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Your Observer

Lester and Lorraine Ageloff
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • December 11, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Democratic Club Luncheon

The Longboat Key Democratic Club held its monthly luncheon Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the Longboat Key Club & Resort's Harbourside Dining Room. Speakers included former club president Marvin Morse and Dr. Susan MacManus, a political science professor at the University of South Florida and the state's most quoted political analyst.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A handful of residents spoke out against the measure at the Downtown Improvement District meeting Tuesday.
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • December 11, 2012
Proposed entertainment district discussed

The district would allow music a little louder and later, a change some downtown condo residents oppose.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A construction crew began tearing off the old roof on Whitney Beach Plaza on Monday.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 11, 2012
Whitney Beach Plaza renovations begin

A construction crew began work for a new roof this week at Whitney Beach Plaza.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lily Schlosberg, 5, learned how to make a menorah out of sand.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 11, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Hanukkah Celebration

Members of Chabad of Bradenton and the area's Jewish community gathered Dec. 10, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, for to celebrate Hanukkah with a special menorah-lighting ceremony, kosher food, face painting, raffles and other festivities.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Christian’s Heidi Miller, No. 30, and Cardinal Mooney’s Bridget Walsh, No. 20, fight over possession of the ball.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 11, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Christian v. Cardinal Mooney girls basketball

Sarasota Christian hosted Cardinal Mooney Monday, Dec. 10, at their gymnasium. After a close first half, Sarasota Christian rallied back and won the game 57-42.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Siesta Key resident Sarah Cooper asks the Traffic Advisory Council for a lower speed limit on one part of Midnight Pass Road.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 11, 2012
Sarasota traffic counsel wants lower Midnight Pass speed limit

The Sarasota County Traffic Advisory Council recommends the Sarasota County Commission decrease the 40-mile-per-hour limit on one-half mile of the south Siesta Key street.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Larry Stokes performs covers from the likes of James Taylor, John Mellencamp and The Eagles.
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • December 11, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Centre Shops Holiday Festival

Local artisans, performers and bakers, among others, set up booths Sunday, Dec. 10, in the Centre Shops plaza for a holiday festival.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jack Berry, Jake Porat and Scott Stevenson provide music as the Tritones
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 11, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Architectural Salvage Toy Drive and Party

Sarasota Architectural Salvage hosted its seventh annual holiday fundraising party Thursday, Dec. 6. Attendees brought toys for the gift drive, and the toys and proceeds will benefit the Child Protection Center, which aims to end child abuse. Guests also participated in a scavenger hunt and listened to live music by the Tritones.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Rev. Dr. Vincent Carroll served for 27 years in the Navy Chaplain Corps.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 11, 2012
Chapel to hire new minister

The Longboat Island Chapel congregation is expected to accept the Rev. Dr. Vincent Carroll for the senior minister position.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Dennis O'Brien, Chris Donohoe, Joanne Hawkes and Cal Hawkes were Division 4 finalists.
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • December 11, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: 2012 Observer Challenge Winners

The 13th annual Observer Challenge took place Friday, Dec. 7, through Sunday, Dec. 9. The team competition had four divisions and consisted of singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jane and Al Bagot greet parishioners and take tickets.
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • December 11, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Church Picnic

Members of St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church enjoyed a picnic Saturday, Dec. 8, to celebrate the church's dedication 39 years ago.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Tabitha Miller and Jillian Hendry welcomed guests.
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • December 11, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Village Association Holiday Party

Members of the Longboat Village Association enjoyed dinner and dancing Thursday, Dec. 6, during their holiday party at Bayou Tavern.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Emilie and François Bechard
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • December 11, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Harbour Lighting of the Docks

The Longboat Harbour Yacht Club celebrated its annual lighting of the docks Thursday, Dec. 6. The event featured 23 decorated docks, followed by refreshments in the clubhouse.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 10, 2012
CEO Forum Holiday Party

CEO Forum Holiday Party

  • Black Tie
Join Emily Walsh for the Daily Headlines.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • December 10, 2012
Dec. 10: Daily Headlines Video

Today's Stories: Town, firefighters find common ground; Manatee County Sheriff deputies turn down union attempt; and Weekend Best Bets!

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Diana Kelly, Ann Stocke and Stephanie Hannum
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 10, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Flats for Philanthropy Launch Party

Local designer, Diana Kelly, kicked off her 'Flats for Philanthropy' campaign Wednesday, Dec. 5 with a launch party at the Paper Tree. The campaign will dedicate a shoe to a series of philanthropic organizations, to which it will donate 10% of sales. The first shoe in the series, the Red Maria flat, was dedicated to Girls Inc. of Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Evan Fonk sleds down a snow hill on an iner tube.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 10, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Winter Wonderland at the YMCA

Children and their families gathered Friday, Dec. 7 at the Frank G. Berlin, Sr. branch of the YMCA to celebrate the holiday season. Children visited with Santa, watched movies, played games and enjoyed a ride down the snow slide in inner tubes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 10, 2012
Extra Innings Sarasota to host Advanced Catching Clinic

Extra Innings Sarasota will host its first Advanced Catching Clinic from 3-5 p.m. Jan. 2-4.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 10, 2012
Holiday Baseball Clinic upcoming

Extra Innings Sarasota will host its third annual Holiday Baseball Clinic Dec. 26-28 and Dec. 31 through Jan 4.

  • East County
  • Sports
A discussion will be held today to discuss the possibility of burying Gulf of Mexico Drive power lines.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 10, 2012
Commission discusses power lines today

The Longboat Key Town Commission will also discuss a resolution expressing support for pension reform at Town Hall today.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The incident occurred in the 2600 block of Verna Road. Courtesy of Google images.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 10, 2012
Plane takes emergency landing near East County

A small 2010 Air-Cam twin engine 'Ultra-light' kit airplane made an emergency landing around noon Sunday, Dec. 9 in the undeveloped lands of the Hunter's Creek subdivision of Sarasota.

  • East County
  • News
Performer, Egypt, hangs upside down as part of her routine.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 10, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: A Taste of Hanukkah

Hundreds gathered Sunday, Dec. 9, at Phillippi Estate Park to celebrate the second day of Hanukkah in style. As part of the Taste of Hanukkah event, local establishments provided an array of kosher foods and beers, and families enjoyed performances by acrobats, balloon sculptors, dancers and the Moshe Hecht Band.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 10, 2012
Fiesta on Siesta Key slated for April

The college sand volleyball competition return for the fifth straight year to Siesta Key beach April 12 through April 14.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Joseph Gaeta Jr., 54, was taken to Blake Medical Center with serious injuries, a Florida Highway Patrol report states.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 10, 2012
Man seriously injured in motorcycle crash

Joseph Gaeta Jr., of Sarasota, suffered serious injuries.

  • East County
  • News
The signs on Main Street and downtown will soon read: Mon - Sat 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • December 10, 2012
Downtown parking changes coming this week

Parking signs will soon let people know there is no enforced parking time limit after 6 p.m. on weekdays, and on Saturdays.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • December 10, 2012
City to interview finance director candidates

Sarasota expects to name a new finance director before the City Commission's Jan. 7 meeting.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bonnie Mittelstadt, Grace Sammon and Curt Gilroy
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 10, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Holiday Dinner Dance

More than 200 residents of Lakewood Ranch gathered Dec. 7 at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club for Lakewood Ranch Community Activities' annual Holiday Dinner Dance.

  • East County
  • News
Mark and Monique Benjamin
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • December 10, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Westchester Condo Welcome Back/Holiday Party

The Westchester Condo Association held its Welcome Back/Holiday Party Tuesday, Dec. 4.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A Christmas tree with an angel on top, a wreath, Santa’s sleigh and reindeer all made of lights made this boat shine on the water Saturday, Dec. 8, during the 26th Annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: 26th Annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade

Thousands of people brought their lawn chairs out to see the boats that took part in the 26th Annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights Saturday, Dec. 8, in the Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ben Baram and Education Director Sabrina Silverberg lead the school with the Song of Israel.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY : Temple Emanu - El Hanukah Celebration

Temple Emanu - El Religious School celebrated Hanukah Sunday, Dec. 9 with a performance, gift exchange, food and games. Seventh graders put on a performance by Education Director Sabrina Silverberg entitled 'A Hanukah Happening.' Children exchanged gifts, colored dradles, met Judah, and ate latkes and donuts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota County firefighters enter the central property at Peppertree Bay shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 9, 2012
Fire forces evacuation of Peppertree building

The Sarasota County Fire Department extinguished a fire in a second floor unit of the condominium complex Sunday evening.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Monsignor Vincent Bartley, Linda Piro and George Haviland
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church celebrates Christmas

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church had their Fourth Annual Holiday Party at TPC Prestancia Saturday, Dec. 8 to celebrate Christmas. Forty-three people attended the beautifully decorated golf club where parish members enjoyed each other's company and dinner. 'It's Christmas to us and we love doing it here,' said party organizer Linda Piro. 'The camaraderie of fellowship and of church is what makes it all kind of nested together.'

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Diane Roytz and Rev. Bob Thacker look over fair trade items.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Boniface Global Gift Fair and Art Show

St. Boniface Presbyterian Church had their 11th annual Global Gift and Art Show in the community center Saturday, Dec. 8 to show off unique gifts and promote fair trade. Fair trade means that the artisan creating the product gets equal pay and is treated humanely. Approximately 500 people attended the fair where they purchased global gifts. 'Everything here is unique and hand made and your impacting locally and globally,' said fair organizer Colleen Buchmeier. 'The watercolor group of St. Boniface Church also donated their paintings to be sold. Proceeds went to the artisans, producers, and to the grant committee of St. Boniface Church.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The foggy morning did not stop 500 runners from racing on the beach.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota County Parks and Recreation hosts 36th Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run

Sarasota County Parks and Recreation hosted the 36th Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run 5K Saturday, Dec. 8 at Siesta Public Beach to promote a healthy lifestyle and to bring the community together. Despite the strong fog close to 500 people registered for the run. Runners wore festive hats and costumes for the approaching holidays. Proceeds from the run go to the Sarasota County Parks and Recreation programs. 'My favorite part is seeing little kids to 80 year olds all coming out and participating,' said Parks and Recreation Supervisor Diana Finnegan. 'It promotes a healthy lifestyle and we love promoting people being part of a great beach.'

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Lucia Barrett plays the cello for the crowd.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLRY : Canandaigua National Trust Company hosts Ringling Party

The Canandaigua National Trust Company held their third annual party at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art on Friday, Dec. 7 to connect with existing and new customers. One hundred twenty people attended the event where they enjoyed refreshments and listened to the Romanza Strings play. 'It's a chance to support the arts,' said Vice President and Business Development Officer Paul Tarantino.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Santa waves to the crowd from his sleigh Friday, Dec. 7, during the Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: 34th annual Holiday Night of Lights

Thousands of people made their way out to take part in the 34th annual Holiday Night of Lights Friday, Dec. 7, on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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