Your Observer

Black Tie Staff
April 25, 2014

"At Lunch With" Charlayne Hunter-Gault

Black Tie

Josh Siegel
April 25, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Florida Fun Shoot

The Ancient Oak Gun Club hosted the First Annual Florida Fun Shoot Friday, April 25. Proceeds from the event went to Operation Second Chance to assist wounded veterans.

East County
News

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 25, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Phillippi Shores Measurement Olympics

Phillippi Shores Elementary's second grade gathered for the 2nd annual Measurement Olympics Friday, April 26. The students took part in Olympic games focused on measuring such as paper pate discus, Olympic golf and water relay. The second grade has been learning about measuring this year and used their estimating and measuring skills to garner points.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Josh Siegel
April 25, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: LWRBA Sixth Annual Golf Tournament

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance held its sixth annual golf tournament -the Ranch Scramble - Friday, April 25 at Waterlefe Golf & River Club. The event featured golf, a lunch buffet and a raffle.

East County
News

David Conway
April 25, 2014

SCAT seeks awareness on Try Transit Day

As the transportation organization continues to reorganize its service, it hopes to establish a more steady ridership base throughout the year.

Siesta Key
News

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 25, 2014

WEEKEND BEST BET: Run to Remember

The run, which takes place at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, will benefit Pines of Sarasota's Alzheimers families.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Kurt Schultheis
April 25, 2014

Sand arriving next month

The town manager is optimistic that sand placed on the north end of the Key will act as a buffer before two groins are installed in summer 2015 to hold sand in the area.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
April 25, 2014

Town seeks volunteers for boards

The town is seeking volunteers for six boards and committees by April 28.

Longboat Key
News

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 25, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Pines of Sarasota 100-Plus Club Tea Party

The Pines of Sarasota held its annual 100-Plus Club Tea Party Thursday, April 24. Ten residents, all over the age of 100, and their family members celebrated their birthdays with tea and cake. The eldest of the group, Catherine Penman turns 107 Sunday, April 27. 'Each of the women have had a rich and full life,' says Pines of Sarasota CEO Tom Overton. 'It has been a cathartic experience over the years for me.'

Sarasota
Neighbors

Amanda Sebastiano
April 25, 2014

WEEKEND BEST BET: Moonlight Movie

The Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Corp. will feature "Frozen" for its Moonlight Movie, at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 26, at Greenbrook Adventure Park.

East County
Neighbors

Josh Siegel
April 25, 2014

Alliance selects executive director

Heather Kasten will be the executive director of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.

East County
News

Jen Blanco
April 25, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Class 7A-Region 3 quarterfinal softball:Ã‚Â Lakewood Ranch vs. Countryside

The Lakewood Ranch High softball team defeated Countryside 2-0 in the Class 7A-Region 3 quarterfinals April 24. Junior Amanda Rak tossed a complete game shutout, finishing with a season-high 12 strikeouts. Freshman Kaylee Misiti went 3-for-3 with a double, a RBI and a run scored. The Lady Mustangs will travel to East Lake for the regional semifinals April 29.

East County
Sports

Black Tie Staff
April 24, 2014

First Roots: First Presbyterian Preschool's Annual Fundraiser

Black Tie

Black Tie Staff
April 24, 2014

11th annual Women Helping Women Luncheon

Black Tie

Jen Blanco
April 24, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: 3A-3 and 4A-2 track and field meets

The Braden River, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota High boys and girls track teams competed in the Class 3A-Region 3 meet April 23, at Tampa Leto High. Lakewood scored 77 points to win the girls team title while Sarasota won the boys title with 40 points. Riverview competed in the Class 4A-Region 3 meet the same day.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Heather Merriman Saba
April 24, 2014

Designing Women Boutique Grant Awards Ceremony

Designing Women Boutique's 2014 grants were presented at its Grant Awards Ceremony Thursday, April 24, at Designing Women Boutique.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Kelsey Grau
April 24, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Villa am Meer Open House

Jay Tallman and the Ascentia Development Group held an open house at the restored Villa am Meer on Thursday, April 24. The event marks the beginning of the group's plans to construct a 16-unit Aria condominium project on the property.

Longboat Key
News

Kelsey Grau
April 24, 2014

WEEKEND BEST BET: St. Armands Fine Art Festival

Browse works from 80 of America's top artisans and craftsmen this weekend in St. Armands Circle Park. St. Armands Fine Art Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 26, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 27.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Josh Siegel
April 24, 2014

School district CFO resigns

Michael Boyer, chief financial officer for the Manatee County School District, has resigned from his position, effective June 27.

East County
News

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 24, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Southeastern Guide Dog Graduation Ceremony

Southeastern Guide Dogs celebrated the beginning of a new chapter at its graduation ceremony Thursday, April 24. Eight graduates and their guide dogs spent the afternoon enjoying their new companionship. Guests heard from Southeaster Guide Dog alumnus guest speaker Donald Olinger. "I'm absolutely ecstatic," says Tina Ladner of bringing her guide, Tangerine, home.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Alex Mahadevan
April 24, 2014

Commission denies Siesta Key building plans

Sarasota County commissioners unanimously denied a variance request to build a three-story single-family home at 162 Beach Road Wednesday.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
April 24, 2014

Raising the Barr

TideWell Hospice honored veteran and longtime Sarasota resident Kenny Barr Thursday, April 10.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 24, 2014

Holocaust tribute

Sarasota resident and Holocaust survivor Jack Brodman will light the memorial candle at this year's Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Day Remembrance, hosted by Temple Beth Israel.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nolan Peterson
April 24, 2014

Unforgettable

Seven years after his death in Iraq, the pain and pride of Marine Peter Woodall's family and friends have not faded.

Sarasota
News

David Conway
April 24, 2014

City approves $11.4 million garage

Despite a price tag more than 50% higher than the original budget, commissioners granted final approval to the construction of the State Street parking garage at a meeting Monday.

Sarasota
News

David Conway
April 24, 2014

Circulating Opportunity

John Moran, a leading advocate for the creation of a downtown circulator transit system, believes the program could serve as a financial boon for Sarasota businesses.

Sarasota
News

David Conway
April 24, 2014

Palm Avenue businesses seek support from city

Some Palm Avenue merchants have expressed concerns about the business environment in the area, but the city believes activity is trending upward.

Sarasota
News

David Conway
April 24, 2014

Lift station estimate tops $27 million

McKim and Creed, the engineering firm in charge of completing the Lift Station 87 project, has put a price tag on the cost of overcoming the various problems that have affected the project over the past six years: $27.1 million.

Sarasota
News

Nolan Peterson
April 24, 2014

County looks to simplify special-event restrictions

The County Commission agreed Tuesday to consider adding Halloween to the list of holidays covered by a special-event permit available to businesses on Siesta Key.