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Your Observer

    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2013
Letters to the Editor

Hayek maligned, equality corrupted; Another solution exists; Thorpe delivers again

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2013
Worship services

A list of Christmas religious services.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Riverview High boys swim team finished first in Class 4A in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Fall Academic Team Champions.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2013
High five moments of the week

The top five sports moments of the week.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Melissa Owens' third-grade class dressed in holiday outfits.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 19, 2013
Classroom spotlight: Bay Haven

Melissa Owens' third-grade class visits Sarasota Judicial Center

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2013
Sidelines

Sailors tap new head football coach; ODA boys blank Imagine High School; Cougars rally for win against DeSoto

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2013
Just the stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Harriet Sokmensuer. This home at 1655 South Drive has four bedrooms, four baths, three half-baths and 5,634 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.1 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 19, 2013
Home in Cherokee Park sells for $2.1 million

Clarence and Michelle Reilly, of Caseyville, Ill., sold their home at 1655 South Drive to Scott and Julie Smith, of Sarasota, for $2.1 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2013
School spotlight

Eight-year-old students Clayton Rusnak and Nevaeh McCarthy describe what they've learned about the government.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Anton Sroka with a child from the day care SCS students visited on their trip.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 19, 2013
School Board

Art and Soul; Mission Possible; Christmas Classic

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mrs. Claus and Santa
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2013
VIDEO: Q&A with Santa and Mrs. Claus

For the last 17 years, during December, Santa and Mrs. Claus have sat outside on Friday and Sunday evenings at the corner of Shade Avenue and Siesta Drive at the home of Richard and Nancy Underwood.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Joe Sedik submitted this photo of the moon and Venus, as seen over Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2013
Weather: Sarasota

Joe Sedik submitted this photo of the moon and Venus, as seen over Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota philanthropist Ernie Kretzmer, a generous supporter of the city's artistic institutions, died Aug. 24 at age 99.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 19, 2013
Resident to help fund roundabout

Although he's reluctant to step into the spotlight, Lido Key resident Ernie Kretzmer has agreed to help fund the city's construction of a downtown roundabout.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Carlson Studio Architecture designed the proposed nature center for the Sarasota Audubon Society.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 18, 2013
Nature center and industrial complex provide similar boons

The Audubon Society and Benderson Development will work together to create friendly boundaries on dual projects east of Interstate 75.

  • East County
  • News
  • By Otus
  • December 18, 2013
Ask Otus: The Sarasota Audubon's Christmas Bird Count

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 Otus.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Chuck and Gayle Sobieck with Mike Plunkett and Kathy Mathews
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • December 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: The Sanctuary Holiday Party

Residents of the Sanctuary at Longboat Key Club gathered to celebrate the holidays over cocktails and finger food on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Calista Hidalgo as Snow White
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Gullett Elementary's 'A Snow White Christmas'

B.D. Gullett Elementary School fifth grade students performed their version of "A Snow White Christmas", Dec. 17. Student actors and actresses performed seven scenes, and choir members sang songs.

  • East County
  • Schools
Beth Waldman and Joyce Mazurek
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • December 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Harbourettes Holiday Brunch

On Wednesday, Dec. 18, the Longboat Harbourettes enjoyed a holiday brunch and raffle at the Lazy Lobster.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Engineers from the Florida Department of Transportation are evaluating damage to the overpass.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 18, 2013
UPDATE: Interstate reopens after closure

Southbound Interstate 75, around mile marker 184, reopened after 4:10 p.m. Wednesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Co-Chairs of the luncheon Graci and Denis McGillicuddy with Carol Buchanan.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Embracing Our Differences annual luncheon

Embracing Our Differences held its annual luncheon Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Michael's on East. The event, co-chaired by Carol Buchanan and Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy, celebrated the non-profits impact on the community.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The estate at 6633 Gulf of Mexico Drive has nearly 10,000 square feet of living space in three separate pavilions. (Courtesy Michael Saunders & Co.)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 18, 2013
Longboat estate listed for $22 million

The $22 million price tag is a record in the Sarasota, according to listing agent Deborah Beacham.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Activities offered to students and their families Dec. 18 at Party in the Park include face painting and crafts.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 18, 2013
Freedom Elementary hosts annual park party

Freedom Elementary faculty, students and their families, will converge from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18, at Freedom Elementary, for the annual Party in the Park event.

  • East County
  • News
A water main leak has reduced the southbound convergence of U.S. 41 and U.S. 301 to one lane until this afternoon, according to a city press release.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 18, 2013
Water main leak causes U.S. 41/U.S. 301 lane closures

Although a water main leak under the pavement has been repaired, southbound traffic at the convergence of U.S. 41 and U.S. 301 is limited to one lane.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Aultman and her class of 18, along with the help of volunteer Susan Garrett, built a galactic-themed gingerbread house.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 18, 2013
Fifth annual Gingerbread Festival announces winners

Erica Aultman and her third grade class from Ashton Elementary won first place in their category Saturday, Dec. 14.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Braden River and Lakewood Ranch High Schools both received an “A” for the second year in a row.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 18, 2013
East County high schools get 'A' grades

Braden River and Lakewood Ranch High Schools earned 'A' grades from the state in the 2013 High School Accountability Grades released today by the Florida Department of Education.

  • East County
  • Schools
After the workshop, Superintendent Rick Mills will post his action plan to the district’s website for public viewing, based on his staff’s findings.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 18, 2013
School board to discuss response to audits

The Manatee County School Board will discuss corrective actions related to two state audits from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. today, during a special workshop.

  • East County
  • Schools
The bananas foster is a Cafe L'Europe classic dessert prepared tableside en flambe.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 18, 2013
IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Cafe L'Europe

This week we went in the kitchen at Cafe L'Europe, with owner Betsie Coolidge, while servers prepare two signature tableside dishes, shrimp Pernod and bananas foster. Get the recipes and watch an instructional video in this week's 'In the Kitchen.'

  • Siesta Key
  • News
City Commissioner Susan Atwell swears in Dream Harbor’s new commissioners, Gloria Macias and Alondra Martinez.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 18, 2013
Leading Ladies

For the last six years, mayors have led Girls Inc.'s Dream Harbor Community. But, this year, the girls decided to undergo a political change.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 18, 2013
Coats for kids

Knights of Columbus Councils are helping children in need by providing coats to children in their communities through the order's Coats for Kids program.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 18, 2013
Santa sighting

Santa and his elf made a surprise stop Dec. 13, at WineStyles, in San Marco Plaza, by Harley-Davidson motorcycle, during the store's weekly Friday night wine-tasting event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Josh Siegel. Rick Mills reassured his finance staff during a special holiday lunch that the district remains on a path to recovery, despite challenges presented in two state audits in the past month.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 18, 2013
Reports elicit strong response

Rick Mills, Manatee County School District superintendent, says his goals remain the same, even after two state Auditor General's Office reports revealed more financial challenges for the district.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 18, 2013
Developers plan Creekwood townhomes

Commission approves plans for 116 townhomes in the Creekwood community.

  • East County
  • News
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 18, 2013
Dancer lands a leading role in ballet

After playing nearly every role in 'The Nutcracker,' Isabelle Starner comes full circle, from a snow flurry to the Snow Queen.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 18, 2013
Cops Corner: East County

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
Courtesy photo. Following her diagnosis with breast cancer, Allison Nelson got married and started a business that would leave a legacy after she died.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 18, 2013
Leaving a mark organically

Before Allison Nelson died of breast cancer, she started an organic produce business that donates vegetables to people with cancer through the Center for Building Hope, in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Courtesy photo. Garrett and Lauren-Taylor Nock thank Sarasota firefighters.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 18, 2013
Nock, Nock. Who's there?

The St. Armands Fire Station got two Nocks at the door Friday, Dec. 6: Garrett Nock, 5, and his sister, Lauren-Taylor, 4, both of Longboat Key, who stopped by after Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armands.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 18, 2013
Commission savors the sunshine

The weather on Longboat Key was cloudy on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 11, but the Longboat Key Town Commission stayed in the sunshine, as far as the Longboat Observer could tell.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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