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Your Observer

Monica Barth and Keren Lifrak
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • April 3, 2014
26th annual Celebration Luncheon

26th annual Celebration Luncheon

  • Black Tie
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 3, 2014
Downtown CRA's future undecided

Some city and county commissioners have taken a stance on extending the downtown Community Redevelopment Area, but both boards are waiting to make a decision.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 3, 2014
Townhouses planned for downtown Sarasota

The Q, a 40-townhouse project on Ringling Boulevard set to open this summer, seeks to take advantage of a housing market dominated by condominiums.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Judy Smith, Waterfront 7 Realty, Annabelle Newland, Yorkshire International Property Management, and John Wojtyna, Aqua Plumbing & Air
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • April 3, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce held its monthly networking luncheon at the Chart House Restaurant on April 3.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Adora Thompson and Tina Taylor Little
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • April 3, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: I Do Diamond Ring Boutique Grand Opening

On April 3, the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of I Do Diamond Ring Boutique on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
An event planning firm bought the former site of Sam Seltzer's Steakhouse for $3 million.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2014
Former steakhouse to become event venue

An event rental firm bought the former site of Livingston's and Sam Seltzer's Steakhouse with an ambitious plan renovation plan to create an event space.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lake Manatee provides drinking water to more than 300,000 residents in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Its dam is shown here.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • April 3, 2014
First phase dam repairs cost $14 million

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners unanimously ratified a $14,091,190 contract today with a contractor for first phase repairs to the Lake Manatee Dam.

  • East County
  • News
The Sarasota Police Department posted a YouTube video today in an attempt to locate a suspect in a recent beating.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 3, 2014
VIDEO: SPD seeks suspect in beating

The Sarasota Police Department has released security footage as part of a search for a suspect in a March 25 beating and robbery.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Longbeach Cafe drew a crowd on its first day of business. (Robin Hartill)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • April 3, 2014
Longbeach Cafe celebrates opening day

The Whitney Beach restaurant filled up for breakfast and lunch during its first day of business.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Maribeth Phillips, CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, and Violeta Huesman from Keiser University
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • April 3, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Networking Social

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance held its April Networking Social Wednesday, April 2 at Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch. Alliance members and guests enjoyed music and food from Alamo Steak House.

  • East County
  • News
Mayor Jim Brown will speak before the Anna Maria City Commission next week to discuss the town’s ULI report.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 3, 2014
Anna Maria ponders ULI study

The town of Longboat Key's Urban Land Institute final report has intrigued Anna Maria city officials.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2014
Drum kits coming to downtown

Noting the success of Sarasota Keys, an interactive art project that placed six public pianos around downtown, the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County has launched a parallel initiative - with drum sets.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2014
City bans fine art festivals

APRIL FOOLS' - The city of Sarasota announced a ban on Fine Art Festivals in a meeting last week.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2014
Paws-atively perfect

APRIL FOOLS' - Siesta Key will be allowing pets to enjoy its beaches for a special national event - the Beach Animal Resort Clothing Contest (BARCC).

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Efforts to take sand directly from Siesta Key while avoiding suspicion proved difficult.
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 3, 2014
County officials investigate guerilla dredging efforts

APRIL FOOLS' - The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is monitoring Big Pass after a recent discovery that Lido Key residents are taking sand for their shoreline - one bucket at a time.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The new Siesta Key territory's adopted flag represents its independent spirit.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 3, 2014
Siesta Key votes to secede from Sarasota County

APRIL FOOLS' - Residents cited a litany of reasons for the move, including the Big Pass dredge, the outdoor display ban and new noise laws.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Courtesy rendering Construction on the proposed Eccentric Sports Promotion Network complex hinges on multiple environmental impact studies, which could take up to a year to complete.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 3, 2014
City Commission OKs obscure sports stadium

The complex will host a variety of under-the-radar sports such as dodgeball, rhythmic gymnastics and ribbon dancing.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By Harriet Sokmensuer and Robin Hartill
  • April 3, 2014
Circle puts new spin on traffic

APRIL FOOLS' - St. Armands Circle is heading in a new direction.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 3, 2014
'Bite Coin' brings technology to shops

APRIL FOOLS' - In an effort to promote increased spending in the heart of Sarasota, entrepreneur Jesse Biter is introducing a new cyber currency to be used in local businesses.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2014
News Briefs

APRIL FOOLS' - St. Armands recognized as 'Top National Food Court'; Commission rebrands Sarasota 2050 as 2080; Area roundabouts to feature 'living art'

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2014
Home run

Central-Cocoanut Neighborkids recently set a new record in the annual Big League Readers challenge.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Michael Shay, president of SKA, center, with Tony and Marilyn Romanus of Siesta Isle (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2014
Clean sweep

Members of the community spent the morning keeping Sarasota beautiful with the Great American Cleanup Saturday, March 22.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2014
Lord of the rings

Early morning, March 26 Bill Bollinger searched for a lost wedding ring on Siesta Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Security guards monitor businesses at Lemon Square, including Brooks Brothers. (Photo by Colin Reid)
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 3, 2014
Push for downtown security stalls

Although downtown residents, merchants and property owners endorse the idea of additional security downtown, the question of funding has stifled any movement.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 3, 2014
Siesta Key trolley slated for July

The Siesta Key trolley and plans to amend the outdoor-display ban both took steps forward at a Siesta Key Village Association meeting Tuesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Colin Reid
    By
  • David Conway
  • April 3, 2014
VIDEO: Friends of Bobby Jones draws its vision from the club's past

A year after founding the Friends of Bobby Jones Golf Club, Shawn Pierson has helped develop a plan for the future of the course that embraces its history.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2014
News Briefs

County staff outlines Shell Road parking options; Consultants to look at artists' housing options

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 3, 2014
Shelter compromise receives mixed reactions

In a bid to resolve a dispute over the location of a future downtown Sarasota homeless shelter, the Sarasota city and county commissions added a third site option to their list.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2014
Our view

Make the most of rowing

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2014
Letters to the Editor

To send in your Letters to the Editor, email them to Jessica Luck at [email protected]. Letters pertaining to local issues receive priority.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 3, 2014
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Lisa and Chris Leedom with County Commissioner Joe Barbetta (Photos by Harriet Sokmensuer)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • April 3, 2014
All Faiths campaign targets summer hunger locally

The new 'Campaign Against Summer Hunger' aims to boost food bank donations at a time when need is highest among local children and their families.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 3, 2014
Save Our Siesta Sands 2 launches nonprofit

The Siesta Key group says the Army Corps' proposal to dredge Big Pass has not been adequately vetted.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nolan Peterson Bay Island Park was closed March 28, 2013, for seawall repairs.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 3, 2014
Siesta seawall project remains stuck in limbo

The county is awaiting a decision in federal court before it restarts work on a seawall renovation at Bay Island Park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Moderator Sharyl Attkisson and speaker Michael Bloomberg (Photos by Harriet Sokmensuer)
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • April 3, 2014
Sarasota spends 'an evening with Michael Bloomberg'

In his first major public appearance since leaving office, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg spoke Friday, March 28, to a packed crowd at the Sarasota Opera House.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Christian sophomore Cheyenne Miller has a .167 earned run average so far this season. (Photo by Jen Blanco)
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 3, 2014
Quiet Ace

Sarasota Christian sophomore Cheyenne Miller has hurled the Lady Blazers to a 7-1 record so far this season.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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