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Your Observer

Terri Baker and Barbara Harrison discuss a seashore painting.
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • January 21, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Highwaymen Exhibit Opening

Art admirers packed the Longboat Key Center for the Arts Friday, Jan. 18, for the opening of The Highwaymen exhibit, featuring 50 paintings from Siesta Key resident Larry Helmuth's collection. The exhibit runs through March 1 in the art center's Durante Gallery.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A Siesta Key crosswalk lighting project is out for bids
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • January 21, 2013
Jan. 21: Daily Headlines Video

Today's Stories: Kiwanis Club selects Hogle for Citizen of the Year; Siesta Key crosswalk lighting project out for bids; Sarasota city commissioners will discuss wayfinding project; Black Tie weekend roundup

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Community members march down Dr. Martin Luther King Way.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • January 21, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March

Members of the community gathered Monday, Jan. 21 at Booker High School to march two miles to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park in remembrance of the civil rights activist. Members of the Greater Hurst Chapel AME Church sang songs such as "Let Nobody Turn Me Around," while Sarasota Vice Mayor Willie Charles greeted neighbors. Alford Sanders marched with his children and checked out vendors at the park celebration. "I like the march and the camaraderie of everyone getting together," Sanders said, "and bringing my kids so they can enjoy it."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Community members march down Dr. Martin Luther King Way.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • January 21, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March

Members of the community gathered Monday, Jan. 21 at Booker High School to march two miles to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park in remembrance of the civil rights activist. Members of the Greater Hurst Chapel AME Church sang songs like 'Let Nobody Turn Me Around,' while Sarasota Vice Mayor Willie Charles greeted neighbors. Alford Sanders marched with his children and checked out vendors at the park celebration. 'I like the march and the camaraderie of everyone getting together,' Sanders said, 'and bringing my kids so they can enjoy it.'

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 21, 2013
Chamber of Commerce accepting applications for awards

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the award, which it will award at its annual awards luncheon Friday, May 10 at the Hyatt Regency, Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The city of Sarasota's wayfinding project includes signs indicating the arrival at a destination of interest, such as this rendering of a sign planned for the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex.
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • January 21, 2013
Sarasota city commissioners will discuss wayfinding project

Dog leash regulations at Payne Park and an update on performer Nik Wallenda's plan to walk across U.S. 41 on the bay from is also on the agenda for the meeting Tuesday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Siesta Key did not make FlipKey's list of most reservation requests in 2012.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 21, 2013
Siesta Key jumps in FlipKey visitor interest

The travel website this month revealed Siesta Key is ranked third in the number of vacation reservation requests in 2013.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Longboat Key Police Chief Al Hogle became the island’s top cop in 2002.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 21, 2013
Kiwanis Club selects Hogle for Citizen of the Year

The late Longboat Key police chief is the 2012 Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key's Citizen of the Year.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 21, 2013
Jewelry and watches totaling $60,000 stolen from Waterlefe home

Manatee County deputies report $60,000 worth of jewelry and watches was stolen from a three-story home in the Waterlefe community Saturday.

  • East County
  • News
Kimberly Braun and Greg Bowdish
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 21, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Looking Into the Crystal Ball

Hundreds of guests filled the Selby Library Wednesday, Jan. 9 for the annual Looking Into the Crystal Ball fundraiser. Guests sampled a variety of foods, provided by local restaurants and watched live performances by dancers and musicians throughout the night. The annual fundraiser is hosted by the Friends of the Selby Library and benefits the Selby Public Library.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mark Smith in June evaluates Siesta Village crosswalk lighting options.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 21, 2013
Siesta Key crosswalk lighting project out for bids

Sarasota County's purchasing department re-worked the contracting process for Siesta Key Village crosswalk lighting.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Chairwomen Dottie Baer Garner and Brooke Callanen
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 20, 2013
SMOA Inaugural Bash

SMOA Inaugural Bash

  • Black Tie
Al Benincasa, Kevin Cooper and Courtney Kees
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 20, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange

Members of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce met for their regular business card exchange Thursday, Jan. 17 at Gilligan's. Hosted by chamber members on a rotating schedule, attendees have the opportunity to mingle with other business owners in the area.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Luca Schlosberg rides a swing in the Children’s Garden.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 20, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Temple Emanu-El Tu B'Shevat Celebration

Members of Temple Emanu-El gathered Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Children's Garden to celebrate Tu B'Shevat, or the birthday of trees. Rabbi Brenner Glickman led children in song, and Rabbi Elaine Glickman showed off three trees, which were donated by the Benderson family to be planted at Temple Emanu-El.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Fay Lynne with John and Roni Antenucci
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 20, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Prime Time

Members of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce met Wednesday Jan. 16 at the Girl Scouts of the Gulfcoast Event and Convention Center for the organization's regular Prime Time event. Chamber members represented their respective businesses at booths, where they fielded questions and networked.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Elinor and Selwin Roth talk to Michael George about his acrylic sculptures.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 20, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Fine Arts Festival

Hundreds of people made their way in and out of white tents filled with jewelry, paintings, sculptures and other pieces of art this past weekend during the Sarasota Fine Arts Festival.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cameron Bahan, Michelle Jordan, Paul De Santis, Blake Lyon, Dennis Mitrano and Jaynie Peterson run down Ringling Bridge.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • January 20, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: The 10th Annual New Balance Ringling Bridge Run

Runners ran in the 2013 New Balance Ringling Bridge Run on Saturday, Jan. 19 starting at the Van Wezel to raise funds for the Sarasota YMCA. Two thousand one hundred eighty three people ran the 10th annual run during the cool morning. Thousands of runners raced down Tamiami Trail and across the bridge. Blue and red police car lights blinked in the midst of the gigantic crowd. Sergeant Mark Optiz of the Sarasota Police Department has been running for 30 years but also works at the race every year. 'I have fun cheering people on,' Opitz said. 'When people cheer you on it makes you run faster so that's why I do it.'

  • Arts + Culture
Dr. Denise Baker and Dr. Patti Dolan
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 19, 2013
Second Annual Red Hot

Second Annual Red Hot

  • Black Tie
Chairwomen Pamela Steves and Helen Glaser
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 19, 2013
Sarasota Orchestra Gala: Bravo Broadway and Our Leading Ladies

Sarasota Orchestra Gala: Bravo Broadway and Our Leading Ladies

  • Black Tie
Sherlyn Best, Haley Mercer and Sandra Maddox represented Nolan Middle Schools FFA chapter.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 19, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Manatee County Fair

The sights and sounds of the 97th Manatee County Fair are filling the skyline in Palmetto, where East County residents and others are enjoying midway rides, a smorgasbord of food, livestock shows, exhibits, concerts and more.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dania Castellucci, Liz Cashen, Cristina Najmy and Rebecca Herrman
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 19, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Beertopia

East County residents flocked Jan. 19 to Gold Coast Eagle Distributing for a night of beer, food and fun, as the Junior League of Manatee County hosted its annual Beertopia event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Skip Land
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 18, 2013
2013 Circus Sarasota Gala

2013 Circus Sarasota Gala

  • Black Tie
Chelsea Lyman and Vicki Siddons
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 18, 2013
Jewels on the Bay Designer Showcase Kick-off Party

Jewels on the Bay Designer Showcase Kick-off Party

  • Black Tie
Bernadette DiPino's daughter, Tabitha Hays, a police officer in Maryland, pinned the badge on the chief.
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • January 18, 2013
Top cop sworn in

Mayor Suzanne Atwell calls it a new day for Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Photographer Clyde Butcher talks about his photography and swamp experiences.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • January 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : Scrub-Jay Habitat Restoration at Oscar Scherer State Park

Authenticflorida.com presented Authentic Florida Meets Real Florida on Friday, Jan. 18 at the Girl Scouts Event and Conference Center to raise funds for the scrub jay habitat restoration at Oscar Sherer State Park. 'You have a better chance of seeing bald eagles than scrub jays,' said Park Service Specialist Wendell Vaught. Photographer Clyde Butcher, Emmy Award -winner Jack Perkins and Tampa Bay Times Reporter Jeff Klinkenberg talked about their experiences exploring Florida. Park Manager Tony Clements discussed the importance of maintaining the endangered scrub jay population.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Photographer Clyde Butcher talks about his photography and swamp experiences.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • January 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY : Scrub-Jay Habitat Restoration at Oscar Scherer State Park

Authenticflorida.com presented Authentic Florida Meets Real Florida on Friday, Jan. 18 at the Girl Scouts Event and Conference Center to raise funds for the scrub jay habitat restoration at Oscar Sherer State Park. 'You have a better chance of seeing bald eagles than scrub jays,' said Park Service Specialist Wendell Vaught. Photographer Clyde Butcher, Emmy Award -winner Jack Perkins and Tampa Bay Times Reporter Jeff Klinkenberg talked about their experiences exploring Florida. Park Manager Tony Clements discussed the importance of maintaining the endangered scrub jay population. 'There is no state like Florida,' said Klinkenberg. 'It has civilization, high culture and wilderness like alligators, panthers and scrub jays.'

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sindy Jones of Foundations Academies in Sarasota watched Alex Johnson play with the Interactive Polar Playland.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Rock Your Robot School Fair

Students and parents got an intimate look at the educational options in Sarasota/Manatee at the Rock Your Robot School Fair Jan. 17 at Polo Grill.

  • East County
  • Schools
City Manager Tom Barwin swears in Bernadette DiPino as Sarasota's police chief Friday, Jan. 18, at the Police Department.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Chief DiPino sworn in

Bernadette DiPino was officially sworn in as Sarasota's police chief Friday, Jan. 18, at the Police Department.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ashley Rogers-Ramos and Millie Ordham, both pediatric nurses at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, inside one of six family-size suites in the new pediatric unit
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center's Pediatric Unit opens

The new Pediatric Unit at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center opened Jan. 17. The new unit includes six family-size suites.

  • East County
  • News
Mary Ahern and Tony Mazziotti
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • January 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Beachplace Welcome Back Party

The Beachplace Condo Association held a Welcome Back party Thursday, Jan. 17, in its clubhouse.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Cooks included, front, Lenny Distefano, Tom Vitro, Joe Sever and, back, Jim McGuire and Dennis McIvor.
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • January 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Men's Guild Meeting

Sean McGrath, a former member of the White House Communications Agency, spoke at the St. Mary's, Star of the Sea, Men's Guild Welcome Back Meeting Thursday, Jan. 17.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
St. Stephen’s Hannah Howell, No. 4, tries to keep the ball away Sarasota Christian.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Stephen's v. Sarasota Christian

St. Stephen's played Sarasota Christian, Thursday, Jan. 17, at The Out-of-Door Academy. St. Stephen's won the game with a final score of 8-2.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
ODA’s Miller Condrack, No. 15, runs the ball up the field while Shorecrest's Erika Tvedten, No. 5, tries to get ahead.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 18, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: ODA v. Shorecrest

The Out-of-Door Academy played Shorecrest Thursday, Jan. 17, and The Out-of-Door Academy. ODA was down 3-0 going into the second half of the game, but scored two goals during the second half. However, Shorecrest won the game defeating ODA 4-2.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Town labor attorney W. Reynolds Allen calculates the impact of a wage reduction versus a deduction from wages during Thursday's contract negotiations.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 18, 2013
Firefighters agree to vote on contract

The town and its firefighter union agreed on the terms of a contract to put before firefighters for a vote. But state rules could make it a tough sell.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Prior to the 2011 amendments, the Florida Retirement System was entirely funded by public employer contributions, and retired members received cost-of-living adjustment equal to 3% of the total monthly benefit, calculated annually.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 18, 2013
Florida court ruling saves Sarasota County $6.5 million

The Florida Supreme Court ruled the 2011 Florida Retirement System constitutional, saving Sarasota County roughly $6.5 million.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Photo courtesy of paragonartevents.com. The Sarasota Fine Arts Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 18, 2013
WEEKEND BEST BET: Sarasota Fine Arts Festival

Visit the Sarasota Fine Arts Festival this Saturday and Sunday on Gulfstream Avenue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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