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Your Observer

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
The new farmers market will kick off with 10 vendors but is already expanding weekly.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 10, 2014
New farmers market opens Saturday

The Central Sarasota Farmers Market opens tomorrow and will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, year round.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Congressman Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, lobbied unsuccessfully before the holidays to encourage Congress to approve a glitch bill to stave off insurance costs that have more than tripled for some policyholders.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 10, 2014
Town supports insurance legislation

Longboat Key Mayor Jim Brown sent a letter to Senator Jeff Brandes this week, thanking him for addressing a flood insurance crisis through a bill he's attempting to pass in the Legislature

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A Sarasota couple bribed a procurement program manager for the Foreign Materials Acquisition Support Office at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, in exchange for government contracts.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 10, 2014
Sarasota couple sentenced in bribery scandal

Sylvester and Maria Zugrav admitted to using bribes to secure Air Force contracts.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 10, 2014
Lakewood Ranch named top-selling community

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

  • East County
  • News
The Kolter Group may have to wait a little longer to break ground on a planned hotel/condominium project, as the city plans to revise the development's traffic study.
    By
  • David Conway
  • January 10, 2014
City likely to revise traffic study for bayfront development

Following residents' complaints that the city was underestimating the impact of a development along U.S. 41, the city attorney said the project's traffic study will be revisited.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Diane Silverstein and Shirley Rose make cabbage rolls for the Sarasota Jewish Food Festival at Temple Sinai
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • January 10, 2014
WEEKEND BEST BET: Sarasota Jewish Food Festival

The festival boasts a wide selection of traditional comfort Jewish food including corned beef sandwiches and matzoh ball soup.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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A car carrier operator unloads a Corvette on Bay Isles Road, the town of Longboat Key’s designated dropoff and pickup area for car carriers.
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