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Your Observer

Susan Schaeffer and Pauline Schroeder
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • February 23, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Island Chapel Anniversary Party

One hundred and twenty parishioners gathered Friday, Jan. 22, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Longboat Island Chapel's physical building. The celebration included a dinner, catered by the Manatee Technical Institute, music and a skit.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Olivia Harrison, Jillian Mazure and Kaitlin Yawn all are in the fifth grade.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 23, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Freedom Elementary Dance

Fathers and daughters at Freedom Elementary School hit the dance floor Feb. 22, during a "Winter Wonderland" themed dance.

  • East County
  • News
Debbie and David Fink
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 23, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: SMART Gala

Supporters of the Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy titested their cooking skills Feb. 28, at the Polo Grill and Bar's Fete Ballroom.

  • East County
  • News
Students join Principal Rachel Shelley and Mayor Susan Atwell for the Harlem Shake.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • February 23, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : Booker High School Renaissance Rally

Students at Booker High School were honored at the Renaissance Rally Friday, Feb. 22 at the schools courtyard to showcase their hard work. Students with a 3.0 GPA or above were invited to participate in games, dancing, and a raffle for a 2002 Saturn SL. Mayor Susan Atwell handed the keys over to sophomore Megan Adams. 'I need to get my permit now and learn how to drive a manual,' said Adams smiling. Students wore different colored dog tags to represent their GPA. Students with a bronze tag had between a 3.0 and 3.5 GPA, silver 3.5 to 4.0, and students wearing a gold dog tag had a 4.0 or above. Community businesses like Publix, PPI Technologies and Best Buy donated gift cards, volunteer hours, and food.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Chairmen Marilee and Gary Roberts
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 22, 2013
Sarasota Exotic Car Fest Luxury Lifestyle Jet Port Reception

Sarasota Exotic Car Fest Luxury Lifestyle Jet Port Reception

  • Black Tie
Honorary chairman Jim Tollerton and chairwoman Taylor Collins
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 22, 2013
18th annual Evening of Excellence

18th annual Evening of Excellence

  • Black Tie
Alene Fowler with chairwomen Terri Klauber and Denise Mei
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 22, 2013
Cooking for Wishes

Cooking for Wishes

  • Black Tie
Rose Soriero and Suzzette Levy
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • February 22, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Promenade 'Meet the Candidates' Cocktail Party

Promenade residents enjoyed some camaraderie Friday, Feb. 22, during a cocktail party, which included board candidates' election pitches.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
On Aug. 2, 2012, a little over a month before McGonegal revealed the deficit to the school board Sept. 7, 2012, the former superintendent and six finance employees discussed a possible deficit of $5 million.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • February 22, 2013
Manatee County Schools' leaders hoped deficit would go away

Prior to former Manatee County Schools Superintendent Tim McGonegal announcement of a 2011-12 $3.4 million budget deficit to the school board and public, district leaders had hoped the deficit would go away.

  • East County
  • News
The gala was Through the Looking Glass themed.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • February 22, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : ADDY Awards

The American Advertising Association - Suncoast presented the 2012 ADDY Awards Thursday, Feb. 21 at Marie Selby Gardens. Ringling student Louie Zuniga designed the Through the Looking Glass themed gala Through the ADDY Glass where people mingled. More than 100 ADDY's were presented to Suncoast area businesses and agencies. 'The ADDY's is a three tier national competition, so this is the best work of the Suncoast,' said President of the 2012 to 2013 AAF Suncoast.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Children listen to master gardener Melba Watts talk about gardening.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • February 22, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : NewGate students plant salsa garden

NewGate School fourth through sixth graders participated in a grant funded salsa project through the University of Florida Wednesday, Feb. 20 to learn about gardening. Parent Domitria Moore made contact with the University of Florida and since the partnership many students spend their recess gardening as opposed to playing. The idea came from 11-year-old Andrew Florio who approached Moore about the project. 'I wanted to start a garden because last year a student did it and it was fun.,' Floria said. 'I wanted to bring it back so we can take care of it with friends and everyone would enjoy it,' NewGate School Elementary students planted cilantro, tomatoes, onions and bell peppers. Once the plants are ripe students plan to have a salsa party. 'We enjoty doing this because we like getting dirty and having fun with each other. We learn how to cooperate with each other too,' said fifth grader Aiden Pearson.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Erica Cantu, Emily Williams and Briana Twenty visited the U.S. Army and University of South Florida tables.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • February 22, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch High School Career Fair

Lakewood Ranch High School hosted its fifth annual College and Career Fair Feb. 22. Students were able to talk with local business professionals about their respective fields, as well as with representatives from colleges.

  • East County
  • Schools
Be sure to catch this weekend's best bets!
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • February 22, 2013
Feb. 22: Daily Headlines Video

Today's Stories: Gas station owner arrested for welfare fraud; Former Florida Governor Charlie Christ will speak in Lakewood Ranch; Weekend Best Bets; Popcorn Bob's Movie Magic

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Justin Matthews showed off an iguana to students.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • February 22, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Gullett Elementary Animal Demo

Justin Matthews, owner of Matthews Wildlife Rescue, showed off a 14-foot python, a Great Horned Owl and more animals to Gullett Elementary School students Feb. 21. Matthews, a master falconer and wildlife rehabilitator, talked about the animal's habitats and biology, relating it to what students are learning in science class.

  • East County
  • Schools
Keyla Silva, Julia Price and Jayden Cray
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • February 22, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Bashaw's Save a Heart Week

Bashaw Elementary raised roughly $1,350 at its third annual Save a Heart Week to benefit the Larry King Cardiac Foundation Feb. 11-15.

  • East County
  • Schools
Ray and Linda Baker and Jane Thompson, seated, with Brian Thompson and Steve Peters, standing
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • February 22, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Valentine's Day concert benefits animals

The Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch hosted a Valentine's Day performance featuring Katherine Alexandra and Alexander Dillan, to benefit the organization. Attendees enjoyed cocktails, appetizers and desserts as the enjoyed the show.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rami Mufeed Ibsais, 43, of Bradenton, was arrested Thursday, Feb. 21, on a charge of eleven counts of social welfare fraud.
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • February 22, 2013
Gas station owner arrested for welfare fraud

According to the Sarasota Sheriff's Office, the owner illegally used food assistance cards at the store.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Observer Group Cup polo match starts at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane. Gates open at 11 a.m. for tailgating.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 22, 2013
WEEKEND BEST BET: Observer Group Cup

This weekend's polo match starts at 1 p.m.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 22, 2013
Mote announces new international consortium

The new consortium will bring national and international groups together for conservation efforts.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sponsored by a grant from the Women's Exchange, this year's festival will feature a visual and performing arts selection, titled, "The Art of Plants." File photo.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • February 22, 2013
WEEKEND BEST BEST: Selby Gardens Annual Plant and Garden Festival

Show off your green thumb this weekend at the 38th annual Selby Gardens Plant and Garden Festival.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 22, 2013
Charlie Christ to speak in Lakewood Ranch

Former Florida Gov. Charlie Christ will speak at an awards dinner March 15.

  • East County
  • News
Courtesy image.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 22, 2013
Sarasota County Commission to discuss watershed plans

Commissioners will consider adopting four watershed-management plans Feb. 26, which would provide guidance for water quality management.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 22, 2013
Mustangs slug past rival Pirates

Cameron Pearcey hit a two-run home run in the top of the first inning to power the visiting Lakewood Ranch High baseball team to an 8-3 victory over Braden River Feb. 21.

  • East County
  • News
A reception tonight kicks off the weekend at 6:30 p.m. in the Rectrix Aerodome Center at SRQ Airport. File photo.
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • February 22, 2013
WEEKEND BEST BET: Three-day event celebrates James Bond

The annual Sarasota Exotic Car Festival revs up this evening, offering residents plenty of opportunities to ogle some of the world's most luxurious vehicles for a good cause: United Cerebral Palsy of Southwest Florida, Inc.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Chairmen Jackie and Vance Dickinson and Donna Simmons
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 21, 2013
YMCA Foundation VIP Dinner 'Porsche, Pinot and Piemonte'

YMCA Foundation VIP Dinner 'Porsche, Pinot and Piemonte'

  • Black Tie
Cardinal Mooney's Antonio Blakeney runs up the court with teammate Mitch Arimura, and being followed by St. Petersburg Catholic's Kevin O’Donnell.Photos
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 21, 2013
Cardinal Mooney boys basketball advance the regional finals

The Cardinal Mooney High boys basketball team held on to beat St. Petersburg Catholic 55-51 in the Class 3A-Region 3 semifinals Feb. 19. The Cougars advance the regional finals Feb. 23.

  • East County
  • Sports
Young advocates find collective voice. Watch the daily headlines for more!
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • February 21, 2013
Feb. 21: Daily Headlines Video

Today's Stories: Young advocates find collective voice; Rick Mills selected as superintendent of Manatee County Schools; Entrepreneur Jesse Biter invests in downtown; Unfiltered Nature: Virginia Hoffman

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Natalia McNabb, Ms. Megan Wintersteen, Mikayla Klauber, Payton Saturen, Erika Sanchez, Zandy Sanders, Krista Paulson and volunteer Claudia Cardillo all took part in the Girls Inc Saks Fifth Avenue tour.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 21, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Girls (Inc) Day Out

Six girls from Girls Inc had the chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of Saks Fifth Avenue Wednesday, Feb. 20, at Westfield Southgate Mall.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The town's 30 union members voted on a new contract in shifts at the town's two fire stations over the past two days.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 21, 2013
Longboat Key firefighters ratify new contract

The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Union ratified a new three-year contract Thursday that freezes their pension plans and shifts them into the Florida Retirement System.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 21, 2013
Lady Rams top rival Lady Sailors

Alyssa Jackson hit a bases loaded triple in the fourth inning to propel the Riverview High softball team to a 5-2 victory over Sarasota Feb. 20.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 21, 2013
Rams blank Tigers

Behind the arm of pitcher Reed Torrine, the Riverview High baseball team shut out Palmetto 4-0 Feb. 20.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 21, 2013
Cardinal Mooney LAX teams notch wins

The Cardinal Mooney High boys and girls lacrosse teams both posted wins Feb. 20.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 21, 2013
JV Pirates edge past rival Mustangs

The Braden River High JV baseball team defeated rival Lakewood Ranch 6-4 Feb. 18.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 21, 2013
Lady Rams notch win

The Riverview High girls tennis team defeated Manatee 6-1 Feb. 20.

  • East County
  • Sports
  • By Marc Gordon and Roger Drouin
  • February 21, 2013
Big house for sale garners national press attention

The 10,879-square-foot Indian Beach neighborhood waterfront home listed for sale picked up press in the Wall Street Journal.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Riverview’s Courtney Kelly, No. 2, tries to slide into third base but Sarasota’s Shelby Thorpe, No. 13, beats her to the base and tags her out.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 21, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota v. Riverview softball

The Lady Sailors softball team played the Lady Rams Wednesday, Feb. 20, at Sarasota High School. While both teams had impressive plays, the Rams came out victorious with a 5-3 win over the Sailors.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
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Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
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