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Your Observer

"It's kind of a bittersweet thing," Kenneth Gill said. "I've had some good years in the community. But now, it’s time to move on."
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 1, 2012
Gill resigns from Longboat Island Chapel

The Rev. Kenneth Gill resigned as senior minister Friday, two days before the congregation was scheduled to vote on his future with the church.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 1, 2012
Planning effort generates ideas for island's north end

The 40 stakeholders who participated in a Saturday workshop were encouraged to share ideas for northern Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lenny Landau, a mechanical engineer who still does consulting work for General Electric, has compiled his findings into a Power Point presentation.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 1, 2012
Resident's study provides data for town to utilize

Key resident Lenny Landau uncovered findings about the town's utility system in his effort to understand the Key's population cycle.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Andy Mele, executive director of Sarasota Bay Watch, Tanner Stults, Judd McKean, director of Carefree Learners, and Larry Stults, father of Tanner and board member of Sarasota Bay Watch
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • February 1, 2012
Riverview senior identifies local environmental need

Using a boat, a waterproof camera and a small grant for printing fees, Tanner Stults created a field guide for Florida's coast; bays that includes more than 50 photographs. It's a project that took the now Riverview High School senior one-and-a-half years to complete.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 1, 2012
News Briefs

Publix to go before the Town Commission; Town, Key Club file appeals; Citizens decreases its maximum coverage limit

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • February 1, 2012
Marvin Danto leaves lasting local legacy

Marvin Danto and his wife, Betty, were avid supporters of local organizations such as the Sarasota Ballet.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
St. Armands Circle Association Executive Director Diana Corrigan said some Circle merchants are experiencing January traffic that could exceed that of January 2005. Photo by Mallory Gnaegy.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 1, 2012
Longboat Key sees healthy start to season

We may not be the No. 1 beach, according to Dr. Beach, but we're still getting a healthy dose of tourism.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 1, 2012
Our View: The 'seen' and 'unseen'

When we saw the front-page-sized view of the architect's rendering of a redeveloped Bayfront Park, including a new 18,000-square-foot community center on the bayfront, we couldn't help but say: "Wow. That would be great."

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
David Bullock
  • By David Bullock
  • February 1, 2012
My View: 2012 brings year of town-changing agenda

It has been 80 days since my appointment as Longboat Key town manager.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 1, 2012
Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Chris Tatreau is a history buff and currently reads books on World War II during long international flights for work.
    By
  • Dora Walters
  • February 1, 2012
Neighbors: Chris Tatreau

From Japan to Singapore to Boston and Chicago, Chris Tatreau works behind the scenes to organize some of the world's most prestigious fitness events.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Richard Williams, a supervisor on the Lakewood Ranch CDD 6 board, recently was appointed to the Inter-District Authority board.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 1, 2012
Neal begins transition to residents

Within the gates of the Country Club of Lakewood Ranch, residents in Country Club West are preparing to run their own community development district.

  • East County
  • News
Violist Jan Gruning talked about how hearing quartets as a youth inspired him to play music professionally.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 1, 2012
Quartet inspires east students

The award-winning Ariel String Quartet inspired student musicians in the East County as part of the Perlman Music Program/Suncoast Jan. 19-25.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 1, 2012
Residents consider new safety precautions

Riverwalk Hammock residents say they hope to make a presentation to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office following the murder of Ina Gross.

  • East County
  • News
In an exclusive interview with The Observer, Gov. Rick Scott says he is staying true to his core principles and goals of putting the state back to work even as he altars how he handles Tallahassee and the media. Photo by Rod Thomson.
  • By Rod Thomson
  • February 1, 2012
Gov. Scott stays on track

Despite surprising decisions to spend more money on education and Everglades restoration, Gov. Rick Scott is sticking to his principles of shrinking government and growing the economy.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 1, 2012
News Briefs

Women's Club celebrates 15 years; Deer collides with Sheriff's Office patrol car

  • East County
  • News
Gulf Coast Builders Xchange Chairman Lem Sharp, original executive director Gil Waters and current executive director Mary Dougherty-Slapp are proud their organization promotes its members doing business with members.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 1, 2012
Builders Xchange celebrates 60 years

For the last 60 years, the Gulf Coast Builders Xchange has played a vital role in shaping development and policy in the Sarasota area.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 1, 2012
Local bands plug in for East County benefit

Taking Back Lives will host the fourth annual Rock Out for a Cause benefit concert Feb. 3.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 1, 2012
Cops Corner: East County

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
Reconnecting in person. Of course, this photo likely will make its way onto Facebook at some point as well.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • February 1, 2012
OBSERVED: Social media project sparks reunion

My email inbox is a peculiar place. With one click of the mouse, hundreds of pieces of correspondence fill my email client every day.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Eva Rey
  • By Eva Rey
  • February 1, 2012
My View: Unraveling the government mystery

Upon my arrival in Lakewood Ranch last August, one of the most frequent comments I heard was our local government is too intricate and confusing.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Jorge Blanco
  • February 1, 2012
Castaway

Read this week's Castaway Cartoon

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Tara Brocke, with her husband, John, not pictured, and Jason Seelbach will open Truman’s Tap & Grill Feb. 2.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 1, 2012
University of Missouri inspires newest Lakewood Ranch eatery

Truman's Tap & Grill will welcome Tiger fans beginning Feb. 2.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Braden River Elementary's cafeteria staff lived like royalty during the school’s recent Cafeteria Staff Appreciation Day.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 1, 2012
Ovations

Congratulations are in order.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Braden River sophomore Danny Lane clears the midfield in search of an open teammate.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 1, 2012
Braden River battles, falls just short of district title

The Braden River High soccer team fell short of its first district title with a 1-0 loss to Manatee Jan. 27, in the Class 4A-District 11 championship.

  • East County
  • Sports
Jeremy Schiller said he is impressed with the work ethic he’s seen at Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 1, 2012
Schiller assumes Ranch reins

After spending four years coaching at Eckerd College, Jeremy Schiller was named Lakewood Ranch High's new boys basketball coach at the beginning of the school year.

  • East County
  • Sports
Jen Blanco
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 1, 2012
COMMENT: East coaches share Super Bowl picks

We've heard it time and time again.

  • East County
  • Sports
Photo by Pam Eubanks
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 1, 2012
Hillcroft/Regent defeats Ten Oaks/Rude Boy in Maduro final

Hillcroft/Regent defeated Ten Oaks/Rude Boy 13-7 in the Maduro Cigar & Bar Final Jan. 29.

  • East County
  • Sports
The East County Observer and Bogey’s Restaurant and Sports Pub have teamed up to showcase the East County’s top athletes. Each recipient’s article will be featured on the restaurant’s wall.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 1, 2012
Athlete of the Week: Laura Otaiza

Braden River senior Laura Otaiza finished second in the 183-pound weight class of the District 8 State Qualifying Weightlifting Meet Jan. 25, at Port Charlotte High.

  • East County
  • Sports
Pine View School junior Gen Pagan is a captain for her high school girls lacrosse team.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • February 1, 2012
Manasota Lacrosse Club forges friendships

The Manasota Lacrosse Club started a high school girls lacrosse team last year and now is looking for additional girls to fill the team.

  • East County
  • Sports
"Even now when I listen to my voice I don’t hear anything special," said Greenbrook resident Ron Babcock, who now narrates audio books for a living. "I think most folks are like that."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 1, 2012
Neighbors: Ron Babcock

Ron Babcock always has been commended for his unique voice. Now, at 66 years old, he's finally using it to make a living.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jodi Emrick
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 1, 2012
BUSINESS OBSERVER

Sotheby's announces new two new leaders; Down south: Prolific builder expands his reach

  • East County
  • News
This River Club home, which has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,580 square feet of living area, sold for $547,300. Photo by Jen Blanco.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 1, 2012
River Club homes top weekly sales out east

Two homes in River Club South top all transactions in this week's real estate. John and Debora Lamanna sold their home at 9616 Royal Calcutta Place to Jerry and Lisle Ogle, Bradenton, for $547,300.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
East County resident Justin Severini submitted this photo, taken at the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 1, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

East County resident Justin Severini submitted this photo, taken at the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Unit 2E4 at Vizcaya, 2377 Gulf of Mexico Drive, has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,990 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.1 million. File photo.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • February 1, 2012
Three-bedroom Vizcaya condo sells for $2.1 million

Glenn and Jacqueline Tilton, Chicago, sold their Unit 2E4 condominium at Vizcaya, 2377 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to Gavriel and Catherine Salvendy, Longboat Key, for $2.1 million.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
William Hall
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • February 1, 2012
SYC Minnows give new meaning to 'go fish'

It's 10 in the morning on a Sunday, and instead of sitting inside watching cartoons on TV, the Sarasota Yacht Club Minnows hit the docks.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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