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Your Observer

Restaurant employees called 911 at 2:47 p.m. Thursday to report that a man in a white Mercedes sedan had just driven off after threatening to kill the driver of a brown car
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • July 6, 2012
Man threatens driver with gun at drive-thru

A man waved at a gun at a driver at a McDonalds drive-thru after he pulled in front of him at the entrance.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton and Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent volley criticisms about each other's political record.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • July 6, 2012
Thaxton takes on Dent's transparency

Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent took questions from Sarasota Tiger Bay Club members during a luncheon yesterday along with her challenger in the August primary election Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Jim Seaton plays the role of Uncle Sam
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • July 6, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Al Hogle Freedom Fest

There was no shortage of patriotism on Bay Isles Road July 4: scooters, bikes, wagons, kids and even dogs were decked in flags and streamers, A parade of residents, town employees and commissioners, police, firefighters and a Cannons Marina boat took over a flag-lined Bay Isles Road to display their spirit. The fun day commemorating the late Police Chief Al Hogle was Grand Marshaled by his wife, Leslie Hogle. Following the parade, children released butterflies in Centennial Park. But before the games took place, Mayor Jim Brown declared a new name for the parade: 'The Al Hogle Freedom Fest.'

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Douglas Jennings serves up a hot dog, Wednesday, July 4, at SKOB.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • July 5, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: SKOB supports the troops

SKOB served up hot dogs, BBQ chicken drumsticks and sausage and peppers as part of a fundraiser for the troops, Wednesday, July 4.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Rick Borges with Tina Smith and Kaitlyn Smith
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • July 5, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Selby Gardens Tropical Fourth

Selby Gardens hosted its annual Tropical Fourth of July event this Wednesday, July 4. Hundreds of people celebrated Independence Day with a stroll through the gardens, enjoying food and beverages and a children's area. As the sun set, attendees enjoyed the bayfront fireworks show.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
In chairs, Nick Gray, 8, Ashlyn Weaver, 10, and Joshua Gray, 4, on ground, William Willard, 4, and Kayla Willard, 9, wave their American flags, Wednesday, July 4.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • July 5, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Siesta Key 4th of July Fireworks

Thousands of people made their way out to Siesta Key and onto the beach to enjoy the fireworks, Wednesday, July 4.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Join Emily Walsh as she reports today's headlines.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • July 5, 2012
July 5: 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
Red-and-gold sparks lit up the night.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • July 5, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Fireworks over Sarasota Bay

Fireworks lit up the night as they soared over Sarasota Bay July 4.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Palm Avenue parking garage's bottom floor space will be designed and built out by three local design and construction firms.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • July 5, 2012
Palm Avenue restaurant owner selects design firms

The Seidensticker family's latest restaurant venue on the first floor of the Palm Avenue parking garage is scheduled to open in November.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The condominium features 360-degree views of downtown Sarasota and Sarasota Bay. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • July 5, 2012
Coldwell LBK agents close $5.6 million sale

The 8,000-square-foot penthouse is located in downtown Sarasota's Beau Ciel condominium.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Snooty, the manatee that lives at the South Florida Museum's Parker Manatee Aquarium, turns 64.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • July 5, 2012
Museum calls on kids for card contest

The South Florida Museum is hosting a birthday card contest for Snooty the manatee.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The storm extended Beer Can Island’s sands further into Longboat Pass. Courtesy Tom Freiwald.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • July 5, 2012
Debby leaves behind bigger Beer Can Island

The expansion brings dry sand to an area with strong currents, causing concerns for public safety officials.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Four-year-old Jordyn Kruse proudly waved her patriotic flag.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 4, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Primrose Red, White and Blue Parade

Nearly 100 children showed their patriotic pride during Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch Town Center's Red, White and Blue Parade July 3.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota County Coastal Resources Manager Laird Wreford said erosion losses ranged from anywhere between 20 and 60 feet along the Gulf Coast, but the award-winning sands of Siesta Key Public Beach remained.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • July 4, 2012
Debby ravages shores of south Siesta

The tropical storm eroded nearly 30 feet of Turtle Beach, leaving 50% of sediment placed in 2008 during a $10 million nourishment project. Siesta Key public beach was spared.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Dave Magee, SKVA member representing the UPS Store and a beachfront property owner, said it was necessary to put a security guard on the beach because non-guests were crowding out paying customers and future guests. File image.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • July 4, 2012
Private beaches post security guards

The battle between owners of beachfront property and public-use advocates is on the brink of reigniting. Parties hope to throw water on the debate before it heats up.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Sarasota County Commissioner Joe Barbetta wants further government consolidation after staff vacates the sixth floor of the Administration Center. Photo by Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • July 4, 2012
Sarasota County wants to shed land

Commissioner Joe Barbetta has made consolidating government services a goal since he was elected. Now he wants the free space created in private hands.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • July 4, 2012
Commissioners split on new meter readers

Environmental Services says it needs to put 45,000 new water meters in the ground as soon as possible.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • July 4, 2012
City commission 'targets' defunct parking meters

The city of Sarasota is posed to lose 90% on the purchase price of 47 parking meter pay stations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By John Gudritz
  • July 4, 2012
My View: More tourists requires more parking

It was disheartening to read about the reason for the closing of Anna's Deli in Siesta Key Village.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 4, 2012
Letters to the Editor

SRQ was over-expanded

  • Sarasota
  • News
Judilee Sterne's family in the old market place of Jerusalem. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • July 4, 2012
Neighbors: Judilee Sterne

Siesta Key resident Judilee Sterne went on a pilgrimage to Israel with members of her congregation, her children and grandchildren.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Pam Nadalini refused to sign the evaluation that listed her management skills as "Below Expectations," choosing, instead, to write a two-page letter to Turner dated Monday, July 2, detailing her concerns with the low marks she received.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • July 4, 2012
Turner gives Nadalini poor evaluation

Sarasota City Auditor and Clerk Pamela Nadalini refused to sign an evaluation Commissioner Terry Turner submitted last month.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Search consultant Colin Baenziger, of Colin Baenziger & Associates, told the Sarasota Observer Tuesday he was surprised by the commission's decision.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • July 4, 2012
Search for new city leader continues

Search consultant Colin Baenziger suggests the city manager salary maximum be raised from $180,000 to $215,000 for the position to attract a wider range of candidates.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 4, 2012
News Briefs

City plans repairs for Osprey Avenue Bridge; South Shade Avenue temporarily closed; O'Shea takes the helm at New College

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sonia Pressman Fuentes is a founding member of the National Organization for Women, which has fought for women’s rights since the mid-1960s. In her retirement, she’s continues her efforts as an author and public speaker.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • July 4, 2012
Neighbors: Sonia Pressman Fuentes

Sarasota resident and prominent feminist activist Sonia Pressman Fuentes has dedicated her life to fighting discrimination.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sun-N-Fun Vacation Resort offered its services as a donation to SPARCC.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • July 4, 2012
SPARCC finds families temporary homes at Sun-N-Fun Resort

After an extermination left SPARCC without housing, Sun-N-Fun offered free private room and board.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 4, 2012
Letters to the Editor

SRQ was over-expanded; A good time to consolidate

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 4, 2012
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 4, 2012
News Briefs

Siesta Sheriff facility extends lease; Siesta water facility back on track; Siesta Key flooding traps residents; Say what, Siesta?

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 4, 2012
Cops Corner: Pelican Press

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Join Emily Walsh as she reports today's headlines.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • July 4, 2012
July 3: 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
This home at 703 Tropical Circle, which has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,913 square feet of living area, sold for $700,000. Photo by Alex Mahadevan.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • July 4, 2012
Tortoise Estates home sells for $900,000

A home in Tortoise Estates tops all transactions in this week's real estate. George and Karen Flynn, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1159 Horizon View Drive to Kathleen Brown, of Cincinnati, for $900,000.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Charles Preston Rawls submitted this sunrise photo, taken in downtown Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 4, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Charles Preston Rawls submitted this sunrise photo, taken in downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Christine McCrenzi submitted this sunset photo, taken on Siesta Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 4, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Christine McCrenzi submitted this sunset photo, taken on Siesta Key.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • July 4, 2012
IN THE PUBLIC EYE: Tim McGonegal

East County resident Tim McGonegal has spent the past four years working to ensure the needs of one of the largest and most successful school districts in the state are met.

  • East County
  • News
Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • July 4, 2012
Athlete of the Week: Cole Maden

Cole Maden, 13, recently returned from playing in Cooperstown, N.Y., with the Sarasota Sharks 12U baseball team.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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