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Your Observer

Lew Pollock, right, with his wife of 72 years, Peggy
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • June 10, 2014
Former Mayor Lew Pollock dies at 98

Pollock served on the Longboat Key Town Commission for six years, including one year as mayor from 1988 to 1989.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • June 10, 2014
Rappaport tenders tentative resignation

Volunteer board members of the BID and DID have plans to resign if their finances become public through mandated financial disclosure affidavits.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sophia Colon, 1, cools off at the Children's Fountain Tuesday, June 10, at Bayfront Park. The Children's Fountain is open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Labor Day, weather permitting.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 10, 2014
Photo of the Day: Children's Fountain

Sophia Colon, 1, tries to grab a fountain at the Children's Fountain Tuesday, June 10, at Bayfront Park. The Children's Fountain is open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Labor Day, weather permitting.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Linda Craig and the Debbies — Debbie Fortosis and Debbie Lee.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • June 10, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Successful Women Aligning Together luncheon

The Lakewood Ranch branch of Successful Women Aligning Together (SWAT) met for a networking luncheon, June 10, at Polo Grill and Bar.

  • East County
  • News
Carol Koplik shelves books on June 10, at the Longboat Library.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • June 10, 2014
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Calling All Bookworms

The Longboat Library, staffed and operated entirely by volunteers, is looking for helping hands. Open 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, the library hopes to welcome new volunteers for the summer season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Manatee County School District will vote at its meeting tonight, to determine if Justin Terry will be Lakewood Ranch High's next principal.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • June 10, 2014
School District to decide on Lakewood Ranch High principal

At its meeting from 5:45 to 8 p.m., June 10, the Manatee County School District will discuss if Dr. Justin Terry will take over as the Lakewood Ranch High principal.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Hilton flag that flies in front of the Longboat Key Beachfront Hilton is gone and the blue Hilton sign has been covered.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • June 10, 2014
Hilton logo disappears

The Hilton flag is no longer flying at the former Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort, which has been rebranded as the Gulfside Beach Resort.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Les and Pam McCurdy
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • June 9, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: McCurdy's Comedy Theatre Pre-Grand Opening

More than 300 guests gathered at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre's new location on Ringling Boulevard Monday, June 9, for the McCurdy's Comedy Theatre Pre-Grand Opening Charity Fundraiser.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 9, 2014
Gov. Scott fills School Board vacancy

Gov. Rick Scott selected Sarasota County School Board District 1 candidate Bridget Ziegler to fill the vacancy created by the April resignation of Carol Todd.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
This rendering details proposed improvements to the intersection of Main Street and U.S. 301.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 9, 2014
DID to consider further Main Street improvements

On Tuesday, the Downtown Improvement District will discuss expanding its boundaries to complete the last segment of a Main Street improvement project.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Florida League of Cities Innovation Showcase has featured the town of Longboat Key's Fiscal Transparency Module.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • June 9, 2014
Town's fiscal transparency tool receives more praise

The module went live in February and uses fiscal data that feeds directly from the finance department's database to display revenue and expenses to the public.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Tropical Storm Debby in June 2012 was Longboat Key's last brush with a major storm. (File photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • June 9, 2014
Town to hold disaster preparedness seminar

Brian Koon, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, will be the keynote speaker at the event.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Ezra Mason pitches the ball to a faculty member.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • June 9, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Tara Elementary kickball game

As one last hurrah for Tara Elementary's fifth-grade students, the children competed against the school's faculty members and alumni in a kickball game, June 9, on a field tucked in the back of the East County school. The adults defeated the soon-to-be middle school students, 7-6.

  • East County
  • News
The United States’ Margaux Isaksen prepares for her final dual in the mixed relay round robin fencing event June 8.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • June 9, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: 2014 Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final

Cup Final June 6 through June 8, in Sarasota. Athletes participated in five events, including fencing, swimming, horse riding, running and laser pistol shooting. Winners were crowned in women's, men's and mixed relay divisions.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Brothers Jim, Bill and Richard Carrick
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • June 7, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Bill Carrick Retirement Party

Friends and family gathered to celebrate the retirement of Bill Carrick June 7, at Cedars Restaurant and Tiki Bar. After 37 ½ years at Publix, Carrick decided to stop stocking the shelves and enjoy the beach.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Isabella Savage, 5, gets her face painted by Suzy Kalin at the festival.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • June 7, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: World Oceans Day Family Festival

The World Oceans Day Family Festival drew a crowd on June 7, at Mote Marine Laboratory's Aquarium. The Dr. Seuss-themed festival was filled with games and crafts focusing on green practices, marine science and conservation.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Modern Pentathlon Vice President Joel Bouzou with South American Regional President Jorge Salas, Modern Pentathlon President Klaus Schormann, African Regional President Sameh Guemeih and Oceania Regional President John Pennell
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 7, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Modern Pentathlon Sponsorship Gala

Sarasota celebrated the 2014 Modern Pentathlon at the Pentathlon Gala Saturday, June 7, at the Ca D'Zan. Before enjoying dinner on the water, guests socialized on the Ringling's lawn. The gala marks the second night of the international event that is held in Sarasota and Bradenton.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sage and Rock Esposito enjoy cold chocolate milk.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • June 7, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Dakin Dairy Day Festival

In honor of national dairy month, families gathered June 7, at Dakin Dairy Farms, to enjoy live music and games, and to snack on grilled cheese sandwiches and sip on cold milk. Proceeds from the 50/50 raffle benefited Harvest House Transitional Centers.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Police Department detectives arrested Sarasota resident Shaquan Leverett for the murder of a Palmetto man in March.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 6, 2014
Sarasota man arrested for murder

The Sarasota Police Department has made an arrest following an investigation of a murder that took place March 10 in North Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The quintet will play patriotic music with Master Sgt. Robert McDonald and the U.S. Army Chorus. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 6, 2014
Weekend Best Bet: The U.S. Army Brass Quintet Concert

Start the weekend downtown with the U.S. Army Brass Quintet Friday, June 6, at Five Pints Park. The outdoor concert is made possible by the Arts and Cultural Alliance and Downtown Sarasota Alliance.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Liston Bochette was one of the Olympians who spoke to the students.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 6, 2014
VIDEO: Olympians visit Sailor Circus

Five Olympians visited Sailor Circus Thursday, June 5. The Olympians shared personal stories with aspiring athletes before answering questions. The meeting is part of the Olympians' visit to Sarasota for the 2014 Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sand is now being placed south of North Shore Road behind the Longbeach Periwinkle condominium building,
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • June 6, 2014
North end sand project makes progress

Enough sand has been placed at the North Shore Road beach access that the area has been opened up to the public.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jonathan Bartik plays his rendition of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven."
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • June 6, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: McNeal Elementary talent show

McNeal Elementary's fifth-grade students showcased their singing, dancing and instrument-playing skills June 6, at the school's annual talent show, held in the McNeal cafeteria.

  • East County
  • News
Additional information is available through Longboat Key Fire Rescue.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • June 6, 2014
Special needs program available for evacuation assistance

The town encourages residents with medical condition to register for a program that provides evacuation assistance.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Dakin Dairy Farms owner Karen Dakin has always wanted to be a farmer. This weekend, she will celebrate her livelihood and national dairy month.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • June 6, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: Dakin Dairy Day Festival

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 7, live music, cooking demonstrations, games and other Dakin Dairy Day Festival attractions will take over Dakin Dairy Farms, located at 30771 Betts Road, Myakka City.

  • East County
  • News
Madison P., 3, observes the sharks swimming overhead at last year's festival.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • June 6, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: World Oceans Day Family Festival

Make a big splash for World Oceans Day at Mote Marine Laboratory's Dr. Seuss-themed festival. The family-friendly event takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at The Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The week of June 8, drivers in East County may experience delays on major roadways.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • June 6, 2014
FDOT announces lane, shoulder closures in East County

Motorists will see lane and shoulder closures, along with other road work, the week of June 8.

  • East County
  • News
Assistant Sarasota County Administrator Lee Ann Lowery with Fire Chief Mike Tobias (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 5, 2014
Our Town: Final salute

The Sarasota County Fire Department honored Fire Chief Mike Tobias May 29, outside the Sarasota County Administration Building.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Les and Pam McCurdy
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 5, 2014
Comedy Central: McCurdy's set to open June 11

McCurdy's Comedy Theatre owner Les McCurdy says despite the pain of moving his business, he made the right choice. Now it's time to let the laughs begin.

  • Sarasota
  • News
City staff may be charged with maintaining medians and other grassy spaces for several weeks.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 5, 2014
City mowing contractor cuts service

Following service issues, the city may now be on its own when it comes to turf maintenance.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
A proposed noise ordinance would cut off outdoor amplified noise for all businesses at 11 p.m. on weekdays, a later hour that currently only applies to Mattison's City Grille.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 5, 2014
Commission seeks new solutions to noise issues

While considering a revised noise ordinance, city commissioners discussed alternative measures for combating issues residents have with boisterous downtown businesses.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 5, 2014
Letters to the Editor

Facts on proposed charter; City should sue Mogensen; If you build it, they will come

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Pine View School for the Gifted eighth-grader Hallie Schiffman began sailing competitively when she was 10 years old.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • June 5, 2014
Setting sail

Thirteen-year-old Hallie Schiffman was recently named the recipient of the 2014 Young Woman Sailor of the Year Award.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 5, 2014
Engineers present new lift station renderings

City staff and the engineering team in charge of completing the Lift Station 87 project discussed the design of an above-ground structure with citizens.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 5, 2014
Cops Corner

June 2 supreme being 5:16 p.m. - 2800 block of Ringling Boulevard. Dispute/Fight. The manager of a pizzeria called officers after a customer called the store demanding free pizza. The manager said that, three days earlier, the same customer came in and asked for another pizza because his pizza tasted strange. At first, the manager said that he couldn't give the customer another pizza without a receipt, but eventually gave him a new pizza because the customer was getting upset. On Monday, the customer called the store and said he wanted a free pizza or else he would beat up the manager. The customer came to the store and apologized prior to police arriving.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
St. Stephen’s Head of School Dr. Jan Pullen cuts the ribbon at the grand opening of the new Falcon Field House.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • June 5, 2014
Sidelines

St. Stephens Falcons unveil new field house; Amateur championship coming to Sara Bay; Goodwill offers free yoga classes for veterans

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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