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Your Observer

Imagine School at Palmer Ranch first-grade teacher Sarah Walsh sticks months of the year over the colorful calendar in preparation for the first day of school Monday, Aug. 19.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • August 15, 2013
Preparing for the school year

Teachers gear up for back to school with some finishing touches.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The 2013 Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship recipients
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • August 15, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Kiwanis Scholarship Breakfast

The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key Foundation presented academic scholarships to 25 recipients during its annual scholarship breakfast Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Longboat Key Club Harbourside dining room.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The 2013 Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship Recipients
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • August 15, 2013
Kiwanis Scholarship Breakfast

The Kiwanis Foundation presented academic scholarships to 25 recipients during their annual scholarship breakfast on Thursday, August 15 at the Longboat Key Club Harbourside Dining Room.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota Police believe the unidentified man in this picture is responsible for a July 23 burglary in the Palm Avenue Parking Garage.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • August 15, 2013
Sarasota Police seek downtown burglary suspect

Detectives have released a photo of the man believed to be responsible for a July 23 vehicle burglary in the Palm Avenue Garage.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Molly Klauber and Ethan Biter. Photo by Cliff Roles.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • August 15, 2013
Going to the chapel ...

Sarasota resident Ethan Biter proposed to his now-fiance, Molly Klauber, in late June on a private cruise in the Bahamas.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota wedding planner Nicole Kaney put the wedding together, and 60 guests traveled to Sarasota to partake in the festivities.
    By
  • Stephanie Hannum
  • August 15, 2013
Sarasota taps into its inner diva

Sarasota, as well as local businesses, will be in the spotlight this weekend on E!'s show, 'Total Divas.'

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Low-speed vehicles like the ones operated by Siesta Key Freeride are only permitted on roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or below.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • August 15, 2013
Low-speed vehicle debate set to accelerate

County officials will discuss controversial proposals to open Siesta Key roads to vehicles limited to no more than 25 mph during an Aug. 20 meeting.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The proposed site of the Embassy Suites is currently occupied by Lubé, a kitchen- design and furniture store. No zoning adjustments would be necessary for the hotel to be constructed, according to Jim Bridges, who is behind the proposal.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 15, 2013
Hotel finds its 'suite' spot

The latest in a series of planned downtown hotel developments, the 200-room, 18-story Embassy Suites would be built at Second Street and North Tamiami Trail.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Despite signs indicating otherwise, the city no longer uses the parking lot at Orange Avenue and Laurel Street to supply public parking near Burns Court — a move that has upset some business owners in the area.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 15, 2013
Burns Square tenants bemoan loss of lot

After the city allowed its lease of a Burns Square parking lot to expire, business and property owners in the area are demanding a solution to parking problems.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 15, 2013
Pension liabilities: the elephant in the city

Sarasota's unfunded pension obligations are widely acknowledged as a serious issue that needs to be addressed - so why isn't more being done?

  • Sarasota
  • News
The unoccupied vehicles, first used in April, are a general crime-deterrence technique.
    By
  • David Conway
  • August 15, 2013
Empty city police cars serve as crime deterrent

Since April, the Sarasota Police Department has been stationing unoccupied vehicles around town in an attempt to prevent criminal activity in the area.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The number of tourists to visit Sarasota County is up 5% this year.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • August 15, 2013
Sarasota tourism sees another banner year

Sarasota County tourism revenue grew by more than 10% last year, continuing a trend in the tourism industry's growth.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 15, 2013
NEWS BRIEFS

Main Street updates press on; businesses remain open

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 15, 2013
COPS CORNER: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of COPS CORNER

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
  • By Rodger Skidmore
  • August 15, 2013
Lowered Siesta Key speed limit could lead to 'assisted suicides'

According to the law, suicide is illegal. And assisting someone to take their own life is currently illegal, as well.Â

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Jennifer Riesenberger brings four years of experience with Senior Friendship Centers to her new position. She uses her love for art and creativity to plan new programs for seniors.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • August 15, 2013
Branching Out

In her second month as senior center manager at Sarasota Senior Friendship Centers, Jennifer Riesenberger uses her passion for creativity and helping others to broaden seniors' horizons.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Pamela Merenghi submitted this photo of a storm off Siesta Key Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 15, 2013
Weather Photo: Sarasota 08/15/13

Pamela Merenghi submitted this photo of a storm off Siesta Key Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota resident Jason Collins started coaching when he was 15 years old after spending six years as a competitive gymnast in South Carolina.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 15, 2013
Artistic Excellence

Former competitive gymnast Jason Collins returned to the gym last year and was named the Sarasota Surge's new program director in December after spending 15 years as a professional opera singer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rory Wagner, 3
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • August 15, 2013
Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh, here I am at: SARASOTA BALLET CHILDREN'S CAMP

Tiny ballerinas pranced around in tutus Aug. 4 to Aug. 9, in preparation for their "Sleeping Beauty" performance in front of their families.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Unit 802 at Tower Residences has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,751 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,062,500.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 15, 2013
Tower Residences condo sells for $2,062,500

A condominium in Tower Residences tops all transactions in this week's real estate.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Mayor Jim Brown, center, cast the deciding vote Monday that approved two additional retirement incentives for general employees before their pension plan is frozen next month.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • August 14, 2013
Brown: 'The toughest decision I've had to make on the commission'

A Longboat Key Town Commission-approved DROP option and an early-retirement incentive for general employees will cost the town $1,937,190 over 30 years.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
As part of the Beach Road Drainage Improvements Project, a drainage pipe will release filtered storm water 2,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico.
    By
  • Nolan Peterson
  • August 14, 2013
Barges arrive for drainage project

Drilling operations have begun to install a storm water discharge pipe 2,000 feet out in the Gulf of Mexico.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A water main break over the weekend of Aug. 10 affected roughly 1,000 utilities customers between Wharf Road and Pelican Point Drive.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • August 14, 2013
County lifts boil-water advisory

Sarasota County has cancelled a boil-water advisory for residents affected by the water-main break near Pelican Cove Condominiums.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mayor Jim Brown and others are worried that if insurance costs keep going up for Key properties, it will scare off potential buyers.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 14, 2013
Aug. 14: Daily Headlines

Today's Stories: Property insurance rates continue to rise; In the Kitchen with: The Bijou Cafe; Bayside packs gifts for Zimbabwe; Premier Sotheby's records milestone sale

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Circuit Court Judge Donna Berlin sentenced Joshua Lopez to 20 years in prison Tuesday, Aug. 13, for attempted murder.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • August 14, 2013
Bradenton man sentenced to 20 years

More than one year after Sarasota County deputies arrested Joshua Lopez for attempted murder, the 20-year-old receives a prison sentence.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Students are starting school Monday, Aug 19, and drivers should be extra conscious of traffic laws when driving in school zones.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • August 14, 2013
Schools back in session, slow down

Sarasota County Public School students will return to school Monday, Aug 19. Drivers are being asked to be extra conscious of their surroundings when driving in a school zone.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Three weeks ago, Bayside Church staff gave its members containers to fill with $15 worth of goods and school supplies. The churchgoers stuffed boxes full of those containers into a truck bound for Zimbabwe Tuesday.ÂÂ
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • August 14, 2013
Bayside packs gifts for Zimbabwe

Bayside Community Church staff and members packed boxes Tuesday to send to schools in Zimbabwe.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The 5,295-square-foot home on Leafwing Drive sold for $1.3 million.ÂÂ
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • August 14, 2013
Premier Sotheby's records milestone sale

A home in Hi Hat Ranch sold for $1.3 million.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 14, 2013
Stick a fork in it!

The American Cancer Society is inviting East County residents to eat out for a cause. The organization will host its first Stick a Fork in Cancer restaurant dining fundraiser Aug. 25.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Members of The Food Bank of Manatee team are Kenny Doran, Morgan Gallian, Jerry Gironda, Joe Stoddard, Haskell Gates, Suzie Doran and Brian Bjork.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 14, 2013
Oncologists hit the court for charity

On July 20, 21st Century Oncology Radiation Therapy Services hosted its second annual charity volleyball tournament, which raised more than $500 for The Food Bank of Manatee.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 14, 2013
Faith family honors new royal addition

Faith United Church of Christ held an English tea and baby shower Aug. 3, in honor of the newest member of the British royal family.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ken Bumgarner, chairman of the Waterlefe CDD, said he is not opposed to the bridge and believes Manatee County has the right to do what it pleases, as long as there is communication with the public.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • August 14, 2013
Support dominates Fort Hamer Bridge meeting

The U.S. Coast Guard let Manatee County residents get in a last word about the Fort Hamer Bridge project.

  • East County
  • News
Jim Purdy has been the director of operations for Manatee County YMCA’s four branches, including Lakewood Ranch, for only eight months, but you wouldn’t know it by his lively interactions with customers.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • August 14, 2013
Lakewood Ranch YMCA celebrates 10 years

With expansions and ever-growing product offerings, the Lakewood Ranch YMCA has shown an intense focus on customers who have made it a community staple.

  • East County
  • News
The Bijou Café is located at 1287 First St. and has been at the same location since opening in 1986. The restaurant features continental American cuisine with flavors from many parts of the world.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 14, 2013
IN THE KITCHEN WITH: The Bijou Cafe

This week we went in the kitchen with The Bijou Cafe owner Jean-Pierre 'J.P.' Knaggs and chef Bob Camille for shrimp piri piri. Watch a video and get the full recipe in this week's In the Kitchen.

  • Arts + Culture
The Selby School Director Carolyn Johnson and program coordinator Carolyn Marchbank are eager to welcome students to the school, which features classrooms, a computer lab and a new physical-education area.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 14, 2013
Community Haven opens school

Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities will open The Selby School to students Aug. 19.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • August 14, 2013
School District brings back laid-off teachers

The district cut 186 teaching positions in May; it has reinstated most teachers.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

1
Cindy Ritchell, Ann Quackenbush, Brenda Korthauer, Beverly Sutton and Kit Torchia all lend a helping hand in packing seeds to send internationally to farmers who need them. Quackenbush is a driving force behind Hope Seeds, a charitable ministry through Christ Church of Longboat Key.
  • December 22, 2025
Longboat's Hope Seeds nears 10 years of giving back
2
Andrew Carrillo poses for a photo on Dec. 16 at Out-of-Door Academy. He's been the go-to guy on attack for the Thunder throughout their 2025-26 season.
  • December 22, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Andrew Carrillo
3
Manatee County commissioners approve reducing speed limits throughout the county.
  • December 22, 2025
Speed limits reduced on nine roads in Manatee County
4
The library will be constructed on the light green area depicted on this map within Longboat Key's Town Center Green. The entire library would be around 11,230 square feet with the possible enhancements.
  • December 22, 2025
Buchanan's $1 million donation formally accepted for library
5
Sarasota students share Christmas wishes in letters to Santa
  • December 22, 2025
Sarasota students share Christmas wishes in letters to Santa

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