Your Observer

Jen Blanco
March 14, 2013

Athlete of the Week: Isaac Weintraub

Sarasota Military Academy freshman Isaac Weintraub fought his way to the semifinals, winning a bronze medal in his sparring division at the U.S. Open Taekwondo Tournament Feb. 19 to Feb. 23, in Las Vegas.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 14, 2013

SIDELINES

ODA remains unbeaten; Cougars notch district win; SCS keeps perfect record; Cougar lacrosse team scores win

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
March 14, 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
News

Observer Staff
March 14, 2013

SCHOOL BOARD BULLETIN

The gift of education; Improving literacy; Advocacy learning

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
March 14, 2013

Your Neighbor: Betty Comora

A long white braid trails down Betty Comora's back as she plays a washboard with multiple instrument attachments.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Adam Hughes
March 14, 2013

Stillwater on the Bay home sells for $2.3 million

A home on Stillwater on the Bay tops all transactions in this week's real estate. David Lazeski and Brian Johnson, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 1630 Bay Harbor Lane to Mary Gantz, trustee, of Sarasota, for $2.3 million

Sarasota
Real Estate

Observer Staff
March 14, 2013

Weather Photo: BIRDS OF A FEATHER

Stella McDaniel submitted this photo of a sunset at Point of Rocks on Siesta Key.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
March 13, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Philippi Estate Park Children's Day

Children enjoyed a day of games and fun Wednesday, March 13 at Philippi Estate Park for Children's Day at the farmers market. Jane Kirschner - Tuccillo handed out 7,000 flyers to 9 schools around the community encouraging families to bring their children. Pine View students did face painting for children and The Garbage Men performed. Children played Hungarian games in Krisztina Ihaszy's Pinocchio's Land.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Eddie Kirsch
March 13, 2013

March 13: Daily Headlines Video

Today's Stories: City of Sarasota and Longboat election results; Longboat Key intends to freeze police pension; Sarasota County seeks input on Sarasota 2050; Local firefighter finalist in weight-loss contest; Patron Saints: Karen and Michael Gardiner

Longboat Key
News

Pam Eubanks
March 13, 2013

Local firefighter finalist in weight-loss contest

Lakewood Ranch Business owner and East Manatee Rescue fireman Joe Griffith has dropped 50 pounds in 90 days.

East County
Neighbors

Alex Mahadevan
March 13, 2013

Sarasota County seeks input on Sarasota 2050

County officials will collect public comments on potential changes to the long-range planning component of the Comprehensive Plan at two open houses this month.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
March 13, 2013

Google leads to hangout at Mar Vista

A recent reunion at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub was 75 years in the making.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 13, 2013

Simondses make new Outback friend

Longboat Key residents Warren and Kathleen Simonds just returned from a land down under.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 13, 2013

Lynches offers spirited end to St. Patrick's Day

Lynches Pub & Grub will kick off St. Patrick's Day celebrations Friday, March 15, on St. Armands Circle.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 13, 2013

Michael Cronin shares the story of his saffron-colored ride

Every day's a sunny one for Michael Cronin, who drives a rubber duck-colored 1940 Pontiac. (For car aficionados, that's 77 Corvette Yellow.)

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 13, 2013

Longboat Key doubles team reaches the finals in national tourney

Longboat Key residents Jim Bakle and Tom Churchill were doubles finalists in the Men's 80s Division Super Senior Grand Prix National Category 11 tennis tournament held Wednesday, Jan. 30 through Tuesday, Feb. 5, at University Park Country Club.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 13, 2013

McNeal students launch toward success

Students from McNeal Elementary School took home bragging rights during a county-wide Technology Student Association catapult competition.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 13, 2013

Take Stock race attracts 1,200 runners to Main Street

Take Stock in Children hosted its fourth annual Take Stock 5K and 10K runs Sunday, March 3, attracting more than 1,200 participants to Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 13, 2013

Ranch photo club highlights talents

The Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club will be exhibiting more than 70 photographs taken by its members March 15 through April 24, at the Sarasota Senior Friendship Center.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 13, 2013

Recovering manatees join Snooty

Two male manatees have joined Manatee County's famed manatee, Snooty, at the South Florida Museum.

East County
Neighbors

Kurt Schultheis
March 13, 2013

'We Won 'Em All!'

Gans narrowly beats Pastor by 27 votes. Brown and Younger retain seats.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
March 13, 2013

Our View: Back to normal?

It's feeling normal again - the ambience on Longboat Key. It feels like some of the "Seasons" from the past.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Observer Staff
March 13, 2013

Castaway

Enjoy this week's edition of Castaway.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Pam Eubanks
March 13, 2013

Supervisors shift toward local manager

Heritage Harbour South CDD supervisors are planning to choose a new management company for the district March 21.

East County
News

Nick Friedman
March 13, 2013

Vino with a View: Florida Winefest and Auction

In its 23 years of existence, the Florida Winefest and Auction has carved its niche as the place to be to discover new wines from around the world, dine on gourmet dishes and help benefit children's charities in Sarasota.

East County
News

Nick Friedman
March 13, 2013

Meister of the skies

Balloon meister Bill Whidden is taking this year's Florida Wine and Balloon Festival to unparalleled heights.

East County
Neighbors

Pam Eubanks
March 13, 2013

Lakewood Ranch ready to honor Irish culture

This year's Irish Celtic Festival will feature Gaelic football and hurling demonstrations, in addition to other festivities.

East County
Neighbors

Josh Siegel
March 13, 2013

Manatee Schools employs budget freezes

Facing a potential shortfall this year, the district put spending controls in place for the rest of the school year - limits that may impact classrooms, principals say.

East County
News

Josh Siegel
March 13, 2013

Bruce Williams restarts building of Winding River

The East County community, with 14 sites completed in 2005, has 48 home sites remaining.

East County
News

Josh Siegel
March 13, 2013

Snowbird points to sport of orienteering

Gord Hunter, a 67-year-old retired gym teacher who spends his winters in East County, aims to put orienteering, a competitive, international navigation sport, on the map.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 13, 2013

News Briefs

PIC to hold insurance forum next week; Bay Isles expresses Colony frustration

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
March 13, 2013

Longboat Key intends to freeze police pension

Town staff met with the Longboat Key Police Department Union to propose a three-year contract that caps town responsibilities and shifts officers into a state-offered pension plan.