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Your Observer

    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 30, 2013
Colony drama continues in bankruptcy court Nov. 22

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May told Colony Beach & Tennis Resort parties last week he's 'sticking to' a schedule that leaves the day open for motions and a settlement review.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Wendell Vaught educates Emma Griffith about state parks at last year’s festival.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • October 30, 2013
Festival will celebrate importance of Sarasota Bay

The second Sarasota Bay Water Festival will take place Saturday, Nov. 2.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Cedars on the hook for Fish Fry

The old-fashioned Historical Society event has netted a new location along with the same fried favorites of years past.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Courtesy Photo. Sarasota Ballet Artistic Director Iain Webb welcomed Cuban defector Edward Gonzalez to the ballet and freedom in March.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 30, 2013
Our View

Good plan, if you stick to it

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Austin Rushnell brought back an authentic hurley and sliotar from Dublin, after discovering Irish hurling this past summer.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 30, 2013
Luck of the Irish

LWR High School alum Austin Rushnell participated in his first hurling and Gaelic football competition.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Out-of-Door Academy volleyball team
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 30, 2013
Sidelines

Kudos: ODA volleyball; Mustangs headed back to state tourney; Admirals remain unbeaten; Falcons open new athletic center; East County runners earn regional berths

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 30, 2013
Just the Stats

This week in sports by the numbers.

  • East County
  • Sports
An aerial view of John Ringling’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel in 1952.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
The Ghost Hotel

John Ringling's Ritz-Carlton hotel stood vacant on the Key for more than 30 years, leading many locals to call it 'the Ghost Hotel.'

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A historic marker on Broadway commemorates the old town dock that was destroyed in a 1921 hurricane.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Longboat Lore: Marker project made Key history

The installation of seven historic plaques throughout the island was a longtime goal of the Historical Society.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Clockwise from bottom: Marty Samowitz celebrates with granddaughter Gia Haynes, daughter and son-in-law Lani and Chad Haynes, granddaughter Kayla Haynes and his wife, Paulette.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Samowitz receives salute at 99th birthday party

Grand Bay resident Marty Samowitz celebrated his 99th birthday with family members and friends Monday, Oct. 28.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Suzanne Horner
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • October 30, 2013
The Good News: Jeaneen Hall & Suzanne Horner

Jeaneen Hall & Suzanne Horn are volunteers at Historic Spanish Point. Read more about them and watch a video in this week's Good News.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
7922 S. Holiday Drive. Photos courtesy of Premier Sotheby's
    By
  • Robert Plunket
  • October 30, 2013
Three Things: Trophy Homes to Match a Celebrity's Lifestyle

The news that Rosie O'Donnell bought a $5 million home on Casey Key has the whole town talking. The four-bedroom, 4,700-square-foot beachfront residence seems perfect as a second home for the comedian and her family, but we can't help but wonder - what other properties did Rosie look at? So, just in case buyer's remorse sets in, or you happen to know any other house-hunting celebrities, here are some other trophy homes that are just special enough to tempt the lucky few who can afford the ultimate.

  • Arts + Culture
ALASKA. Jim Larson and his wife, Longboat Key Commissioner Lynn Larson,  took their Longboat Observer along while visiting Juneau, Alaska.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 30, 2013
It's Read Everywhere

ALASKA. Jim Larson and his wife, Longboat Key Commissioner Lynn Larson, took their Longboat Observer along while visiting Juneau, Alaska.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Gabby has been a permanent resident of Save Our Seabirds for two-and-a-half years.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Gabby celebrates every day at SOS

The 14-year-old umbrella cockatoo soars in her role of greeting visitors at the bird-rescue facility.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Stephenson-Moe, right
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Stephenson-Moe brings peace offering to Vatican

The longtime Church of the Redeemer and Temple Beth Israel musician will conduct a piece, composed by her husband, the late Daniel Moe, in Vatican City.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Stone
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Alan Stone paired swans with Harbourside golf course

The Harbour Links resident who brought original swans George and Gracie to the Key died Friday, Oct. 25. He was 84.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Photos courtesy of Foxy Lady South. Lynn Walters and Chris Meyers celebrate at Foxy Lady South’s anniversary party.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 30, 2013
Business Observer

Foxy Lady South celebrates its first anniversary on St. Armands Circle; Design 2000 welcomes new stylist; Bees create a buzz on Pine Avenue

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This home at 3527 Queens Harbour has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,154 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,225,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 30, 2013
Queens Harbour home sells for $1,225,000

Robert and Marsha Thomson, of Oklahoma City, Okla., sold their home at 3527 Fair Oaks Lane to Thomas and Sally Sappenfield, of Orland Park, Ill., for $1,225,000.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Jackie Dixon submitted this sunset photo, taken from Buttonwood Harbor on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 30, 2013
Weather: Longboat Key

Jackie Dixon submitted this sunset photo, taken from Buttonwood Harbor on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This Regents Park home, which has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,524 square feet of living area, sold for $640,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 30, 2013
Regents Park home sells for $640,000

Phyllis Roth sold her home at 8211 Regents Court to David Sanders and Gayle Sanders, trustees, of University Park, for $640,000.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
James Smith submitted this sunset photo, which shows San Marco Plaza.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 30, 2013
Weather: East County

James Smith submitted this sunset photo, which shows San Marco Plaza.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • October 30, 2013
Black Tie & Tales

Black Tie & Tales

  • Sarasota
  • News
ODA senior Lauren Maxey goes up for a kill in the first set of the Thunder's 3-1 victory over Calvary Christian in the Class 3A-Region 3 quarterfinals Oct. 29.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 29, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: ODA Volleyball vs. Calvary Christian

The Out-of-Door Academy volleyball team defeated Calvary Christian 20-25, 25-23, 25-18, 27-25 in the Class 3A-Region 3 quarterfinals Oct. 29. With the win, ODA will travel to Clearwater Central Catholic for a regional semifinal match Nov. 5.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The new store will go in the space formerly occupied by Random.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 29, 2013
Main Street welcomes new tenant

Shirts and Stones will open this week on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

  • East County
  • News
George Najmy, a Stoneybrook resident, Chris Brown, a property manager, and Stephen Thompson, an attorney, took questions from residents who cautiously embrace the chance to run their own community.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • October 29, 2013
Stoneybrook residents attend transition meeting

Hundreds of Stoneybrook residents came together Oct. 28 to hear an area lawyer and property manager explain how the much-delayed turnover of the community will work.

  • East County
  • News
Unanticipated costs include $489,000 to hire 27 ESE paraprofessionals, $317,000 for seven gifted teachers, $407,000 for nine voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) teachers and $200,000 for nine VPK teacher aides.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • October 29, 2013
School district must make up $3.9 million

The Manatee County School District announced new, unanticipated costs that came after the school board adopted its budget in September.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • David Conway
  • October 29, 2013
Downtown businesses seek sidewalk cafe expansion

The Downtown Improvement District endorsed a revision of a city ordinance so non-dining establishments can provide outdoor seating for their businesses.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Cortez Bridge connects mainland Manatee County to Bradenton Beach. (File photo)
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 29, 2013
Cortez Bridge repairs to begin in April

The $4 million project aims to add 10 years of service life to the bridge as officials determine a long-term solution.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 29, 2013
Admirals remain unbeaten

The Manatee Admirals hockey team improved to 5-0 on the season with a 6-0 victory over Plant Oct. 25.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Saint Stephen's football team played its first game on its new field Oct. 25.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 29, 2013
Falcons open new athletic center

Saint Stephen's Episcopal School officially opened its new $5 million state-of-the-art athletic facility during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 23.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Drug Enforcement Agency sponsored the seventh annual drug take-back day Saturday, Oct. 28.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • October 29, 2013
Drug turn-in event trounces previous effort

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office collected more than 120 pounds of unused or expired pharmaceutical drugs during the national turn-in event Saturday, Oct. 26.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The work of artist Henry Darnell at the 2012 Sarasota Chalk Festival. (File)
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • October 29, 2013
Chalk Festival picks up 'intelligent' distinction

The New York Times' 'In Transit' blog highlights the Sarasota Chalk Festival as part of its 'Guide to Intelligent Travel.'

  • Sarasota
  • News
Cardinal Mooney senior Grace Casagrande captured the Class 1A-District 10 title Oct. 25.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 28, 2013
East County runners earn regional berths

The Cardinal Mooney and Lakewood Ranch High boys and girls cross-country teams both will send runners to their respective regional meets Nov. 2.

  • East County
  • Sports
Betty Jo Haas, Tom Reese and Fred Haas
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • October 28, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Island Chapel Oktoberfest

Following the worship service Sunday, Oct. 27, Longboat Island Chapel members gathered in the garden for the Longboat Island Chapel Oktoberfest.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Liz Rodon and Mary Lou Johnson
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • October 28, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Centre Shops Fall Festival

Centre Shops merchants host Fall Festival Sunday, Oct. 27, at the Centre Shops of Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Angie Reed with her son Dylan
    By
  • Heather Merriman Saba
  • October 28, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch YMCA Fall Festival

The Lakewood Ranch YMCA held its annual Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 26.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Rabbi Michael Shefrin meets Colby.
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