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Your Observer

A forensic audit revealed that between June 2012 and July 2013, more than 100 deposits for Cannons Marina were modified and $109,506.16 was missing. Photo by Kurt Schultheis
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • May 7, 2014
Former Cannons Marina bookkeeper charged with theft

Police believe Kristine McWilliams stole more than $100,000 from the Longboat Key marina over a 13-month period. She has pleaded not guilty.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • May 7, 2014
ULI Committee issues linger as members question their role

Questions about the Urban Land Institute Implementation Advisory Committee's effectiveness continue, while commissioners start to question the group's existence and members start to resign.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
File photo One of the six catalyst areas selected by the city's Urban Design Studio will focus on reducing sign clutter around the Circle.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 7, 2014
Urban Design Studio targets St. Armands sign reduction

When Lou Costa looks at road signs posted throughout the city, he sees something more than a speed limit or a parking restriction - he sees missed opportunities.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 7, 2014
Our View

SMH should give it a try

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 7, 2014
Letters to the Editor

To send in your Letters to the Editor, email them to News Editor Robin Hartill at [email protected].

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 7, 2014
Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 7, 2014
Obituary: Leon Eyges Rogers

Leon Eyges Rogers, 96, died April 28.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Orlando
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 7, 2014
Obituary: Maurice V. Orlando

Maurice V. Orlando, 91, of Longboat Key, died April 28.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Hugh Bettendorf and Allison Archbold
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • May 6, 2014
3rd annual Chairman's Circle Dinner

3rd annual Chairman's Circle Dinner

  • Black Tie
The first sea turtle nest of the season was found on Longboat Key today.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • May 6, 2014
PHOTO OF THE DAY: New to the Nest

Mote Marine Laboratory's Sea Turtle Patrol was in for a surprise this morning when it came across tracks leading to the first nest of the season. Close to 100 eggs were laid by a loggerhead sea turtle, the most common species on local beaches, on Tuesday, May 6, on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A health care trust fund that provided about $9 million annually for medical and mental care to people in need will be depleted in 2016, county officials say, prompting the need for a long-term plan.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • May 6, 2014
Commission delays initiating health care study

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to seek community input before approving the launch of a yearlong health care study that would provide the basis for a formal healthcare plan in the county.

  • East County
  • News
The city is considering building a parking garage on St. Armands to mitigate parking issues, but the Urban Design Studio believes the issue can be addressed with other solutions.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 6, 2014
St. Armands BID hears talk on parking, transit

The city's Urban Design Studio urged caution regarding a potential parking garage on St. Armands, encouraging the use of alternative forms of transportation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Run for the Girls — Girls Inc. 5k serves as the annual graduation event for girls in third- through eighth-grades who participate in the Girls on the Run program.
    By
  • Stephanie Hannum
  • May 6, 2014
Run for the Girls - Girls Inc. 5k rescheduled for Saturday

Girls Inc. has rescheduled Run for the Girls 5k for 8 a.m., Saturday, May 10, at Lakewood Ranch High School.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Mall at University Town Center named Kimberly Dominguez, fourth from left, its marketing and sponsorship director.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • May 6, 2014
The Mall at University Town Center selects a marketing director

Lakewood Ranch resident and marketing executive Kimberly Dominguez named marketing and sponsorship director for The Mall at University Town Center.

  • East County
  • News
Walk particpants smile before beginning their mile of hope.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • May 6, 2014
A Mile of Hope for Diabetes

In its 12th year, 'Team Euphemia Haye' is still going strong. Close to 30 people began their Easter weekend with the annual walk in Joan M. Durante on Saturday, April 19. The walk is meant to raise money and awareness for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or JDRF.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Mall at University Town Center named Kimberly Dominguez, fourth from left, as its marketing and sponsorship director.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • May 6, 2014
The Mall at University Town Center names executive director

Lakewood Ranch resident and marketing executive Kimberly Dominguez has been named marketing and sponsorship director for The Mall at University Town Center.

  • East County
  • News
The waterline project is designed to provide connectivity and support to other waterlines across the county.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • May 6, 2014
Road closure extended

As a result of construction to build a drinking waterline, Winding Stream Way from Upper Manatee River Road to the second gate into the Waterlefe community will be closed until June 12.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch junior Amanda Rak started the game before turning the ball over to freshman Logan Newton in the sixth inning.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • May 6, 2014
Lady Mustangs denied state berth

The Lakewood Ranch High softball team saw its season come to an end with a 2-1 loss to Melbourne in the Class 7A-Region 3 finals May 5.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Sarasota BMX track is the nation's oldest continuously running course.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 6, 2014
Commission to consider BMX track renovations

Sarasota County commissioners could pick a construction manager for the estimated $1.7 million project Wednesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
El Adobe will close after operating for 40 years on South Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 6, 2014
El Adobe site sells for $2 million

Tampa-based development firm Brightwork Real Estate bought the parcel housing the landmark Sarasota restaurant May 1.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Commissioners agreed to hire special legal counsel relating to the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort public nuisance hearings last night at Town Hall.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • May 6, 2014
Commission makes board changes

The Longboat Key Town Commission approved an interlocal agreement last night between the town and the West Coast Inland Navigation District for a sand project that places sand from a site near Longboat Pass on the north end of the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
CONTRIBUTED Sam Woolf will appear on the "American Idol" finale May 19 and May 20.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • May 5, 2014
Sam Woolf makes talk show appearance, prepares for 'American Idol' finale

After his elimination from "American Idol" May 1, Braden River High student Sam Woolf appeared on "Live! With Kelly and Michael" May 5, and talks life after "Idol."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A rendering depicts the State Street garage, scheduled for completion in March 2015.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 5, 2014
State Street parking lot to close May 19

With work on the State Street garage expected to continue into March, the city is focusing on offsetting the loss of 139 parking spaces during construction.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The limited edition stamps honor the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 5, 2014
VIDEO: U.S. Postal Service unveils limited-edition circus stamps

The ceremony was held in front of the Ca'D Zan and included clowns, circus cars and a First Day of Issue sale of the limited-edition Forever Stamps.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • May 5, 2014
Giving Challenge gets ready for take off

Each year, The Giving Partner hosts a 24-hour fundraising drive. From noon Tuesday, May 6 to noon Wednesday, May 7, more than 400 local 501(c)(3) organizations are seeking funds.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The study would be conducted by the Manatee Chamber Foundation in conjunction with the University of South Florida College of Public Health.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • May 5, 2014
County considers health care study

With the depletion of a health care trust fund looming, Manatee County Government is proposing a yearlong health care study to help form a comprehensive health care plan.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota County commissioners will continue the dialogue about a potential come-as-you-are homeless shelter during a meeting Tuesday.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 5, 2014
County to draft contract for homeless shelter site

Sarasota County staff will update commissioners on the local homeless initiative Tuesday, including plans to purchase a $282,000 site for a future shelter.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
John Albritton, Mary McAndrews-Albritton and Doug Bradbury
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • May 4, 2014
4th annual Men Who Cook

4th annual Men Who Cook

  • Black Tie
Sam Alfstad, Steve High, Susan McLeod and Larry Thompson
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • May 4, 2014
Season of Sculpture Wrap Party

Season of Sculpture Wrap Party

  • Black Tie
Students in Lakewood Ranch High School’s Lakewood Leaders club prepare for the birthday lap.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • May 4, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Relay for Life

A rain delay didn't dampen the enthusiasm of participants in this year's Lakewood Ranch Relay for Life held May 4, at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA.

  • East County
  • News
Due to inclement weather, the contest took place on Sunday not Saturday.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 4, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: 42nd annual Siesta Key Amateur Sand Sculpture

The 42nd Siesta Key Amateur Sand Sculpture contest returned to the Siesta Beach Sunday, May 4. The beach was transformed into an exhibit for visitors as sculptors of all ages and abilities competed for cash prizes. Mark Wilson's 'Bonfire' won overall while 'Where's the Peanut?' won first place in People's Choice.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Sherry Janes, chairwoman of the Sarasota Singles Society, with Carol Erickson, who helped start the group
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • May 4, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Singles Derby Party

Sarasota Singles Society held a Derby Party May 3 at University Park Country Club. Attendees enjoyed food, drink and the horse race.

  • East County
  • News
Judy Sturm, Abra Dennis and Janice Bushman showcase their derby spirit.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • May 4, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sharon Monk Golf Tournament

The Women's Resource Center of Sarasota put on the 7th Annual Sharon Monk Golf Tournament and Dinner May 3 at University Park Country Club.

  • East County
  • News
Julie Smith, a Lakewood Ranch High School student, and Kayla Marfizo volunteered at the event.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • May 4, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Family Network on Disabilities Derby Party

Family Network on Disabilities Manasota hosted its 3rd Annual Kentucky Derby Party May 3 at the Sarasota Polo Club. The event featured raffle baskets, a live auction, food and hat contests.

  • East County
  • News
Co-Chairs Merrill Bonder and Pat Martin
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • May 3, 2014
Going for the Gold 'The Golden Lotus'

Going for the Gold 'The Golden Lotus'

  • Black Tie
Jocelyn and Nicholas Baskey
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • May 3, 2014
Sir Frederick Ashton Festival Closing Night Gala

Sir Frederick Ashton Festival Closing Night Gala

  • Black Tie
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The Citizen Tax Oversight Committee meets once a year to review expenditures of revenue brought in from the infrastructure surtax. The 2026 meeting lasted about 15 minutes on Thursday, April 2.
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