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Your Observer

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann, attended the Lincoln Day Dinner in April 2007.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • September 4, 2012
Romney/Ryan headed to Sarasota

The Republican Party of Sarasota County will host a fundraiser Sept. 20, which will feature the 2012 Republican presidential ticket.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Longboat Key Town Commission meets at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. today at Town Hall.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • September 4, 2012
Town Commission discusses budget and Colony today

Longboat Key town commissioners will adopt on first reading a final 2012-13 fiscal year budget and discuss a Colony Beach & Tennis Resort extension today.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The accident occurred at approximately 6:35 a.m. yesterday. Florida Highway Patrol is still searching for the driver of the Dodge Ram.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 4, 2012
FHP investigates hit-and-run

The Labor Day accident occurred on University Parkway, near Cooper Creek Boulevard.

  • East County
  • News
Representatives from several landscape and maintenance companies toured Siesta Key Village in June.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • September 4, 2012
Village tour planned for maintenance firm

Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp. Chairman Mark Smith on Friday will lead representatives from Championship Landscape Maintenance Professionals through the Village.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Join Emily Walsh and Alex Mahadevan as they report today's headlines.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 4, 2012
Sept. 4: Daily Headlines Video

Join us as we observe and report today's stories from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
A crowd waits in the chapel for Mayor Atwell to deliver the proclamation.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • September 3, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Toale Brothers 100th Anniversary

Toale Brothers Funeral Home celebrated 100 years of business Friday, August 31, at its downtown location. Purchased in 1948 by George and Jack Toale, the company is in its third generation of Toale ownership. After a speech by Jason Toale, Mayor Suzanne Atwell delivered a proclamation, and guests enjoyed wine and food. 'What great neighbors to have for 100 years,' said Atwell in her speech.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jake Elrod and Caegan Quimby perform with Physical Plant.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • September 3, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Art Center Sarasota presents Once in a Blue Moon

Just as a blue moon only occurs every few years, the eclectic mix of the four bands that performed at Art Center Sarasota Friday, August 31, isn't exactly easy to stumble upon. The concert, presented by Art Center Sarasota and The Closet, featured local bands Physical Plant and The Equines, as well as traveling bands Not a Planet and Sparta Philharmonic. ACS decorated its stage with mannequins and stage lights, and guests enjoyed the music, as well as beer provided by Darwin's on Fourth.

  • Arts + Culture
Miguel Fenix shows Alex and Spencer Schurawel how to use a thermal camera.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • September 3, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Dianne Ochiltree Book Release

Local children's author Dianne Ochiltree celebrated the release of her latest book, 'Molly, by Golly,' in style Saturday, Sept. 1. The book centers on Molly Williams, America's first female firefighter. In addition to signing copies of her book at Bookstore1Sarasota, Ochiltree posed with children and families as they explored a fire truck that was on hand.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Scullers men novice entry of Koehler Cameron, Fezza Blake, Yaegers Stephen, Opitz Dylan, Gordon Gray, Johnston Trevor, Sullivan Jordan, Wolf Joshua and coxwain Hawley Dylan.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • September 2, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota 5000 Regatta

The Sarasota Scullers held their annual Sarasota 5000 Sunday, Sept. 30 out at Blackburn Point Road. 19 teams participated in the regatta.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Center midfielder Malcolm Lewis attempts a shot for the Wesley Chapel Flames.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 1, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: 2012 Labor Day Showcase

Hundreds of youth soccer players hit the field for the 2012 Labor Day Showcase Sept. 1 at the Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch. More than 300 boys and girls teams, ranging in age from U9 to U18, participated in the annual tournament, which runs through Sept. 3.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch running back Chris Pearcey carries the ball during the first half.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • August 31, 2012
Lakewood Ranch wins third straight over Braden River

The Mustangs defeated the Pirates 21-7 in the season opener for both teams.

  • East County
  • Sports
The 26-foot tall statue was removed in April after a woman driving a four-door white Mercedes Benz smashed into the base of the statue, causing enough damage to the structure to force it to come down.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • August 31, 2012
'Unconditional Surrender' statue comes back in November

A white Mercedes Benz crashed into the statue April 26. The statue is being repaired and expected to be back up in November.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Braden River will clash tonight against Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • August 31, 2012
Friday Night Clash: Aug. 31

Tonight's three big games are East County rivals Braden River and Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota High vs. Booker, and Riverview vs. Palmetto.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • August 31, 2012
Staff recommends Colony extension

Longboat Key's Planning, Zoning and Building Department staff will recommend an extension of the Colony's reopening until June 30, 2014.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A Gameboy, a diaper bag, a pack of cigarettes, and more than $10 in loose change were reported missing by residents living on Commonwealth Drive. Stock image.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • August 31, 2012
Vehicle burglaries continue on Siesta

Several unlocked cars on Commonwealth Drive were targeted Aug. 27.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Donald Trump, holding his copy of the Sarasota Observer, told reporters during a press conference Sunday, at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, that if President Barack Obama is re-elected, there might not be a country left in four years.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • August 31, 2012
VIDEO: Donald Trump visits Sarasota

The Donald Trump accepted the organization's Statesman of the Year distinction by the Republican Party of Sarasota last weekend. Watch what he had to say on video.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Cucci family came out in full force to honor their beloved relative, Laura Cucci, who died of breast cancer more than a decade ago.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 31, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Get Teed Off Golf Tourney

East County residents teed off against breast cancer Aug. 31, at the Legacy Golf Course, for a charity golf tournament benefiting Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

  • East County
  • News
Jenny Alday and Devon Bogg
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • August 30, 2012
"Last Night Out" Local Celebrity Bartending to Benefit Brides Against Breast Cancer

"Last Night Out" Local Celebrity Bartending to Benefit Brides Against Breast Cancer

  • Black Tie
The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort has been closed since August 2010.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • August 30, 2012
Association partners with Adams, Coral Hospitality

The Colony Beach & Tennis Association entered into an agreement last night with Andy Adams' BreakPointe LLC and the Naples-based Coral Hospitality.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Join Emily Walsh and Alex Mahadevan as they report the daily headlines.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • August 30, 2012
Aug. 30: Daily Headlines Video

Join us as we observe and report today's stories from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • August 30, 2012
Meteors win Slugfest

The Meteors 10U travel baseball team captured the IBC Nations Summer Sugfest Championship Aug. 24-26 in Bradenton.

  • East County
  • Sports
Siesta Key architect Mark Smith (right) is working with Sarasota County staff to reduce the cost of the $21.4 million Siesta beach improvement project.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • August 30, 2012
Consultant proposes beach project cuts

Sarasota County Public Works and Parks and Recreation staff will meet today to look over proposed cuts to reduce the $21.4 million price tag on the Siesta Key Beach improvement projects.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 30, 2012
Biography channel taps local company

The Biography channel commissioned Sarasota-based InterMedia Productions to film an episode of "Mobsters."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Bonnie and Harvey Sussman. Photo by Nick Friedman.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 30, 2012
Anniversary party is a golden one

Harvey and Bonnie Sussman celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Friday, Aug. 24, at Temple Sinai.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
File photo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 30, 2012
Horses keep protestors in line

When Siesta Key residents flip on coverage of the Republican National Convention, they might see some familiar - furry - faces.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 30, 2012
It's game time at Glebe Park

Suncoast Sports Club will soon be back in action on Siesta Key at Glebe Park.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
5011 Ocean Blvd. has become home to a squatter, dredging up new dialogue about homelessness in Sarasota County.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • August 30, 2012
Vagrant living in vacant building

Siesta Key residents are concerned that minor issues with homelessness could snowball into a full-fledged problem. and make the island an attractive location for transients.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Sediment buildup in the canals throughout Sea Plume Way has made routine dredging necessary. Photos by Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • August 30, 2012
Canal clearing finishes $24,000 under budget

Sarasota County cleared the sediment buildup in the waterway around Sea Plume Way. Siesta Key residents will pay thousands less than expected.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Chandler Brooks, 23, enjoys the effects of Isaac Monday, Aug. 27, on Siesta Key. Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • August 30, 2012
Sarasota County staff gets disaster dry run

Administrator Randall Reid made no apologies for being proactive.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The grassy lot adjacent to Siesta Key is used for parking during the Siesta Key Crystal Classic and serves as a source of revenue for its budget.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • August 30, 2012
Crystal Classic organizers prep for future

The committee planning the fall sandsculpting competition on Siesta will implement changes this year to bolster the event for the future.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Sarah Schebel reads to 4-year-old Natasha Antoniuk.
    By
  • Harriet Sokmensuer
  • August 30, 2012
St. Boniface's new director has big plans for preschool

The office of St. Boniface Preschool's new director, Sarah Schebel, has fresh sea-foam-green walls, a desk, cabinet and bookshelf. It's also equipped with a rocking chair and two child-size chairs.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
"My job was to keep the wheels on the bus moving forward ... "  Terry Lewis said.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • August 30, 2012
Terry Lewis: 'Officially Retired'

Interim City Manager Terry Lewis will walk out of City Hall Friday afternoon and take a bus home to Venice to start his retirement.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • August 30, 2012
Police chief list down to 13

New Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin is expected to choose a new police chief this fall. Interim City Manager Terry Lewis handpicked the 13 finalists from 98 applicants.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Sarasota High School renovation is one of the major capital projects undertaken by the School Board of Sarasota County to take advantage of low interest rates and construction costs. File photo.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • August 30, 2012
Portable county classrooms to disappear in three years

Data shows Sarasota County students are moving away from public education and into charter schools, which will ease school capacity issues but pinch the budget.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Jeffrey Weisman owned an advertising and marketing agency in New York City. In Sarasota, he creates fine-art photography and serves on the board of directors of Art Center Sarasota.
  • By Jeffrey Weisman
  • August 30, 2012
My View: Where will we park?

Several weeks ago, my colleague in this column, John Gudritz, wrote about the need for more parking on Siesta Key, North Village and Main Beach. He cited the problem but stopped short of offering solutions.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 30, 2012
Cops Corner: Pelican Press

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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