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Your Observer

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
The $1.9 figure from the new report consists primarily of questioned costs from the 2012-13 year.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 12, 2013
Second state audit brings more costs to school district

A second report from the state's Auditor General's Office released this morning - this one on federal, grant-funded programs - revealed the Manatee County School District could see a $1.9 million reduction in its general fund balance.

  • East County
  • Schools
The home features an Infinity pool and overflow lap pool overlooking Sarasota Bay and downtown Sarasota. (Courtesy)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 12, 2013
Country Club Shores home sells for $4.3 million

The sale was the fifth highest amount paid for a home on Longboat Key in 2013.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Hosts Barbara and John Sulton with Laura and John Proctor.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 12, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Bay Island Siesta Association Holiday party

Members of the Bay Island Siesta Association met for a Holiday party Wednesday, Dec. 11. The party was held at one of the members home and included neighbors from both north Siesta Key and Bay Island.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Rachel Katzen, Michelle Kadorette and Gianna Traylor, 17, show off festive carnival ensembles.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 12, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: BRHS Winter Wonderland Carnival

Braden River High School's Student Government Association invited students and their families to Winter Wonderland - s'more-making and pictures with Santa in the midst of faux snow Dec. 11.

  • East County
  • News
Tamara Tazzia and Linda Flanigan show off big necklaces and smiles.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 12, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: LWR Women's Club 'Puttin' on the Glitz'

Members of the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club pulled out their flashiest dresses and accessories, for their Puttin' on the Glitz club fundraiser Dec. 11, at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.

  • East County
  • News
Jesse and Adrian Griffin
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • December 12, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Longbeach Village Association Holiday Party

Members of the Longbeach Village Association enjoyed dinner, cocktails and conversation Wednesday, Dec. 11, during their holiday party at Bayou Tavern.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sandy and Robert Endres
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • December 12, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Seaplace Holiday Party

Residents of Seaplace were filled with the holiday spirit as they enjoyed their annual party on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo. Member Polly Curran with guest Carolyn Quick
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 12, 2013
Flower power

The Sarasota Chapter #115 of Ikebana International held its annual holiday luncheon demonstration Dec. 2.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Photo by Harriet Sokmensuer
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 12, 2013
Frosty the sandman

Beachgoers maintained the holiday spirit while basking the sun at Siesta Beach this weekend.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
CONA President Lourdes Ramirez and Dawn Moore
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 12, 2013
CONA celebration

The Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations held its annual holiday party Monday, at the Sarasota Botanical Garden.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Payne Park Auditorium
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 12, 2013
Payne Auditorium gains support

At a community workshop Monday, city staff and residents discussed the future of Payne Park. Several residents encouraged the city to find a way to preserve the park's auditorium.

  • Sarasota
  • 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.
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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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