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Your Observer

    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 19, 2013
Senior wrestler wins medal

Lakewood Ranch High senior Blake Riley-Hawkins battled back to finish fifth in the 132-pound weight class at the Class 2A state wrestling finals Feb. 15-16, at the Lakeland Center.

  • East County
  • Sports
Kelly Boyett
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • February 19, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Painting With a Twist

Hope Kinney and Sherri Penxa celebrated the grand opening of their store, Painting with a Twist, Friday, Feb. 15. Guests watched a ribbon-cutting ceremony before an instructional painting lesson, featuring wine and light food.

  • Arts + Culture
Mr. Beery’s owner, Mark Tuchman with Scooter Maloney
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • February 19, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Mr. Beery's Chocolate Chip Cookie Bake-Off

Mr. Beery's owner, Mark Tuchman, has never liked chilli. So, in lieu of a chilli cook-off, the Gulf Gate bar owner hosted the second annual Chocolate Chip Cookie Bake-Off Saturday, Feb. 16. More than 20 patrons entered their homemade cookies into the contest, and Tuchman says entries included many unique recipes featuring unusual ingredients, like bacon. The occasion was designed to be family friendly, and a panel of judges awarded prizes for first, second and third place, people's choice and kid's choice. Instead of milk, after the judging, patrons washed down their cookies with cold beer.

  • Arts + Culture
The 5:45 p.m. meeting will be held in the Manatee County Commission Chambers located on the first floor of the Manatee County Administrative Building at 1112 Manatee Avenue West.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • February 19, 2013
Manatee School Board to hold special audit meeting Thursday

The Manatee County School Board will hold a special meeting Thursday to allow the public, the school board and its audit committee members to ask questions to Navigant and Trenam Kemper officials concerning the recent release of a forensic audit of the school district's finances.

  • East County
  • News
The project to ensure cleaner stormwater runoff could begin as early as this spring or summer and would take nine months to complete.
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • February 19, 2013
County recommends contractor for Hudson Bayou project

The $1.4 million project will filter polluted runoff that flows into Hudson Bayou and eventually Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • News
IDA supervisors had voted Jan. 17 to award the contract to Magnum Construction of Sarasota.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 19, 2013
Hearing officer upholds Lakewood Ranch IDA vote

Members of the Lakewood Ranch Inter-District Authority Board are expected to adopt a hearing officer's finding.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 19, 2013
Gettel honors Manatee County school teachers

An appreciation awards ceremony will be held at 4:30 p.m. today, at Toyota of Lakewood.

  • East County
  • Schools
All six city of Sarasota Commission candidates will meet Feb. 19 for a community forum hosted by the Arlington Park Neighborhood Association at Waldemere Fire Station.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 19, 2013
Sarasota City Commission candidate forum planned

The Arlington park Neighborhood Association will host all six candidates beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Waldemere fire Station.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Chairmen Bert Fivelson and John Halstead
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 18, 2013
Star of the Opera 'Two Dates with the Devil' Reception

Star of the Opera 'Two Dates with the Devil' Reception

  • Black Tie
Seven-year-old Chase Preston’s favorite part of baseball is hitting.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: LRLL Opening Day

Nearly 275 Lakewood Ranch Little Leaguers welcomed the start of the Spring 2013 season during the league's Opening Day Ceremony Feb. 16, at Lakewood Ranch Park.

  • East County
  • Sports
Dru Cappar, 9, smashes a car with a sledgehammer at one of the festival games.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • February 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : Sarasota Christian School 54th Annual Auction and Festival

Sarasota Christian School held their 54th annual Auction and Festival Saturday, Feb. 16 at the school's campus. There was also a silent auction, rummage sale, food, and games for children to play. The school currently has 417 students with this festival being it's largest fundraiser. All proceeds go to the school. Last year the community helped the school raise $150,00. This year superintendent Jeff Shank outlined a long-term project to get a high school building built. 'Its just really a blessing to see family, friends, and the community get behind Christian education and what we do as a school,' Shank said.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
ArtisTree announces the Design & Dine Contest winners
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • February 18, 2013
Feb. 18: Daily Headlines Video

Today's Stories: ArtisTree announces the Design & Dine Contest winners; Firm launches Siesta Shuttle Transportation; Black Tie Untied; OMG! Sworn-in Sarasota: presidents of local groups

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Barbara Steinfirst came from Bradenton to enjoy the various works at the festival.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • February 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : The 25th Annual Sarasota Festival of the Arts

Thousands of people walked the streets of downtown for the 25th Annual Sarasota Festival of the Arts Saturday, Feb 16 and Sunday, Feb 17 to buy unique work and check out the craftsmanship. Old time friends from New Jersey Judy Eisner, Irene Britman and Marilyn Wiener wandered through the festival enjoying the artistic talent. 'It's just beautiful,' said Britman. Locals and tourists alike walked the crowded streets marveling at sculptures, paintings, jewelry and more.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alice Ivy-Pemberton has played the violin since for 11 years.
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • February 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Alice Ivy-Pemberton and Amanda Lubin in Concert

New York-based musicians Alice Ivy-Pemberton and Amanda Lubin, both 15, performed classical pieces during an intimate concert Sunday, Feb. 17, in the Casa del Mar home of Mark Meador and Donna Callahan.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A "Harlem Shake" video meme filmed in Portland received more than 5.5 million YouTube views.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • February 18, 2013
'Harlem Shake' viral video trend shakes its way into Sarasota

The HuB invites Sarasota to film its own Harlem Shake video Wednesday, Feb. 20.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Steve Sundheimer: president of the Sarasota RC Squadron
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • February 18, 2013
Sworn-in Sarasota: presidents of local groups

In celebration of the Presidents' Day, the Sarasota Observer tips its hat to three presidents who serve in "oval" offices on a local level.

  • Arts + Culture
Town Hall is closed today in observance of the Presidents' Day holiday.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 18, 2013
Presidents/ Day affects Longboat Key

Government offices are closed today and there's a change in the garbage and recycling schedule.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Siesta Shuttle Transportation launched its island transit service Feb. 16. Corona Light bought advertising on one of the firm's two buses.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 18, 2013
Firm launches Siesta Shuttle Transportation

Parking on Siesta Key might be less severe now that Siesta Shuttle Transportation launched its two-bus transit service from Westfield Southgate Mall to the island Feb. 16.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • February 18, 2013
City offices closed for holiday

Weekly garbage and recycling will not be impact; City Commission meeting will be Feb. 19.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Peggy Sue Mitchell, Pam Trudel, Joyce Goacher, Anita Moltz, Mary Jane Hamilton, Beatty Shipley, Margorie Martini and Marge Vaadi modeled clothing from Dillard's.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: LOSNA Fashion Show

Ladies of the Oriental Shrine of North America hosted a fashion show Feb. 16, at Tara Golf & Country Club.

  • East County
  • News
Trio Voila includes Laura Jensen-Jennings on the viola, Thomas Koch on the guitar and Dr. Jane Hoffman on the flute.
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • February 17, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Trio Voila

Trio Voila, a mixed ensemble consisting of guitarist Thomas Koch, flautist Dr, Jane Hoffman and viola player Laura Jensen-Jennings, performed at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church Sunday, Feb. 17.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Kai Sutter, 9, Joseph Sparma, 8, and Andrew Sutter, 6 show off their colorful tongues after eating their snow cones.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 17, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Little League Opening Day

Sarasota Little League held their annual opening day ceremony Saturday, Feb. 16, at Twin Lakes Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dr. Donal O’Shea smiles out at the crowd after being presented with the Presidential medallion.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 17, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Inauguration Ceremony for Dr. Donal O'Shea

The fifth president of New College was inaugurated Friday, Feb. 15, along the bayfront at New College. Dr. Donal B. O'Shea assumed the role of president of New College on July 1, 2012.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Chairwomen Patricia Johnson, Renee Hamad, BJ Creighton and Kathy Coffey
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 16, 2013
New College Foundation's Inaugural Ball

New College Foundation's Inaugural Ball

  • Black Tie
Chairwomen Brenda Maraman, Lucille Smith and Kathy Martella
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 15, 2013
12th Annual Van Wezel Foundation Gala featuring Sheryl Crow

12th Annual Van Wezel Foundation Gala featuring Sheryl Crow

  • Black Tie
Committee women Lory Weisensee, Cindy Stuhley, Denise M. Pope, Chris Buckley-Currie and Margarete Van Antwerpen
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 15, 2013
Compassion in Caring Luncheon

Compassion in Caring Luncheon

  • Black Tie
KB Home will temporarily relocate some Willowbrook residents
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • February 15, 2013
Feb. 15: Daily Headlines Video

Today's Stories: KB Home will temporarily relocate some Willowbrook residents; Mahadevan to retire as Mote president/CEO; Lakewood Ranch named top 10 Community; Popcorn Bob's Movie Magic; WEEKEND BEST BET: Animal Extravaganza, WEEKEND BEST BET: Longboat in concert

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Betty and Bob Goree
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • February 15, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Bird Key Yacht Club Valentine's Day Dance

Couples celebrated Valentine's Day with a dinner dance Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Bird Key Yacht Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
021413-Sweet-Dempsey
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • February 15, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Valentine's Day Cookie Swap

Joan Dempsey and Mimi Sweet invited about a dozen friends at a cookie swap Thursday, Feb. 14, at The Sanctuary.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sylvia and Bob Farrington
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • February 15, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Kiwanis Valentine's Ball

The Longboat Key Kiwanis Foundation celebrated the late Chief Al Hogle, 2012 Citizen of the Year, and John Wild, 2012 Kiwanian of the Year, at a Valentine's Ball Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Longboat Key Club's Harbourside Dining Room.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 15, 2013
VIDEO: Break the Chains

People all over the world participated in One Billion Rising: a single-day of dedicated global action consisting primarily of dance strikes against violence against women. Watch a video here.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The 27-mile trip, called Paddle with Purpose, will raise money for the Wounded Warriors Project.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • February 15, 2013
Siesta man to prone paddle 27 miles for Wounded Warriors

Abe Uccello will prone paddle from St. Petersburg to Lido Beach tomorrow morning.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Jon Secada
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • February 15, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Jon Secada at Chillounge Night

Triple Grammy-Award winner Jon Secada performed a Valentine's Day concert as part of Chillounge Night at Hangar at Flight Source Int.

  • Arts + Culture
People follow Kelly Atkins in a guided dance to “Break the Chains”.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 15, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: One Billion Rising Valentines Dance

People all over the world participated in a variety of events as part of V-Day's One Billion Rising, a single-day, Valentine's Day, of dedicated global action consisting primarily of dance strikes against violence against women.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
If the deal goes through, it would be the fourth major downtown property investment in the last two years for Jesse Biter.
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • February 15, 2013
Entrepreneur plans obtainable rental units on an acre downtown

Jesse Biter plans to develop what he calls obtainable housing apartments on the site, with 180 units ranging from 500 to 1,000 square feet.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 15, 2013
WEEKEND BEST BET: Animal Extravaganza

This weekend's Animal Extravaganza will feature an Asian elephant.

  • East County
  • News
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