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Your Observer

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
File photo. Claire and Ralph Hunter at the old Tiny’s of Longboat Key. The Hunters were married for 35 years.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 18, 2013
Claire Hunter: 'Mother' of the Longboat Observer

Claire Hunter, co-owner of the Longboat Observer for 17 years, died Sunday, at home in Bradenton. She was 84.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 18, 2013
Colony receives four-month extension

Commissioners extended the deadline for the property's grandfathered status but will hold a public hearing to determine whether the town should take action to demolish the Colony's buildings.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Courtesy rendering. The Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort unveiled renderings for a new $30 million renovation-and-expansion project Tuesday.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 18, 2013
P&Z recommends Hilton approval

The Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort submitted plans for a $30 million project that could break ground in May.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 18, 2013
News Briefs

Police pension plan set to freeze in January; Town keeps watch for red drift algae due to summer rain; Christmas holiday changes

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 18, 2013
Our View

Dredging Big Pass

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 18, 2013
Top ULI tasks: Town center, Bayfront Park

A new committee will make a town center concept and Bayfront Park its top priorities in the immediate future.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A town-conducted survey of the Key’s 53 canals revealed that the majority of the waterways are still deep enough for boats.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 18, 2013
Town dredges up canal project

Canal dredging isn't in the near future, but commissioners want to set aside funds for the project that will cost millions.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 18, 2013
Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 18, 2013
Letter to the Editor

The demise of PIC; There should be rules when creating committees

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Carman home, 6901 Poinsetta Ave.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • December 18, 2013
Shining examples

The 2013 Light up the Keys contest winners.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 18, 2013
Real Estate Reports

Waterfront Country Club Shores home sells for $4.3 million; Premier Sotheby's opens sales center at Palma Sola Bay Club

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
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Latest News

1
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
2
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.
  • April 4, 2026
Longboat police chief talks digital security with Kiwanians
3
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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Dancers show off their moves at Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch
4
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.
  • April 4, 2026
St. Regis on track to receive permanent certificate of occupancy, eyes tennis courts
5
The Fruitville Townhomes site plan to replace the vacant former Sarasota Lanes bowling center.
  • April 4, 2026
Fruitville bowling alley submits plans to redevelop into 4-story townhomes

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