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Your Observer

    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 15, 2012
Bullock outlines Key issues at PIC forum

The new town manager spoke about key issues and his first 100 days on Longboat Key at a Public Interest Committee forum held Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Bayfront Park Recreation Center. Read on to learn what Bullock had to say about issues that affect the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Longboat Key Police Officer John Thomas has served in law enforcement since 1987.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 15, 2012
Officer was key to break in auto burglaries case

Last summer, Longboat Key police got an unexpected break in a string of auto burglaries that occurred at beach accesses: A 42-year-old man was arrested by St. Lucie County sheriff's deputies Aug. 7, on outstanding Sarasota County warrants for dealing in stolen property.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 15, 2012
Board hears the case for code changes

The Longboat Key Code Enforcement Board discussed possible changes to the town's property codes.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 15, 2012
BID board proposes 10-year extension

St. Armands Business Improvement District Chairman Marty Rappaport is proposing a 10-year extension of the BID more than two years after a referendum for such a measure failed.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 15, 2012
Our View: This is America?

Most weeks, we prefer to devote this space to matters directly affecting Longboat Key. Now and again, though, as many of our readers know, our comments will go beyond the Key's island borders.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
George Rauch, Longboat Key, is chief executive officer of Bradenton-based General Propeller and a former Wall Street investment banker.
  • By George Rauch
  • February 15, 2012
Market Watch: 'Thou shalt not covet'

The Decalogue's 10th precept is "thou shalt not covet (another man's wife or property)."

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 15, 2012
Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Murray Brooks preserves history in a unique and artful way.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • February 15, 2012
Neighbors: Murray Brooks

This collector uncovers unique pieces of history and gives them new meaning.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
U.S. Navy SEAL Brian Bill always dreamed of becoming a Navy SEAL. East County residents can raise money in his honor Feb. 24, during a fundraiser organized by his father, Scott Bill. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 15, 2012
BEST of the BEST

Scott Bill, whose son, U.S. Navy SEAL Brian Bill, died Aug. 6, 2011, in Afghanistan, will host a fundraiser for the Navy SEAL Foundation Feb. 24, at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 15, 2012
Concert to honor Rogers, Wagner

The Josh Rogers and Brett Wagner Benefit Concert will be held at Hunsader's Rockin' Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Laszlo Szilagyi, left, is thankful for every minute he spends with his wife, Noemi, and sons, Peter and Adam. Laszlo nearly died from an enlarged heart. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 15, 2012
The Story of a Broken Heart

Students at Bashaw Elementary school this week are raising funds for the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, after it helped save the life of a parent at the school.

  • East County
  • News
Tim McGonegal
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 15, 2012
County preps for 'No Child Left Behind' adjustments

Manatee County Public Schools Superintendent Tim McGonegal said Florida schools, for years, have been operating under two different accountability systems.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 15, 2012
News Briefs

Suspects burglarize East County Best Buy; School Board considers outsourcing department; Fatal fire, death caused by cigarette

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch High pitchers Kevin Leone, Dom Leone, Bryan Vanvranken, Brandon King, Brad Zunica, Seth McGarry, Jake Axley, Barrett Holtry and Kyle Benson have their sights set on leading the Mustangs to their first state title since 2003.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 15, 2012
Lakewood Ranch High baseball uses nine pitchers

With the arms of nine pitchers, the Lakewood Ranch High baseball team is poised to make another run toward Port St. Lucie and an elusive state title.

  • East County
  • Sports
Braden River hopes to keep its quest for a state championship alive Feb. 16, in the Class 7A-Region 3 quarterfinal against Port St. Lucie. Brian Blanco.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 15, 2012
Pirates win district crown

The Braden River High boys team captured its second-consecutive district title with a 68-56 victory over Venice in the Class 7A-District 11 championship.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 15, 2012
Comment: Pirates enjoying comforts of home

As the final seconds ticked off the clock, I let out a sigh of relief.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 15, 2012
Faith Life's Ranch campus attracting new residents

The mega church drew visitors from all across the country to Lakewood Ranch when it opened Feb. 5. Some say they plan to move to the East County.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 15, 2012
Our View: This is America?

Most weeks, our preference is to devote this space to matters directly affecting the East County. Now and again, though, events beyond our region's interests are so alarming, bizarre or compelling they cannot be ignored.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 15, 2012
Cops Corner: East County

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 15, 2012
Our View: This is America?

Most weeks, our preference is to devote this space to matters directly affecting the East County. Now and again, though, events beyond our region's interests are so alarming, bizarre or compelling they cannot be ignored.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Jorge Blanco
  • February 15, 2012
Castaway

Enjoy this week's Castaway cartoon.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Julie Aranibar, a Lakewood Ranch resident, represents District 3 on the Manatee County School Board.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 15, 2012
My View: Board tackles health care

Education is a topic that spans young pre-kindergarten little ones to adults walking across a graduation platform.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 15, 2012
Letters to the Editor

Don't bite the hand that feeds you; Anglers must supply own bait at tourney

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 15, 2012
Braden River Soccer Club plans building expansion

The County Commission approved Feb. 7 a resolution authorizing the construction of single-story extension to the Braden River Soccer Club's building at Lakewood Ranch Park.

  • East County
  • Sports
Mike Mitchell said he fell in love with the University of South Florida the moment he first step foot on campus three years ago. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 15, 2012
Clearwarter Charger goalkeeper signs with South Florida Bulls

Last week, Braden River senior Mike Mitchell signed a letter-of-intent to play for the University of South Florida.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 15, 2012
Athlete of the Week: Tre Bryant

Braden River High senior guard Tre Bryant scored 43 points in two games last week, including 20 points in the Feb. 10 Class 7A-District 11 championship versus Venice.

  • East County
  • Sports
Photo by Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 15, 2012
Siaana defeats Wildcat in Suncoast Porsche Cup

Siaana defeated Wildcat 10-9 in the Suncoast Porsche Cup final Feb. 12.

  • East County
  • Sports
Unit 602 at the Water Club II, 1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive, sold for $2.2 million. File photo.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 15, 2012
Three-bedroom Water Club II condo sells for $2.2 million

Laurie Brandenborg, of Wayzata, Minn., sold her Unit 602 condominium at 1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Steven Bush, Longboat Key, for $2,212,500.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • February 15, 2012
BUSINESS OBSERVER

Sarasota Open continues to grow; Longboat Key Club and Resort focuses on health; Chase Bank on St. Armands Circle now open; Longboat Key Club ranks among top tennis resorts

  • Longboat Key
  • News
If you know someone who should be featured as an Athlete of the Week, please call or send the suggestion to Mallory Gnaegy at 366-3468, Ext. 360 or mgnaegy@yourobserver.com.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • February 15, 2012
Athlete of the Week: Marcia Gutridge

Marcia Gutridge retired five years ago from being a junior high principal in Ohio. She started exercising because she finally had the time.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 15, 2012
JUST THE STATS

628 - Number of pins Sarasota Yacht Club bowled over Bird Key Yacht Club to win the second annual bowl off Wednesday, Feb. 8.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Visit www.acbl.org for more about the game of bridge or email marketing@acbl.org. Contact Brian Howard, owner/director of the Bridge Center of Bradenton, at 795-8981.
  • By Brian Gunnell
  • February 15, 2012
Bridge Bites: A double order of duck

West leads the Q♠ and, when Dummy goes down, Declarer can see that his 6♥ contract is quite hopeless.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jennifer Barclay submitted this sunset photo, taken on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 15, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Jennifer Barclay submitted this sunset photo, taken on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This River Club South home, which has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,919 square feet of living area, sold for $480,000. Photo by Jen Blanco.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 15, 2012
River Club home tops week's sales at $480,000

A home in River Club South tops all transactions in this week's real estate. Thomas and Denise Hartnett, Bradenton, sold their home at 9992 Cherry Hills Ave. Circle to Donald and Janice Doede, of Orland Park, Ill., for $480,000.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
The Beach Comber II model at the Cottages of Callista Village offers nearly 2,000 square feet of living space.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 15, 2012
Regional home parade showcases local builders

The HBA Manatee Sarasota will host its annual Parade of Homes Feb. 18 through March 4.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Michael Tesar took this sunset photo the first day of the Manatee County Fair.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 15, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Michael Tesar took this sunset photo the first day of the Manatee County Fair.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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