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Your Observer

Sandy Caliendo and Shannon Parsons
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • April 16, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Dreams Are Free Food Truck Rally

Dreams Are Free held its inaugural Food Truck Rally Wednesday, April 16. Families from both Dreams Are Free and St. Martha's Catholic School celebrated the beginning of spring break with hot food from food trucks. The luncheon was a fundraiser for the school for students with special needs. 'All of our families were able to join together,' says Dreams Are Free Principal Rebecca Shields. 'This was really a community builder as well as a fundraiser.'

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Lakewood Ranch High softball team is introduced prior to its Class 7A-District 10 semifinal versus Sarasota April 15.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 16, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Class 7A-District 10 Semifinal Softball- Lakewood Ranch vs. Sarasota

The No. 2 seed Lakewood Ranch High softball team defeated No. 3 seed Sarasota 9-1 in the Class 7A-District 10 semifinals April 15. Freshman Logan Newton allowed one run on five hits and two walks while striking out four in five innings of work to earn the win on the mound. Junior Amanda Rak pitched the final two innings in relief, striking out five, to earn the save. Jackie Schoff went 1-for-1 with a double, three walks, a stolen base, a RBI and three runs scored to lead the way for Lakewood at the plate. Maddie Biggs went 2-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored. Kaylee Misiti went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs. SaraBeth Wengerd went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored to lead the way for Sarasota at the plate. Clarissa Lynch pitched 1/3 of an inning before turning the ball over to Brittany Bendel. Lakewood Ranch will travel to rival Braden River for the district championship April 17.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota School District Superintendent Lori White, left, and School Board Chair Jane Goodwin.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 16, 2014
School Board pushes to leave Todd's seat vacant

The selection of former board member Carol Todd's replacement should wait until the Aug. 26 primary election, the Sarasota School Board said Tuesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Madeline Brogan and Terry Stottlemyer started Mothers Helping Mothers 24 years ago because of the need they saw to help struggling mothers.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • April 16, 2014
The Good News: Terry Stottlemyer and Madeline Brogan

The all-volunteer, nonprofit organization provides assistance for struggling mothers through community donations.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Kiddie Academy owner Marina Wolf-Schmidt and Academy Director Tina Pouso enjoy breakfast.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • April 16, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Breakfast of Champions

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance hosted a morning of bacon, eggs, orange juice and an optimistic message April 16. Attendees of Breakfast of Champions, an event sponsored by The Observer Group, enjoyed a presentation by guest speaker Justin Su'a, IMG Academy's mental conditioning coach. Su'a focused on themes of having a positive attitude and "flexing optimistic muscles," while leading group activities and playing audio clips of his favorite inspirational speakers, at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Police have charged Freddie Johnson, 65, with the armed robbery of a CVS on Fruitville Road.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • April 16, 2014
CVS customer thwarts armed robbery

Sarasota Police arrested a 65-year-old man for allegedly attempting to rob the CVS pharmacy at 2773 Fruitville Road Sunday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Duval's New World Café is located on Main Street in downtown Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2014
IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Duval's New World Cafe

This week we went in the kitchen at Duval's New World Cafe with executive chef Nils Tarantik while he prepares their signature Spice Rubbed Grilled Goldentile, with sauteed shoestring vegetables, sweet soy glaze and crispy cellophane noodles

  • Arts + Culture
Connor Jones and Kristen Mendez
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2014
Lakewood crowns students

Lakewood Ranch High School juniors Connor Jones and Kristen Mendez became school royalty March 31, after being named Mr. Mustang and Miss Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2014
MTI takes top awards

The Manatee Technical Institute Postsecondary Chapter of HOSA, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America, dominated the Postsecondary-Collegiate Division at the HOSA State Leadership Conference April 3 through April 6, in Lake Buena Vista.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2014
Schooled on Jazz

Students at Haile Middle School kept the audience's toes tapping April 8, during the school's Night of Jazz event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2014
Golfers trade clubs for duds for charity

The Palm-Aire Country Club recently held its annual fashion show, in conjunction with the 21st annual Men's Classic Golf Tournament. The $2,000 raised at the event benefited Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center and Baby Basics.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2014
Fund seeks nominations

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund is accepting nominations for the 10th annual C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian of the Year Award.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2014
Club welcomes author, daughter

The Spyglass Women's Book Club of Country Club in Lakewood Ranch welcomed author Virginia Glass to its March meeting.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2014
Freedom rings in USO-style show

Students from Freedom Elementary School lent their vocal talents to a special USO-style variety show April 12, at McKechnie Field.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2014
A Cinderella story

A 10-week-old miniature pinscher puppy found a 'happily ever after ending' at the Celebration of Pets April 12, at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2014
Pharmacy brings dose of medicine to Publix

The in-store pharmacy of Longboat Key Publix opened Monday, approximately 16 months after the completion of the new store at 525 Bay Isles Parkway, in the Shoppes of Bay Isles.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Preston
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2014
Golfer scores victory with less than a stroke

The Longboat Key Masters Golf Tournament, which took place March 28 through March 31, at the Resort at Longboat Key Club's Islandside and Harbourside golf courses came down to less than one stroke's difference between first-place winner Kevin Preston and second-place winner Michael Russell, of Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
McKitrick
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2014
McKitrick scores 193rd victory

Longboat Key resident Arlene McKitrick celebrated her 193rd golf championship victory April 10, on the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club's King Dunes course.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Diane and Glenn Goll, the owners of this North Shore Road, agreed to a variance that would allow them to build a 1,600 square foot house on the narrow lot. (Photo by Kurt Schultheis)
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 16, 2014
ZBA approves controversial variance

North Shore Road neighbors urged Zoning Board of Adjustment members to deny a variance for a vacant single-family lot.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sister Chidiebere Onyewuchi
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • April 16, 2014
Nun, St. Armands merchants clash

Sister Chidiebere Onyewuchi says criticism does not affect her as she seeks to collect donations on the Circle to grow her charity.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The community room features new furnishings and antique furnishings, in addition to floors, windows and doors that were restored from the original residence. The stairs outside will eventually be removed.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • April 16, 2014
Villa Am Meer nears new era

With the restoration of the 79-year-old Villa Am Meer residence almost complete, developers prepare to begin construction of the new Aria project, developers prepare to begin construction of the luxury 16-unit Aria project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 16, 2014
Judge rules: Key's 2012 referenda null and void

Although the ruling strikes down the density approved by voters, judge says commission can pass changes.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 16, 2014
P&Z members say code stifles creativity

Members of the board say suggested changes to the town's codes put design plans in a 'straight jacket.'

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2014
Our view

City breaks St. Armands' trust

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2014
Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • April 16, 2014
Builder seeks insight from locals

Canadian homebuilder Mattamy Homes uses focus groups to help create its new community in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
U.S. Coast Guard Project Manager Randy Overton says he does not expect to host any more public input meetings. (File photo)
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • April 16, 2014
Coast Guard endorses Fort Hamer Bridge

A final environmental impact statement says the Fort Hamer alternative is better than two other options for the area.

  • East County
  • News
Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 16, 2014
Orphaned fawn finds new home

The newborn, rescued April 8, has been taken to The Wildlife Center of Venice for rehabilitation.

  • East County
  • News
Since he began work at Premier Sports Campus a year ago, Antonio Saviano, a former soccer scout, has been charged with attracting events to Premier Sports Campus. (Photo by Josh Siegel)
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • April 16, 2014
Premier expands offerings

Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch proves 140 acres of grassy fields can serve many purposes outside of athletics.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2014
News Briefs

Van aids University of South Florida hospitality program; Applications for Leadership Manatee Program available; Organizations, schools receive grants

  • East County
  • News
Kerley
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • April 16, 2014
Principal to retire after 25 years in education

Haile Middle School Principal Janet Kerley plans to travel and write after retiring this summer.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River High students rallied along State Road 70 for Sam Woolf last week, in hopes of generating more audience votes to keep him on "American Idol." (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • April 16, 2014
Braden River High students interview 'Idol' contestants

Journalism students have a standing time slot to interview outgoing singers every Friday.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • April 16, 2014
SANCA delivers paperwork, regains charitable status

SANCA officials say a contract with Sarasota County will fund more staff to prevent future oversights.

  • East County
  • News
Sixteen-year-old Adam Caldwell hosted an overnight outdoor retreat April 4 for his synagogue and for an Eagle Scout project. (Photo by Amanda Sebastiano)
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • April 16, 2014
Temple teen takes the lead

Teenager Adam Caldwell redefined his synagogue's annual retreat to help earn his Eagle Scout badge.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch freshman Courtney Chapin and Braden River High sophomore Ryan Walker competed in the 2014 National YMCA Short Course Swimming Championships April 1 through April 4.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 16, 2014
Making Waves

Lakewood Ranch YMCA Wave Runners swimmers qualified for Y Nationals and the 2014 Florida Swimming All-Star Dual Meet for the first time.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 16, 2014
High five moments of the week

The top five sports moments of the week.

  • East County
  • Sports
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A car carrier operator unloads a Corvette on Bay Isles Road, the town of Longboat Key’s designated dropoff and pickup area for car carriers.
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