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Your Observer

    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 8, 2014
Issues to Watch 2014: Cell towers

The Town Commission will review ordinance language this year that states the town is not interested in cellular towers as a reception fix.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 8, 2014
Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 8, 2014
Commission approves Hilton Beachfront Resort project

The Longboat Key Hilton will undergo a $30 million expansion and renovation project that will begin after the season and open in 2015.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 8, 2014
Colony vandalism cited for crime hike

Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming released crime statistics for 2013 revealing that vandalism and trespassing offenses are up 54% and 32% respectively compared with a year ago.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Courtesy photo. The six socialized feral kittens are available for adoption to loving owners who are willing to keep them indoors or in a caged lanai.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 8, 2014
Six rescued kittens seek loving homes

A Key couple socialized a litter of young felines that are now ready for adoption.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Observer Media Group Chairman David Beliles, center, with retired Longboat Observer Senior Editor Dora Walters and retired Senior Advertising Executive Wendi Simons
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 8, 2014
Friends, family honor Claire Hunter at service

More than 75 people attended a memorial service and witness to the resurrection for longtime Longboat Observer co-owner Claire Hunter, who died Dec. 15. She was 84.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lexi, formerly named Jasmine, is named after Gene Witt Elementary fifth-grader and Honor Animal Rescue volunteer Lexi Brown, who was murdered.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 8, 2014
Paws for celebration

Honor Animal Rescue adopted out 1,000 animals in 2013, thanks to the DePew family's December adoption of Lexi, a 2-year-old collie mix.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Amanda Sebastiano. University Park resident Sandy Chase co-authored a story about the difficulties of keeping New Year's resolutions — "The Resolutionary War."
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 8, 2014
Resolution revolution

Two women join forces for their recently released book to fight the war on New Year's resolutions.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Amanda Sebastiano. This Country Club East at Lakewood Ranch home, which has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,841 square feet of living area, sold for $799,400.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 8, 2014
Country Club East home sells for $799,400

Taylor Morrison of Florida Inc. sold the home at 7315 Haddington Cove to Kamal and Patricia Sarbadhikari, of Longboat Key, for $799,400.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Amanda Sebastiano. Country Club Village at Lakewood Ranch home, which has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,861 square feet of living area, sold for $850,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 8, 2014
Country Club Village home sells for $850,000

Alvaro Joves and Maria Maldonado, of Miami, sold their home at 7217 Greystone St. to Robert Hofmann, of Bradenton, for $850,000.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Beruff
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 8, 2014
Builder sets company record in home sales

Sales totaling $100 million in 2013 keeps local builder Medallion Home optimistic about the future of the company.

  • East County
  • News
Doreen Steinhauser submitted this sunset photo, taken near Palma Sola Bay in Bradenton.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 8, 2014
Weather: East County

Doreen Steinhauser submitted this sunset photo, taken near Palma Sola Bay in Bradenton.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Susan and Cliff Scholz, Susan and Tim Clarke and Mickey Callenen attended last year's Party on the Pass.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 8, 2014
Save the dates

We're looking forward to an eventful season. Here, we choose our top 10 picks for the winter/spring season.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Fitness leader Sherry Fidellr will be leaving the Recreation Center at the end of the season after 20 years.
    By
  • Molly Schechter
  • January 8, 2014
New year brings fitness options for Longboaters

This column heads into its 17th year with its most news ever about fitness classes. There is an exciting array of new formats, teachers and time periods at both the Longboat Key Education Center and Bayfront Park Recreation Center.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Kurt Schultheis. This home at 531 Chipping Lane in Country Club Shores has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,341 square feet of living area. It sold for $760,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 8, 2014
Country Club Shores home sells for $760,000

Geza and Ilona Benko, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 531 Chipping Lane to Victor and Anamaria Mitchell, of Castle Rock, Colo., for $760,000.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
File photo. Maison Blanche chef/owner Jose Martinez and his wife, Victoria, with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse during the September filming of 'Coming to America.'
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 8, 2014
Business Observer

Travel + Leisure names Key Club in top 500 resorts; Maison Blanche owner featured on 'Emeril's Florida'; Mediterranean restaurant to open on St. Armands; Longboat Key Chamber moves to the Centre Shops

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Barbara Thurston submitted this sunrise photo, taken near Emerald Harbor on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 8, 2014
Weather: Longboat Key

Barbara Thurston submitted this sunrise photo, taken near Emerald Harbor on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Gerri Aaron, Anne Verig and Marvin Albert
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 7, 2014
AJC Open House

AJC Open House

  • Black Tie
Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center Director Jennifer Carey
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 7, 2014
The Good News: Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center

Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center helps women make informed decisions about parenthood.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Lights installed at Five Points Park in 2011 remain in the trees, but have been shut off since June. The DID has struggled to agree on a replacement system since then.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 7, 2014
Five Points tree lighting hits impasse

The Downtown Improvement District board, unsatisfied with its options for lighting the trees at Five Points Park, continues to look for a more cost-effective solution.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • January 7, 2014
Siesta Beach renovations top SKVA's agenda

The Siesta Key Village Association met for the first time in 2014 on Tuesday, opening the new year with fresh concerns about the impacts of a renovation project at Siesta Beach on the island's tourism industry.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 7, 2014
City Commission backs Sarasota Police Foundation

Despite Mayor Shannon Snyder's earlier criticism, the Sarasota City Commission offered unanimous support for a charitable group aimed at helping the SPD.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Eric Hillman, Greg Albrecht and Jordan Albrecht braved the cold Tuesday, Jan. 7, for an afternoon walk on the beach.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • January 7, 2014
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Bundled Up on the Beach

Make sure to bundle up before heading to the beach today! The sun may be shining, but it's no match for the cold winds and low temperature of 47 degrees.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The 30-minute demonstration will take place before the meeting at 5:30 p.m. and be in the form of a VEX Robotics Competition.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • January 7, 2014
Students to stage robotics contest before School Board meeting

The students, from Brookside, Heron Creek, Sarasota and Woodland middle schools, are enrolled in the Technology Engineering Education course, which is part of the district's CTE program.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota GOP Chairman Joe Gruters and State Committeeman Christian Ziegler pose in Pasadena. (Courtesy)
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 7, 2014
Local 'Noles fans relish Rose Bowl win

Local Florida State University alumni and fans watch the Seminoles' last-minute victory over Auburn in Pasadena.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 7, 2014
LRLL registration upcoming

Lakewood Ranch Little League will hold registration for the Spring 2014 season from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 10 and Jan. 17 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 11 and Jan. 18, at the Lakewood Ranch Ballpark.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 7, 2014
GSJGA season tees off

The Greater Sarasota Junior Golf Season kicked off its 2014 season Jan. 5, on the Royal Lakes Course at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club.

  • East County
  • Sports
Pat Kaufman (courtesy photo)
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • January 7, 2014
Artist Pat Kaufman exhibits her colorful career

Pat Kaufman's work will be on display from Jan. 7 through Feb. 4, at Plymouth Harbor. There's an opening reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7.

  • Arts + Culture
Alan and Ruth Ades.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • January 7, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Temple Beth Sholom Torah Fund Award Luncheon

Members of Temple Beth Sholom met for the annual Torah Fund Study Day and Award Luncheon Tuesday, Jan. 7. Ruth F. Ades was honored as the 'Light of Torah' for her involvement in local and national Jewish organizations throughout her life. 'It's very exciting,' says Ades' husband, Alan,' Ruth deserves every honor.'

  • Sarasota
  • News
File of Life magnets are placed on refrigerators to provide firefighter/paramedics vital medical information in emergencies. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 7, 2014
LBK Fire Rescue programs promote health, safety

Longboat Key Fire Rescue will offer home inspections beginning this month along with its ongoing File of Life program.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota Police shot and killed a man during an altercation on the 1000 block of 42nd Street Sunday.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 7, 2014
UPDATE: Officers kill man wielding firearm

Two Sarasota Police officers shot 30-year-old Deacon Clark after he allegedly pointed a weapon at them Sunday evening.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A traffic study for the Kolter Group's planned hotel and condominium development at Gulfstream Avenue and U.S. 41 failed to properly evaluate key intersections, area residents allege.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 6, 2014
Ritz residents scrutinize bayfront development

Nearby residents are criticizing the city's approval process of a bayfront condominium and hotel development, claiming that a traffic study is underestimating the project's impact.

  • Sarasota
  • News
JFSM donor-directed gifts funded the 1,000-square-foot pool located in the Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden at Selby Gardens.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • January 6, 2014
JFSM collaborates with Selby Gardens

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens collaborated to create the 'Ein Gedi Pool.'

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Hilton project is the first applicant to take advantage of the town-wide 250 tourism until pool that’s been waiting for applicants to apply for additional units since 2008.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 6, 2014
Commission approves Hilton project

The Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort submitted plans for a $30 million project that will begin later this year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Photo courtesy Sarasota County Emergency Management
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • January 6, 2014
Area braces for rough winter weather

A cold front that brought record low temperatures to the Midwest over the weekend will push through Southwest Florida Monday, bringing rough seas and possible freezing temperatures.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The inaugural class of students enrolled in the program will be at the school today for orientation, beginning at 10 a.m.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 6, 2014
LECOM unveils distance education program

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) will officially launch its Masters in Health Services Administration distance education program today when students come on campus for orientation.

  • East County
  • Schools
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