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Your Observer

600 Birdie Lane. Photos courtesy of Premier Sotheby's
    By
  • Robert Plunket
  • December 24, 2013
Three Things: Home for the Holidays

The holiday season in Sarasota may well be the best in the nation. Here are three Sarasota homes currently on the market that really capture the nostalgia of this time of year. And if Scrooge should show up - push him in the pool.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 24, 2013
Video Year in Review: March 2013, Student Spotlight: Pamela Kurpiewski

Pamela Kurpiewski walks through the halls of the Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences, waving hello to passing classmates.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Flames engulfed the home in the 700 block of Lands End Drive this morning. (Longboat Key Fire Rescue)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 24, 2013
Web Year in Review: March 2013, Lands End home destroyed in fire

A fire destroyed a 1950s home in the 700 block of Lands End Drive that belonged to Joan Bergstrom, sister of real-estate magnate Michael Saunders.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A preliminary rendering shows the proposed development at the corner of Gulfstream Avenue and U.S. 41. The 144-unit condo tower is on the left, and the 275-room hotel is on the right. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • December 24, 2013
Year in Review: March 2013, Developer plans condo and hotel

Preliminary plans outline 144 luxury condos and a 275-room hotel on a 2.9-acre vacant parcel.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming informed Town Manager Dave Bullock that more arrests are likely as a result of a drug bust operation.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 23, 2013
Police make drug arrest on the Key

A man was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell or deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia on Dec. 20.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 23, 2013
Year in Review: February 2013, The Man with the 'Mote-est'

In the 1970s, many Sarasotans had never heard of Mote Marine Laboratory. Dr. Kumar Mahadevan's vision put it on the map.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Brooke Graeff, Joe Abraham and Brittany Graeff have played together since high school.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 23, 2013
Video Year in Review: February 2013, Sister Act: Good Graeff

After traveling the world, the Graeff sisters are ready to tackle Sarasota's music scene.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The six-bedroom property is called Snook Inn for its Old Florida resort-like feel.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • December 23, 2013
Web Year in Review: February 2013, Siesta Key $10 million home sale largest in two years

A waterfront home on the northern tip of Siesta Key sold for $10 million, the second highest sale price for a residential property in Sarasota County in two years.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Villages at Lakewood Ranch South, south of University Parkway, depicts a walkable community clustered around seven lakes.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 23, 2013
Year in Review: February 2013, Sarasota considers changes to its 2050 growth plan

In 11 years, only one project has been completed under Sarasota's 2050 Plan. Developers are seeking modifications make development more viable.

  • East County
  • News
This peacock perched atop a home Tuesday, Feb. 26, near 40th Street and Sarasota Avenue, in the Indian Beach neighborhood.
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • December 23, 2013
Year in Review: February 2013, Peafowl family takes residence in Indian Beach

Residents say the fowl are interesting to watch and aren't causing too many problems - for now.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dora Walters turns her lens on a Halloween party in 2006.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 22, 2013
Year in Review: January 2013, Dora the Explorer

Longboat Observer Senior Editor Dora Walters retired after a career that spans more than six decades as an inquisitive journalist.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A piece of a pallet before being transformed into a planter.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 22, 2013
Video Year in Review: January 2013, Crafty Genes: Pallet Planter

This week Crafty Genes builds a planter from a pallet. Learn how to do-it-yourself with our step-by-step guide!

  • Arts + Culture
The Walmart Supercenter, approved by the Sarasota Planning Board, would replace an empty Publix and mostly-shuttered storefronts at the Ringling Shopping Center.
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • December 22, 2013
Web Year in Review: January 2013, Walmart appeal scheduled for Feb. 19

The store's classification is at the forefront of the debate.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Joyce Sandy and Michelle Patterson, both Heritage Harbour residents, were elected to the Heritage Harbor CDD Board of Supervisors in November.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 22, 2013
Year in Review: January 2013, Newly elected board seeks unity

Passions flared during the first meeting of 2013, as the Heritage Harbor CDD board discussed dumpsites and a lake and wetland maintenance project.

  • East County
  • News
J.P. Knaggs, owner of Bijou Café, and Rebecca Hopkins, managing director of Florida Studio Theatre, lobbied the city for First Street improvements, such as wider sidewalks and new decorative lampposts.
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • December 22, 2013
Year in Review: January 2013, First Street to undergo facelift

The street will get wider sidewalks, underground utilities, brick crosswalks and lush landscaping.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Travis Belsito, Logan Reiber, Peyton Thomas and Philip Knowles
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 21, 2013
Debutante Ball

Debutante Ball

  • Black Tie
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2013
DANCE REVIEW:

DANCE REVIEW:

  • Sarasota
  • News
Carly and Rob Toomey with Charlotte and Jackson
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 20, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: NewGate School Winter Festival

Students of NewGate School performed in its annual Winter Festival Friday, Dec. 20. The performance was held outside underneath Christmas lights and included holiday songs as well as some Broadway classics. Afterwards families mingled while munching on cookies and sipping hot chocolate.

  • Sarasota
  • News
High-density apartments could come to this Rosemary District parcel.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 20, 2013
Overlay district could provide boon for Rosemary

A proposed Rosemary Residential Overlay District would allow for higher-density housing developments in the area, which the city believes will spur growth.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Molly Harris works hard on her snowman ornament.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 20, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: First Presbyterian Preschool Pageant

First Presbyterian preschoolers and their families celebrated the holiday season at the school's pageant Friday, Dec. 20. Students wished Jesus a happy birthday by singing songs like 'Jingle Bells' and 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas'. Afterwards, families spent the afternoon creating Christmas cookies, ornaments and cards.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Over half a million lights will illuminate the grounds Friday, Dec. 20 through Monday, Dec. 30.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 20, 2013
WEEKEND BEST BET: Selby's Lights in Bloom

The Sarasota tradition is a guaranteed fun night for families of all ages. Selby Gardens will be open Friday, Dec. 20 through Monday, Dec. 23 and Thursday, Dec. 26 through Monday, Dec. 30.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Donna Amsden and her niece Maxine Teachout enjoy the view of the other brightly-lit carts at the dress rehearsal Dec. 18, at Horseshoe Cove.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 20, 2013
WEEKEND BEST BET: Horseshoe Cove Golf Cart Parade

Horseshoe Cove community members will throw on their Christmas sweaters, and turn on the flashing lights on their golf carts, for the 15th Golf Cart Parade at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, starting at Caruso Road.

  • East County
  • News
Colin and Siobhan Boyle, with the help of volunteer Rob Wenzel, take home a turkey and meal.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 20, 2013
Girls Inc. donates turkey dinners to families

Girls Inc. of Sarasota County families took home a turkey for their Christmas dinner and new shoes Thursday, Dec. 19.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
NORAD tracks Santa!
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 20, 2013
NORAD Tracks Santa

The North American Aerospace Defense Command is ready to track Santa. Check her for a countdown clock to track Santa and a live interactive map that goes live on Christmas Eve.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Centre Shops of Longboat Key is located in the 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 20, 2013
Chamber seeks volunteers for move

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce is preparing for a Jan. 2 move into the Centre Shops.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Developer Andy Adams will buy Colony units through Jan. 10 from $30,000 to $60,000.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 20, 2013
Adams makes push for more Colony units

Colony Beach Investors LLC is offering to buy more Colony Beach & Tennis Resort units ranging from $30,000 to $60,000, depending on the condition, square footage and location of the units.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Engineers from the Florida Department of Transportation are evaluating damage to the overpass.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 20, 2013
Interstate lanes face nightly closures

Southbound lanes of I-75 south of exit 191 will be closed tonight, Sunday evening and possibly Monday for repairs.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 20, 2013
SCF homecoming weekend upcoming

The State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota will hold its Homecoming weekend events Jan. 23 through 25.

  • Sarasota
  • News
(Front) Nicholas Colacci, Dylan Bennett and Cade Saalmann felt the music.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 19, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River Middle School SnowComing

Braden River Middle School held a SnowComing dance Dec. 19. Students danced the night away in the school cafeteria.

  • East County
  • Schools
Marilyn Bradley and Carol Sawyer
    By
  • Kelsey Grau
  • December 19, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Republican Club Holiday Party

The Republican Club of Longboat Key joined the Sarasota Republican Club to celebrate the holidays with cocktails, dinner and an auction on Thursday, Dec. 19.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Mariah McMiller and Sarah Demlak decorate cards.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 19, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Boys & Girls Club Holiday Party

Families of the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota spent Thursday, Dec. 19, celebrating the holidays. The evening started out with a visit from Santa and a Christmas dinner. Afterwards, children received presents to take home.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Project Manager Robert Garland speaks with residents following Wednesday's community meeting about the Lift Station 87 project.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 19, 2013
Lift Station 87 update highlights design details

At a meeting Wednesday, the new team tasked with completing the Lift Station 87 project said they've developed plans that will avoid the problems the prior engineers faced.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Siesta Key north bridge stopped functioning this morning.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 19, 2013
UPDATE: Siesta Key north bridge stuck in open position

Sarasota Police have advised using an alternative route to enter or leave the barrier island.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Pauline Bennett and her downtown team of agents presented the check to Jessica Hays from SPARCC.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 19, 2013
SPARCC receives $4,000 donation from Coldwell Banker

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate CARES has presented a $4,000 donation to Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, SPARCC.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Johnson Clark, Erica Johnson and Andrew and Randi Mackintosh model the 2014 T-shirts. (Courtesy Mary Lou Johnson)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 19, 2013
2014 Turtle Watch T-shirts available now

T-shirts are available for the 2014 season at the UPS Store in the Centre Shops.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
John and Millie Emond, as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and Bill Crocker play dress up for their neighbors.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 19, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Horseshoe Cove Golf Cart Parade

Members of the Horseshoe Cove community suited up in their best Christmas outfits and hopped in their golf carts Dec. 18 for a trial run of their annual Golf Cart Parade, to take place Dec. 22.

  • East County
  • 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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For the final Ranch Nite Wednesdays of the season, Randy Bordon and Bri Rivera of the Bri Rivera Band perform for the crowd.
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Rabbi Michael Shefrin meets Colby.
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