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Your Observer

    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 17, 2012
SCORES: Sarasota Crew wins state championship

The Sarasota Crew collected 11 medals en route to winning the 2012 FSRA State Sculling Championship April 15.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Sarasota City Commission is willing to work with G.WIZ Science Museum on a lease extension because the bayfront parcel can’t be sold to a private party.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 17, 2012
G.WIZ staying put on the bayfront

The city cannot sell either its vacant bayfront parcel or the G.WIZ Science Museum property.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Yvette and Gerald Benton
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • April 16, 2012
Bobby Bowden Banquet

Bobby Bowden Banquet

  • Black Tie
Shirley Gilbert and Virginia Page
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • April 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Friends of the Ballet Luncheon

The Friends of the Ballet had a volunteer appreciation luncheon, Monday, April 16, at Michael's Wine Cellar.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Henry Aalst
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • April 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Sip and Shop

On Saturday, April 14 St. Armands Circle Park was pouring with wineos. The event goers could sample six different wines with a purchase of a ticket and could listen to live entertainment on the lawn. The event was part of the weekend long Florida Winefest & Auction which has contributed to over 76 charities in the past.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Join Emily Walsh for the Observer Daily Headlines. Image shown will not play video.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • April 16, 2012
April 16: 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
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 16, 2012
Driver rear-ends Manatee County school bus

No children were on board at the time of the accident.

  • East County
  • News
Denny Knight shows Jody and Walter Wiley some of his bright and fun fabrics inside his booth at Siesta Fiesta on Saturday.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • April 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: 34th Annual Siesta Fiesta

Thousands of people made their way out to Siesta Key for the 34th Annual Siesta Fiesta this past Saturday, April 14, and Sunday, April 15.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The Defratuses make eight batches or so at a time, and give the loaves to their friends and neighbors. When they cook, the whole block smells like bananas.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • April 16, 2012
IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Pam and David DeFratus

Pam and David DeFratus grow over 700 bananas each year from their yard on Longboat Key. Get their recipe for Banana Coconut Bread in this week's "In The Kitchen."

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Douglas Jennings, chef at SKOB, goes down after being jousted off his post by Evan Fernandez.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • April 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Siesta Gladiator Charity Challenge

Siesta Key Oyster Bar held a jousting competition, formally called the Siesta Gladiator Charity Challenge, Saturday, April 14, in their 'Beer Garden' during Siesta Fiesta.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota City Commission regular meeting begins today at 2:30 p.m. and reconvenes at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 16, 2012
City discusses G.WIZ lease tonight

The city is holding off on the city hold off on selling a vacant parcel at 1000 Blvd. of the Arts until it discusses a future lease for a tenant that sits next door.

  • Sarasota
  • News
An independent contractor will inspect Armstrong's home in the 2900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive and report back to the town's acting building official.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • April 16, 2012
Town could settle Armstrong suit this week

The Longboat Key Town Commission will consider a settlement agreement with resident James Armstrong at a special meeting Thursday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sandy Frick’s bowl printed with a once living Blue Gill
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • April 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Myakka River Exhibit

Regional and local artists joined with Friends of Myakka River State Park for a presentation of paintings, prints, drawings, photographs and sculptures to represent the 57 miles of wetlands, prairies and woodlands. The gallery of work was revealed at the opening on Thursday, April 12 at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design. The artwork features reptiles, fish, mammals, birds, landscapes and other flora and fauna of the Myakka River using different mediums and color schemes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Speaker Alan Mong with Freedom Personal Development and Larry Hibbs with Serv Pro
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • April 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: LLSA Chamber Networking at Noon

The Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce members and guests met Thursday, April 12 at the Holiday Inn Lido Beach for a Networking at Noon luncheon. Along Mong with Freedom Personal Development gave the lecture on discovering your memory power and reading smart.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mona Vachhani and Sean Shinham, of the Braden River High School Key Club,  had a tent themed '90s pop music.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Relay for Life

East County residents pulled together to honor loved ones and join the fight against cancer April 14-15 during the Lakewood Ranch Relay for Life event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Hundreds of walkers and runners participated in the event.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: JDRF Walk to Cure

East County residents rallied in the fight against diabetes April 14, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, as they walked and ran in the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Tyler Delaney, Bence Pinter, Kyle Grendel and Christian Marrero checked out the jousting contest.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Imagine Field Day

In preparation for this week's FCAT exams, children at Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch spent much of the day April 13 outside during the school's special Field Day event.

  • East County
  • Schools
Kristen Blossom, Brittany Proia and Doug Bradbury
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • April 15, 2012
Men Who Cook

Men Who Cook

  • Black Tie
Lobetia syrah
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • April 15, 2012
Florida Winefest and Auction Grand Brunch & Charity Auction

Florida Winefest and Auction Grand Brunch & Charity Auction

  • Black Tie
Adar Pitts and Donna Carey dance while Democracy performed on stage during EcoFest, Saturday, April 14.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • April 15, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: 2012 Natural Awakenings' EcoFest

Hundreds who came out to the 2012 Natural Awakenings' EcoFest, Saturday, April 14, in downtown Sarasota, celebrated the 42nd Anniversary of Earth Day.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Courtney Davenport, Kelly Munch and Diana Dunn
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • April 15, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Kick-Off Party for the Second Annual Simply Sarasota Kitchen and Garden Festival

The Junior League had many people come out to G. Wiz, Friday, April 13, for the Kick-Off Party for the Second Annual Simply Sarasota Kitchen and Garden Festival.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
D’Arcy and Ray Arpke with Kelly Atkin
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • April 15, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Party on the Pass

Mote Marine held its annual "Party on the Pass" event Saturday.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rhonda Dix and Bill Norris share the Loaded Works mac and cheese.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • April 15, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Ringling Picnic's Spring Fling

The owners of the food trucks at Ringling Picnic held Spring Fest from 5-10 p.m., Friday, April 13. The event included music by DJ Dan, palm readings, hoop dancing, and beer and wine supplied by Evie's Tavern.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Leigh Bartlomeo
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • April 14, 2012
Cattle Baron's Ball 2012

Cattle Baron's Ball 2012

  • Black Tie
Deanne Sipes, Maddison Jordan and Emma Slotabec provided visuals for the song, "Do The Circulation."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 14, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: 'School House Rock Live!'

Theater students at Braden River High School rocked out on education April 13-14 during performances of "School House Rock Live!"

  • East County
  • News
Christina Baldwin, Brian Cogburn and Katie Relihan
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • April 13, 2012
Sarasota Film Festival Opening Night Film and Party

Sarasota Film Festival Opening Night Film and Party

  • Black Tie
Hayley and Jake O'Keefe were eager to see their artwork framed.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 13, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River Elementary Art Show

As families at Braden River Elementary School gathered April 12 at the school for report card conferences, they also checked out a special Art Show and Sale in the school's cafeteria.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Drs. Joshua Kim, William Lahners and William Soscia. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 13, 2012
Center for Sight donates surgeries

Recently, Center For Sight performed more than 70 free cataract surgeries for people who have no insurance and no means to pay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Science Fair judge Cathy Walsh with ODA student Brittany Wenger, who will represent Sarasota County.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 13, 2012
Students head to Science Fair

Sarasota County student scientists were honored with prizes and cash awards Wednesday, April 11, at the School Board Auditorium.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Join Emily Walsh for the Observer Daily Headlines. Image shown will not play video.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • April 13, 2012
April 13: 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
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 13, 2012
Business Alliance announces more endorsements

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance today announced five more political endorsements.

  • East County
  • News
Kathleen White, John Texada, Linda Stewart, Darcy Lawn and Mike Beitzinger of Iberia Bank
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • April 13, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: 11th Annual Hob Nob

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce held their 11th Annual Hob Nob event, Thursday, April 12, out at Phillippi Estate Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Eric Hammersand hopes to enclose the roof of Dry Dock Waterfront Grill and expand the existing second story. Courtesy rendering.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • April 13, 2012
Dry Dock owner to move forward with plan

Eric Hammersand hopes to file an application next week that could allow him to extend the existing second story of his restaurant.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Somerston Vineyards Lamar Engel with "Hells Kitchen" winner and guest chef Christina Machamer and Viking Executive Chef Chris Covelli
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 13, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: 'Hell's Kitchen' meets Food Network

As part of the Florida Wine Fest, recent Food Network guest chef and Viking Culinary Center resident Executive Chef Chris Covelli and guest chef Christina Machamer, Season 4 winner of "Hell's Kitchen," teamed up to provide East County residents with a culinary treat April 12. Guests at the special dinner event enjoyed a five-course meal matched with wines from Somerston Vineyards in California.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 13, 2012
Planning Commission recommends Rye Road rezone

Medallion Homes has preliminary plans for a 100 home community.

  • East County
  • News
...
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 13, 2012
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Demolition Day

Demolition of the former Sarasota Police Station, 2050 Ringling Boulevard, is in full swing this week and three quarters of the building has been knocked down. This picture shows the new police station, at 2099 Adams Lane, looming over what's left of the former police station.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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