Your Observer

Jen Blanco
March 7, 2013

SIDELINES

Lady Cougars remain unbeaten; Pitcher leads Booker to a win; ODA notches a pair of wins; Thunder LAX posts win; Totally Tennis series continues; Youth Baseball Day upcoming

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
March 7, 2013

Garden Variety: Sarasota Garden Club

When the first 17 ladies of the Sarasota Garden Club met in 1927, they set a mission to beautify their community. Today, the club does much more than that.

Sarasota
News

Yaryna Klimchak
March 7, 2013

Jimmy "the fishman" Johnson is a self-described beach bum. But, the former restaurant owner is anything but lazy. Johnson used to sell 3,000 surf-and-turf dinners a week, at his restaurant in Wildwood, N.J.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
March 7, 2013

Student Spotlight: Annaka Groeteke

Sporting a rock-band T-shirt and gathering her books for her next class, Annaka Groeteke seems like a typical 16-year-old, but the Sarasota High School sophomore has also been a wicked stepmother, a factory worker and an evil stepsister - on stage, that is.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 7, 2013

SCHOOL BOARD BULLETIN

Art extravaganza; Philanthropic flash mob; World travelers

Sarasota
News

Yaryna Klimchak
March 7, 2013

Snyder has hobby all sewn up

The precise thud of a needle hitting cloth on a sewing machine and ladies chattering is a common sight and comforting sound for Linda Snyder.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Adam Hughes
March 7, 2013

Condominium in Kanaya sells for $1 million

A condominium in Kanaya tops all transactions in this week's real estate. Samuel Petersheim, of Arthur, Ill., sold his Unit 1003 condominium at 505 S. Orange Ave. to David Welle, trustee, of Osprey, for $1 million.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Observer Staff
March 7, 2013

Weather Photo: Golden Rule

Sandy Cannon submitted this photo of a sunset at Point of Rocks on Siesta Key.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Black Tie Staff
March 6, 2013

Women's Passover Celebration

Black Tie

Eddie Kirsch
March 6, 2013

March 6: Daily Headlines Video

Today's Stories: County considers new tax; Benderson expands former Circuit City; 'A storybook ending'

Longboat Key
News

Yaryna Klimchak
March 6, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Guardian of Israel Award Luncheon

The Jewish National Foundation awarded the Guardian of Israel Award to Bea Friedman her daughter Ilene, Greg Gregory, Maria Wirries and her Mother Jeaneen Wednesday, March 6 at a luncheon at Michael's on East for their commitment to Israel and the community. The Jewish National Foundation began in 1901 as a vision to reestablish a homeland in Israel for Jewish people everywhere. Almost 300 people attended the luncheon where ongoing efforts to help Israel and it's towns were discussed. 'I'm very proud,' Bea Friedman said. 'This organization has done so much good for the community and I can't say enough nice things.'

Sarasota
Neighbors

Katie Hendrick
March 6, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Sea Galls' Antiques Roadshow Meeting

The Sea Galls, a women's group at Bird Key Yacht Club, held their monthly meeting Wednesday, March 6. The theme was "Antiques Roadshow" and included a presentation by Bruce Crissy, owner of Crissy Galleries.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Katie Hendrick
March 6, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Nancy Kivlin Birthday Party

Nancy Kivlin celebrated a belated 101st birthday Tuesday, March 5, at the Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel on Lido Beach.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Roger Drouin
March 6, 2013

Sarasota early voters cast ballots

After four days, 319 vote in Sarasota City Commission election.

Sarasota
News

Alex Mahadevan
March 6, 2013

Sarasota County Commission delays Walmart decision

Chairwoman Carolyn Mason's March 6 absence forces the County Commission to continue a public hearing to April 24.

Sarasota
News

Nick Friedman
March 6, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Literacy Council

The Literacy Council of Sarasota held its sixth annual Literacy Matters Luncheon Friday, March 1, at Michael's on East. Kelley Lavin, executive vice president and group publisher of Sarasota Magazine was the featured speaker, and Lauren Dorsett, of ABC News was the Mistress of Ceremonies. James Duffy, former president of ABC Television Network and cofounder of the Literacy Council, was honored with a new literacy award in his name: the James E. Duffy Friend of Literacy Award.

Sarasota
News

Nick Friedman
March 6, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Chocolate Sundae

United Cerebal Palsy hosted its annual fundraiser Sunday, March 3, at Michael's On East, much to the delight of local chocolate-lovers. Guests savored chocolate creations, including cake pops, chocolate balls, ice cream and more, all to benefit the charity.

Sarasota
News

Jen Blanco
March 6, 2013

Cougars notch district win

The Cardinal Mooney High baseball team handed The Out-of-Door Academy its first district loss of the season with a 5-1 victory March 5.

East County
Sports

Nick Friedman
March 6, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Springfest

Hundreds of runners and families gathered, despite the cold weather, Saturday, March 2, in Palmer Ranch for the annual Springfest celebration. Runners geared up for 5 and 12k races, and families browsed the various booths set up for the event.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
March 6, 2013

Esther Cook has fun, food-filled birthday week

Arbomar resident Esther Cook celebrated her 80th birthday Thursday, Feb. 28, not one day, but seven.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 6, 2013

Visiting pup has presidential dog-elganger

"Hey, you look like Bo Obama."

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 6, 2013

Heritage Harbour women host tourney

The Heritage Harbour 18-hole ladies held a tournament - just for fun - Feb. 21. In a golf outing that pitted the Cosmos team against the Mojitos, Cosmos took home bragging rights.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 6, 2013

Student filmed chosen for Gasparilla

The film "Color Me Invisible," by students in the Lakewood Ranch-based Inspired Minds' Film Kids program, has been selected for the Gasparilla International Film Festival in Tampa.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 6, 2013

Cardinal Money student heads to international fair

The East County's Courtney Astore, a sophomore at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, has been chosen as one of two students to represent the area at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in May, in Phoenix, Ariz.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 6, 2013

Dental office aids uninsured children

Team members at Advanced Dental Care of Bradenton made time last month to provide more than $2,100 in free dental care to uninsured children in need of dental treatment.

East County
Neighbors

Alex Mahadevan
March 6, 2013

Sarasota County School Board dips into North Port drama

School Board members will have little say in the battle between a charter school's local governing board and its affiliated corporate entity.

Sarasota
News

Matt Walsh
March 6, 2013

Our View: Economics of blackmail

For all those Tea Partyers chafing over Gov. Rick Scott's switcheroo to accept Obamacare's expansion of Medicaid spending in the state, sometimes you just have to take ipecac.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Robin Hartill
March 6, 2013

'A storybook ending'

Longboat lovebirds Vicki and Henry are together again at their new home - in Lakeland.

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
March 6, 2013

Colony parties talk without lawyers

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort parties will try to settle their differences in an attempt to speed up a settlement and revive the currently shuttered property.

Longboat Key
News

Mark Gordon
March 6, 2013

The Jewel Rule

Several downtowns on the Gulf Coast have turned into busy, or almost busy, hubs of building activity - sights not seen in six years in many cases. Will the momentum last?