Your Observer

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

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

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

Observer Staff
February 29, 2012

Fire Rescue staff puts finishing touches on station

The Longboat Key Fire Rescue staff recently took on the task of painting the north station interior as a cost-saving measure.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
February 29, 2012

German consul general attends talk at Temple Beth Israel

On Feb. 23, Sonia Pressman Fuentes spoke to Temple Beth Israel about a trip she took last fall to Germany, and Belgium, and the truth she uncovered there.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
February 29, 2012

Primrose raising funds for hospitals

Primrose School of Lakewood Ranch now is accepting donations to benefit Children's Miracle Network hospitals.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
February 29, 2012

'Oh, the places you'll go!'

Students in Gullett Elementary School's voluntary pre-kindergarten class celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday in grand fashion last week.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
February 29, 2012

Ranch dodgeball tourney raises $1,500

Lakewood Ranch High School's Student Government Association raised $1,500 for the Payton Wright Foundation during its annual Dodgeball Tournament Feb. 22, in the school gymnasium.

East County
Neighbors

Robin Hartill
February 29, 2012

Election Q&A: Ray Rajewski

Ray Rajewski is seeking the District 3 Commission seat because he believes residents need an alternative.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
February 29, 2012

Election Q&A: David Brenner

Vice Mayor David Brenner believes Longboat Key is a residential community that needs a mix of tourism.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
February 29, 2012

Island home burglaries fall, vehicle larcenies rise in '11

Statistics released by the Longboat Key Police Department showed that total crime fell slightly in 2011.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
February 29, 2012

Firefighter alleges collusion in handling of pension plan

Board members agreed that problems exist with the pension plan, but they weren't convinced that a crime occurred.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
February 29, 2012

Colony Association drafts site plan

The Colony Beach & Tennis Association outlined a draft site plan in a letter to unit owners.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
February 29, 2012

County agrees to one-time Longboat library grant

The Sarasota County Commission agreed to give the Longboat Library a one-time grant of $20,000 for capital improvements.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
February 29, 2012

News Briefs

Early voting begins March 10; Bay Partner grant applications due March 1; IPOC, associations file their responses; Longboat Key building inspector to retire

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
February 29, 2012

Congressman Buchanan warns against rising debt

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan kicked off a Longboat Key Town Hall meeting by warning against the 'Tidal Wave of Debt.'

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
February 29, 2012

Our View: Immoral corporate welfare

Maybe a good roundhouse to their proboscises might knock some sense into them.

Longboat Key
Opinion

By Walter Frank
February 29, 2012

My View: Best future for Israel is a strong America

On July 15, Bret Stephens, foreign affairs columnist of the Wall Street Journal, gave a persuasive presentation to American Jewish Committee Chapter of the Sarasota area, arguing that the United States is wrong in not backing the Netanyahu government in attacking Iran's nuclear facilities.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Observer Staff
February 29, 2012

Letters to the Editor

Quit the war drums; Plantings on GMD are not consistent

Longboat Key
Opinion

Observer Staff
February 29, 2012

Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

Longboat Key
Cops Corner

Mallory Gnaegy
February 29, 2012

Neighbors: George Heitler

This 'ham' knows how to charm any audience.

Longboat Key
News

Pam Eubanks
February 29, 2012

Ranch alum tackles capital

As the University of South Florida's student body president, Lakewood Ranch High School graduate Matt Diaz is serving as the voice for college students statewide.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
February 29, 2012

Apartments planned near Bennett Park

Ruben Holland is gearing up to start The Landings at Parkview.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
February 29, 2012

The blueprint to living large

In the Lake Club, Lakewood Ranch's most private and upscale gated community, five ultra-luxury homes are planned this year or under construction. The largest is a 19,926-square-foot home being built by Westwater Construction.

East County
News

Observer Staff
February 29, 2012

News Briefs

Teen on scooter injured in crash; Miracle League celebrates field opening; Expert panel discusses presidential leadership

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
February 29, 2012

SMART trots onto new home site

The Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy officially will move into its permanent location March 1.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
February 29, 2012

Mixon Fruit Farms hosts Orange Blossom Festival

The fourth Orange Blossom Festival will feature games, entertainment, crafts and more.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
February 29, 2012

Cops Corner: East County

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

East County
Cops Corner

Michael Eng
February 29, 2012

Observed: In loving memory: Anne Armour

I don't want to write this. Anne Armour, formerly of Spooner, Wis., and longtime and beloved East County Observer columnist, died Feb. 20, 2012. She was 68 years old.

East County
Opinion

By Brian Volner
February 29, 2012

My View: Recovery: Have you seen the signs?

We sometimes get so caught up in our day-to-day lives that we overlook the obvious.

East County
Opinion

By Jorge Blanco
February 29, 2012

Castaway

Enjoy this week's Castaway cartoon.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Pam Eubanks
February 29, 2012

Salon entrepreneur organizing dance show for Mooseheart kids

N2U Salon & Spa owner Roe Hyer, with the support of Moose Lodge 1123, is organizing a dance show fundraiser March 31, for children who cannot be cared for by their families.