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Your Observer

The Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch will home the annual musical celebration, Winterfest.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 4, 2014
Winterfest organizers release final lineup

Organizers of the annual musical celebration, Winterfest, released the official lineup of bands to perform at the March. 29 event.

  • East County
  • News
Local business officials, Manatee County Government staff, and Carol Whitmore, Manatee County Commissioner, will attend the 1:30 p.m. event.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • February 4, 2014
School district hosts business community

The Manatee County School District will highlight its students' skills at its Bradenton Area Workforce Ready event Tuesday.

  • East County
  • News
Social media star Bethany Mota spoke to East County students about bullying, fashion and makeup.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 4, 2014
YouTube personality visits local middle and high schools

Social media familiar face Bethany Mota stops at Braden River Middle and High schools during her nationwide tour.

  • East County
  • News
A rendering shows the current design of the State Street Parking Garage, including the "pad site" on Lemon Avenue.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 4, 2014
State Street garage costs balloon

City Commissioners were taken aback after learning projected State Street parking garage costs were more than $4 million higher than originally anticipated.

  • Sarasota
  • News
John Goreham, an eight-year veteran of Sarasota County Mosquito Management, uses a variety of techniques to control the mosquito threat, including pesticides, a local species of fish that eats mosquito larvae and sentinel chickens.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 4, 2014
VIDEO: County aims to beef up mosquito management

Sarasota County plans to upgrade its data-collection technology to better fight 'the deadliest animals on the planet.'

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jay Leno featured Sarasota entrepreneur Jesse Biter and his wife, Katie, on his "Headlines" segment Monday.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 4, 2014
UPDATE: Jay Leno features the Biters in 'Headlines'

Local entrepreneur Jesse Biter and his wife, Katie, appeared on 'The Tonight Show' with Jay Leno Monday, in a segment poking fun at their wedding announcement.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Gerri Aaron, Scott Anderson and Hillary Steele
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 3, 2014
'Let Freedom Ring' with Kitty Kelley

'Let Freedom Ring' with Kitty Kelley

  • Black Tie
  • By Otus
  • February 3, 2014
Ask Otus: Sarasota Audubon's Christmas Bird Count Results

Otus Rufous, an Eastern Screech-owl, was born on Siesta Key and is a full-time resident there. An avid hunter, accomplished vocalist and genuine night owl, Otus is a keen observer of our local wildlife and knows many of nature's secrets. Otus will answer your questions about our amazing wildlife, but only if you Ask Otusâ„¢.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Susan Morin smiles as she models a layered look.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • February 3, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Beth Israel Women Fashion Show

On Monday, Feb. 3, Beth Israel Women hosted its fashion show and luncheon at Michael's On East in Sarasota. Over 200 women attended and were treated to unique fashions by Dream Weaver of St. Armands.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Views of the water can be seen throughout the property.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • February 3, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Ohana Estate Tour

On Sunday, Feb. 2, the Center for Architecture Sarasota hosted a behind the scenes tour at the Ohana Estate on the north end of Longboat Key. The event gave CFAS members a chance to tour the private residence and the beachside gardens.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Shirley joined Alta Vista in July 2007.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 3, 2014
Dr. Barbara Shirley wins Principal Achievement Award

Alta Vista Elementary School Principal Dr. Barbara Shirley was nominated in December 2013 for the titled award.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Members of the Laurel Park Neighborhood Association asked It's Time Sarasota to stop using the group's name in a campaign for a new city charter.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 3, 2014
Neighborhood association lobs complaint at political group

Some residents say It's Time Sarasota, the group behind the push for a new city charter, is improperly using the names of neighborhood associations in its campaign.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Big League Readers encourages children to read three or more books in the month of February. (Courtesy Photo)
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 3, 2014
Sarasota libraries partner with Orioles to promote reading

This month, Sarasota County libraries and the Baltimore Orioles are teaming up to encourage youth readership with the Big League Reader Program.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • February 3, 2014
Sheriff releases January DUI numbers

Despite a slight uptick in DUIs in January 2013 versus January 2012, the overall number of DUIs in Sarasota County has dropped significantly during the last 12 months.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The seawall in the Gulf at 6541 Gulfside Road is affecting the shoreline’s ability to hold sand in that area.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 3, 2014
Town considers Gulf-front property tonight

Commissioners will discuss the possibility of purchasing beachfront property tonight to tear down a seawall that keeps sand away from the shore.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Buffett swam to a target with the Denver Broncos’ logo Jan. 24. (Courtesy Mote Marine Aquarium)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 3, 2014
Seahawks' victory ends Buffett's lucky streak

Mote manatee Buffett didn't predict the correct Super Bowl champion for the first time after six consecutive winning picks.

  • Sarasota
  • News
After being arrested, a man removed his handcuffs and ran away before being taken into custody again.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • February 3, 2014
Chase, escape ends in arrest

A man wanted for burglary nearly escaped arrest in an incident that began at Lockwood Ridge Road and State Road 70.

  • East County
  • News
Dr. Leonard Apfelbach and Dorothy Lawrence
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 1, 2014
The Opera Gala: 'A Masked Ball'

The Opera Gala: 'A Masked Ball'

  • Black Tie
David Turnbull runs with the caber.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • February 1, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Highland Games and Celtic Festival

Sarasota celebrated Scotland and its heritage at the 20th annual Sarasota Highland Games and Celtic Festival Saturday, Feb. 1. Attendees enjoyed live music, dancing demonstrations and athletic activities at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Everyone got into the Scottish spirit with kilts, clans and Whisky Clover ice cream.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Christopher, Luciana and Matthew Silva prepare to eat.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 1, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Tara Principal Breakfast

Tara Elementary School celebrated 96 students who earned straight A's, during a principal's breakfast Jan. 31.

  • East County
  • News
Ken Harpley, with his daughter, Taylor, comes to watch his daughter, Liza, 16, race.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 1, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: YMCA Groundhog Jog

Runners at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA awoke before the groundhog Feb. 1 for the Lakewood Ranch YMCA's Groundhog Jog 5K.

  • East County
  • News
Tyler Shanahan with his mom, Katina, joins Martha Hall and her children, Valeria and Alejandro Marquez.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 1, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Pirate Run

East County residents sported their pirate cheer Feb. 1, during the second annual Pirate 5K/10K Walk Run.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch High senior forward Delaney Riggins celebrates following her game-winning goal in the Class 4A-Region 3 finals Feb. 1.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 1, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch High Girls Soccer vs. Seminole

Senior forward Delaney Riggins scored with 5:21 left in the game to lead the Lakewood Ranch High girls soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Seminole in the Class 4A-Region 3 finals Feb. 1. With the win, the Lady Mustangs will advance to the Final Four Feb. 7 in Melbourne.

  • East County
  • Sports
Michael Ayers with Marsha and Hank Goldsby
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 31, 2014
WUSF 50th Birthday Bash 'Live and In Person'

WUSF 50th Birthday Bash 'Live and In Person'

  • Black Tie
Marina Gando and Luis Peña teach attendees to waltz.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • January 31, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Promenade Cocktail Party

On Friday, Jan. 31, Promenade hosted a night of dance for its residents with special guests Luis Peña and Marina Gando. Following hors d'oeuvres and the performance, attendees enjoyed learning a few basic dance moves and techniques.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Tina and Bob Mulligan with Carol Hammer and Rich Magnus
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • January 31, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Beach Harbor Club Opening Party

Beach Harbor Club celebrated the opening of its completely refurbished clubhouse with cocktails and appetizers on Friday, Jan. 31. The clubhouse, which was originally built in 1972, now features a marble bar, a media room, a card room and a fitness center.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Be sure to wear tartan to find your clan! (Courtesy Photo)
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • January 31, 2014
Weekend Best Bet: Highland Games and Celtic Festival

The 20th annual Saraosta Highland Games and Celtic Festival return to the Sarasota Fairgrounds Saturday, Feb. 1.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The logo will be used on letterheads, business cards and county publications.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 31, 2014
County adopts new logo

A new sunshine-themed logo is part of a larger rebranding strategy for Manatee County.

  • East County
  • News
Jennifer Highland, executive director of Healthy Start Sarasota, was honored for her years of service.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • January 31, 2014
Healthy Start dedicates Pregnancy Resource Center

The dedication came as a surprise to attendees of the non-profit's fundraiser An Evening for Healthy Start Thursday, Jan. 30.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 31, 2014
City Commission to consider Payne Park proposal

The Suncoast Sports Club is seeking the City Commission's approval to rent out areas of Payne Park each Saturday for youth sports activities.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Years after closing its Siesta Key location, Bob's Boathouse opened last fall on Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 31, 2014
UPDATE: Permitting issues could sink Bob's Boathouse

Sarasota County staff denied the fourth request for an extension of the restaurant's temporary certificate of occupancy Thursday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A new Mote Marine Laboratory exhibit features a first for the aquarium: Amphibians.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 31, 2014
VIDEO: Mote exhibit will highlight extremes of survival

"Survivors: Beautiful and Extreme Adaptations" will run from Feb. 1 through Sept. 14, at Mote Marine Laboratory.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key police continue to pursue leads in both cases. (File photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 31, 2014
Longboat police investigate two jewelry thefts

Both incidents occurred Jan. 28, but police say they don't appear to be related.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Monica, Ty, 7, and Kevin Moore feast on a pancake breakfast at Tara Elementary School. The event awarded Tara's 90 students who earned straight A's. Principal Steve Royce even cooked the pancakes.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 31, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Pancake Prize

PHOTO GALLERY: Pancake Prize

  • East County
  • Schools
Planning, Zoning, and Building Director Alaina Ray said an applicant has taken its lot off the market and is willing to give the ZBA another chance.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 31, 2014
Applicant agrees to give ZBA another chance

The ZBA met in January for the first time in more than 10 months and the commission and town staff has expressed frustration with its inability to hold meetings.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota County deputies have asked for help identifying the suspect in a string of Siesta Key burglaries.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 31, 2014
Suspect sought in Siesta burglaries

Sarasota County deputies have released the description of a man sought for condominium burglaries on Siesta Key.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
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