Your Observer

Josh Siegel
March 22, 2013

Manatee County Sheriff asks for $3 million from commissioners

Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube asked for $3 million at a Thursday workshop so he can increase his employee's entry-level salaries to bring them to more competitive levels in the next year.

East County
News

Yaryna Klimchak
March 22, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Sarasota Christian School Grandparents Day

Sarasota Christian School invited grandparents to spend time with their grandchildren Thursday, March 21, for Grandparent's Day at the school. Preschoolers through fifth graders recited prayers, sang songs and told stories of why they loved their grandparents in a short morning program. After the program children made crafts, wrote stories, went to a book fair and showed grandparents around their classrooms. About 150 grandparents attended grandparents day to spend time with their grandchildren.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Katie Hendrick
March 22, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Harbour Blessing of the Fleet

Longboat Harbour held its annual Blessing of the Fleet by the Rev. Gerry Finnegan Friday, March 21. A cookout with music by Patsy and Majella followed.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
March 22, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony

Sarasota County teachers and administrators gathered Thursday, March 21, at the Hyatt, for the 2013 Teacher of the Year awards ceremony. Riverview High School marine science teacher, Katrin Rudge, was chosen from three finalists, including Brookside Middle School's Rita Zywica and Alta Vista Elementary's Amy Mazner. 'To be chosen out of these amazing finalists is beyond amazing,' said Rudge. 'I was definitely surprised. We all do this because we love teaching, and we love the kids.'

Sarasota
Neighbors

Alex Mahadevan
March 22, 2013

Sarasota County Library debuts website, library cards

A new website goes live March 26, and 'Design-a-Card' contest will debut two new library cards in September.

Sarasota
News

Roger Drouin
March 22, 2013

State senators vote down effort to reduce red-light camera fees

In January, the city of Sarasota added three additional red-light cameras to busy Sarasota intersections.

Sarasota
News

Katie Hendrick
March 22, 2013

Weekend Best Bet: Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast

Proceeds benefit children's charities in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Longboat Key
News

Black Tie Staff
March 21, 2013

Cause 4 Fashion

Black Tie

Black Tie Staff
March 21, 2013

Glitz at the Ritz-Carlton honoring Al and Barbara Siemer

Black Tie

Roger Drouin
March 21, 2013

Condo tower to replace Main Street businesses

Sports Page seeks a new downtown home while the Living Walls owner will retire.

Sarasota
News

Robin Hartill
March 21, 2013

Lands End home destroyed in fire

The residence was the home of Michael Saunders' sister, Joan Bergstrom.

Longboat Key
News

Eddie Kirsch
March 21, 2013

March 21: Daily Headlines Video

Today's Stories: Education meets fun at Rainforest Garden; Developer plans condo and hotel; Siesta Key deputies stay alert for youth influx; Lakewood Ranch gun club gets approval; Leno delivers award to Gold Coast Eagle Distributing

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
March 21, 2013

Town officials: Colony needs more cleanup

Assistant Town Manager Anne Ross sent a letter to affected Colony Beach & Tennis Resort parties Wednesday, March 20, informing them the site needs more cleanup.

Longboat Key
News

Yaryna Klimchak
March 21, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Sarasota Chamber of Commerce hosts Bulls, Blues, and BBQ

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce held it's second annual Bulls, Blues and BBQ Wednesday, March 20, at the University of South Florida Sarasota - Manatee campus to allow businesses to network in a two county market. More than 300 people listened to Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones jam out and enjoyed food from Chic-Fil-A, Square One, Hickory Hollow Barbeque, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, and Smack Daddy BBQ.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Alex Mahadevan
March 21, 2013

Historical Society of Sarasota County to offer books by local authors

Find books from local Sarasota authors at the Historical Society of Sarasota County's Gift Shop 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Alex Mahadevan
March 21, 2013

Man burglarizes Radio Shack - again

Sarasota Police arrested Jody Cubbage for breaking into the business on the North Trail for the second time in two years.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
March 21, 2013

Student Spotlight: Jaclyn Falconetti

Jaclyn Falconetti has wanted to be a Riverview High School Highland dancer ever since she saw her older sister perform with the school's Kiltie Band.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 21, 2013

SCHOOL BOARD BULLETIN

When in Rome; Ciao, Italia; Student talent

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
March 21, 2013

ODA girls improve to 9-0

The Out-of-Door Academy tennis team improved to 9-0 with victories over Shorecrest Prep and Admiral Faragut this week.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
March 21, 2013

Crew wins gold in dual meet

The Sarasota Crew won 11 gold medals in a dual meet with Plant High School March 16, at Haney Park.

East County
Sports

Observer Staff
March 21, 2013

New Balance celebrates 10 years

More than 400 friends, family and customers congratulated Molly and David Jackson and team Monday, March 18, at the New Balance Sarasota 10th year anniversary celebration, held at the White Buffalo Saloon.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Observer Staff
March 21, 2013

Philanthropic queen to retire

Sarasota resident Dr. Dede Howard was crowned Miss Florida Classic March 4, at the Miss U.S. of America Pageant.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Pam Eubanks
March 21, 2013

Manatee commissioners consider pay for Sheriff's Office

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners today will address the issue of compensation for employees at the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

East County
News

Observer Staff
March 21, 2013

Our View: Why not a health trust?

No one should be surprised the vast majority of attendees at Monday's Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System hearing urged the system's board to remain a not-for-profit, tax-supported community hospital system.

Sarasota
Opinion

Katie Hendrick
March 21, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: South of the Border party

The Seaplace Condo Association hosted a South of the Border party Wednesday, March 20. The Mexican-themed fete included a buffet of quesadillas. fajitas and enchiladas and music by the Jack Tamburine Band.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Roger Drouin
March 21, 2013

Graffiti draws ire of Arlington Park residents

Neighbors fed up with graffiti have cleaned markings throughout Arlington Park.

Sarasota
News

Roger Drouin
March 21, 2013

New economic steward evaluates downtown strengths

In an interview with the Sarasota Observer, Norman Gollub takes in the sights and offers his perspective on downtown.

Sarasota
News

Roger Drouin
March 21, 2013

Developer plans condo and hotel

Preliminary plans outline 144 luxury condos and a 275-room hotel on a 2.9-acre vacant parcel.

Sarasota
News

Alex Mahadevan
March 21, 2013

Siesta Key deputies stay alert for youth influx

Cool weather has pared crowds of students spending spring break on the island, but law enforcement remains bolstered.

Siesta Key
News

Alex Mahadevan
March 21, 2013

County Commission grades its top staff

Commissioners praise Sarasota County Administrator Randall Reid's focus on ethics, but highlight staff communication as still an area of focus for improvement.