last month.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 24, 2014
Community drive

Sarasota nonprofits the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota County and Big Brothers Big Sisters are hosting donation drives. The Boys and Girls Club's drive runs from July 21 through Aug. 2 and is accepting clothing, shoes, books and small household items for Goodwill Manasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Courtesy rendering A public park and baywalk is one of several features included in the Sarasota Bayfront Now plan, which looks to develop a large swath of city land along the water.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 24, 2014
Bayfront aquarium plan makes public debut

The group behind a leaked proposal for city-owned waterfront land hopes to reshape public perception of its plans.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Morgan cuts out the body of the mermaid tail from swimsuit-type fabric. It took Morgan six or seven trial runs to find the right kind of fabric, she said.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • July 24, 2014
VIDEO: Woman turns childhood fantasy into a business

The idea for Jade Morgan's business took shape after she made a mermaid tail as a costume for her daughter.

  • Sarasota
  • News
File photo St. Armands Circle organizations have been pushing for a restriction on special events at St. Armands Circle Park, citing concerns about traffic congestion and a decrease in business activity during the height of tourist season.
    By
  • David Conway
  • July 24, 2014
Circle events ordinance remains in design stage

City staff will continue working on a long-awaited ordinance managing special events at St. Armands Circle Park, but commissioners signaled their support for several requests from Circle stakeholders.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 24, 2014
Letters to the Editor

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

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Emma Martin
    By
  • 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
Mindy Towns submitted this photo of Sarasota Baptist Church, taken at sunset.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 24, 2014
Weather: Sarasota

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

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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