Your Observer

Observer Staff
April 10, 2013

+Weather photo: SUNNY OUTLOOK

Bea Erickson submitted this sunrise photo, taken from Privateer North on Longboat Key.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Katie Hendrick
April 10, 2013

BID will ask for another vote for an extension

Board members request that new ballots be sent by certified mail to improve response rate for another 10-year extension.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
April 10, 2013

Longboat condo buyers seek wagging rights

Animals aren't allowed at many Key condominiums, and many Realtors believe those bans hurt sales.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
April 10, 2013

Overturned boat on north-end of Key reaches tipping point

The owner of a tipped sailboat will have five days to remove the boat that Villagers say has been broken down for more than two months in town waters near the north end.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
April 10, 2013

Bob Craft recognized for service during final battle

Craft earned numerous medals, including a Distinguished Flying Cross during the Vietnam War. Last weekend, the Longboat Key veteran was honored again for his service.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 10, 2013

Our View: 100 years of income taxes

As the annual Day of Tyranny approaches, the dreaded April 15 Tax Day, on this 100th year anniversary of the personal income tax, it's fitting to remind ourselves of its heritage - who did it, how it came about and why.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Katie Hendrick
April 10, 2013

Team Euphemia Haye walks for diabetes cure

Euphemia Haye restaurant owners Ray and D'Arcy Arpke fight to advance treatment for the disease that has been part of their daughter's life since she was in college.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

By Jay Yablon
April 10, 2013

My View: Time to rebuild The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort

At the three-day meeting that our Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association held in February, I opened with a statement to Colony owners that our Association had become a house divided on the specific issue of whether to try to rehabilitate the existing units at The Colony, or whether to rebuild new units.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Katie Hendrick
April 10, 2013

Sarasota Open brings top-tier tennis to Longboat Key Club

The tournament includes both veteran standouts and up-and-coming players.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
April 10, 2013

Caleb the turtle targets research, education

The juvenile Kemp's ridley turtle is the first of his species to get a permanent home. He could help with research at Mote Marine Laboratory and informing the public.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 10, 2013

Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

Longboat Key
Cops Corner

Robin Hartill
April 10, 2013

Bridge malfunctions stuck in minds

Next time you're annoyed about being stuck in traffic, remember the motorists who endured four Ringling Bridge malfunctions in a single week during April 2000.

Longboat Key
News

Adam Hughes
April 10, 2013

Bird Key home sells for $3,085,000

A home on Bird Key tops all transactions in this week's real estate. Cadence Bank sold the home at 204 Bird Key Drive to Paul and Lorie Adams, of E. Hampton, N.Y., for $3,085,000. Built in 2008, it has five bedrooms, five baths, one half-bath, a pool and 7,992 square feet of living area.

Longboat Key
Real Estate

Josh Siegel
April 10, 2013

Healthy Reward: Gullett students help first lady Michelle Obama

Five Gullett Elementary School fifth-graders were selected to represent their wellness-oriented school and help first lady Michelle Obama plant the White House Kitchen Garden.

East County
Schools

Josh Siegel
April 10, 2013

District leader announces goals

Manatee County's new superintendent, Rick Mills, isn't afraid to make big decisions, and he wants the community to be a part of them.

East County
News

Observer Staff
April 10, 2013

Letters to the Editor

Editor's note: Responses to our April Fools' edition this year drew plenty of laughs, as well as some criticisms. Here are some of the comments we received.

East County
Opinion

Observer Staff
April 10, 2013

Cops Corner: East County

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

East County
Cops Corner

Josh Siegel
April 10, 2013

IRISS opens global headquarters

The manufacturer of infrared windows gives its workers a chance to build a specialized product used across the world.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
April 10, 2013

Heritage Harbour CDD begins transitions

Supervisors on the Heritage Harbour South Community Development District ushered in a new era as they welcomed their new property manager, Greg Cox, of Rizzetta & Co., during their April 4 meeting.

East County
News

Josh Siegel
April 10, 2013

Rye Road project expands

Manatee commissioners approved the addition of 50 home sites to Rye Road Subdivision.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
April 10, 2013

Local church sells property to gas-station chain

Faith United Church of Christ is selling a portion of its property to pay off its mortgage. A new pastor is helping to oversee the process.

East County
Neighbors

Pam Eubanks
April 10, 2013

Gumbo competition heats up at Linger Lodge

The Linger Lodge Restaurant is looking for chefs eager to step up to the pot to challenge its famous gumbo recipe, during a music festival and gumbo cook-off event.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 10, 2013

News Briefs

The Source Church opens new thrift store; Goodwill Manasota hosts Bookapalooza

East County
News

Jen Blanco
April 10, 2013

Mustangs swing into regionals

The Lady Mustangs took second place at the Class 3A-District 12 tournament April 2 and April 3, held at Charlotte High School.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
April 10, 2013

Athlete of the Week: Kayla Gray

Braden River High junior Kayla Gray crossed the finish line in 13.21 to win the 100-meter dash at Manatee County Championships April 2, at Manatee High.

East County
Sports

Observer Staff
April 10, 2013

SiDELINES

9 - The number of runs the Lakewood Ranch High softball team scored in its 9-2 victory over Seminole Osceola April 3.

East County
Sports

Observer Staff
April 10, 2013

SIDELINES

Thunder notches win;Lady Pirates blank Lady Indians; Cougars win big

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
April 10, 2013

Siaana closes out season with win

Siaana defeated Regent 9-7 to win the USPA Ringling Cup in the final polo match of the season April 7. Francisco Llosa scored six goals to lead the way for Siaana. Mark Gutierrez scored a pair of goals, and Jason Pascarella added a goal.

East County
Sports

Observer Staff
April 10, 2013

Prom-A-Palooza

Follow the East County and Sarasota Observers through May 18 for prom content and coverage, including feature stories, schedules, photos, contests and more.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Josh Siegel
April 10, 2013

Your Neighbor: Ed Maloney

Ed Maloney began his acting career at age 67, after a life as a national sales manager for American Home Products Corp

East County
Neighbors

Adam Hughes
April 10, 2013

Home in Country Club East sells for $737,000

A home in Country Club East at Lakewood Ranch tops all transactions in this week's real estate. Nelson Homes Inc. sold the home at 7311 Haddington Cove to Daniel Lebel and Chantal Lafond, of Quebec, Canada, for $737,000.