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Your Observer

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
An arrest report revealed a tenant removed a black handgun from a blue duffel bag and pointed it directly at a Sarasota County Sheriff officer.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 13, 2012
UPDATE: Sarasota man pointed gun directly at deputy

A man who was being served a final eviction notice Thursday pointed a handgun directly at an officer and will be charged with attempted murder.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 13, 2012
Scores: Lady Seminoles race to second-place finish

The Southeast High girls track team scored 121 points to finish second at the Class 2A-District 10 meet April 12 at Spoto High.

  • East County
  • Sports
Cool Today's March photo weather winner David Johnson, left, accepts his Ipad from Jamie DiDomenico owner of Cool Today.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 13, 2012
Cool Today Monthly Weather Photo Contest Winner

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

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Tara Bookstore regularly offers hundreds of titles for purchase. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 13, 2012
Bookstore promotes literacy, offers unique books

The Goodwill's Tara Bookstore will hold its third annual Bookapalooza event Saturday.

  • East County
  • News
Pam Lutz of Cornerstone Solutions Group enjoyed mingling with Heather Kaster and Morgan Gerhart of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 12, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: LWRBA Breakfast of Champions

Dozens of East County business professionals learned about the future of Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment during the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance's Breakfast of Champions April 12 at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Attendees enjoyed breakfast while listening to Tod Leiweke, CEO of Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment, which includes the Tampa Bay Lighting, the Tampa Bay Storm and the Tampa Bay Times Forum, speak about the new Tampa Bay Lightning identity, Tampa Bay Times Forum upgrades and community focus.

  • East County
  • News
Join Emily Walsh for the Observer Daily Headlines. Image shown will not play video.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • April 12, 2012
April 12: 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
  • Observer Staff
  • April 12, 2012
FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT: Laura Proctor

Laura Proctor runs a personal chef business called Epicurean Pursuits. Read more about her in this week's candid Q&A.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The man was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and is in stable condition.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 12, 2012
Eviction notice leads to shooting

A Sarasota County Sheriff civil deputy was serving an eviction notice Thursday when the tenant answered the door with a gun in his hand, prompting the officer to shoot him.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Zwiwwel closed its doors Wednesday without warning.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • April 12, 2012
Zwiwwel closes its doors

A fine-dining restaurant featuring traditional German cuisine was open for about a month.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Town Manager David Bullock told commissioners that the town should issue an RFP.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • April 12, 2012
Town to put out RFP for zoning, Comp Plan review

The Longboat Key Town Commission reached consensus to solicit bids for the project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Maya Stewart, 9, placed first for her egg coloring picture.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 12, 2012
Siesta Key Egghunt coloring contest winners

Here are the winners of the Siesta Key Egghunt coloring contest, hosted by the Siesta Key Village Association at Beach Access 5.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Police Chief Al Hogle introduces the policeman of the year
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • April 12, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Kiwanis Club recognizes Firefighter and Police Officer of the year

Officers and firefighters went to the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key meeting, but not to issue any arrests or put out any fires. The club met Thursday, April 12 at the Key Club Tavern and recognized the Longboat Key firefighter and police officer of the year (2011). Firefighter Jim Reynolds, presented by Dep. Chief Sandi Drake, was thanked by the men for his efforts overseeing design and research of equipment, and urban search-and-rescue team work. Police officer John Thomas, presented by Police Chief Al Hogle, is responsible for solving several cases including auto burglaries, criminal cases and theft from business. Both men were awarded with certificates for their outstanding service.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
April 18 will be a full day of school for students, rather than the normal early dismissal day usually observed on Wednesdays.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 12, 2012
Manatee School District clarifies class schedule

Manatee County Public School students will have a full day of school Friday, despite an error on the Manatee County Government calendar showing schools would be closed to students April 13.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 12, 2012
Couple honors 70 years together

Frankie and Bob Nelson celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary recently at the Sarasota Yacht Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 12, 2012
Christ Church donates proceeds

Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian members presented a check from the proceeds of their recent Missions Fundraising Sale to Patrick Carnegie, president and CEO of the United Community Centers of Bradenton.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mote President Dr. Kumar Mahadevan and his wife, Linda. Photo by Rachel S. O’Hara.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 12, 2012
Runners lace up for good cause

Mote Marine Laboratory's 26th annual Run for the Turtles was a success, Saturday, April 7, with more than 1,000 runners and walkers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • April 12, 2012
Children support Food Bank

Children in the MOMS Club of Lakewood Ranch collected good for the Food Bank of Manatee and delivered the items to the organization Monday.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 12, 2012
LunchWithLeaders hosts first luncheon

LunchWithLeaders, a non-profit forum for community leaders in the Manasota area, recently hosted its first meeting at The Polo Grill and Bar in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 12, 2012
Imagine principal reaps wet reward

After children at Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch sold more than $10,000 in books at its Scholastic Book Fair, Principal Stephen Sajewski provided a unique reward to students.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 12, 2012
McNeal students compete in contest

McNeal Elementary School students wowed judges with their speech-giving talents, as student competed in the school's ninth annual 4-H Tropicana Speech Contest March 30.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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