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Your Observer

Most major revenue sources for Sarasota County have performed better than expected in the first six months of the current fiscal year.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • April 28, 2014
Commission to meet for mid-year review

On Tuesday, Sarasota County staff will update commissioners on issues ranging from major revenues to plans to privatize aspects of the public transit system.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Josh and Addison Miller
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 27, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Siesta Fiesta

Art lovers flocked to Siesta Key Village for the 36th annual Siesta Fiesta Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27. The annual art festival showcases work by local and national artists and crafters. Attendees admired the unique art with live music and fresh food.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Macy McHugh, Olivia Byrd and Emmy Little pose with a “Frozen” Barbie.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • April 27, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Moonlight Movie

Attendees of the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Corp.'s Moonlight Movie night April 26, enjoyed barbecue food, tailgating, time outside and foremost, a free showing of 'Frozen.' Blankets and coolers filled the lawn of Greenbrook Adventure Park as participants anxiously waited for the movie to begin.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Marvin Albert and Gerri Aaron
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • April 26, 2014
Fairytale Ball

Fairytale Ball

  • Black Tie
Shelton and Sabria Bruton with Maggie Zanders and Shelton Jr. Bruton
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: March of Dimes "March for Babies"

Residents helped raise money for babies at the March of Dimes "March for Babies" Saturday, April 26. The walk started and finished at J.D. Hamel Park where participants enjoyed hot dogs, donuts, snow cones and music after walking along Sarasota Bay. March of Dimes is a nonprofit that focuses on ending premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kay and Keith Tschannen with Ginny Dreher and Ev Randlett
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • April 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Christ Church Farewell Party

Christ Church of Longboat Key invited its parishioners to a farewell party on Saturday, April 26. Attendees enjoyed homemade hors d'oeuvres and desserts as they said goodbye to friends until next season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Caitlin Pfeifle receives a tiara to wear for the evening.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • April 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Night with the Stars Special Needs Prom

The 400 attendees of the Night with the Stars Special Needs Prom sparkled with formal gowns, suits and constant smiles April 25, at Woodland, The Community Church. The free event, themed 'under the sea,' welcomed special-needs individuals ages 16 and older, for a night of music, dancing, food and socializing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mark and Crystal Rothhaar dress for the cruise-themed event.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • April 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch YMCA Interactive Dinner

Patrons of the third Lakewood Ranch YMCA Interactive Dinner wore leis, sipped on cocktails and snacked on chicken spring rolls and other hors devours April 25, in the front room of the Polo Grill and Bar's Fete Ballroom. Chef Tommy Klauber also led participants in a cooking lesson, while comedian Tim Wilkins hosted and entertained the guests throughout their culinary trials. Proceeds benefited the Lakewood Ranch Y scholarship campaign, 'Change the Odds.'

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mary Braxton-Joseph with featured guest Charlayne Hunter-Gault
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • April 25, 2014
"At Lunch With" Charlayne Hunter-Gault

"At Lunch With" Charlayne Hunter-Gault

  • Black Tie
Rex Tharp, a purple heart recipient and Army veteran from North Manchester, Ind. and Jon Carnes, a Naples native who served in the Marines
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • April 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Florida Fun Shoot

The Ancient Oak Gun Club hosted the First Annual Florida Fun Shoot Friday, April 25. Proceeds from the event went to Operation Second Chance to assist wounded veterans.

  • East County
  • News
Melqui Batancourt competes in the Water Relay.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Phillippi Shores Measurement Olympics

Phillippi Shores Elementary's second grade gathered for the 2nd annual Measurement Olympics Friday, April 26. The students took part in Olympic games focused on measuring such as paper pate discus, Olympic golf and water relay. The second grade has been learning about measuring this year and used their estimating and measuring skills to garner points.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Craig Cerreta of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty and Brian Volner of C1 Bank
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • April 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: LWRBA Sixth Annual Golf Tournament

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance held its sixth annual golf tournament -the Ranch Scramble - Friday, April 25 at Waterlefe Golf & River Club. The event featured golf, a lunch buffet and a raffle.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 25, 2014
SCAT seeks awareness on Try Transit Day

As the transportation organization continues to reorganize its service, it hopes to establish a more steady ridership base throughout the year.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Start time for the 5k is 7:30 a.m.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 25, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: Run to Remember

The run, which takes place at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, will benefit Pines of Sarasota's Alzheimers families.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sand will be placed just north and south of the severely eroded beach near Longbeach condominiums.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 25, 2014
Sand arriving next month

The town manager is optimistic that sand placed on the north end of the Key will act as a buffer before two groins are installed in summer 2015 to hold sand in the area.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Applications are due to the Town Clerk’s office at Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • April 25, 2014
Town seeks volunteers for boards

The town is seeking volunteers for six boards and committees by April 28.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The birthday girls take a group photo.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Pines of Sarasota 100-Plus Club Tea Party

The Pines of Sarasota held its annual 100-Plus Club Tea Party Thursday, April 24. Ten residents, all over the age of 100, and their family members celebrated their birthdays with tea and cake. The eldest of the group, Catherine Penman turns 107 Sunday, April 27. 'Each of the women have had a rich and full life,' says Pines of Sarasota CEO Tom Overton. 'It has been a cathartic experience over the years for me.'

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
At 8 p.m., Saturday, April 26, Moonlight Movie will feature a free showing of "Frozen" at Greenbrook Adventure Park.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • April 25, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: Moonlight Movie

The Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Corp. will feature "Frozen" for its Moonlight Movie, at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 26, at Greenbrook Adventure Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Heather Kasten (right) is currently the vice president of membership at the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • April 25, 2014
Alliance selects executive director

Heather Kasten will be the executive director of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.

  • East County
  • News
Sierra Schappacher reacts after Lakewood Ranch defeated Countryside 2-0 in the Class 7A-Region 3 quarterfinals April 24.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 25, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Class 7A-Region 3 quarterfinal softball: Lakewood Ranch vs. Countryside

The Lakewood Ranch High softball team defeated Countryside 2-0 in the Class 7A-Region 3 quarterfinals April 24. Junior Amanda Rak tossed a complete game shutout, finishing with a season-high 12 strikeouts. Freshman Kaylee Misiti went 3-for-3 with a double, a RBI and a run scored. The Lady Mustangs will travel to East Lake for the regional semifinals April 29.

  • East County
  • Sports
Megan and Brent Bogart
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • April 24, 2014
First Roots: First Presbyterian Preschool's Annual Fundraiser

First Roots: First Presbyterian Preschool's Annual Fundraiser

  • Black Tie
Denise Barker, Joseph Jennings and Audrey Pinney
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • April 24, 2014
11th annual Women Helping Women Luncheon

11th annual Women Helping Women Luncheon

  • Black Tie
Lakewood Ranch freshman Sophia Falco set a new personal record in the 100-meter dash, crossing the finish line in 11.97 seconds to finish second.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 24, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: 3A-3 and 4A-2 track and field meets

The Braden River, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota High boys and girls track teams competed in the Class 3A-Region 3 meet April 23, at Tampa Leto High. Lakewood scored 77 points to win the girls team title while Sarasota won the boys title with 40 points. Riverview competed in the Class 4A-Region 3 meet the same day.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Recipients of the grants provided by Designing Women Boutique received their checks at the Designing Women Boutique Grant Awards Ceremony Thursday, April 24.
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • April 24, 2014
Designing Women Boutique Grant Awards Ceremony

Designing Women Boutique's 2014 grants were presented at its Grant Awards Ceremony Thursday, April 24, at Designing Women Boutique.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The home is complementary mix of new and old with expansive views of the water.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • April 24, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Villa am Meer Open House

Jay Tallman and the Ascentia Development Group held an open house at the restored Villa am Meer on Thursday, April 24. The event marks the beginning of the group's plans to construct a 16-unit Aria condominium project on the property.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Beatrice Einstein laughs with vendors Skip Ennis and Ann Richards at last week's art festival by Paragon Art Events.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • April 24, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: St. Armands Fine Art Festival

Browse works from 80 of America's top artisans and craftsmen this weekend in St. Armands Circle Park. St. Armands Fine Art Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 26, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 27.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Boyer became CFO of the district in April 2012.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • April 24, 2014
School district CFO resigns

Michael Boyer, chief financial officer for the Manatee County School District, has resigned from his position, effective June 27.

  • East County
  • News
Jill Levine, Southeastern Guide Dog Co-Founder Harris Silverman and Marjorie Singer
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 24, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Southeastern Guide Dog Graduation Ceremony

Southeastern Guide Dogs celebrated the beginning of a new chapter at its graduation ceremony Thursday, April 24. Eight graduates and their guide dogs spent the afternoon enjoying their new companionship. Guests heard from Southeaster Guide Dog alumnus guest speaker Donald Olinger. "I'm absolutely ecstatic," says Tina Ladner of bringing her guide, Tangerine, home.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The vacant lot at 162 Beach Road is covered in shoreline-stabilizing vegetation, and has never been developed.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • April 24, 2014
Commission denies Siesta Key building plans

Sarasota County commissioners unanimously denied a variance request to build a three-story single-family home at 162 Beach Road Wednesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Tom Smith, Kenny Barr, Chip Harris and Ted Smith. (Photo by Harriet Sokensuer)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 24, 2014
Raising the Barr

TideWell Hospice honored veteran and longtime Sarasota resident Kenny Barr Thursday, April 10.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 24, 2014
Holocaust tribute

Sarasota resident and Holocaust survivor Jack Brodman will light the memorial candle at this year's Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Day Remembrance, hosted by Temple Beth Israel.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Elizabeth Woodall visits the Sarasota War Memorial to pay tribute to her son. (Photo by Nolan Peterson)
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 24, 2014
Unforgettable

Seven years after his death in Iraq, the pain and pride of Marine Peter Woodall's family and friends have not faded.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Sarasota City Commission narrowly approved construction of the State Street garage Monday. (Courtesy rendering)
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 24, 2014
City approves $11.4 million garage

Despite a price tag more than 50% higher than the original budget, commissioners granted final approval to the construction of the State Street parking garage at a meeting Monday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 24, 2014
Circulating Opportunity

John Moran, a leading advocate for the creation of a downtown circulator transit system, believes the program could serve as a financial boon for Sarasota businesses.

  • Sarasota
  • News
As Good As It Gets owner Doug Gourley says the city has been unresponsive to his inquiries regarding a wayfinding system on Palm Avenue.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 24, 2014
Palm Avenue businesses seek support from city

Some Palm Avenue merchants have expressed concerns about the business environment in the area, but the city believes activity is trending upward.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Largely constructed underground in Luke Wood Park, Lift Station 87 will have to go major — and costly — renovations. Photo by David Conway
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 24, 2014
Lift station estimate tops $27 million

McKim and Creed, the engineering firm in charge of completing the Lift Station 87 project, has put a price tag on the cost of overcoming the various problems that have affected the project over the past six years: $27.1 million.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
Staff at the 12th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem program sort through the delivery of presents for children up to 18 years of age.
  • December 22, 2025
Gift donations break record at Sarasota Sheriff's Office
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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
3
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
4
Manatee County commissioners approve reducing speed limits throughout the county.
  • December 22, 2025
Speed limits reduced on nine roads in Manatee County
5
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

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