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Your Observer

Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 1, 2012
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Photo by Rachel S. O'Hara
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • March 1, 2012
Neighbors: Nell Rude

For the past three years, Sarasota resident Nell Rude has been creating an exhibit to thank American veterans.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The home at 993 S. Orange Ave. is one of five historic homes on this year’s tour. Photo courtesy of Giovanni Lundardi
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • March 1, 2012
Sarasota alliance to host annual historic home tour

The tour features five unique homes in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dr. Beach tells a national TV audience in late May about his selection of the Siesta Public Beach. Photo by Norman Schimmel.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • March 1, 2012
The Sand Man: 'Dr. Beach' comes to Siesta

Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman was a professor at the University of Maryland when he created the Top 10 U.S. Beaches list and earned the title, 'Dr. Beach.'

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The Siesta housing market has been recording strong sales figures over the past months, Realtors say. Photo by Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • March 1, 2012
Buyers flocking to Siesta homes, condos

With the No. 1 beach drawing more tourists, the inventory of houses and condos is decreasing, and prices are going back up, Realtors say.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
John and Mable Ringling’s mansion, Ca d’Zan, is just one of the attractions that makes Sarasota the top spring-break family destination, according to Livability.com. Photo by Carolyn Bistline.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • March 1, 2012
Sarasota named No. 1

In a survey of U.S. travel writers, Livability.com has determined that Sarasota is the No. 1 spring-break destination for families.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Members of the Pine Shores Presbyterian Church Youth Group are celebrating national recognition for helping All Faiths Food Bank. Courtesy Photo.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • March 1, 2012
Pine Shores youth group collects record donations

The Pine Shores Presbyterian Youth Group raised $17,432 and collected 2,365 cans of soup - more than any other Presbyterian church in the country - on Super Bowl Sunday.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • March 1, 2012
Condominium owners worried about Citizens Insurance decision

Siesta condominium owners this week were seeking clarification about a ruling that could lead to their paying as much as five times more for wind damage insurance policies.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 1, 2012
News Briefs

Libraries, AARP offering free tax-return assistance; Volunteers needed for 2012 cleanup; Members sought for emergency services board

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The central atrium reading area of Gulf Gate Library is so popular, patrons have asked staff for a similar space in the new facility.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • March 1, 2012
Gulf Gate Library open house is an open book

An open house last week offered about 80 Gulf Gate Library patrons the opportunity to suggest features for the new two-story facility.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • March 1, 2012
Sarasota County braces for looming shortfalls

General fund projections for Sarasota County show a budget shortfall hitting as early as 2015, then climbing.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • March 1, 2012
Observed: Erroneous info never seems to cease its flow

A couple of weeks ago, it was the beach parking. Now, again, it's the tennis courts.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Mark H. Smith is a Siesta Key architect and long-time board member of various island organizations.
  • By Mark H. Smith
  • March 1, 2012
My View: Key leader shares progress on projects

I have the distinct pleasure of being on the board of directors of the Siesta Key Village Association and the Siesta Key Village Maintenance Corp., as well as being chairman of the board for the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Larry Lantz served as a barber on Siesta Key for 48 years. He spent the last 12 years of his career at The Village Barber, in Siesta Center. File photo.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • March 1, 2012
Siesta Key remembers barber

Larry Lantz, who was known for his wit and warmth during 48 years of work as a barber on Siesta Key, died Feb. 13. He was 75.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 1, 2012
Letters to the Editor

Olson, Luckner earn resident's commendation; Fitzgerald story biased

  • Sarasota
  • News
Read this week's Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 1, 2012
Cops Corner: Pelican Press

Read this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Do you know a Siesta Key resident who should be featured as
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • March 1, 2012
Neighbors: Al Smith

After becoming one of the best-known journalists in Kentucky, Al Smith came back to Sarasota, to visit his childhood home.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
A condominium in Summer Cove sold for $1,185,000. Photo by Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 1, 2012
Summer Cove condo tops home sales at $1,185,000

A condominium in Summer Cove on Siesta tops all transactions in this week's real estate. Joseph and Regina Culloo, of Highlands Ranch, Colo., sold their Unit 404-C condominium at 1660 Summerhouse Lane to Susan Dietrich, of Norwich, N.Y., for $1,185,000.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 1, 2012
JUST THE STATS

8 - The number of goals the ODA girls lacrosse team scored in their first game. The Lady Thunder beat Sarasota Military Academy 8-4 Feb. 21.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Samantha Bisceglia captured this beautiful sunrise on Siesta Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 1, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Samantha Bisceglia captured this beautiful sunrise on Siesta Key.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • March 1, 2012
Athlete of the Week: Victoria Krupa

Victoria Krupa, 17, is enjoying a stellar junior year as Cardinal Mooney's goalkeeper for the lacrosse team.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This Cherokee Park home, which has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,658 square feet of living area, sold for $850,000. Photo by Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • March 1, 2012
Oaks II home sells for $1.625M

A home in the Oaks II tops all transactions in this week's real estate. James and Karen Landis, Osprey, sold their home at 445 Walls Way to Gabriel and Valerie Schmergel, Sarasota, for $1.625 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Courtney Riga took this photo of a mystical sunset on Turtle Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 1, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Courtney Riga took this photo of a mystical sunset on Turtle Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 29, 2012
SCORES: Lady Pirates swing past Lady Indians

The Braden River High softball team defeated Venice 6-3 Feb. 28.

  • East County
  • Sports
Judith Nelson Feldman and Kathy Brooks
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • February 29, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Temple Beth Israel Open House

Temple Beth Israel hosted an open house on Thursday, Feb. 23 at Sarasota Yacht Club. Members spoke about their personal experiences and involvement, and socialized with potential members. Appetizers and drinks were served at the event.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Join Mallory Gnaegy for the Observer Daily Headlines. Image shown will not play video.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • February 29, 2012
FEB. 29: 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
James Smith was one of several players who competed in the homerun derby.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 29, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY BRLL Opening Day

Hundreds of Braden River Little Leaguers officially welcomed the start of the spring season with an afternoon of fun and games during the league's Opening Day Feb. 25. Players enjoyed bounce houses, face painting, a home run derby and a dunk tank, among other games and activities.

  • East County
  • Sports
Mary Lunkes, Eleanor Villardi, Carol Bauer and current president Kathy Roche.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • February 29, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Michael the Archangel Women's Guild Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon

St. Michael the Archangel Women's Guild held their annual Fashion Show and Luncheon, Wednesday, Feb. 29, at Michael's on East.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Chairwoman Ellie Brenan poses with Helen Krueger.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • February 29, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Stoneybrook Women's Golf Association Breast Health Golf Tournament

Each February, the members of the Stoneybrook Women's Golf Association devote the month to raising money for Breast Health Sarasota. On Tuesday, Feb. 28, their efforts culminated in a golf tournament and dinner. The night featured a silent auction, raffle prizes and a Chinese auction with more than 30 baskets.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 29, 2012
FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT: Natalie Almeter

Natalie Almeter is a East County resident who has begun rehearsing with the Sarasota Opera. Read more about her in our candid Q&A.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • February 29, 2012
FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT: George Heitler

George Heitler is a retired lawyer living on Longboat Key. Read more about him in this week's candid Q&A.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sarasota city commissioner Shannon Snyder isn't sure if the city can afford the Sarasota Police Department any longer.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 29, 2012
City discusses budget cuts

A budget workshop led Sarasota City commissioners to debate whether major decisions need to be made to stop the financial bleeding, including getting rid of the city's police department.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 29, 2012
All Angels to host creative afternoon

All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road, is hosting a Flower Arranging 101 demonstration from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 8.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
John and Mary Bock. Photo courtesy of Christina Filkins.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 29, 2012
Longboat Harbour goes West

The residents at Longboat Harbour don't usually wear spurs and leather chaps, but when they got together for a Western-themed party Thursday, Feb. 23, that's exactly what they did!

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Photo by Mallory Gnaegy
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 29, 2012
Jessica Korda featured in magazine

Teenager Jessica Korda just won the 2012 Women's Australian Open - her first LPGA Tour title.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 29, 2012
Conrad Beach backs its own presidential party

Conrad Beach celebrated Presidents Day weekend Feb. 18 with a party.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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