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Your Observer

Mayor Jim Brown called for a show of hands Monday that led to another decision not to move forward with discussions about burying the Key's power poles.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • June 16, 2014
Power pole debate arises, goes dark again

An attempt to reignite a Florida Power and Light Co. underground pole discussion at today's workshop failed.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 16, 2014
Authorities seek burglar in River Club

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is following up on leads.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 16, 2014
Homeless man robbed

A homeless man was injured during a robbery Sunday.

  • East County
  • News
The vacant lot at 162 Beach Road is covered in shoreline-stabilizing vegetation, and has never been developed.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • June 16, 2014
Battle over beachside lot continues

The owners of a Siesta Key property appealed to a Florida statute after Sarasota County commissioners denied them the right to build on 162 Beach Road.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Kathryn Page adjusts Kimberly Glowatch’s hat at Page’s booth.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • June 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: 13th annual St. Armands Craft Festival

The 13th annual St. Armands Craft Festival displayed works from 175 artisans and craftsman June 15, at St. Armands Circle Park. Festivalgoers enjoyed everything from blooming flowers to one-of-a-kind jewelry and ceramics.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Edward and Sarah Campanella
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Fathers and Fenders

Families and car enthusiasts enjoyed their Sunday at Fathers and Fenders Sunday, June 15, at Five Points Park. The annual car show was open to the public a celebrates automobiles and Fathers Day.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Myakka City resident Dixie Cline has been out to Ancient Oaks Gun Club several times since it opened.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • June 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Manatee Chamber Sporting Clays Fun Shoot

Nearly 120 Manatee Chamber of Commerce members put their shooting skills to the test during the organization's first Sporting Clays Fun Shoot June 13, at Ancient Oaks Gun Club. Participants attempted to hit 50 clay targets spread over three courses. Awards were presented to the top three teams as well as the highest individual shooter.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sinai and Veronica Juarez
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 14, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Selby Garden's "Super Saturday"

Selby Gardens hosted "Super Saturday" Saturday, June 14. The morning event invited families to take advantage of the gardens with self-directed lawn games and activities. "Super Saturdays" will run every Saturday through August.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Roger DeWitt and John Raber, both members of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 18, prepare to raise the flag.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • June 14, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Palm Aire Flag Day Ceremony

To show patriotism and in honor of Flag Day, June 14, Palm Aire residents observed a Flag Day ceremony by veterans and JROTC members, followed by the display of the United States' flag.

  • East County
  • News
Pat Dorsey presents the Small Business of the Year (51 to 100 Employees) Award to Bob Stanell of CS&L CPAs.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 13, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce celebrated area small businesses at the 24th annual Small Business Awards Luncheon Friday, June 13, at the Hyatt Regency, Sarasota. Members and guests enjoyed lunch while eight Sarasota and Manatee businesses received recognition for their success in their category. Winners included CS&L CPAs, Gateway Bank of Southwest Florida, Goodwill Industries- Manasota, Inc. and the Van Wezel Foundation, Inc.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Customers browse one of the festival’s many tents at last year’s festival.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • June 13, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: The 13th annual St. Armands Craft Festival

Browse works from over 175 artisans and craftsmen this weekend in St. Armands Circle Park. The 13th annual St. Armands Craft Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The workshop will take place at Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • June 13, 2014
Commission to discuss budget at special workshop

Town staff is expected to present ways to address a $307,000 budget deficit at next year's workshop.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May is accepting “higher and better” offers that may come forth before an auction scheduled for 2 p.m. June 19 in his Tampa courtroom.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • June 13, 2014
Colony Lender's attempt to delay auction fails

A motion to delay the auction of a bankrupt estate was denied by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May on Thursday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This week’s “Super Saturday” features lawn games.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 13, 2014
Weekend Best Bet: Selby Gardens 'Super Saturdays'

Kick off summer with a day of family fun at 'Super Saturday' Saturday, June 14. The morning event is the first of the eight-week series held this summer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • June 13, 2014
Braden River High instructors take first in state STEM competition

Braden River High School instructors David Sheppard and Gil Burlew won first place at the State STEM Manufacturing Showcase Competition May 29, in Orlando.

  • East County
  • Schools
Monroe Racleful and his daughter, Delilah, snack on donuts.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • June 13, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Donuts for Dad

The Donuts for Dads event June 13, at Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch Town Center, lived up to its name, as students and their fathers snacked on muffins, donuts and other breakfast items. Students also gave their fathers their Father's Day gifts.

  • East County
  • News
FDOT planners presented plans for two roundabouts on U.S. 41 to stakeholders last year during a meeting at Art Center Sarasota.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • June 13, 2014
FDOT to update City Commission on roundabouts

The Florida Department of Transportation will discuss progress on U.S. 41 roundabouts, and commissioners will discuss county plans to move a downtown bus station.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Sarasota's Big Pass has never been dredged.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • June 13, 2014
VIDEO: Army Corps releases Big Pass study draft

Conclusions in the draft version of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study on the potential dredging of Big Pass to renourish Lido Key support the $23 million project.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
On busy days, cars crowd North Shell Road, making it difficult for residents to enter and leave their driveways.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • June 13, 2014
VIDEO: County starts work on North Shell Road

Sarasota County will close the Siesta Key roadway through July 3, to create 17 regulated parking spaces.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The early morning sun shines on the waters of Longboat Key’s north end.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • June 12, 2014
PHOTO OF THE DAY: On the Bay

The early morning sun shines on the waters of Longboat Key's north end.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Juliana Misser tries to blow a bubble.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • June 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Kiddie Academy's Camp Adventure

From 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., June 10 through Aug. 16, Kindergarten through fifth-grade students enjoy ranges of summer camp activities, such as field trips to aquariums and crafting gifts for Father's Day.

  • East County
  • News
Tom Hughes will serve as the new director of operations for the Sarasota Polo Club at Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • June 12, 2014
Sarasota Polo Club names new director

The Sarasota Polo Club named Tom Hughes as the director of Polo operations.

  • East County
  • News
Juan Florensa’s department is responsible for wastewater services, the Key’s beach and maintenance of town-owned facilities.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • June 12, 2014
Florensa shares Public Works duties with Kiwanians

Juan Florensa's department is responsible for wastewater services, the Key's beach and maintenance of town-owned facilities.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Town Hall Executive Director Eva Rey is ready to get back to work in her office Thursday after receiving a new contract extension and bonus.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • June 12, 2014
Rey earns three-year contract and bonus

Lakewood Ranch Town Hall Executive Director Eva Rey received unanimous support, a three-year contract extension and a $5,000 bonus Thursday at Town Hall.

  • East County
  • News
More than 100 stores will occupy The Mall at University Town Center.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • June 12, 2014
UPDATE: More big name retailers set to join University Town Center lineup

The Mall at University Town Center will feature more than 100 stores and a multitude of restaurants when it opens Oct. 16.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota County deputies increased their presence on Siesta Key during spring break this year, resulting in more charges than previous years.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • June 12, 2014
Spring break patrols declared a success

A Sarasota County Sheriff's Office patrol initiative during March and April resulted in roughly 250 charges related to alcohol on Siesta Key - nearly 75% of all charges during the period.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 12, 2014
T-errific trip

Incoming sophomore at Pine View School for the Gifted, Halle Belden, is collecting T-shirts and girls clothing for her trip to an orphanage and women's rehab June 26, in La Vega, Dominican Republic.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sheriff Tom Knight, Asst. Fire Chief Kevin Easton, SPD Chief Bernadette DiPino, Tim Thomas and Dave Graus (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 12, 2014
Warm and fuzzy

Sarasota Moose Lodge 1319 donated 36 stuffed animals of the group's mascot, Tommy Moose, to Chief Bernadette DiPino, Sheriff Tom Knight and Asst. Chief Kevin Eastern.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jean Maxwell Catsakis and Clarissa Thomasson
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 12, 2014
Patriotic duty

The Sara De Soto Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War at a recent chapter meeting.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 is striving to find out how similar efforts — such as Brooklyn Bridge Park — became reality. (Photo courtesy Julienne Schaer)
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 12, 2014
Organizations seek guidance for Sarasota bayfront plan

The groups behind Bayfront 20:20, a master planning process for available bayfront land, attempt to learn how to win support for its efforts.

  • Sarasota
  • News
City staff believes the Rosemary Residential Overlay District, the boundaries of which are detailed below, could help area businesses thrive and fill vacant land within the neighborhood.
    By
  • David Conway
  • June 12, 2014
City, residents discuss density for proposed Rosemary overlay

The Rosemary Residential Overlay District allows for higher-density projects, designed to help inject the neighborhood with much-needed residential life. in the neighborhood.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 12, 2014
Our View: Long may it wave

Surely, we're not alone in thinking that we, as Americans, are having our American ideals and patriotism tested to new limits lately.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 12, 2014
Letters to the Editor

Knee-jerk reactions; Parking signs are confusing;Consider other bus sites; Are you are being played?

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 12, 2014
Cops Corner

June 8 CRACKING THE CASE 5:30 p.m. - 3500 block of North Tamiami Trail. Petit Theft - Shoplifting. A security employee at a department store reported a theft. The employee said a man placed eight cases of beer in a shopping cart and left without paying. The man was walking toward a car in which another male was waiting, at which point the employee confronted the man and asked for the beer back. The man placed his hand in his pocket and said, 'What, you want some?' The employee returned to the store to avoid confrontation.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Paul Welch stands in First Step's newest addition, the Welch Family Foundation Community Room.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 12, 2014
First Step Sarasota honors longtime anonymous donor

Paul Welch hopes to set a good example for his children in giving back to charities.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Whenever she feels inspired, Patricia D'Arcy Laughlin writes in the comfort of her home.
  • By Harriet Sokmensuer
  • June 12, 2014
Resident shines light on romance in new novel

For Patricia D'Arcy Laughlin, 'Sacrifice for a Kingdom' is a fictional love story with a real-life message.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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