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Your Observer

Annette Bellows, Mandy Quinones, Dana Opsincs and Cherri Kessler
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 16, 2013
14th annual Signature Chefs Auction

14th annual Signature Chefs Auction

  • Black Tie
Ronelle Ashby with Tim and Diane Trettin
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 16, 2013
'A Tribute to Phil King'

'A Tribute to Phil King'

  • Black Tie
Ken Abt, Retta Wagner and Peggy Abt
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 16, 2013
Holiday Luncheon 'A Celebration for Sara'

Holiday Luncheon 'A Celebration for Sara'

  • Black Tie
David Manuel scored a pair of goals for the Ocala Polo Association.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 16, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Polo Season Opener

Hundreds of local residents gathered at the Sarasota Polo Club for an exhibition match between Siaana and the Ocala Polo Association Dec. 15. The match served as the season opener for the 2013-14 season. Sianna defeated Ocala 8-7. James Miller and Josh Shelton each scored four goals apiece to lead the way for Siaana. Oliver Butterworth scored three goals to power Ocala. David Manuel and Murad Ishmael both added a pair of goals.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Liza F. and Harrison P. were angels
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 16, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: ODA Holiday Pageant

Students of the Out-of-Door Academy performed in the annual Holiday Pageant Monday, Dec. 16. The lower school students sang songs, played their recorders and jingled their bells along to holiday songs.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Entrepreneur Jesse Biter took this picture of the storefront at 1554 Main St. Sunday morning, hours after a car crashed through the window of the vacant building.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 16, 2013
Car crashes into Main Street storefront

Early Sunday morning, a car drove through the window of the vacant storefront at 1554 Main St., a property owned by entrepreneur Jesse Biter.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Students will also receive a Sarasota County student email account, 25 GB of cloud storage and the option to use Microsoft’s cloud-based version of the Office package.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 16, 2013
Sarasota County school children to receive Microsoft Office 365

The free suite of programs offered to students is made possible by a partnership between the County School District and Microsoft.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Claire and Ralph Hunter, pictured at the Longboat Key Historical Society's 2012 Fish Fry. (File photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 16, 2013
Former Longboat Observer co-owner Claire Hunter dies

Claire Hunter died Sunday night, at home in Bradenton.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Fr. Frank Kirlangatis walks through the sanctuary as part of a procession around the church.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 16, 2013
St. Barbara celebrates church consecration

Members of St. Barbara's Greek Orthodox Church celebrated the consecration of the church's sanctuary with festivities Dec. 13 through Dec. 15.

  • East County
  • News
Pending approval, the Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort project could begin in the first or second quarter of 2014.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 16, 2013
Hilton project comes before P&Z Dec. 17

The Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort submitted plans for a $24 million project that could begin in the first or second quarter of 2014.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Co-chairs Peggy and Ken Abt
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 15, 2013
JFCS Gala 'Celebrating the American Spirit'

JFCS Gala 'Celebrating the American Spirit'

  • Black Tie
Sandy Kemp and Kathy McPherson's husbands were in the choir
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 15, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Church of Redeemer Messiah Sing-Along

The Church of the Redeemer held its annual Messiah Sing-Along Sunday, Dec. 15. The messiah is it in 24th year and was in honor of Dr. Daniel Moe. Attendees included new and familiar faces.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jackie Millikin, Susan Shannahan and Margit Gravino
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • December 15, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Yacht Club Let's Have a Ball

The Sarasota Yacht Club held its annual holiday celebration, Let's Have a Ball, on Saturday, Dec. 14. Previously known as the Holly Ball, this year's event included live entertainment, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres for guests to enjoy.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Betty Levitt and Laura Hershorin
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 15, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Sisterhood Garden Party

Members of Temple Beth Sholom's Sisterhood visited the community garden Sunday, Dec. 15. The sisterhood was joined by hebrew school students and teachers Andrew Noune and Shonna Brady.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mary and Joseph, portrayed by Emily Arakel and Joe Mascitto, welcome children to see the newborn child.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 15, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Living Nativity

Members of The Tabernacle church brought the story of Christmas to life this weekend with performances of "Living Nativity." Final shows are tonight at 7 and 8 p.m.

  • East County
  • News
Shirley Matchett and Debby Frederick wear homemade Christmas hats.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 14, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Sandy Claws Beach Run

With bells on their shoes, runners ran down Siesta Beach for the Sandy Claws Beach Run Saturday, Dec. 14. Participants included beginners and experienced runners of all ages. After the one mile and 5K races, everyone enjoyed the sunny morning at the award ceremony with healthy snacks.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sue DiNatale and Elmer Ward
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • December 14, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: The Shore Retirement Party for Elmer Ward

On Saturday, Dec. 14, residents of the Shore held a retirement party for their maintenance man, Elmer Ward, after 35 years of dedicated service.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
During the parade, Jeanne Miller waves to the crowd from the Dockside Marine Service car.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • December 14, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: The Village Holiday Parade

On the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 14, the residents of Longbeach Village gathered together for a parade down Broadway and a chance to meet Santa. The procession ended at Moore's Seafood Restaurant with refreshments and the announcement of prizes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Olga and John Kleis had their dance patterns in sync.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 14, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Tara Golf & Country Club Holly Ball

Tara Golf & Country Club held its third annual Holly Ball, Dec. 14, as a way to ring in the holidays. Attendees danced to music by the Al Hixon Quintet and enjoyed food and drinks.

  • East County
  • News
Nancy Reichel attends with Normal Elley, who celebrated her 93rd birthday the day of the event.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 14, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Palm-Aire Women's Club Fashion Show

Members of the Palm-Aire Women's Club gathered Dec. 13, for a special "Canine Christmas" themed luncheon, at the Palm-Aire Country Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Members of the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team sing the Star Spangled Banner before the start of their match against Brazil Dec. 13.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 13, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: 2013 Nike International Friendlies

The U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team defeated Brazil 4-1 to win the 11th edition of the Nike International Friendlies Dec. 17, at the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch. The U.S. went 2-1 in the tournament, which also featured England and Portugal.

  • East County
  • Sports
Landon Cornelies and Cameron Yeung were kings in the pageant
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 13, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Early Care Center's Holiday Pageant

Early Care Center held its 10th annual Christmas Pageant Friday, Dec. 13. Families sung Christmas songs together while students made their way on stage. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed birthday cake and punch.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Six-year-olds Grace Grogan and Stephanie Green play Rudolph.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 13, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Holidays Around the Ranch

Sugar cookie-decorating stations, a train ride around the freshly-lit Christmas tree, and a sea of patrons flooded Lakewood Ranch Main Street Dec. 13 for Holidays Around the Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Hannah Van Hise plays the part of Mrs. Claus.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 13, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Willis' 'December in Our Town'

Third-grade students at Willis Elementary School welcomed the holiday season with a special musical show, "December in Our Town," Dec. 12 and Dec. 13.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 13, 2013
State announces Sarasota County dropout, graduation rates

According to the Florida Department of Education, the Sarasota County Schools dropout rate improved over last year, while the graduation rate ticked downward.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Paul Caragiulo, Jeff LaHurd and Joe Gruters. Gruters says he has waited a long time to become a member and is very excited.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 13, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Kiwanis Club Induction

The Sarasota Kiwanis Club inducted eight new members Friday, Dec. 13. The inductees are the first group of new members since the club's new-member drive that started in early November. In order to build camaraderie, new members will work together on a community focused project in the New Year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Blair and Dan Gladding
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 13, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: YPG Winter Wonderland

The Sarasota Young Professionals Group got in the holiday spirit Thursday, Dec. 12, at its Winter Wonderland after-hours event at Art Center Sarasota. Guests socialized and enjoyed food and drink as well as holiday decor.

  • Sarasota
  • News
John and Joanne Forch, David Glorius and Kathy Bavely were Division 2 finalists in the 2012 Observer Challenge.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 13, 2013
WEEKEND BEST BET: Observer Challenge Finals

The 14th Annual Observer Challenge continues Saturday and Sunday at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Boats will be covered in Christmas lights and figurines.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 13, 2013
WEEKEND BEST BET: Sarasota Boat Parade of Lights

The 28th Annual Sarasota Christmas Boat parade of Lights will make its way across Sarasota Bay Saturday, Dec. 14.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Red drift algae seaweed, which isn’t red tide and isn’t harmful to your health, could come ashore in 2014.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 13, 2013
Town watches for red drift algae

Officials are warning that a nuisance seaweed could return for the first time in six years to Gulf shores.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Former Sarasota GOP Chairman Bob Waechter poses with Sarasota County Commissioner Carolyn Mason.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 13, 2013
Waechter accepts plea deal

Former Sarasota GOP Chairman Bob Waechter receives probation and house arrest for making fraudulent campaign contributions.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Main Street celebrates the holiday season tonight at Holidays Around the Ranch.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 13, 2013
WEEKEND BEST BET: Holidays Around the Ranch

Lakewood Ranch Main Street will transform tonight, Dec. 13, as Santa Claus arrives on a white, horse-drawn carriage, carolers sing holiday favorites, and a sugar cookie-making booth fill the downtown area for Holidays Around the Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The student, who was allegedly dragged from a classroom by the arm and shoulder, was not injured.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 13, 2013
Substitute teacher charged with child abuse

A Nolan Middle School substitute teacher was arrested Thursday for allegedly abusing a 13-year-old student at the school.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kemarcus Sailes smiles at Beverly Sutton before giving a reading.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • December 13, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: All Church Carol Sing & Children's Christmas Party

On Thursday, Dec. 12, Christ Church was the host to many young children and their families at its annual All Church Carol Sing & Children's Christmas Party. One of the church's mission projects takes members of the congregation to Bradenton as 'Reading Buddies' and this event celebrated all involved with a party full of singing, presents and Santa.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Steven and Madeline Ast
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 12, 2013
Lemur Conservation Foundation Gala

Lemur Conservation Foundation Gala

  • Black Tie
Kaye Chase, Toula Kane and Pat Riley
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 12, 2013
Corinthian Society Celebration

Corinthian Society Celebration

  • Black Tie
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