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Your Observer

    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 18, 2013
All-women choir's performances are a lark

The University Park Women's Club Park Larks' performance season hits a high note as the group sings in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

  • East County
  • News
Jen Blanco. Freshman Amad Brayboy is The Out-of-Door Academy's top scorer so far this season. He aspires to play basketball in college and in the NBA.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 18, 2013
Fresh force

The Out-of-Door Academy freshman Amad Brayboy is averaging 21.7 points per game in his first season with the Thunder.

  • East County
  • Sports
The East Manatee Bulldogs Jr. Pee Wee cheerleading squad
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 18, 2013
High five moments of the week

The top five sports moments of the week.

  • East County
  • Sports
The U11 Monsters Lacrosse team
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 18, 2013
Sidelines

Mustangs' boys soccer posts shutout; ODA boys soccer blanks Imagine High; Lady Thunder cruise to victory; i9 Sports teams up with Premier Sports

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 18, 2013
Just the stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

  • East County
  • Sports
Courtesy photo. Bobbi Ray Carter and Chris Kohatsu on set at the Home Shopping Network.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 18, 2013
Resident shines on national television network

University Park resident Chris Kohatsu's recipe for success is to follow her passion for cooking wherever it leads.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Amanda Sebastiano. This home at 8323 Grosvenor Court has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,819 square feet of living area. It sold for $730,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 18, 2013
Grosvenor Gardens home sells for $730,000

Nancy and James Kopnisky, of University Park, sold their home at 8323 Grosvenor Court to Geise Farms LLC for $730,000.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Jim Lustgarten submitted this sunset photo, taken near University Park.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 18, 2013
Weather: East County

Jim Lustgarten submitted this sunset photo, taken near University Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dale Berkowitz, Mary Beth Bos, Merrill Bonder and Pat Martin
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 17, 2013
Y Achievers' Scholarship Partners Holiday Luncheon

Y Achievers' Scholarship Partners Holiday Luncheon

  • Black Tie
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 17, 2013
Commission approves Creekwood development

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners today approved an expansion to the Creekwood community.

  • East County
  • News
A Hilton application states: “The Longboat Key hotel must be completely redeveloped and modernized to attract the affluent, upscale visitors that historically supported the local economy of Longboat Key.”
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 17, 2013
P&Z recommends Hilton project approval

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

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 17, 2013
The Good News: Laurel Nokomis School

Inspired by their personal heroes, Laurel Nokomis reading ambassadors teach preschoolers what it takes to make a difference.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Jay Berman will take over for Phil King as the executive director of the Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center in 2014.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 17, 2013
Glasser/Schoenbaum Center selects executive director

The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center announced Jay Berman will succeed Phil King as the organization's executive director on Jan. 1.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota County ran away with another national tourism distinction Monday.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 17, 2013
Sarasota wins runner-friendly designation

The Road Runners Club of America names Sarasota County one of four of its Runner Friendly Communities of 2013.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Researchers from six nations gathered for the first International Workshop on Impacts of Ocean Acidification and Climate Change on Corals and Coral Reefs. (Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 17, 2013
Mote co-hosts international workshop in Israel

The five-day workshop brought researchers from six countries together in Eilat, Israel.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Last year, Siesta Dunes condominium complex defended its title as the category 1 winner.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 17, 2013
The Siesta Key Lighting Contest returns

With 21 entries, four more than last year, the competition has made Siesta Key light up with holiday spirit.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Sarasota Police Department Chief Bernadette DiPino poses with two children during Saturday's "Honor the Badge" event, organized by the Sarasota Housing Authority.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 17, 2013
SPD helps children shop for the holidays

The Sarasota Police Department and Sarasota Housing Authority teamed up for the second annual "Honor the Badge" event, helping more than 80 children participate in a holiday shopping spree.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Lakewood Ranch High boys golf team won its third-consecutive state championship Nov. 5 and 6.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 17, 2013
Ranch golfers receive Proclamation

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners presented the Lakewood Ranch High boys golf team with a Proclamation Dec. 17 in honor of their third-consecutive state championship.

  • East County
  • News
In total, and without adjusting for inflation, the new state projections shave $11.9 million off of forecasted deficits in Sarasota County's general fund.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 17, 2013
State updates area taxable values

The Florida Department of Revenue expects Sarasota County property values to grow by at least 5% each year from the current fiscal year through fiscal year 2018.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Annette Bellows, Mandy Quinones, Dana Opsincs and Cherri Kessler
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 16, 2013
14th annual Signature Chefs Auction

14th annual Signature Chefs Auction

  • Black Tie
Ronelle Ashby with Tim and Diane Trettin
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 16, 2013
'A Tribute to Phil King'

'A Tribute to Phil King'

  • Black Tie
Ken Abt, Retta Wagner and Peggy Abt
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 16, 2013
Holiday Luncheon 'A Celebration for Sara'

Holiday Luncheon 'A Celebration for Sara'

  • Black Tie
David Manuel scored a pair of goals for the Ocala Polo Association.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 16, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Polo Season Opener

Hundreds of local residents gathered at the Sarasota Polo Club for an exhibition match between Siaana and the Ocala Polo Association Dec. 15. The match served as the season opener for the 2013-14 season. Sianna defeated Ocala 8-7. James Miller and Josh Shelton each scored four goals apiece to lead the way for Siaana. Oliver Butterworth scored three goals to power Ocala. David Manuel and Murad Ishmael both added a pair of goals.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Liza F. and Harrison P. were angels
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 16, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: ODA Holiday Pageant

Students of the Out-of-Door Academy performed in the annual Holiday Pageant Monday, Dec. 16. The lower school students sang songs, played their recorders and jingled their bells along to holiday songs.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Entrepreneur Jesse Biter took this picture of the storefront at 1554 Main St. Sunday morning, hours after a car crashed through the window of the vacant building.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 16, 2013
Car crashes into Main Street storefront

Early Sunday morning, a car drove through the window of the vacant storefront at 1554 Main St., a property owned by entrepreneur Jesse Biter.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Students will also receive a Sarasota County student email account, 25 GB of cloud storage and the option to use Microsoft’s cloud-based version of the Office package.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • December 16, 2013
Sarasota County school children to receive Microsoft Office 365

The free suite of programs offered to students is made possible by a partnership between the County School District and Microsoft.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Claire and Ralph Hunter, pictured at the Longboat Key Historical Society's 2012 Fish Fry. (File photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 16, 2013
Former Longboat Observer co-owner Claire Hunter dies

Claire Hunter died Sunday night, at home in Bradenton.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Fr. Frank Kirlangatis walks through the sanctuary as part of a procession around the church.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 16, 2013
St. Barbara celebrates church consecration

Members of St. Barbara's Greek Orthodox Church celebrated the consecration of the church's sanctuary with festivities Dec. 13 through Dec. 15.

  • East County
  • News
Pending approval, the Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort project could begin in the first or second quarter of 2014.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 16, 2013
Hilton project comes before P&Z Dec. 17

The Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort submitted plans for a $24 million project that could begin in the first or second quarter of 2014.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Co-chairs Peggy and Ken Abt
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 15, 2013
JFCS Gala 'Celebrating the American Spirit'

JFCS Gala 'Celebrating the American Spirit'

  • Black Tie
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
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