Your Observer

Harriet Sokmensuer
March 5, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Jay Berman Meet and Greet

The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center welcomed its new Executive Director, Jay Berman, with a Meet and Greet Wednesday, March 5. Members of the community were invited to get to know Berman over drinks and hors d'oeuvres at the Human Services Center. Berman assumed responsibilities this January and is replacing longtime Executive Director Phillip King.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Josh Siegel
March 5, 2014

Officials traveling to Tallahassee Thursday to talk I-75/University Pkwy

Vanessa Baugh, District 5 Manatee County Commissioner, will be among a group to travel to the state capital to meet with developers and FDOT to discuss the high-traffic interchange.

Sarasota
News

Josh Siegel
March 5, 2014

Superintendent hosts 'Soup with the Supe'

Rick Mills, Manatee County School District Superintendent, hosted members of the community for lunch in a 'Soup with the Supe' event at the Ranch Grill in Lakewood Ranch Wednesday.

East County
News

David Conway
March 5, 2014

Gillespie Park playground improvements begin

A $90,000 project to install new playground equipment at Gillespie Park began today, with construction expected to continue for roughly three weeks.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nolan Peterson
March 5, 2014

Sheriff releases February DUI numbers

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office February DUI saturation patrols netted half the arrests as in January.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

David Conway
March 5, 2014

Biter buys downtown parcel

Jesse Biter purchased a property on Second Street in downtown Sarasota, representing another step toward the entrepreneur's plan for a 10-story apartment complex.

Sarasota
News

Harriet Sokmensuer
March 5, 2014

Sarasota Half Marathon looking for volunteers

Organizers are looking for volunteers to help be a part of one of Sarasota's largest single day sports events by supporting runners and walkers Sunday, March 16.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 5, 2014

IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Ciao! Italia

Join us in the kitchen at Ciao! Italia with owner and chef Carmine Astuto as he prepares his signature veal Elizabeth.

Arts + Culture

Jen Blanco
March 5, 2014

Sarasota Christian picks up district win

The Sarasota Christian softball team defeated Southwest Florida Christian 5-2 in district action March 4.

Sarasota
News

Alex Mahadevan
March 5, 2014

County ratifies Teamsters agreement

Sarasota County commissioners approved a budget amendment today earmarking $1.2 million to fund salary adjustments for 419 full-time employees.

Sarasota
News

Jen Blanco
March 5, 2014

Cardinal Mooney blanks Admiral Farragut

The Cardinal Mooney boys tennis team defeated Admiral Farragut 7-0 March 4.

East County
Sports

Observer Staff
March 5, 2014

Tick Tock

Daylight Saving Time starts 2 a.m. Sunday, so be sure to set your alarm accordingly.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 5, 2014

Good vibrations

The Tabernacle Christian School middle school student Lauren Medred, an East County resident, earned top vocal honors, taking first place in vocal solo female category of the Florida League of Christian School's Festival of the Academics and Arts Feb. 28 and March 1 at Southeastern University in Lakeland.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 5, 2014

Tech takeover

Manatee County schools dominated a state technology competition with five of six top-three finishes earned by Manatee County schools during the 35th annual Technology Student Association State Competition late February.

East County
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
March 5, 2014

Booker improves to 7-0

The Booker High boys tennis team defeated Southeast 6-1 March 4.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
March 5, 2014

March 10: The great debate

The Observer will hold a debate for Longboat Key Town Commission candidates at 7 p.m. March 10, at Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 5, 2014

Greg Hoffman SCOREs award

Longboat Key resident Greg Hoffman received Manasota SCORE's Platinum Leadership Award at the organization's 50th anniversary awards luncheon Feb. 24.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 5, 2014

Spring forward for Daylight Saving

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, so turn your clocks forward by an hour before bedtime Saturday night.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 5, 2014

Garden Club will grant scholarships

The Longboat Key Garden Club will provide grants to the Florida Federation of Garden Club's Wekiva Youth Camp, in Apopka, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens summer camps.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 5, 2014

Conrad Beach celebrates love and long weekend

Conrad Beach residents had double the reason to celebrate Feb. 15 at the Vince Cost Memorial Pool Pavilion: It was the day after Valentine's Day, and many residents were in town for the Presidents Day long weekend.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 5, 2014

It's truly a small world, after all

When Temple Beth Israel Rabbi Jonathan Katz met with St. Armands resident Nina Sysak recently, he realized it was not the first time they had met.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 5, 2014

Cornfield, new car inspired Reverend Carroll's career choice

Longboat Island Chapel the Rev. Dr. Vince Carroll was the speaker at the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key's Feb. 27 breakfast meeting.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Kurt Schultheis
March 5, 2014

Purchase could yield town center

Commissioners unanimously approved the $1.5 million purchase of a 2.8-acre parcel behind Publix Monday night, citing overwhelming support from residents and businesses.

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
March 5, 2014

Colony hearing on hold until May

Commission expresses frustration with legal counsel after Colony public nuisance hearing is postponed due to a due process issue.

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
March 5, 2014

Judge rejects Colony settlement

Saying the case's time in Chapter 11 reorganization had run its course, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May converted it to Chapter 7 liquidation.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
March 5, 2014

News Briefs

Bridge openings questioned; Early voting begins

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
March 5, 2014

Pension plan boards make necessary adjustments

Taxpayer costs for three frozen pension plans could rise from $2.76 million to $3.26 million in the coming fiscal year. boards of trustees lower estimated rates of return to 7%.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
March 5, 2014

Pastor raises $14,530 for commission race

The L'Ambiance resident has raised more than double what either his challenger or candidates for the District 3 seat have raised. through Jan. 31.

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
March 5, 2014

Retired economist vies for at-large seat

In his bid for Terry Gans' at-large commission seat, Armando Linde focuses his campaign on fiscal conservatism for the town's budget.

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
March 5, 2014

Pastor calls for 'sensible' redevelopment

L'Ambiance resident Irwin Pastor believes a town center concept for Longboat Key is an attainable goal he can help achieve.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
March 5, 2014

Our view

Time to bring in a pro

Longboat Key
Opinion

Observer Staff
March 5, 2014

Letters to the Editor

To send in your Letters to the Editor, email them to News Editor Robin Hartill at [email protected]. Letters pertaining to local issues receive priority. Letters may be edited for grammar and space.