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Your Observer

Former State College of Florida center fielder and current assistant baseball coach Dave Moates will be inducted into the SCF Hall of Fame during a ceremony Jan. 18. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 9, 2013
Hall of Famer: Dave Moates

Lakewood Ranch High physical education teacher Dave Moates will be inducted Jan. 18 into the State College of Florida Hall of Fame.

  • East County
  • Sports
Formerly the Suncoast Storm 14U travel softball team, the team joined the Tampa Mustangs organization in August. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 9, 2013
Suncoast Storm has a new identity

The Suncoast Storm 14U travel softball team joined the Tampa Mustangs organization in August as a way to garner national recognition. The girls won their 12th tournament title at the USFA Wounded Warrior College Showcase Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.

  • East County
  • Sports
Championship players include: Hannah Ott, Madison Taylor, Kasey Brandt, Alana DeLaGarza, Emma Bourdeau, Kayleigh Roundy, Hailey Hirter, Courtney Stout, Riley O’Neill, Allison Van Hatten and Jessica Wagner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 9, 2013
SIDELINES

Lady Pirates go 2-1 in holiday tournament; Falkner Farms wins tournament championship; LRLL spring registration upcoming; Miss Manatee Softball announces registration dates for spring season

  • East County
  • Sports
Brett Wessel, 16, and his younger brothers, Luke, 9, and Cade, 12, all began playing ice hockey for the Gulf Coast Flames travel organization during the past two years.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 9, 2013
Family Affair: Brothers travel to play hockey

East County brothers Brett, Cade and Luke Wessel play travel hockey for the Gulf Coast Flames at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 9, 2013
Athlete of the Week: Terrance Cummings

Braden River High senior Terrance Cummings helped lead the Pirates to a 2-2 record Dec. 26 to Dec. 29, at the 21st annual Suncoast Holiday Classic.

  • East County
  • Sports
The new historical marker tells the history of the New Edzell Castle, which was Bird Key’s first mansion. The home was torn down in 1959.
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • January 9, 2013
Bird Key receives historical designation

Bird Key receives historical designation 99 years after the erection of the key's first mansion, which was demolished in 1959.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jeanne Larranaga in a costume she will wear during Sunset Boulevard. Courtesy of John Larranaga
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 9, 2013
Showstopping career: Jeanne Larranaga

A January performance as Norma Desmond in 'Sunset Boulevard' at The Players Theatre in Sarasota will be the latest in a storied community-theater career for East County resident Jeanne Larranaga.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This Country Club Village at Lakewood Ranch home, which has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,706 square feet of living area, sold for $1.1 million. Photo by Pam Eubanks.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 9, 2013
Home in Country Club Village sells for $1.1 million

A home in Country Club Village at Lakewood Ranch tops all transactions in this week's real estate. R. Michael and Traci Smullen sold their home at 6933 Lacantera Circle to Bradley and Terri Prechtl, of Bradenton, for $1.1 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Lee Wetherington Homes broke ground on the new Solivita model in the Haddington neighborhood in Country Club East at Lakewood Ranch. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 9, 2013
BUSINESS OBSERVER

Lee Wetherington Homes sales double in 2012; Willis A. Smith Construction named construction manager; South Manatee Business Coalition adds board member; Lee Wetherington Homes breaks ground on new model

  • East County
  • News
Kelly Rockett-Safford submitted this wave photo taken at sunset on Coquina Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 9, 2013
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Kelly Rockett-Safford submitted this wave photo taken at sunset on Coquina Beach.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Forty-year employees Judy Longmate and Marshall Gillen pose with General Manager Anatoliy Furmanov, Owner Betsie Coolidge and Catering Director Terri Smith. Photo courtesy of Syd Krawczyk/Concept Digital Media.
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • January 9, 2013
Cafe L'Europe celebrates 40 years

When Betsie Coolidge opened Cafe L'Europe in 1973 with her late husband, Titus Letschert, she never envisioned it would become an icon, beloved 40 years later by residents and tourists alike.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Matt Drews, sitting, and Chuck Vollmer run the Sarasota-based franchise for Esio Beverage System. The company offers what it calls the first hot-and-cold, ready-to-drink beverage dispenser on the market. Photo by Lori Sax.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • January 9, 2013
Former wealth manager tries his hand at new business

A Ponzi scheme wiped out a once-prominent wealth manager's career. The comeback is going slow. 'This is still us digging our way out,' says Chuck Vollmer.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Wicker Inn overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 9, 2013
Real Estate Reports

Lido Key home sells for $6.35 million; Wagner Realty to manage Wicker Inn

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Pluto
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 9, 2013
BUSINESS OBSERVER

Tommy Bahama hires Peg McKay Pluto

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Unit 1002 at The Beach Residences, 1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive, has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,964 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.9 million. File Photo.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 9, 2013
Four-bedroom Lido Key home sells for $4 million

A home on Lido Key tops all transactions in this week's real estate. Billy and Vivian Baird, of Sturgis, Ky., sold their home at 1355 Westway Drive to Donn Winokur and Eileen O'Donnell-Winokur, of Sarasota, for $4 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
The Longboat Key Club's new Mind & Motion studio for fitness classes. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Molly Schechter
  • January 9, 2013
Aerobic Grandma: Menu of fitness classes for the upcoming year

Whether you are in great physical condition and raring to go or one of those snowbirds who returns each winter saying, "I haven't done a thing since I left here last spring," you have quite a smorgasbord of classes to choose from on the Key this season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
David Rosenthal submitted this sunset photo, taken on the north end of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 9, 2013
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

David Rosenthal submitted this sunset photo, taken on the north end of Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Tom Holland as Lucas and Naomi Watts as Maria Belon in "The Impossible." Courtesy.
    By
  • Pam Nadon
  • January 9, 2013
Film Review: 'The Impossible'

"The Impossible" is a cinematic masterpiece and a gripping true story of survival. Without warning and while on vacation, a family is swept away and separated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. As their nightmare unfolds, we're left breathless for almost two hours.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kristine Nickel, president elect of RCLA, and Merry Williams, president of RCLA
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 8, 2013
Ringling College Library Association Town Hall Platinum Dinner

Ringling College Library Association Town Hall Platinum Dinner

  • Black Tie
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 8, 2013
Obituary: Robert J. Weeks

Robert J. Weeks, 78, of Longboat Key and Sea Girt, N.J., died Dec. 23.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 8, 2013
Obituary: Fred Taich

Fred Taich, 86, of Longboat Key, died Jan. 3.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
No charges have been filed against the dump truck driver.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 8, 2013
Motorcyclist dies in head-on collision with dump truck

William Bierbaum of Palmetto drove his 2007 Harley into a dump truck on County Rode 675, north of Rye Road.

  • East County
  • News
Join Emily Walsh and Alex Mahadevan for the Daily Headlines.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • January 8, 2013
Jan. 8: Daily Headlines Video

Today's Stories: Smoking ban on Sarasota County property unenforceable; Sarasota City commissioners to hold Walmart appeal; Siesta Key selected as one of Florid's 'best beach towns' in USA Today

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 8, 2013
ODA blanks Bayshore

The Out-of-Door Academy girls soccer team blanked Bayshore 8-0 Jan. 7.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 8, 2013
Tornadoes blow past Sailors

The Booker High boys basketball team cruised to an 80-50 victory over Sarasota Jan. 7.

  • East County
  • Sports
Bluegrass musicians perform in a circle at Bee Ridge Park as onlookers enjoy the music.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 8, 2013
PHOTO GALLERY: Bee Ridge Park Bluegrass Jam

Despite a light rain, bluegrass musicians and fans gathered under the pavilion Thursday, Jan. 3 at Bee Ridge Park to stir up some home-cooked roots music as part of a weekly collaborative performance. According to guitarist Gary Miller, during season, when more musicians show up, the weekly event becomes more of an open jam session. 'I think we counted 15 guitars tonight,' said Miller, during a break. 'We just all take turns singing.' Musicians took turns playing bluegrass standards as the audience watched on from beneath the pavilion.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Longboat Key Town Commission is waiting for the Longboat Key Fire Rescue union to ratify a new three-year contract.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 8, 2013
Longboat Key Town Commission establishes election date

The Longboat Key Town Commission will move its election date to March 12.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The County can no longer issue citations for smoking on county-owned property, including beaches.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • January 8, 2013
Smoking ban on Sarasota County property unenforceable

The local court decision on smoking in city of Sarasota parks means Sarasota County can't issue citations for smoking on county-owned property.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Elizabeth Poss Colebrook reached a new decade Saturday, Jan. 5. The 90-year-old celebrated her birthday with daughters Susan, Kristina and Deborah, as well as about 50 friends at her Harbour Court home. Colebrook has lived on Longboat Key since 1990.
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • January 8, 2013
PHOTO OF THE DAY: The Big 9-0

Elizabeth Poss Colebrook reached a new decade Saturday, Jan. 5. The 90-year-old celebrated her birthday with daughters Susan, Kristina and Deborah, as well as about 50 friends at her Harbour Court home. Colebrook has lived on Longboat Key since 1990.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Voting for Florida's 'best beach town' ends Jan. 16. The winner will be featured in a USA Today travel story.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • January 8, 2013
Siesta Key selected as one of Florida's 'best beach towns' in USA Today

Stephen P. Leatherman, aka 'Dr. Beach,' is putting Siesta Key in national headlines again with his nominations for Florida's best beach towns.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The proposed Walmart became the fourth construction project in the city to face an appeal over the past five years. All four of those appeals were denied by the City Commission.
    By
  • Roger Drouin
  • January 8, 2013
Sarasota City commissioners to hold Walmart appeal hearing

Commissioners voted 4-1 to hold an appeal hearing on the Walmart Supercenter planned for the Ringling Shopping Center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The development, a project called Del Tierra proposed by developer D.R. Horton, would be denser than a neighboring community, Country Meadows.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 8, 2013
Commissioners to review proposed 610-home community

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners will review a plan for a 610-home community on the west side of Rye Road, south of Upper Manatee River Road, at its land-use meeting Thursday afternoon.

  • East County
  • News
The development, a project called Del Tierra proposed by developer D.R. Horton, would be denser than a neighboring community, Country Meadows.
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • January 8, 2013
Commissioners to review proposed 610-home community

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners will review a plan for a 610-home community on the west side of Rye Road, south of Upper Manatee River Road, at its land-use meeting Thursday afternoon.

  • East County
  • News
The smiley face after being tarred and feathered by members of The Anti-SRQ Walmart Direct Action Planning Committee.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 7, 2013
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Tar-and-feather

The Anti-SRQ Walmart Direct Action Planning Committee tarred and feathered a smiley face Wal-Mart icon Monday, Jan. 7, prior to the commission meeting at the Sarasota City Hall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Join Emily Walsh and Alex Mahadevan for the Daily Headlines.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • January 7, 2013
Jan. 7: Daily Headlines Video

Today's Stories: Waechter resigns from advisory boards; Lakewood Ranch home burglarized; Commissioners to consider Walmart appeal; and Longboat Key Town Commission establishes election date tonight

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Larry Grossman, Mayor Jim Brown, Irwin Pastor, Gene Jaleski and Commissioner Phill Younger
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 7, 2013
Library checks out Longboat Key Town Commission candidates

Candidates for the Longboat Key Town Commission turned a new page Monday when they met with Longboat Library members for the first candidate forum of this year's election season.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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1
Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key President Danielle Gladding welcomes guest speaker Longboat Police Chief Russ Mager to update members about his approach to leadership since he assumed the role last autumn at the April 2 meeting.
  • April 4, 2026
Longboat police chief talks digital security with Kiwanians
2
Lakewood Ranch's Jerry and Marilyn Schneider, who have been married for 63 years, enjoy the live music at Music on Main April 3.
  • April 4, 2026
Dancers show off their moves at Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch
3
St. Regis at Longboat Key is a gulf-facing resort and condo development on the barrier island of Longboat Key. The Unicorp-developed property opened in 2024 at the former site of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.
  • April 4, 2026
St. Regis on track to receive permanent certificate of occupancy, eyes tennis courts
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The Fruitville Townhomes site plan to replace the vacant former Sarasota Lanes bowling center.
  • April 4, 2026
Fruitville bowling alley submits plans to redevelop into 4-story townhomes
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Mitchell Meissner lines up his putt on the third green of the Commander Course at Lakewood National Golf Club. He carded six under par in the second round, pulling into a 10-way tie for 10th place.
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Front runner emerges on second day of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic

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