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Your Observer

    By
  • David Conway
  • May 20, 2014
City moves forward with Rosemary project

The property at 1440 Boulevard of the Arts has been vacant for several years, but a developer's proposal would create a large mixed-use project on the city-owned land.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Arianna Pryor as "Queen Gertrude" and Gage Hinds as "King Claudius."
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • May 20, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Freedom Elementary volunteer breakfast and 'Hamlet' production

Freedom Elementary hosted a breakfast and a production of "Hamlet" performed by Maria Barringhaus' third-grade class, to celebrate the school's volunteers and the 5,300 hours of their time they donated this school year.

  • East County
  • Schools
Town Attorney Maggie Mooney-Portale chats with Commissioner Lynn Larson after her resignation Monday.
  • By John Morton
  • May 20, 2014
Town attorney resigns

Town Attorney Maggie Mooney-Portale resigned before commissioners performed an annual evaluation assessment.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key Town Hall is located at 501 Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • May 20, 2014
Town to host health fair

The event takes place this Friday, at Town Hall, and is open to the public.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota 2050 guides development east of I-75 on specific tracts of land.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 20, 2014
Commission to discuss 2050 changes

Sarasota County commissioners will consider the third phase of amendments to Sarasota 2050, which includes the fiscal neutrality provision in the longterm planning document.

  • East County
  • News
Commissioner Phill Younger’s analysis suggests that just 1.8% to 3% of entries and exits to the Key are through traffic.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • May 19, 2014
Analysis suggests few mainlanders use GMD as thoroughfare

Commissioner Phill Younger analyzed data from traffic cameras on both ends of the island and concluded that reports of through traffic are overestimates.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lido Key resident Cindy Shoffstall provided this picture of Lido Beach at the First Lido condominiums.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 19, 2014
St. Armands residents take stand on renourishment

The St. Armands Residents Association has circulated a petition in an attempt to show support for the proposed renourishment of Lido Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Resolutions that provide for beach project funding, Longboat Pass dredging and an inlet management plan funding project with Manatee County will be reviewed today at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2014
Commission reviews wireless group recommendation today

A Florida Power & Light plan to install new electrical poles Key-wide that can withstand strong hurricane winds this summer will also be discussed.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota County deputies suspect Colten Walker-Schmoyer stole firearms from High Noon Guns early Saturday morning.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 19, 2014
Deputies allege man stole guns, American flag

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office charged 24-year-old Colten Walker-Schmoyer with armed burglary and burglary for two weekend thefts.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Florida Department of Transportation expects to reopen northbound lanes of I-75 near mile marker 205 at 11 a.m. today.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 19, 2014
Update: Lane closures on I-75 due to gravel spill

Cleanup crews closed all three northbound lanes of I-75 at its intersection with Clark Road before 10 a.m. today, due to a gravel spill.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota County has roughly $6.4 million to spend on economic development projects.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 19, 2014
Commission to consider 100K incentive grant

Sarasota County commissioners will discuss a proposal to use economic incentives help an unnamed firm expand in the region during a regular meeting Tuesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jeffrey Lenobel, Nathaniel Robinson, Hal Lenobel, Sandy Robinson and Donna Lenobel
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • May 18, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Hal Lenobel's 90th Birthday Party

Hal Lenobel was surrounded by family and close friends for his 90th birthday party on May 18, at Lazy Lobster.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Hannah Epstein and Trevor Busby
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 17, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Booker High School Prom

Booker High School held its annual Prom Saturday, May 17, at Michael's On East. The prom's theme was 'in to the future' and include silver-painted bottle centerpieces with stars and diamonds in sand. Throughout the night, students voted for prom king and queen; Sam Proctor and Chrystal Hoffman.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Students at the Braden River High School prom dance to the cupid shuffle.
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • May 17, 2014
Braden River High School Prom 'A Night in Paris'

Braden River High School students gathered at Polo Grill and Bar's Fete Ballroom Saturday, May 17, for prom.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dolly Ivey, Theresa Bealle, Joanne Quares and Gail Beuile show off their accessories.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • May 17, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY:Harvest & Harmony

A farm-to-fork event, King Family Farm and Market hosted an all-things "Southern Living" event May 17, as the magazine's Contributing Editor Rebecca Lang demonstrated how to prepare four recipes from the magazine and her cookbook. Harvest & Harmony attendees also enjoyed music and a dinner of crops grown at the farm, prepared by Loft 5.

  • East County
  • News
Keith and the Florida Bluegrass Express entertain patrons.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • May 17, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River Bluegrass Festival and Gumbo Cook-off

Linger Lodge Restaurant and Campground hosted a day of "gumbo goodness" and bluegrass tunes for its annual Braden River Bluegrass Festival and Gumbo Cook-off May 17.

  • East County
  • News
Bob Webber enjoys an evening with his daughter, Chiana.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • May 17, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: GreyHawk Landing Daddy-Daughter Dance

Efforts by the GreyHawk Landing Events Committee to create the Daddy-Daughter Dance for members of the community culminated May 17, as 50 fathers and their daughters shared an evening of eating, dancing and spending time together in the community's clubhouse.

  • East County
  • News
Rachel Small and Valeria Erazo say "cheese" beside their furry friend, Biscuit.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • May 17, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Nolan Nights

Nolan Middle School students and their families enjoyed an evening of cotton candy, music by the school's band and games during annual fundraiser Nolan Nights, May 17, at Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

  • East County
  • Schools
Bob and Carolyn Fuccis with Miss Daisy
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 17, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Temple Emanu-El Blessing of the Animals

Temple Emanu-El hosted its annual Blessing of the Animals Saturday, May 17. The temple invited members of the public to bless their pets and have a quick check-up with Dr. Hal Alterman. Attendees included families from as far as Orlando. Rabbi Brenner Glickman said the blessings at the outdoor ceremony.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Adam Frazier and Mercedes Elizalde
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 17, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Pine View 2014 Cobalt

Pine View School for the Gifted held its annual Cobalt Saturday, May 17, at the Chelsea Center. Students enjoyed sweet snacks outside before heading inside where they enjoyed dinner.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Barry Bartholomew and Melissa Herron on “Bubba”
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • May 17, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sister Keys Cleanup

On May 17, volunteers spent their morning removing trash and debris from the mangrove islands as part of Sarasota Bay Watch's 6th annual Sister Keys Cleanup. Travelling by boat and kayak, a group of 75 residents took to the Keys to collect and dispose of items ranging from couches to beer cans.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Tish and honoree Mike Brey with Gary and Renee
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • May 16, 2014
2014 Dick Vitale Gala

2014 Dick Vitale Gala

  • Black Tie
Linda and Rev. Fred Robinson with Bishop Dabney Smith and wife, Mary Wallis.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 16, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Church of the Redeemer Potluck on Palm

The Church of the Redeemer held a Potluck on Palm Friday, May 16, along Palm Avenue. The potluck was a surprise to congratulate the Rev. Fredrick Robinson on his 20th anniversary of being rector at the church.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Republican Marie Nisco defeated Ray Porter by roughly 5% points to take the District 5 seat on the Charter Review Board in 2008.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 16, 2014
Democrat enters County Commission race

If 56-year-old Ray Porter qualifies in the race for the District 4 seat, it would mean a closed primary for Sarasota County voters.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Sam Davidson, Shannon Brzuchalski and Frank Maggio member of the Community Youth Development Board of Directors
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 16, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Community Youth Development Annual Celebration

The Community Youth Development held its 18th annual Celebration Friday, May 16, at the Francis. Members of the community celebrated youth and adult volunteers of Sarasota. The nonprofits Business Partner of the Year Award went to Westfield Sarasota Square Mall while Sarasota students, such as Kathy Quispe and Vanessa Rodriguez, received scholarships.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Willie Shaw, the city's District One representative, previously served as vice mayor.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 16, 2014
Shaw selected as Sarasota Mayor

At a meeting this afternoon, the Sarasota City Commission selected Willie Shaw to serve as mayor, with Susan Chapman assuming the role of vice mayor.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Paul Chetlain, Ryan Heise and Justin Lambert took a break from surfing in Hacienda Iguana, Nicaragua to snap a photo with their East County Observer.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 16, 2014
Don't forget to take the Observer along on your summer travels!

Is your family getting ready to head out on a summer vacation? Make sure you pack a copy of your Observer!

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
This conceptual site plan shows the planned Sarasota County public safety campus.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 16, 2014
County discusses future facility costs

As Sarasota County considers constructing more than $221 million in new facilities, commissioners discussed possible funding sources - including a referendum.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
This concept site plan shows the proposed $71-million public safety campus.
    By
  • David Conway
  • May 16, 2014
County discusses future facility costs

As Sarasota County considers constructing more than $221 million in new facilities, commissioners discussed possible funding sources - including a referendum.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Khloe Campion and Sadie Khuu
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • May 16, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: First Presbyterian Pre-School Butterfly Ball

First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota Pre-School held its annual Butterfly Ball Friday, May 16. Families and students celebrated that last day of school with a sing-a-long and afternoon of arts and crafts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
(courtesy watermark online)
  • By Ashley Munroe
  • May 16, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: Harvey Milk Festival

Celebrate Sarasota's fifth annual Harvey Milk Festival this weekend.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Saks Fifth Avenue sign was attached to the exterior of the mall this week.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • May 16, 2014
Michael Kors commits to new mall

Z Gallerie also committed to the Mall at University Town Center this week according to building permits.

  • East County
  • News
Big Pass, between Siesta Key and Lido Key, has never been dredged.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 16, 2014
Save Our Siesta Sands 2 retains attorney

An attorney representing the Siesta Key group sent a letter May 16 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers citing concerns about the Lido Key Beach Renourishment Project.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Christina Ibarra, Kiara Sanders and Maria Garcia
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • May 16, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Tara FCAT Fun Day

Tara Elementary School students celebrated the end of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) at its Tara FCAT Fun Day Friday, May 16.

  • East County
  • News
Music by Keith Bass and the Florida Bluegrass Express, Manatee River Bluegrass and other bands will entertain patrons at the Braden River Bluegrass Festival and Gumbo Cook-off, Saturday, May 17.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • May 16, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: Braden River Bluegrass Festival and Gumbo Cook-off

From noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 17, the Braden River Bluegrass Festival and Cook- off will fill the air with bluegrass tunes and gumbo aromas, at the Linger Lodge Restaurant and Campground, 7205 85th St. Court E., Bradenton.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Chidsey Library was built in 1941 for an estimated $25,000. The historical building on the North Trail now houses the Official Visitors Center.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • May 16, 2014
Visit Sarasota County to end lease for Visitors Center

Citing frustrations with the city and location, Visit Sarasota County will terminate its $20,000 lease for the Chidsey Building Dec. 12, to find a new home for the Official Visitors Center.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
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