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Your Observer

The Sarasota City Commission meets today at 2:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1565, First St., Sarasota.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 17, 2012
Commission considers P.F. Chang's tonight

A regular meeting of the Sarasota City Commission tonight will also discuss an appeal of the Sarasota Bayfront Mooring Field design/build process filed by Tampa Bay Marine Inc.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The vaccine for use is 60% effective in preventing shingles. According to the release, the vaccine has few, if any, side effects.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • January 17, 2012
County asks adults over 50 to get shingles vaccine

Health officials are urging adults 50 and older to get a shingles vaccine. Officials estimate a third of U.S. citizens will develop shingles in their lifetime.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Melissa, Audrey and Emery Muller checked out photos of cats while volunteering at Honor Animal Rescue Monday with the MOMS Club of Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 17, 2012
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Animal Rescue Monday

Melissa, Audrey and Emery Muller checked out photos of cats while volunteering at Honor Animal Rescue Monday with the MOMS Club of Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 17, 2012
School District opens School Choice enrollment

Manatee County's School Choice Open Enrollment period starts today and runs through Feb. 3.

  • East County
  • News
Join Emily Walsh for the Observer Daily Headlines.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 16, 2012
Jan. 16, 2012: 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
Kiril Arsov and Margy Sivertsen of Sara Dance put on a show during their performance, Sunday, Jan. 15, during the Sarasota Challenge at the Hyatt Regency.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Challenge

Ballroom dancers foxtrotted, waltzed and tangoed the day away, Sunday, Jan. 15, during the Sarasota Challenge at the Hyatt Regency.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Melanie Dutoit and Muff Calderon look at Tom Stephenses photo, "Grand Entrance", Friday, Jan. 13 at the opening reception of S/ART/Q's Avant Garden at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: S/ART/Q's Avant Garden Exhibition opening reception

S/ART/Q and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens held the opening reception for S/ART/Q's Avant Garden Exhibition, Friday, Jan. 13, inside the Christy Payne Mansion at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key Town Attorney David Persson recommended that the commission immediately address its code.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 16, 2012
Town to address codes at Thursday workshop

The planned discussion was triggered by a recent ruling in the challenge to the Longboat Key Club and Resort's expansion plan.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Ray Pepper designed and wore a creation that was referred to as the Jackson Pollock Bride. He also had "bridesmaids" in Beatrice hats help lead him down the stairs and to the middle of the library.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Looking Into the Crystal Ball

The Friends of the Selby Public Library held their annual Looking Into the Crystal Ball fundraiser, Friday, Jan. 13, inside the Selby Library.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ed Gall, 91, of Sarasota, holds up a sign that reads "Violence Insults King's Legacy!", Monday, Jan. 16, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, at the downtown round-about.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 16, 2012
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Showing respect for Dr. King

Ed Gall, 91, of Sarasota, holds up a sign that reads "Violence Insults King's Legacy!", Monday, Jan. 16, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, at the downtown round-about. Gall walked with Dr. King in Cleveland and in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963 when Dr. King gave his "I Have a Dream" speech.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The suspect fled eastbound in a black Chrysler 300. The area was searched but the suspect was not located.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • January 16, 2012
Applebee's employee robbed on patio

An employee was robbed of $135 while checking email on his phone. The suspect has not been located.

  • East County
  • News
Briana Calderon
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Evening of Excellence Art Show at Ringling College

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County hosted a juried art show at Ringling College Saturday, Jan.14 and Sunday, Jan. 15, to show off some of the best artwork from local high school students. The 25 highest rated works were awarded a ribbon and presented at a reception ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Local galleries and framers volunteered their services, and the winning pieces will be put up for auction in February. A portion of the money is returned to the artist, and the rest is donated to the Education Foundation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Bruce and Cindy Gilburne and Brenner Glickman
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Casino Night at Temple Emanuel

Temple Emanuel's Men's Cub and Sisterhood hosted a casino night on Saturday, Jan. 14. Attendees were invited to test their luck at various casino games including poker, black jack, roulette, craps and slot machines. Card sharks and newcomers alike were also encouraged to go all-in on a buffet-style meal.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 16, 2012
County seeking member for Animal Services Advisory Board

Manatee County is seeking to fill one vacancy for a citizens advisory committee that makes recommendations on animal issues to county officials.

  • East County
  • News
Enjoy Mary Elizabeth Carey's "salmon poached in champagne" recipe.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • January 16, 2012
IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Mary Elizabeth Carey

Mary Elizabeth Carey retired as a Manager of International Ex-Patriot Center for the Exxon Corporation, a job that kept her very busy.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 16, 2012
East County players win national championship

East County football players Kyle Thoma and Brandon Luckett helped lead the FBU Central Florida All-Star team to a 25-14 victory over Dallas to win the FBU National Championship Jan. 7 in San Antonio, Texas.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 16, 2012
Scores: Mustang grapplers finish 3-2

The Lakewood Ranch High varsity wrestling team went 3-2 at The Dr. McBath Tough Team Tournament Jan. 14 at Pasco High.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 16, 2012
Scores: Braden River falls short in OT

The Braden River High girls basketball team fell to Venice 43-42 in overtime Jan. 13.

  • East County
  • Sports
Clown “Chips” aka Julius Carallo
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • January 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: 25th annual Ring of Fame

Not all circus performers are clowning around. Famous performers were honored and initiated into the ring of fame at the 25th annual Sarasota Circus Ring of Fame on Sunday, Jan. 15 at St. Armands Circle. Joseph Bauer, Cecil B. DeMille, Barry Lubin and Hans Winn were inducted into the Ring.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Dave and Diane Archibald
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • January 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Lynches 25th Anniversary

Based on the amount of people packing Lynches Pub and Grub on Friday, Jan. 13 and Sat. Jan 14 for its 25 anniversary, the restaurant hasn't made it on luck of the Irish alone. To celebrate Patsy and Majella Carroll played traditional Irish music. Long time customers and attendees clinked their beers for another 25 years of Ethna and Chris Lynch.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Gene and Laurie Zeiner moved to Heritage Harbour is September.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Stoneybrook Potluck

Residents of Stoneybrook in Heritage Harbour gathered Jan. 13, at the Stoneybrook Rec Center for their monthly potluck event. This month's diner included a 'white elephant' gift exchange.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ed and Wanda Martinetto, along with their dog Gianni, and Gail Boyer and Dave Lacy enjoyed tailgating with the Lakewood Ranch Housewives.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 15, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Band Weintraub Cup

East County residents and their guests enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon of tailgating and polo during the Band Weintraub Cup Jan. 15 at the Sarasota Polo Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nine-year-old Canyon Chushman competed in the Leading Man category with her dog Buddy, who came dressed as Gen. George Patton.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 15, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Walk of Fame

Dozens of East County dogs put their best paw forward during the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch's Walk of Fame fundraiser Jan. 15 on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch. During the event, East County residents and their four-legged friends enjoyed a pet parade and costume contest, a family festival, raffles, musical entertainment and more.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Penny Hill
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 14, 2012
Sunshine From Darkness Gala

Sunshine From Darkness Gala

  • Black Tie
Morgan Rottingen, 10, and Tenzin Smith, 11
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 14, 2012
VIDEO: Film Fest Fun

Check out this video from Phillippi Shores Elementary's film fest premiere.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Hawk and Jade, 8, Holmes, Friday, Jan. 13, at Imagine School's "Donuts with Dad" event.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 14, 2012
VIDEO: Donuts with Dad

Check out what dads and kids had to say about their delicious, donut breakfast at the Imagine School in Palmer Ranch.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Bowery Boys — Wylie Forrester, Glen Moon, Ken Rohrs and Lee Frayer — captured the audience with their smooth sound and vibrant personality.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 14, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Manatee County Fair

Manatee County residents headed to the fair Jan. 13 for youth livestock shows, live musical performances, pig racing and other festivities. The Manatee County Fair runs through Jan. 22.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • January 13, 2012
Who, What, Wear: Charlie Ann Syprett

Who, What, Wear: Charlie Ann Syprett

  • Sarasota
  • News
Maddy Hanewich, 9, enjoyed having donuts with her dad, Tim, Friday, Jan. 13, at Imagine School's "Donuts with Dad" event.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 13, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Donuts with Dad

The Imagine School at Palmer Ranch held their annual 'Donuts with Dad' breakfast, Friday, Jan. 13, inside their cafeteria.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Students, parents and family members watch some of the documentaries made by the 5th graders, Thursday, Jan. 12, during the 5th grade Documentary Film Fest at Phillippi Shore Elementary.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 13, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Phillippi Shores Elementary Film Fest

The fifth graders at Phillippi Shores Elementary held their very own documentary film festival, Thursday, Jan. 12.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tinkerbell, one of the two baby alligators from Sarasota Jungle Gardens, visited the preschoolers at St. Boniface, Thursday, Jan. 12, inside the Parish Hall at St. Boniface.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 13, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Boniface preschoolers have fun learning about reptiles

St. Boniface preschoolers got to meet a tortoise, a Burmese python, a skunk and a baby alligator thanks to a visit from Jeremiah Nichol of Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Thursday, Jan. 12, inside the Parish Hall.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Carol Baker sketches out a drawing of her painting in a notebook before applying the sketch to the canvas.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 13, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: In Plein Sight

The members of Plein Air Sun Coast got together Thursday, Jan. 12, to enjoy the beautiful weather and paint different plants, buildings and scenes in Towles Court.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Martinique model boasts 3,817 square feet of living space.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 13, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Builder opens model in Inlets

Arthur Rutenberg Homes celebrated the opening of its exclusive home model, the Martinique, in Harbour Walk in the Inlets, with a special event for Realtors Jan. 12.

  • East County
  • News
Event coordinators Penny and Les Brassington
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • January 13, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Cedars Tennis Welcome Back

The tennis players at Cedars Tennis Resort took the fun off of the courts for a welcome-back get together on Thursday, Jan. 13. The club restaurant was packed and, for once, the love was positive for tennis players. It was quite the racket.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 13, 2012
Town offices to close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Town offices will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 17.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lutie Uihlein, Ruth Strauss, Patty Buck Pat Howatt and Bennie Dods
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • January 13, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Chorus of the Keys

Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian hosted a ham dinner on Wednesday, Jan. 11. As soon as the dishes were bussed, The Sarasota Chorus of the Keys serenaded tables. The barbershop quartet style of harmony rang through the church's new facilities.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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