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Your Observer

Monsignor Gerard Finegan, the Rev. Edward Pick and Donna Pettinato with the new dedication.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • December 7, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Mary 40th Anniversary Picnic

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church celebrated their 40th anniversary on Saturday, Dec. 7, with a picnic and special dedication to the man that made it the strong community it is today, the Rev. Edward Pick.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Police reroute crowds after the Sarasota Holiday Parade to investigate a suspicious backpack found on Main Street.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 7, 2013
Police find suspicious bag near parade route

Sarasota Police closed Main Street at roughly 8:20 p.m. to investigate a backpack found near the start of the Sarasota Holiday Parade route.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Antonia Forlenza, Jeanni Castro and Kristlyn Ferran sit on Santa’s lap after the run
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 7, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Reindeer Trot

Runners and their families spent the morning at the third annual Achieva Reindeer Trot, Saturday, Dec. 7. The run included a 5K, 10K and Dog Walk with a dog costume competition afterwards. Attendees were welcomed to enjoy hot chocolate with Santa Clause. The run benefitted local classrooms and was held at Payne Park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Marie Tannus, of Pampered Chef, shares about her products with Carolyn Talbot.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 7, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Willis Carnival

Willis Elementary School today hosted a winter carnival for its families and the public.

  • East County
  • News
Jolie Banks gets her face painted
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 7, 2013
PHOTO GALERY: St. Andrew's Gulf Gate Festival

St. Andrew United Church of Christ held its third annual Gulf Gate Festival, Saturday, Dec. 7. Activities included walking the wire with a Wallenda, a bouncy castle and rock climbing wall. All proceeds from the event were donated to army, air force and navy-marine corps relief societies.

  • Sarasota
  • News
lexandra Keusch, 5, has fun sledding.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 7, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: YMCA Sledding with Santa

East County families hit the slopes today at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA, during Sledding with Santa.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Samowitz, pictured in February, holds a photo of himself taken when he was a 27-year-old enlistee.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 7, 2013
Samowitz, oldest Iwo Jima survivor, dies at 99

Marty Samowitz was there when troops raised the U.S. Flag over Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Mrs. and Mr. Clause laugh at three-year-old Cole Tillson’s spunk.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 7, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Stoneybrook's Breakfast with Santa

Stoneybrook Community members invited Santa Clause and neighborhood children to munch on pancakes and play games Dec. 7 at the Breakfast with Santa event.

  • East County
  • News
Runners tie Christmas-colored bells to their laces in honor of the event’s name.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 7, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Jingle and Jog 5K

The 16th Jingle and Jog 5K Race and one-mile walk, drew in hundreds of runners, walkers and wheel chair rollers Dec. 7 at Community Haven.

  • East County
  • News
Ally Ridenour, 3, and Michelle Dieter prepare their Christmas lists.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 7, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Tara Elementary dines with Santa

Students and their families, and faculty filled the cafeteria of Tara Elementary Dec. 6 for Dinner with Santa.

  • East County
  • News
Kelly Oakes, Pat McMillan, DJ Hamel, Terry Richter and Pat Emmett enjoyed dancing to current pop hits and knew the words to many.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 7, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Holiday Dinner Dance

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities held its annual Holiday Dinner Dance at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, Dec. 6. Guests danced to music mixed by West Florida DJ and enjoyed dinner and drinks.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Tavia and Bill Ames Arianna and Mark Parson, Tara Solomon and Jason Taghikhani
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 6, 2013
26th annual Festival of Trees, Lights and Holiday Gifts

26th annual Festival of Trees, Lights and Holiday Gifts

  • Black Tie
Chad Campbell, Curt Ramage and Tiffany Liashek
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 6, 2013
Men, Whiskey, & Watches

Men, Whiskey, & Watches

  • Black Tie
Ferd Thompson provided fresh and hot popcorn for guests.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • December 6, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armands

On Friday, Dec. 6, St. Armands Circle transformed into a perfect winter wonderland with bright lights, classic holiday decorations and innumerable red Santa hats for their 35th annual Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armands. The entertaining evening was filled with music, dancing and of course, Christmas cheer.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The school will hold a press conference 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9 to address the state’s decision.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 6, 2013
Imagine School principal cleared of wrongdoing

The State Attorney's Office has decided not to file charges against Selenia Quinones, the Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch principal accused of failing to report child abuse.

  • East County
  • News
Comedian Les McCurdy says moving his comedy club downtown will bring some celebrities and surprises.
  • By Amanda Heisey
  • December 6, 2013
VIDEO: McCurdy's plans move to downtown Sarasota

McCurdy's Comedy Theatre will open next year at the site formerly occupied by Shaner's Pizzeria.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Army Corps of Engineers project manager Milan Mora outlines details of a proposed Lido Beach renourishment project at a meeting with Lido Key residents Friday.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 6, 2013
Lido residents strategize to rally support for beach project

At a meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers today, Lido Key residents discussed how to communicate their support for a proposed Lido Beach renourishment project.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Irene Dignan, Louise Spellman and Margaret Romanes
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 6, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Republican Women's Club of Sarasota Holiday luncheon

The Republican Women's Club of Sarasota held its annual holiday luncheon, Friday, Dec. 6. Members were asked to bring gifts for the Children's Guardian Fund.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Eric Vega drops his letter into the mailbox
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 6, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Macy's Letters to Santa

Third grade students from Suncoast School for Innovative Studies dropped off their letters to Santa, Friday, Dec. 6. Macy's invited the children to read their letters as well as drop off all of the 1,386 letters collected by the class. The event was a part of Macy's Believe program that benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Staff from the Mote Marine Laboratory Stranding Investigations Program secure the body of a juvenile male manatee before removing it from the waterway.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 6, 2013
VIDEO: Dead manatee discovered near Bird Key

Mote Marine Laboratory staff removed the body of a juvenile male manatee from Bird Key waterways before noon Friday, Dec. 6.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Santa waves to the crowd from his sleigh during last year's Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 6, 2013
WEEKEND BEST BET: Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade

Sarasota's downtown holiday parade returns with lighted floats and Santa Claus.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Santa Claus will arrive in style tonight on St. Armands Circle. (File photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 6, 2013
WEEKEND BEST BET: 35th Annual Holiday Night of Lights

St. Armands Circle will light up tonight in celebration of the holiday season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jim Purdy, director of operations for Manatee County YMCA's four branches, welcomes the public to a free Sledding with Santa event at the Lakewood Ranch branch Saturday.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 6, 2013
WEEKEND BEST BET: Sledding with Santa at the YMCA

The Lakewood Ranch YMCA is having a free Sledding with Santa event Saturday, Dec. 7.

  • East County
  • News
Thieves had also pulled 1,920 feet of copper wire out of the ground Sunday, Dec. 1.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 6, 2013
Thieves twice steal copper wire from Lakewood Ranch site

Thieves Wednesday stole spools of copper wire that was planned to be used to replace wire that had been stolen earlier in the week from the same Lakewood Ranch work site.

  • East County
  • News
Braden River senior Kelly Logan is triple teamed by Lakewood Ranch in the first quarter.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 6, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY:Braden River vs. Lakewood Ranch Girls Basketball

The Lakewood Ranch High girls basketball team defeated rival Braden River 71-34 Dec. 5.

  • East County
  • Sports
Tom Barwin and Joan Beach
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 5, 2013
Visiting Artists Dinner Series: David Greilsammer

Visiting Artists Dinner Series: David Greilsammer

  • Black Tie
Phil and Wendy Lamacchia
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 5, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: 2013 Selby Wine, Dine and Pine

Selby Gardens held its annual Wine, Dine and Pine, Thursday, Dec. 5. Guests enjoyed live music, speciality desserts and a silent auction. All proceeds benefitted Selby Gardens.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Southside Elementary's Hula Club performed in the courtyard
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 5, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Holiday Splendor at Ringling Museum

The Ringling Museum opened its doors for an evening of music and holiday cheer at its annual Holiday Splendor, Thursday, Dec. 5. Local school children performed for their family and guests in holiday-themed programs. The performances were held throughout the museum grounds and ranged from christmas carols to hula dancing.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Corey Schaul, Morgan Stanley, Tammy Halsted, St. Armands Travel, Mike Gray, Century 21, and Sam Asfur, Century 21
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • December 5, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce celebrated the season with their annual Holiday Party at MarVista Dockside Restaurant on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 5.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Dockmaster Bob Geraci played Christmas classics on his clarinet as residents walked by his former dock.
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • December 5, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Harbour Lighting of the Docks

On Thursday, Dec. 5, Longboat Harbour residents participated in a Christmas-inspired stroll along the water, fittingly called Lighting of the Docks. This past week, boat owners decorated their docks with lights and colorful ornaments to be enjoyed by the many that came out for this event.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The SCF District Board of Trustees, including Vice Chairman Edward Bailey and Chairman Dr. Craig Trigueiro, present the college seal to President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld during the inauguration ceremony.
  • By State College of Florida
  • December 5, 2013
SCF Celebrates the Inauguration of President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) celebrated the inauguration of SCF's sixth president, Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, on Friday, Nov. 8, at Neel Performing Arts Center with the SCF District Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, and students; public officials, business leaders, community members and university delegates.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
In total, 22 trees downtown were outfitted with strings of LED lights Wednesday as part of a project funded by the Downtown Improvement District.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 5, 2013
Tree lights come to Main Street

On Wednesday, oak trees along the 1300, 1400 and 1500 block of Main Street were adorned with lights that will remain in place year round; a similar lighting system is under consideration for Five Points Park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Michele Grimes and Stephen Walker
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 5, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Tiger Bay Club luncheon

Members of the Sarasota Tiger Bay Club met for lunch Thursday, Dec. 5. Local officials and community leaders lead a discussion on North Sarasota's drug problem during the luncheon.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Troy Roberts, founder of Drum Circle Distilling, looks forward to his rum being featured at Art Basel.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 5, 2013
Siesta Key Rum goes to Art Basel

The company's silver rum will be featured as the basis for the Floridian Mojito served at Art Basel in Miami Beach, Thursday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 8.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Charles Hines is the newest member of the Sarasota County Commission.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 5, 2013
County Commission elects chairman

Sarasota County commissioners chose Charles Hines as chairman and Christine Robinson as vice chairwoman during a Dec. 5 retreat.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort has been closed since August 2010. (File photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 5, 2013
10 Questions: The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort

Confused about the Colony? You're not alone. Get the basic facts with our Colony 101.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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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.
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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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