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Your Observer

The online coupon company Gerrid Smith co-founded, Save1, takes a percentage of the commission it makes from retail partners, like Target, and donates it to charitable groups. The charities focus on feeding children worldwide. Lori Sax.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • January 2, 2013
Coupon Clipper: Gerrid Smith

An ultra-crowded industry didn't scare off Gerrid Smith. Now he aims to translate bravery - and a charitable-focused business model - into success.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 2, 2013
U.S. Air Force photographer comes home early for Christmas

Technical Sgt. Donald Allen returned from a seven-month stay in Africa to surprise his children at school.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Bob Swiatek
  • January 2, 2013
The 'tail' of Patches

Born in late November 2010 in a litter of puppies from an unknown mother and father was a little, white mixed-breed male.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 2, 2013
BUSINESS OBSERVER

WCI Communities introduces two new neighborhoods; The Founders Golf and Social Club sees record membership; RE/MAX Platinum Realty opens in Lakewood Ranch; Manatee Glens Hospital unveils redesign

  • East County
  • News
Town Manager Dave Bullock has created a new culture at Town Hall. File photo.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 2, 2013
Looking ahead: Bullock keeps close eye on Town Hall

Three candidates with different backgrounds will vie for seats on the Longboat Key Town Commission in March, as the town manager creates a new leadership culture at Town Hall.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
New Pass and Longboat Pass are bustling with boaters and beachgoers anxious to anchor their vessel and enjoy the sun off the shores of Longboat Key. File photo.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 2, 2013
Looking ahead: Business and tourism

The patterns of season are tough to predict, but indicators so far point to a strong season for hotels and businesses.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A new fleet of golf carts for club members is one of several upgrades at the Longboat Key Club and Resort. Photo by Katie Hendrick.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 2, 2013
Looking ahead: Key Club upgrades

Longboat Key Club Islandside, Harbourside and Longboat Key Club Moorings are receiving upgrades in 2013.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Triton Bend property represents a rarity on Longboat Key because it is a developable tract of vacant land. Construction recently began on two of 13 planned homes. File Photo.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 2, 2013
Real estate: Lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle

Longboat Key has always had location working in its favor. But can it stay competitive in lifestyle offerings?

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 2, 2013
Our View: The word for 2013: freedom

We have a tradition. Each year on New Year's Eve, we announce at a family gathering our word for the year - the one word that describes how we are going to focus our lives during the New Year.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 2, 2013
Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 2, 2013
2012 Best of Cops Corner: Longboat Key

It would be a crime if you missed any of last year's best Cops Corner entries. Here are the top cop stories from 2012.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 2, 2013
Letters to the Editor

Rats get eradicated but raccoons get a pass?; We need to change the gun laws

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Tim Walsh, left, a toy inventor and designer, founded Crazy Chins in 2011. The Sarasota-based company sells a toy that combines live play with software apps. Mark Wemple.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • January 2, 2013
Go Crazy: Entrepreneur Tim Walsh

It really is all fun and games for toy entrepreneur Tim Walsh. But - no joke - the Sarasotan thinks he might have a big hit ready for market.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The new, 2,000-square-foot Green Ginger Hair Design overlooks St. Armands Circle Park.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 2, 2013
Circle gets down to business

The new year will bring new offerings on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
East Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Byron Teates
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 2, 2013
Year in review: December 2012, 'District buys land for future stations'

East Manatee Fire Rescue closed on two parcels of land Dec. 14.

  • East County
  • News
On Monday, Dec. 3, Persson decided his meeting attendance record at Town Hall, which likely will never be matched, was enough.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 2, 2013
Year in review: December 2012, 'Town attorney resigns'

David Persson's first day as the town attorney for Longboat Key was Oct. 8, 1990. He was 36 years old, had just opened his own law practice and had plans with his wife to celebrate his son's first birthday that evening in their Longboat Key Estates homes.

  • Longboat Key
  • 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
  • January 2, 2013
Year in review: December 2012, '$1 million project would filter polluted runoff'

Hudson Bayou has long been polluted by stormwater tainted with trash, toxic metals and nutrients that have been linked to red-tide blooms.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Siesta Key residents rally to open Midnight Pass by shovel. File photo/
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 1, 2013
Year in review: November 2012, 'Court accepts Midnight Pass lawsuit'

The Midnight Pass Society received letters with the news about 20 years after members of the group tried to open the inlet by hand.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The facility's executive chef and facilities manager, Chris Covelli, who had hoped to bring national attention to the cooking center in the coming years, learned of the closure from his staff while he was teaching cooking classes in Italy.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 1, 2013
Year in review: November 2012, 'Paradise Homes files for bankruptcy'

The bankruptcy court trustee has 90 days to sell off assets of the Viking Culinary School, as well as Paradise Homes' other assets, or potentially have someone purchase the business.

  • East County
  • News
Lynn Weddington and Longboat Key Club and Resort General Manager Michael Welly were married during a recent trip to Italy. They’ll head to the West Coast before deciding the next step in their careers.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 1, 2013
Year in review: November 2012, 'Right place, right time'

The Longboat Key Club and Resort's general manager Michael Welly is saying 'goodbye' after eight-and-a-half years.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
"I think it is a very good indication," John Hermansen said about the city's effort to get a project going on city-owned land on Boulevard of the Arts.
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • January 1, 2013
Year in review: November 2012, 'Rosemary land gets developer interest'

A city-private development in the heart of Rosemary could kickstart change in a neighborhood with a mixed identity.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sadie Fletcher, of Lakewood Ranch, gets a good view from the shoulders of her dad, Don, during Light the Night Nov. 3. Published Nov. 8, 2012.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 1, 2013
November Year in Pictures: East County

Enjoy some of our picks for best pictures of November 2012.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jo Ann Mixon and Sandy Henley celebrated after winning $20,000 in a raffle during the Nov. 17 Gourmet Lawn Party at the Longboat Key Club and Resort.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 1, 2013
November Year in Pictures: Longboat Key

Enjoy some of our picks for best pictures of November 2012.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
John Krueger competes in the 100 breaststroke in the FHSAA Class 1A Region 3 Swimming and Diving Championships at the Selby Aquatic Center.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 1, 2013
November Year in Pictures: Sarasota

Enjoy some of our picks for best pictures of November 2012.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Delayne Corbett works on the first-place sculpture, “Fossil Fuel,” at the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition, which took place on Siesta Key Beach, Nov. 8 through, Nov. 12.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 1, 2013
November Year in Pictures: Pelican Press

Enjoy some of our picks for best pictures of November 2012.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Maya Griffin, 4, is prepared for the rain, during International Walk to School Day at Braden River Elementary Oct. 3. Published Oct. 11, 2012.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2012
October Year in Pictures: East County

Enjoy some of our picks for best pictures of October 2012.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lee Fox, of Save our Seabirds, used a foam cutout of a heron to demonstrate how to rescue birds caught in monofilament fishing line during Sarasota Bay Watch’s Sept. 29 monofilament cleanup.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2012
October Year in Pictures: Longboat Key

Enjoy some of our picks for best pictures of October 2012.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rudy, 10, wears his medal he got after being blessed Friday, Sept. 28 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Osprey.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2012
October Year in Pictures: Sarasota

Enjoy some of our picks for best pictures of October 2012.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Associate Rector and Taylor blesses Baby, 6, during the animal blessing Sunday, Sept. 30, at St. Boniface Episcopal Church.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2012
October Year in Pictures: Pelican Press

Enjoy some of our picks for best pictures of October 2012.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Two months after county commissioners directed staff to prepare a report on the Siesta Key Parking Public Improvement District, they received five options Oct. 9.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 31, 2012
Year in review: October 2012, 'Board abolishes Village parking district'

Sarasota County commissioners voted to end assessments on Siesta Key Village for a municipal parking lot.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash, which occurred around 3:30 p.m., at the overpass for University Parkway. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 31, 2012
Year in review: October 2012, 'I-75 pileup yields no fatalities'

A 47-vehicle accident on Interstate 75 Oct. 5 resulted in 52 injuries.

  • East County
  • News
On Tuesday, Ocean Properties Ltd. announced it had reached an agreement with Key Club Associates, LP, to purchase all of the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s assets from Loeb Partners Realty LLC for an undisclosed price. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 31, 2012
Year in review: October 2012, 'It's official: Ocean Properties to purchase entire Key Club'

Delray Beach-based Ocean Properties will purchase all of the Longboat Key Club and Resort's assets this month and has plans for a future renovation project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Tampa's streetcar network cost a total of $61 million. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • December 31, 2012
Year in review: October 2012, 'Sarasota scrutinizes streetcar desire'

The city has hired an engineer to conduct a $70,000 feasibility study, which is the first step in a lengthy process.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alex Gutierrez, a Siesta Key property owner and 23-year resident, applied for a certificate of occupancy with Sarasota County Planning and Development Services July 20, for an Internet café.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 30, 2012
Year in review: September 2012, 'Ocean Club meets code'

A Siesta Key business veteran plans to roll the dice on a business some critics label as 'legalized gambling.'

  • Siesta Key
  • News
East County resident Bob Gagnon, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning for the Manatee County School District, became the district's interim superintendent Sept. 10.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 30, 2012
Year in review: September 2012, 'Game Changer'

Manatee County Schools Superintendent Tim McGonegal announced his immediate resignation Sept. 10. Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Bob Gagnon will fill the role on an interim basis, as the district now faces a financial crisis.

  • East County
  • News
Colony Beach & Tennis Resort developer Andy Adams, who owns a 20% interest in the Colony resorts, made an appearance at a special meeting Monday but was not asked to speak. Photo by Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 30, 2012
Year in review: September 2012, 'Commission eyes new timeline'

It's likely Colony Beach & Tennis Resort officials will receive an extension Oct. 1 to rebuild the resort, although it would come with contingencies and hinge on who controls the resort moving forward.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
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The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
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