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Your Observer

In 2011, Larry Rose founded a program that connects volunteers and youth in the juvenile justice system — Replay Outreach. Photo by Amanda Sebastiano
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • April 30, 2014
Program gives youth a second chance

Replay founder Larry Rose has a plan to keep youth out of detention centers - but it will require help.

  • East County
  • News
Foundation for Dreams Director of Development and Fundraising Elena Cassella and Executive Director Susannah Cripe plan to use the new playground for camp activities. Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 30, 2014
Nonprofit makes play toward long-term goals

Foundation for Dreams expects to complete its new barrier-free, $150,000 playground in mid-May.

  • East County
  • News
Benjamin Bell, center, meets with students at Imagine School to inspire them to appreciate being Americans. Photo by Josh Siegel
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • April 30, 2014
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guard visits Imagine

Eighth-grade students will see the history they learned about when they travel to the Capitol.

  • East County
  • News
Capt. Nick Froelich shows off the 692-pound shark's giant set of jaws. Photo by Robin Hartill
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • April 30, 2014
12-year-old tourists catch 692-pound mako shark

Tony Musca, Ryan Roberts and Sam Von Duhn have quite the shark tale.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Donna Bennett submitted this sunset photo, taken at Lido Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 30, 2014
Weather: Longboat Key

Donna Bennett submitted this sunset photo, taken at Lido Beach.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • April 30, 2014
Business Briefs

$6.1 million sale is top Bird Key transaction since 2008; LaPensee expands to offer new-pool construction; Manatee County's property tax payment plan approaches

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Unit S-201 at La Firenza, 4125 Gulf of Mexico Drive, has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,521 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.1 million. File photo
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 30, 2014
La Firenza condominium sells for $2.1 million

A condominium in La Firenza tops all transactions in this week's real estate.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Submitted by Shirley Myers
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 30, 2014
You Observed

Here's a roundup of reader-submitted photos from events around the Key. To submit photos for this new weekly feature, email Kelsey Grau at [email protected].

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This Country Club Village at Lakewood Ranch home, which has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,974 square feet of living area, sold for $880,000. Photo by Josh Siegel
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 30, 2014
Country Club Village home sells for $880,000

A home in Country Club Village at Lakewood Ranch tops all transactions in this week's real estate.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Photos by Amanda Sebastiano. Waldorf Sarasota teacher and puppeteer Connie Manson crafts a variety of puppets, including finger puppets, out of wool. She uses them in the classroom and at public puppet shows.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • April 30, 2014
VIDEO: Passion for Puppets

Puppeteer Connie Manson brings tales to life for students.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mindy Towns submitted this sunset photo, taken near Heron’s Nest Park in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 30, 2014
Weather: East County

Mindy Towns submitted this sunset photo, taken near Heron's Nest Park in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Marvin Albert and Gerri Aaron
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • April 29, 2014
VIP Sir Frederick Ashton Festival Kick-Off Luncheon

VIP Sir Frederick Ashton Festival Kick-Off Luncheon

  • Black Tie
A $65,000 study could shape the future of Sarasota County Area Transit.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • April 29, 2014
County to evaluate SCAT efficiency

An independent cost estimate would give Sarasota County commissioners a crucial tool in deciding whether to privatize the local transit system.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
A private fundraising drive is expected to help fund improvements to Nathan Benderson Park.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • April 29, 2014
Rowing park denied state funding

The state's 2014-15 budget does not include funding for improvements to Nathan Benderson Park, but the park is still on track to host the 2017 World Rowing Championships.

  • East County
  • News
Volunteers mark nests with stakes for documentation and protection. (File photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • April 29, 2014
Turtle nesting season begins this week

Beginning May 1, turn off or shield lights visible from the beach to avoid disorienting turtles.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 29, 2014
DID warns against return of paid parking

After one board member said it appeared paid parking appeared poised to return to Sarasota streets, the rest of the group voiced its staunch opposition to such a program.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Carolyn Johnson and Cheray Keyes-Shima
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 29, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Celebrate Outstanding Leadership Awards Luncheon

The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Sarasota County held its Celebrating Outstanding Leadership Awards Luncheon Tuesday, April 29. Chamber members and Leadership Sarasota alumni gathered to recognized Corporate Partner of the Year Sun Hydrolics, Rubert Ludwif, Mery Beth and Jim Bos and Charles Hines.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nancy Koplin, Shaunna Brady and Barabara O’Brien with their classes.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 29, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Temple Beth Sholom School Kachina Dolls

Temple Beth Sholom School students stuffed their Hopi tribe dolls Tuesday, April 29. The dolls, known as Kachina, were originally made by the Southwestern Native American tribe the Hopi. Kindergarteners, first and second grade students, led by Nancy Koplin, Shaunna Brady and Barbara O'Brien, have been learning about Native Americans this school year. The students used cotton harvested from the school's garden to stuff the small, colorful dolls.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Emergency personnel transported 54-year-old Thomas Ballerino to Blake Medical Center following a crash on the John Ringling Bridge Monday.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • April 29, 2014
Motorcyclist dies following afternoon crash

The 54-year-old man involved in a crash on John Ringling Bridge Monday, has died from his injuries.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A family visiting from Massachusetts enjoys the sunshine on an afternoon walk along a Longboat Key beach on Tuesday, April 29.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • April 29, 2014
PHOTO OF THE DAY: A Day at the Beach

A family visiting from Massachusetts enjoys the sunshine on an afternoon walk along a Longboat Key beach on Tuesday, April 29.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
SCF students who meet admissions requirements will now gain early acceptance to LECOM's Masters in Health Services program.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • April 29, 2014
LECOM and SCF join forces for masters program

State College of Florida students who meet admissions requirements will gain early acceptance to Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Master's in Health Services Administration (MHSA) program.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Town Hall staff is hoping a draft ordinance will steer applicants looking to improve cellular service on the Key toward alternative technologies.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 29, 2014
Legal opinion: P&Z should review ordinance

Town staff's latest draft of a controversial telecommunications ordinance doesn't include a category for cellular towers at all.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Employee “Pcards” that act as credit cards will be shut down during the freeze.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • April 28, 2014
School district enacts spending freeze

To balance its budget, the Manatee County School District has enacted a spending freeze effective Monday, April 28 through June 30.

  • East County
  • News
Craig Siegel, the owner of a Siesta Key rental property plagued with Sarasota County code violations, allegedly threw a bucket of urine on a code enforcement officer this morning.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • April 28, 2014
Siesta man throws urine at county employee

Sarasota County deputies arrested Craig Siegel before 8 a.m. for the alleged attack on a Sarasota County code enforcement officer.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Venice leaders began their efforts to attract the Sarasota Chalk Festival earlier this year, officially approving the event at a City Council meeting on Tuesday.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 28, 2014
Chalk Festival founder discusses move to Venice

Denise Kowal said moving the festival from Burns Square was a difficult decision, but issues with the Sarasota City Commission led to her relocating the event.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The "KidsTown Commission" addresses Sarasota City Commissioner Paul Caragiulo during National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • April 28, 2014
VIDEO: 'KidsTown Commission' tackles GWIZ dilemma

Children of city of Sarasota staff posing as commissioners during National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day Thursday, debated building a Disney World-esque castle or aquarium on the bayfront.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sister Keys is home to a variety of wildlife, including fiddler crabs, ibis and roseate spoonbills. (File photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • April 28, 2014
Sarasota Bay Watch seeks volunteers for Sister Keys Cleanup

Sister Keys is home to a variety of wildlife, including fiddler crabs, ibis and roseate spoonbills.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Legacy Boulevard gatehouse is the main entry and exit point into Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • April 28, 2014
Legacy gate repairs ahead of schedule

Pending county inspections, repairs to the Legacy Boulevard gatehouse at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club will finish ahead of schedule.

  • East County
  • News
Most major revenue sources for Sarasota County have performed better than expected in the first six months of the current fiscal year.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • April 28, 2014
Commission to meet for mid-year review

On Tuesday, Sarasota County staff will update commissioners on issues ranging from major revenues to plans to privatize aspects of the public transit system.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Josh and Addison Miller
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 27, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Siesta Fiesta

Art lovers flocked to Siesta Key Village for the 36th annual Siesta Fiesta Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27. The annual art festival showcases work by local and national artists and crafters. Attendees admired the unique art with live music and fresh food.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Macy McHugh, Olivia Byrd and Emmy Little pose with a “Frozen” Barbie.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • April 27, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Moonlight Movie

Attendees of the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Corp.'s Moonlight Movie night April 26, enjoyed barbecue food, tailgating, time outside and foremost, a free showing of 'Frozen.' Blankets and coolers filled the lawn of Greenbrook Adventure Park as participants anxiously waited for the movie to begin.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Marvin Albert and Gerri Aaron
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • April 26, 2014
Fairytale Ball

Fairytale Ball

  • Black Tie
Shelton and Sabria Bruton with Maggie Zanders and Shelton Jr. Bruton
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: March of Dimes "March for Babies"

Residents helped raise money for babies at the March of Dimes "March for Babies" Saturday, April 26. The walk started and finished at J.D. Hamel Park where participants enjoyed hot dogs, donuts, snow cones and music after walking along Sarasota Bay. March of Dimes is a nonprofit that focuses on ending premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kay and Keith Tschannen with Ginny Dreher and Ev Randlett
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • April 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Christ Church Farewell Party

Christ Church of Longboat Key invited its parishioners to a farewell party on Saturday, April 26. Attendees enjoyed homemade hors d'oeuvres and desserts as they said goodbye to friends until next season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Caitlin Pfeifle receives a tiara to wear for the evening.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • April 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Night with the Stars Special Needs Prom

The 400 attendees of the Night with the Stars Special Needs Prom sparkled with formal gowns, suits and constant smiles April 25, at Woodland, The Community Church. The free event, themed 'under the sea,' welcomed special-needs individuals ages 16 and older, for a night of music, dancing, food and socializing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mark and Crystal Rothhaar dress for the cruise-themed event.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • April 26, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch YMCA Interactive Dinner

Patrons of the third Lakewood Ranch YMCA Interactive Dinner wore leis, sipped on cocktails and snacked on chicken spring rolls and other hors devours April 25, in the front room of the Polo Grill and Bar's Fete Ballroom. Chef Tommy Klauber also led participants in a cooking lesson, while comedian Tim Wilkins hosted and entertained the guests throughout their culinary trials. Proceeds benefited the Lakewood Ranch Y scholarship campaign, 'Change the Odds.'

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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