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Your Observer

"It's fun; you can read a book and it will take you to another world. There are lots of great stories out there, and it's fun to learn about them." — Jonah Duschesne-Shaw
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 14, 2014
The Good News: Jonah Duchesne-Shaw

Volunteer Jonah Duchesne-Shaw, 12, keeps young readers turning the page through the Literacy Buddy program.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Lori White, Superintendent of Sarasota County Schools, Jane Goodwin, Chair of Sarasota County School Board, and Al Weidner, Deputy Chief Financial Officer
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • January 14, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Democratic Club Meeting

The Longboat Key Democratic Club met for its monthly luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the Harbourside Dining Room.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • January 14, 2014
Sarasota Ballet secures its future for ten more years

Sarasota Ballet signs director Iain Webb, Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri and Managing Director Mary Anne Servian for 10-year contract.

  • Sarasota
  • News
USF Sarasota-Manatee regional chancellor Arthur Guilford, hired in 2007, will retire in 2015 after working in the USF system for nearly four decades.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 14, 2014
USF Sarasota-Manatee chancellor announces retirement

Arthur Guilford, the regional chancellor of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, will step down from his position at the end of July before retiring in January 2015.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A woman soliciting donations on St. Armands Circle is upsetting merchants and has BID board members worried it's causing a problem for the popular shopping destination. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 14, 2014
Circle solicitation problem worries merchants

St. Armands Circle merchants are frustrated that a woman solicitating donations outside of their shops allows her to do something that merchants aren't allowed to do: advertise outside.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jackie Holloway, a second-grade teacher at B.D. Gullett Elementary, will compete against three other area instructors for the educator award as part of the EdVantage Education Awards.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 14, 2014
Local teacher named as finalist for education awards

Second-grade instructor at B.D. Gullett Elementary, Jackie Holloway, stands as an educator finalist for annual education award.

  • East County
  • News
George W. Bush was the featured speaker at Ringling College Library Association's Town Hall Lecture Series Tuesday, Jan. 14, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • January 14, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: George W. Bush in Sarasota

George W. Bush was the featured speaker at Ringling College Library Association's Town Hall Lecture Series Tuesday, Jan. 14, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Avenida de Mayo has become a site for overflow parking from Siesta Key Village and the public beach.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 14, 2014
Commission approves parking restrictions on Siesta street

Sarasota County commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday, that bans parking along parts Avenida de Mayo.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • January 14, 2014
CONA enters Big Pass debate

The Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) met Monday night to debate a controversial project to dredge Sarasota's Big Pass for Lido Beach sand.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Sam and Annie Alfstad with Gary Galati
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 13, 2014
Town Hall Series Platinum Dinner featuring Jenna Bush Hager

Town Hall Series Platinum Dinner featuring Jenna Bush Hager

  • Black Tie
Steve Almquist, Fred Doery and Ken Abt
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 13, 2014
On Pointe Luncheon

On Pointe Luncheon

  • Black Tie
Otus
  • By Otus
  • January 13, 2014
Ask Otus: In Praise of Permits and Pompano

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 Otusâ„¢.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Lawmakers praised Superintendent Rick Mills for providing a thorough response to state audits and expressed confidence in his ability to move the district forward.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 13, 2014
Superintendent gains support in Tallahassee

In a bid to reduce fines owed to the state, Manatee County School District Superintendent Rick Mills impressed legislators with his response to audit findings.

  • East County
  • Schools
Tim Litchet, the city’s director of Neighborhood and Development Services, speaks at a meeting regarding a proposed bayfront development on Monday at City Hall.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 13, 2014
Residents speak out on Gulfstream development

At a meeting Monday, residents voiced their concerns about a proposed bayfront project's impact on traffic - and about the current status of a key intersection.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Pilar Gomez says she would like to see a circus-themed development on the former site of the Sarasota Quay.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 13, 2014
VIDEO: Residents sound off on future of Quay property

The Observer video team asks what residents and tourists want to see developed on the former site of the Sarasota Quay.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Gloria Jara-Macias and Alondra Martinez remind girls to walk with their pedometers. (Photo courtesy of Girls Inc.)
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • January 13, 2014
Girls Inc. launches Step It Up Challenge

The challenge encourages girls and their families to work on a simple but effective goal of taking more steps daily.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key Fire Rescue responded to Marina Bay condominium early Saturday morning. (File photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 13, 2014
Firefighters respond to Marina Bay blaze

A fire was contained to the north elevator electrical room and didn't result in damage to the building.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 13, 2014
Siesta trolley service to start in July

With help from a Florida Department of Transportation grant, Sarasota County Area Transit will begin a regular trolley service to Siesta Key this summer.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch Main Street is one of several shopping plazas located within the community.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 13, 2014
Lakewood Ranch named top community

Two companies have ranked Lakewood Ranch as the No. 9 master-planned community in the nation.

  • East County
  • News
A meeting between city officials, residents and the developer of a proposed bayfront condo/hotel project is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 13, 2014
CCNA backs push for review of bayfront development

At Saturday's Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations meeting, members endorsed an effort to more rigorously measure the impact of a proposed bayfront condo/hotel.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Katherine Harris and Paul Blackketter, president of the Suncoast Aquatics Nature Center Associates, helped Sarasota-Bradenton land four world pentathlon events.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 13, 2014
Olympic official 'impressed' by area

Olympic official Shiny Fang said strong community support helped secure four pentathlon events at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • News
The commission mandated the association increase a bond the town can use to make improvements to the property from $50,000 to $250,000 on Dec. 11.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 13, 2014
Colony Association sues town

A writ of certiorari filed Friday in Sarasota states 'no competent substantial evidence supports the Town Commission's decision to require a $250,000 bond' for the Colony property.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Barry Bakal, Betty Schoenbaum and Gloria Bakal
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 12, 2014
Temple Beth Israel Gala

Temple Beth Israel Gala

  • Black Tie
Maestro Victor De Renzi
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 12, 2014
Bradenton Opera Guild Gala

Bradenton Opera Guild Gala

  • Black Tie
Leslie Wilshire chats with Ann Segal about her products.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • January 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Winter Festival

Longboat Key residents enjoyed an afternoon full of art and antiques at the Winter Festival on Sunday, Jan. 12.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Steve Blumenthal and Barabara Benjamin
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • January 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Jewish Food Festival

Temple Sinai held the sixth annual Sarasota Jewish Food Festival Sunday, Jan. 12. Attendees enjoyed traditional Jewish comfort food like knishes and brisket. This year, Temple Sinai partnered with All Faith Food Bank and filled five large bins full of canned food for the non-profit.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Isabel and Milton Rauch
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • January 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Mable Ringling Memorial Fountain dedication ceremony

The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation held a dedication ceremony for the Mable Ringling Memorial Fountain and Reflecting Pool Sunday, January 12. Attendees enjoyed high tea while celebrating the historic fountain at the Friendship Centers in downtown Sarasota. 'It feels fantastic,' said Pearson Kelly, the fountain's mosaic artist, on its completion.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Todd Davison and Deidre Reigel
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • January 12, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Island Chapel Welcome Back Brunch

Longboat Island Chapel celebrated the new season with a Welcome Back Brunch for its congregation on Sunday, Jan. 12.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Bird Key Yacht Club Foundation donated the new flagpole and American flag.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • January 11, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Bird Key Yacht Club Flagpole Dedication

It was a banner day for Old Glory at the Bird Key Yacht Club as members gathered for a flagpole dedication on Saturday, Jan. 11. The club's foundation donated the sturdy post, which is equipped with a light to shine on the American flag.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Karen McClure, Marlene Lancaster and Courtney Goodman
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • January 11, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Yacht Club Commodores' Ball

On Saturday, Jan. 11, the Sarasota Yacht Club held a ball to honor and celebrate their current and past commodores.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lori Hanson, a teacher from Charlotte County, and Harriet Bare enjoy the setting of Thunder by the Bay.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 11, 2014
VIDEO: Thunder by the Bay rocks downtown Sarasota

The 16th annual Thunder By the Bay festival packs the city of Sarasota with thousands of motorcycles.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Golden Clifton and Roy Truby
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • January 11, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Democratic Club luncheon

The Sarasota Democratic Club held its monthly luncheon Saturday, Jan. 11. Club members enjoyed lunch at the Laurel Oaks Country Club while guest speaker Dr. Lisa Merritt presented 'Healthcare is a Right, Not a Privilege'.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Face painting artist Akiko Campbell shows Abigail Pfeiffer, 6, the rainbow on her face.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 11, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Rock Your Robot Science Fair

East County families learned about math and science today at the Rock Your Robot Science Fair.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jake and Mark Bokorney with Stacey Monroe
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • January 11, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: 1st annual Andrew Monroe Memorial 5K

Runners and walkers took to Siesta Beach for the inaugural Andrew Monroe Memorial Scholarship 5K Walk/Run Saturday, Jan. 11. Proceeds benefit the Riverview High School soccer scholarship that was created in Andrew's name after he was killed in a tragic car accident.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Assistant to the Town Manager Susan Phillips, Vice Mayor David Brenner, Commissioner Jack Duncan and Steve Branham
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • January 10, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Republican Club of Longboat Key's "Come Meet the Candidates"

On Friday, Jan. 10, the Republican Club of Longboat Key hosted a 'Come Meet the Candidates' luncheon and debate at the Harbourside Dining Room.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Gal pals Elizabeth Alee and Alyce Shaw browse their hand bag options.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • January 10, 2014
PHOTO GALLERY: Palm-Aire Women's Club 'Old Bag' luncheon

Purses in hand, members of the Palm-Aire Women's Club gathered for the auctioning of their gently-used handbags at the Old Bag luncheon Jan. 10.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

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Jeremy Gandon tees off on the first hole of the Commander Course at Lakewood National Golf Club. The 29-year-old Frenchman carded six under par in the third round.
  • April 4, 2026
Race tightens in third round of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic
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Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key President Danielle Gladding welcomes guest speaker Longboat Police Chief Russ Mager to update members about his approach to leadership since he assumed the role last autumn at the April 2 meeting.
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Longboat police chief talks digital security with Kiwanians
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Lakewood Ranch's Jerry and Marilyn Schneider, who have been married for 63 years, enjoy the live music at Music on Main April 3.
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St. Regis at Longboat Key is a gulf-facing resort and condo development on the barrier island of Longboat Key. The Unicorp-developed property opened in 2024 at the former site of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.
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The Fruitville Townhomes site plan to replace the vacant former Sarasota Lanes bowling center.
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Fruitville bowling alley submits plans to redevelop into 4-story townhomes

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