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Your Observer

John Bean and Philip Tavil
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • March 18, 2014
2014 Author Luncheon with Carl Hiassen

2014 Author Luncheon with Carl Hiassen

  • Black Tie
Sandra Frank has spent the majority of her career in the nonprofit sector. She became CEO of All Faiths Food Bank two years ago.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • March 18, 2014
The Good News: All Faiths Food Bank

All Faiths Food Bank CEO Sandra Frank's desire to help children fuels her work at the nonprofit organization.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The Longboat Key Town Commission selected Maggie D. Mooney-Portale, of Sarasota-based Hankin, Persson, McClenathen, Cohen & Darnell, as the town’s new attorney May 6.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • March 18, 2014
Commission questions town attorney's legal advice

Longboat Key town commissioners are willing to give Maggie Mooney-Portale more time in her role but have questions about her performance, including her handling of a recent Colony hearing.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jeff Daly with Coleen and Pete Collandra will open the Longbeach Cafe in early April. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • March 18, 2014
New restaurant on the menu for Whitney Beach

Pete and Colleen Collandra and Jeff Daly hope to open the new restaurant that will serve breakfast and lunch by the first week in April.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
“We are honored to be recognized for our efforts at helping residents make healthy choices,” says Thomas A. Harmer Sarasota County administrator.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 18, 2014
Sarasota County named a "Healthy Weight Community Champion"

Sarasota County is among 37 communities recognized by the Florida Department of Health's Healthiest Weight Florida program that recognizes local government efforts to raise awareness of a healthy and active lifestyle.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota County Commissioners Christine Robinson (left), Carolyn Mason (center) and Charles Hines.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • March 18, 2014
Homeless shelter showdown

The Sarasota County Commission is accusing some city of Sarasota commissioners of deliberately stalling site selection for a downtown homeless shelter.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 18, 2014
City attorney warns against St. Armands event ban

Sarasota city commissioners discussed extending a ban on events at St. Armands Circle Park through April, but City Attorney Robert Fournier strongly discouraged the move.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dr. Wendy Katz
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 18, 2014
Temple Beth Sholom Schools appoints new interim director

Dr. Wendy Katz is taking the place of Kavita Vasil, who has held the position for the past 20 years and is moving to Birmingham, Ala., for a new position closer to her family.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Indiana University wide receiver Isaac Griffith is in critical condition after a swimming accident on Siesta Key public beach.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • March 18, 2014
Indiana football player nearly drowns on Siesta

Sarasota County emergency personnel transported Indiana University wide receiver Isaac Griffith to Sarasota Memorial Hospital Monday, after the current pulled him beyond the swim buoy.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
In other news, Bob Burstein (far right), CDD 6 chairman, said he is resigning as chairman, but will remain on the board.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • March 18, 2014
CDDs talk agreement on gate costs

At a workshop today, Lakewood Ranch Community Development Districts 2, 5 and 6 are conducting a straw poll on an interlocal agreement to share the cost of maintaining and operating the gate at Balmoral Woods Boulevard and the gate at Legacy Boulevard.

  • East County
  • News
Drunken Poet Cafe is located on Main Street in Sarasota and serves daily signature sushi specials and fresh, authentic Thai cuisine.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 18, 2014
IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Drunken Poet Cafe

This week we went in the kitchen at Drunken Poet Cafe with owner and chef Oy Punyahotra as she prepares homemade green curry. Watch a video of the preparation.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Regardless of how far Sam Woolf makes it on "American Idol" now, he will tour the country this summer.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • March 18, 2014
Q&A: Sam Woolf

Braden River High senior Sam Woolf talks "American Idol."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Paul Blackketter, a project manager for Benderson Development, serves as president of Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • March 18, 2014
Commission to consider SANCA contract

Sarasota County commissioners tomorrow will consider a five-year contract with Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates for the operation of Nathan Benderson Park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Parade participants were decked out in celebratory green.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • March 18, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Gulfshore and Twin Shores St. Patrick's Day Parade

Twin Shores and Gulfshore mobile-home parks held a joint parade to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 18. For over 25 years, the parade has been a much-loved tradition for the communities.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Honorees Gerri Aaron and David Harris
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • March 17, 2014
AJC Spring Award Dinner honoring AJC's Director David Harris and Gerri Aaron

AJC Spring Award Dinner honoring AJC's Director David Harris and Gerri Aaron

  • Black Tie
Jennifer Egan, Tia Woodford and Melissa Phillips
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • March 17, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Lynches St. Patrick's Day Shindig

Lynches Pub & Grub kept the green beer flowing and bagpipes playing during its St. Patrick's Day celebration on March 17. Festivities ran all weekend, giving patrons of Lynches plenty of time to enjoy many traditional Irish dishes and activities.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Kathy Oravec, Olivia Cherry and Elaine Fredrick
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • March 17, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sand Cay St. Patrick's Day Party

On March 17, residents and guests of Sand Cay Beach Resort didn't let the rain put a damper on their St. Patrick's Day celebrations. A small crowd enjoyed appetizers, drinks and fresh margaritas near the pool on Monday afternoon.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The potential dredging of Big Pass has become a source of controversy surrounding a proposed Lido Beach renourishment project.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 17, 2014
Lido residents keep cool in renourishment debate

Lido Key residents are focused on taking an even-keel approach to supporting a proposed beach renourishment project that's drawing heat from Siesta Key organizations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ivory Lounge, located at 1413 Main St., sits on the ground floor of the building that houses the Plaza at Five Points condominiums, located at 50 Central Ave.
    By
  • David Conway
  • March 17, 2014
Club owner plans lawsuit against condo residents

As part of an ongoing dispute between downtown condominiums and Ivory Lounge, nightclub owner Ambrish Piare will take legal action against Plaza at Five Points residents.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dick and Ellen Murphy
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 17, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sam Snead's St. Patrick's Day

Sam Snead's American Grill held its seventh annual St. Patrick's Day party Saturday, March 15. The all-day event was held outside the Southside Village restaurant on Hillview Street. Brian Sullivan, co-owner of Sam Snead's, says he enjoys hosting the party because it lets everyone celebrate their Irish roots together.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tickets are limited to 500 people; registration is necessary.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 17, 2014
Saraosota YPG hosts free TEDxManasota Live viewing party

The Young Professionals Group has teamed up with the city of Sarasota Parking Division, Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association and other Sarasota organizations to make the free simulcast possible Tuesday, March 18.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The 13U Florida River Dawgs outscored their opponents 32-7 in four games March 8 and March 9.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 17, 2014
River Dawgs go undefeated in tournament

The 13U and 10U Florida River Dawgs both went 4-0 to win the Tampa Bay Classic NIT March 8 and March 9.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 17, 2014
Pencosky pitches complete game for Pirates

Cole Pencosky pitched a complete game five-hitter to lead the Braden River High baseball team to a 4-1 victory over Manatee March 15.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • March 17, 2014
ODA baseball sweeps Cardinal Mooney

The Out-of-Door Academy baseball team completed a regular-season sweep of rival Cardinal Mooney with a 5-2 victory in Class 3A-District 10 action March 15.

  • East County
  • Sports
The risk for rip currents at area beaches will remain elevated through Monday evening. Courtesy National Weather Service.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • March 17, 2014
Severe thunderstorms forecasted today

The National Weather Service is predicting a line of thunderstorms will move through the area today; isolated tornadoes and heavy rain are possible.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • March 17, 2014
LBK Republicans hear about high stakes amendment

The Republican Club heard from Dr. Jim Whitman and Larry Eger about a burning issue on the November ballot: medical marijuana.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • March 17, 2014
Commission will discuss legal counsel today

The Longboat Key Town Commission is solely responsible for two Longboat Key positions: the town manager and the town attorney.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Shelia Birnbaum, Sally Yanowitz and Gerard Daniel
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • March 16, 2014
Eight Over Eighty

Eight Over Eighty

  • Black Tie
Nani Maloney, Randy Avon, Lucy Rosenbluth flew in from around the country to celebrate Linda Rosenbluth’s honoring.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 16, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sister Cities Association of Sarasota Gala

The Sister Cities Association of Sarasota (SCAS) held its fourth annual One World Gala Sunday, March 16 at Michael's On East. The event honored Linda Rosenbluth and Embracing Our Differences for their involvement with the association and community. Members and guests celebrated the association's 51st anniversary with a dinner program including pianist Guilia Vazzoler from sister city Treviso, Italy.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Suzanne and Dennis Plasse and daughter, Bethany Kasten, cheer on three family members.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 16, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Half Marathon

Runners from around the country hit the pavement early Sunday morning for the ninth annual Sarasota Half Marathon. More than 4,500 runners ran over Ringling Bridge and up North Tamiami Trail while onlookers lined the streets cheering. Defending champion, Evan DeHart, came in first place while Sara Petrick defended her title as fastest woman for the second year in a row.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Katie Abernathy, Morgan and Liz Bentley and Lori Lawson
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • March 15, 2014
Banyan Bash

Banyan Bash

  • Black Tie
Michael Bailey, Maria Wirries and Ilene Friedman
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • March 15, 2014
Cat Depot Gala 'Caturday Night Fever'

Cat Depot Gala 'Caturday Night Fever'

  • Black Tie
Jan and Ed Davin dance to one of the night’s slow songs.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • March 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Mary Men's Club St. Patrick's Day Dinner-Dance

St. Mary, Star of the Sea Men's Club hosted enthusiastic celebrations of St. Patrick's Day on March 15 for over 200 attendees. The crowd enjoyed a traditional Irish dinner, enticing raffles and dancing throughout the night by musicians Patsy and Majella.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Penny Pollack and Shirley Myers
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • March 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Longbeach Village St. Patrick's Day Parade

On March 15, the residents of Longbeach Village celebrated St. Patrick's Day with a colorful parade through their streets.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Dan Armstrong says the City of Venice’s ribs are made with love.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • March 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Firefighters Rib Cook-Off

Hundreds of barbecue-lovers flocked to Phillippi Creek Park for the annual Firefighters Rib Cook-Off Saturday, March 15. Families enjoyed live music, cold drinks and plenty of hot ribs. Proceeds from the event benefit the Firefighters Benevolent Fund.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Roxanne Leezer, and Tina and Bill Moore peruse artwork.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 15, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Arts at the Ranch Fine Art Festival

Main Street at Lakewood Ranch transformed into an art gallery March 15-16, as art enthusiasts came together at the 14th Art at the Ranch Fine Art Festival. Attendees met regional, national and international award-winning artists, and shopped for photographs, paintings, sculptures and other artwork over the weekend.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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