Your Observer

David Conway
May 23, 2014

Closures scheduled for Memorial Day

Government offices will be closed in the city and county in observance of the holiday, and street closures are planned for Monday's parade.

Sarasota
News

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 22, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Our Sarasota Fund Giving Circle Reception

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County hosted a reception for its Our Sarasota Fund Giving Circle Thursday, May 22. The Community Foundation awarded more than $25,000 in support of Sarasota LFBT nonprofit and programs such as the ALSO Youth group.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 22, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: SMA Graduation

Sarasota Military Academy students graduated Thursday, May 22, at Robarts Arena. The arena was filled with families, friends and loved ones there to celebrate the seniors accomplishments. Before the ceremony, friends and family members visited the seniors as they prepared to go on stage.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Pam Eubanks
May 22, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Bashaw Art and Music Festival

Bashaw Elementary School students celebrated the Far East May 22, during the school's annual Art and Music Festival.

East County
Neighbors

Robin Hartill
May 22, 2014

Census: Key population grows by 1.14%

Longboat Key's population increased to 7,082 in July 2013, according to data the U.S. Census Bureau released this week.

Longboat Key
News

David Conway
May 22, 2014

Selby Gardens CEO announces retirement

Thomas Buchter, who has served as the president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens since 2009, announced that he plans to retire in October.

Sarasota
News

Amanda Sebastiano
May 22, 2014

Commissioner talks transportation, growth with residents

District 5 Commissioner Vanessa Baugh met with Esplanade residents May 21, in the community's clubhouse, to answer questions about transportation and growth in Lakewood Ranch.

East County
News

By John Morton
May 22, 2014

Budget season kicks off today at Town Hall

Commissioners are expected to discuss how to address a more than $600,000 budget deficit at a budget workshop today.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
May 22, 2014

The Good Book

For more than four decades, The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch resident Natalie Pearson has had a piece of history in her home - American poet Walt Whitman's Bible. Pearson and her late husband, Walter Whitman Swertfager, inherited the Bible from Swertfager's mother, who was a descendent of Whitman.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Pam Eubanks
May 22, 2014

Sarasota approves Villages project

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

East County
News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Observer Staff
May 22, 2014

News Briefs

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

Sarasota
News

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

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

Jen Blanco
May 22, 2014

High five moments of the week

The top five sports moments of the week.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 22, 2014

Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

Sarasota
Cops Corner

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

Observer Staff
May 22, 2014

Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 22, 2014

School Board

Leading the way; Winning tournament; Initiating respect

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 22, 2014

Weather: Sarasota

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

Sarasota
Neighbors

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

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

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

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

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

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.