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Your Observer

Guardians ad litem Carol Seigler, Rosalyn Fleischer and Betty Ewing
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: L'Ambiance Holiday Party

Residents of L'Ambiance on Longboat Key enjoyed a holiday luncheon Friday, Dec. 7. The annual holiday luncheon not only allows the ladies of L'Ambiance to get together and celebrate the holiday season, but it is also a time for the women to give back to the community. This year the group collected sweatshirts and hoodies for the guardian ad litem program.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Colorful Christmas lights lit up the boats and the marina.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Yacht Club Lighting of the Fleet

The Sarasota Yacht Club had their annual lighting of the fleet Friday, Dec. 7 to bring members together and to brighten spirits. All 108 boats in the arena were decorated with festive Christmas lights. Over 400 people marveled at the beautiful boats and the colorful lights that danced in the water. 'I love seeing the camaraderie, the boats, and all the members working and getting together to make this happened,' said Sarasota Yacht Club Sales and Marketing Director Dana Soldati.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Ron Gatti goes across the court to hit a backhand shot during his singles match against Tim Fitzpatrick.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: The 13th annual Observer Challenge

The 13th annual Observer Challenge took place Friday, Dec. 7 through Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center. Players participated in the challenge by playing singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Samantha Hobbs and Dulcy Kushmore pose with their toy donations.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: YPG After Hours

The Young Professionals Group of Sarasota held their monthly after hours Thursday, Dec. 6, at Libby's. During this get-together, those who attended were encouraged to bring at least one toy for a boy or girl to be donated to the Big Brothers Big Sisters toy drive.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mike, Gianna and Ginger Talerico with Scott and Skyler Rattana
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Tara's Dinner with Santa

Santa Clause made a pre-Christmas appearance at Tara Elementary School for the school's annual Dinner with Santa event Dec. 7. Students and families enjoyed pizza, pasta and lasagna in this PTO sponsored dinner.

  • East County
  • Schools
Susan and Tim Clarke
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • December 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Christkindl Party

Arbomar residents Heidi and Kent Lagro held their eighth annual Christkindl party Thursday, Dec. 6, featuring cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and German music. Guests brought toys to benefit Toys for Tots.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Kathy Bavely with Bentley, the terrier
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • December 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Observer Challenge Kickoff Party

The 13th annual Observer Challenge tennis tournament kicked off Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Soprano Michelle Giglio performed for the group, accompanied by Lee Dougherty Ross.
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • December 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: St Mary Star of the Sea Church Christmas Party

The men's and women's guilds of St Mary Star of the Sea Church held a joint Christmas party Wednesday, Dec. 5,

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Stephen Ackoury, of American Momentum Bank, with Lauren Boyle, of C1 Bank
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: LWRBA Social

Members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance spread their holiday cheer Dec. 5, during the organization's holiday social, at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Angela King, Carol Nash, Jan Neitlich, Nancy Berkman and Leanne Boris
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Night of a Thousand Lights

Ladies in the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club gathered Dec. 5, at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, for their holiday dinner and auction, Night of a Thousand Lights.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 7, 2012
WEEKEND BEST BET: Sandy Claws 5k

Sarasota County Parks and recreation will host the 36th annual Sandy Claws 5k run on Siesta Public Beach Saturday, Dec. 7.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • December 7, 2012
Dec. 7: 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
Discussions for a new firefighter contract ended this afternoon at Town Hall.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 7, 2012
UPDATE: Town, firefighters find common ground

The Longboat Key Town Commission will meet in a closed-door executive session to discuss the possibility of approving a new contract.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Tim Gruters, Joe Gruters Millard Martin and John Connor
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 7, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Tiger Bay Club Luncheon

Members of the Tiger Bay Club gathered Thursday, Dec. 6, at Michael's On East for their regular luncheon. Guests socialized before listening to a presentation by Sarasota County Republican Chair Joe Gruters and General Manager of WSRQ Radio, Susan Nilon, reflecting on the 2012 election.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sondra Konk and Bob Kirscher
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 7, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce held their annul lunch at Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Winebar on Friday, Dec. 7 for chamber members to get together. Approximately 75 people attended the steak lunch where they chatted and enjoyed each other's company. 'It's a good opportunity for members to come out and get together with everyone,' said Kevin Cooper.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The developer is moving towards a July 2013 opening. Courtesy.
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • December 7, 2012
P.F. Chang's construction work to begin soon

The developer expects to secure a building permit and start construction soon on the 6,900-square-foot, stand-alone building.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 7, 2012
WEEKEND BEST BET: 'The Nutcracker'

This weekend's performance of "The Nutcracker" will bring to life a holiday classic.

  • East County
  • News
Town labor attorney Reynolds Allen told firefighters Thursday morning that the town "wants out of the pension business."
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 7, 2012
Town and firefighters meeting again today

The town of Longboat Key and its firefighters are working to reach a three-year contract by the end of the day today.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The show is a fundraising effort for the newly formed conservatory, which will be performing the same variations at the Youth America Grandprix, the world's largest ballet competition. Courtesy image.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 7, 2012
WEEKEND BEST BET: Sarasota Ballet: 'Holiday Variations'

Don't miss the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory of Dance perform classical variations from multiple famous ballets in "Holiday Variations."

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota County Commissioner Nora Patterson talks emergency management policy with Siesta Key Association board member Ron Flynn.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 7, 2012
SKA surprised with variance requests

The public hearing for exceptions to build on two lots north of Terrace East is scheduled for a January 9 Sarasota County Commission meeting.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The event kicks off at 6 p.m. tonight with a Christmas Carol sing-along, followed by a Santa parade led by the Wells Fargo stage coach and the arrival of Santa in his sleigh. File Photo.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 7, 2012
WEEKEND BEST BET: 34th Annual Holiday Night of Lights

Santa Claus is coming to the Circle tonight at the 34th Annual Holiday Night of Lights.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
If voted in, The Florida Police Benevolent Association could have provided collective bargaining for deputies below the rank of sergeant in the areas of patrol, courts and administration.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 7, 2012
Manatee County Sheriff deputies turn down union attempt

A Dec. 5 vote among Manatee County Sheriff Office's rank-and-file deputies to unionize failed to pass

  • East County
  • News
"For all the craziness of it, there is a lot to be said for it" McNees said about the tough job of running a city.
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • December 6, 2012
McNees to start as city manager of Melbourne

Mike McNees was city manager in Sarasota from 2001 to 2007.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Join Emily Walsh for the daily headlines
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • December 6, 2012
Dec. 6: Daily Headlines Video

Today's Stories: Laurel Park buffer decision postponed; Siesta condo sales stronger in 2012; DID could help clean sidewalks; Town, firefighters could reach deal by Friday; and more!

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jessica Bodell with Barbie and Ken McCartney
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • December 6, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Garden Club Holiday Party

The Longboat Key Garden Club enjoyed a holiday potluck dinner Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the Longboat Island Chapel.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Regina Brown, Vilma Cooper of Saks Fifth Avenue, Zenobia Davis, Vicki Cole of Saks Fifth Avenue
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • December 6, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Republican Club Holiday Dinner

The Longboat Key Republican Club had its holiday dinner Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the Sarasota Yacht Club with members from the Sarasota and Sarasota County Republican clubs. The event featured a silent auction, with items provided by Saks Fifth Avenue.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Tammy Angel (left) and Teresa Alexander of Dieter’s Sod Service, with Richard Perlman of Michael Saunders
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • December 6, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Tri-Chamber Holiday Party

The Longboat Key, Manatee and Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerces enjoyed a holiday party Tuesday, Dec. 4, at the BeachHouse Restaurant on Bradenton Beach.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 6, 2012
Local Ocean Properties resorts to hold career fair

Five local resorts will be hiring at a job fair Dec. 10 and Dec. 11.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Dina Hink, a fifth-year Garden Club member, with Anne Brahler and Cheryl Kail, both first-year members
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 6, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Palm Aire Garden Club's Holiday Luncheon

The Palm-Aire Garden Club held its annual Holiday Luncheon Dec. 5. Nearly 40 club members attended and took part in a raffle and exchanged gifts.

  • East County
  • News
Town labor attorney Reynolds Allen told firefighters Thursday morning that the town "wants out of the pension business."
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 6, 2012
Town and firefighters trying to reach a contract

The town of Longboat Key and its firefighters are working to reach a three-year contract by the end of the day on Friday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 6, 2012
We don't take judging 'lightly'

Judgment Day is almost upon us.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 6, 2012
New community editor on Key beat

You'll be seeing a new face around town this week.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 6, 2012
Food for thought

East County mom Amy Meese is helping to create a brighter holiday season for children in need.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 6, 2012
HOG helps children with cancer

After a successful Great Teddy Bear Run event in the East County, the Sarasota Harley Owners Group donated more than $6,200 to KIDS by the SEA, an organization that decreases the devastation of childhood cancer through support programs, emotional health services and emergency assistance to families.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 6, 2012
Extra Innings to begin holding pitching clinics

Extra Innings will be offering two pitching clinics, headed by former local Major League Baseball player Troy Mattes, beginning Dec. 18.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 6, 2012
Pediatric playtime

The Payton Wright Foundation surprised officials at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center with more than $2,000 worth of toys and games for the hospital's new pediatric unit.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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