Your Observer

Observer Staff
May 14, 2014

Weather: East County

Brendan Rempert submitted this sunset photo, taken in GreyHawk Landing.

East County
Neighbors

Robin Hartill
May 13, 2014

LBK Liquors could open next week

The liquor store is located where the old Longboat Key Liquors operated next to Tiny's of Longboat.

Longboat Key
News

David Conway
May 13, 2014

Downtown security efforts ramp up

As merchants and property owners attempt to fight homelessness issues, the Downtown Improvement District is moving toward increasing the security presence downtown.

Sarasota
News

Kurt Schultheis
May 13, 2014

Village owners want alley closed

Property owners want a portion of an alley closed behind their home in Longbeach Village.

Longboat Key
News

Kelsey Grau
May 13, 2014

PHOTO OF THE DAY: Summer of Sand

Beachgoers relax as workers drag the pipeline along the water for the upcoming sand replenishment project on Tuesday, May 13, at the north end of the Key.

Longboat Key
News

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 13, 2014

Residents pay school library fines for neighborhood children

Neighbors contributed more than $245 to help the children, who attend Gocio Elementary, check out books hassle-free.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Josh Siegel
May 13, 2014

Pharmacy students win national awards

LECOM's School of Pharmacy won two awards in a national competition for its volunteer and promotions efforts.

East County
Schools

Alex Mahadevan
May 13, 2014

FDOT shifts Siesta lanes for bridge work

The Florida Department of Transportation is overseeing maintenance to the Stickney Point Bridge this week.

Siesta Key
News

Alex Mahadevan
May 12, 2014

Sarasota County gauges support for SUP

Stand-up paddle board rental businesses could soon find a niche on Siesta Key public beach and other local beaches. Sarasota County staff have asked for public input on the issue.

Sarasota
News

Robin Hartill
May 12, 2014

Organizers seek volunteers for Longboat Key Triathlon

The race takes place at 7:30 a.m. May 18, at the Islandside section of the Resort at Longboat Key Club.

Longboat Key
News

David Conway
May 12, 2014

Police make drug arrests in City Hall parking lot

On Friday, the Sarasota Police Department Narcotics and Street Crime units conducted an undercover bust on buyers and sellers of designer drugs.

Sarasota
News

Kurt Schultheis
May 12, 2014

VIDEO: Sand arrives Wednesday

Work to mobilize a dredge and pipe that will bring sand to the north end of the Key is ongoing.

Longboat Key
News

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 11, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Selby Garden's Mother's Day Brunch

Families celebrated Mother's Day at the Selby Gardens Mother's Day Brunch Sunday, May 11. After brunch, which included hot dishes and desserts, attendees enjoyed the gardens.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Josh Siegel
May 11, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: BRE PTO Annual Fundraiser

Braden River Elementary School's Parent Teacher Organization held its annual fundraiser, Night on the Bayou, May 10 at Linger Lodge Restaurant & Bar.

East County
News

Kelsey Grau
May 10, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Yacht Club Mother's Day Dash

Sarasota Yacht Club held a Mother's Day Dash featuring an exciting regatta followed by a poolside party and buffet on Saturday, May 10. Although this is the first year for the race, the club hopes to make it an annual event.

Longboat Key
News

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 10, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Military Academy Prom

Sarasota Military Academy held its annual prom Saturday, May 10, at Michael's On East. To mark the end of the academic year, students spent the evening dining and dancing.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 10, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota High School Prom

Sarasota High School held its annual prom Saturday, May 10, at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Students enjoyed dinner and dancing at the masquerade-themed evening.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Pam Eubanks
May 10, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Run for the Music 5K

Hundreds of runners gathered May 10, at Lakewood Ranch High School, for the Lakewood Ranch High School band program's Run for the Music 5K.

East County
Neighbors

Black Tie Staff
May 9, 2014

2nd annual DeBartolo Family Foundation All-In For ALS Casino Night

Black Tie

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 9, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Argus Foundation 'Low Country Boil'

The Argus Foundation held its annual 'Meet and Greet Our Government Officials' at its Low Country Boil Friday, May 9, at Sarasota Outboard Club. The evening invited members to mingle with government officials from Sarasota and Manatee Counties while enjoying an all you-can-eat pot luck dinner. "I come every year for the camaraderie and the ability to interact with the public casually" says Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Josh Siegel
May 9, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Payton Wright Golf Tournament

The Payton Wright Foundation held its Sixth Annual Golf Tournament May 9 at Lakewood Ranch Country Club. The event also included a banquet with dinner, a silent auction and live music.

East County
News

Kelsey Grau
May 9, 2014

PHOTO OF THE DAY: The Art of Boat Building

Longboat Key resident Herman Kruegle assists Rick Stewart in the restoration of an old wooden boat on Friday, May 9, at FISH Boatworks in Cortez Fishing Village.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Josh Siegel
May 9, 2014

WEEKEND BEST BET: Prospect Riding Center Hoedown

Prospect Riding Center will host its 2014 Hoedown Dance Jamboree Saturday.

East County
News

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 9, 2014

Weekend Best Bet: Selby Gardens Mother's Day Brunch

Enjoy the gardens with loved ones before sitting down for brunch catered by Michael's On East Sunday, May 11.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 9, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Ashton Elementary's World Series Games

Ashton Elementary fifth grade students went up to bat at the school's annual World Series Games Friday, May 9, at Twin Lakes Park. The students were divided into Major League Baseball teams, such as the Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves and Toronto Blue Jays, to recreate the World Series Games. Those who didn't play helped off the field with concession stand vendors, security guards and cheerleaders.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Kurt Schultheis
May 9, 2014

Longboat changes water source

Town staff shut off the Manatee County interconnect pipe that funnels water from Manatee County to the island yesterday to have a water meter replaced.

Longboat Key
News

Pam Eubanks
May 9, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Kiddie Academy Mother's Day

Children at Kiddie Academy enjoyed special time with their mothers May 8 and May 9, during a special Mother's Day tea party event, at the school.

East County
Neighbors

Pam Eubanks
May 9, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: All God's Children Mother's Day

Children at All God's Preschool at Living Lord Lutheran Church celebrated their mothers May 9, during special festivities at the school.

East County
Neighbors

Kurt Schultheis
May 9, 2014

Lido condo sells for $3.97 million

A Ritz-Carlton Beach Residences condominium sale this week marks the highest price for a Ritz-Carlton condo on Lido Key since 2006.

Longboat Key
News

Alex Mahadevan
May 9, 2014

Sarasota Police reveal details of drug operation

The Sarasota Police Department in conjunction with other agencies arrested 33 suspects as part of 'Operation SRQ Cartel II,' which ended last month.

Sarasota
News

Josh Siegel
May 9, 2014

Rowing championships gets a logo

Sarasota and Manatee county officials will unveil the logo for the 2017 World Rowing Championships at a Saturday press conference.

East County
News

Kurt Schultheis
May 9, 2014

Colony auction postponed

Orlando-based Unicorp National Development Inc. President Charles Whittall has entered into a contract with a bankruptcy trustee to purchase the resort's bankrupt estate.