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Your Observer

Visitors coming to Sarasota County to see the top beach in the country in 2011 helped push county tourism tax collections to a level not seen in several years. Photo by Norman Schimmel
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • January 1, 2012
TOP STORY, NOV.: Tourist tax revenue passes $11 million mark

Siesta Beach's No. 1 ranking gets considerable credit for the county's best tourist tax revenue total since the 2006 fiscal year.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Four-year-old Jordyn Jomisko couldn't wait to show off her patriotic sticker during Freedom Elementary School's Let Freedom Ring Courtyard Ceremony Nov. 10. Published Nov. 17, 2011.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 1, 2012
YEAR IN PICTURES: November, 2011

Take a look back at photos from this year in The East County Observer.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Forristall Enterprises foreman Alex Barrow checks out the inside of the home before starting its demolition Nov. 21.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 1, 2012
TOP STORY, NOV.: Lakewood Eyesore Demolished

A Lakewood Ranch home that burned down in September 2008 was demolished Nov. 21.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota County’s Women’s Masters 4x team finished second in the Sarasota 5000 Regatta in October.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: October, 2011

Take a look back at photos from this year in The Sarasota Observer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
August, 2, and April, 4, Turner, took a few minutes to relax on the steps of the Siesta Key Oyster Bar during the Village’s annual Safe Treats Halloween event.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: October, 2011

Take a look back at photos from this year in The Pelican Press.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
City Manager Bob Bartolotta is questioning allegations brought against him and his deputy city manager. Photo by Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 31, 2011
TOP STORY, OCT.: Bartolotta denies allegations of computer scrubbing

The city manager emphatically called the allegations of computer scrubbing 'completely unfounded.'

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 31, 2011
TOP STORY, OCT.: Town Hall Turmoil

After emergency Longboat Key Town Commission meetings Monday and Tuesday, assistant to the town manager Susan Phillips was named acting town manager.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The Cottage is one of four properties businessman Chris Brown owns in Siesta Village.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 31, 2011
TOP STORY, OCT.: Village property owner files third lawsuit

Village property owner Chris Brown sued Sarasota County for the third time about raising parking tax assessments on three of his parcels while lowering it for 74 properties.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Kindergartner Connor Loukota took a much-needed break from all of the fun and games during Hunsader Farms' 20th annual Pumpkin Festival. Published Oct. 27, 2011.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: October, 2011

Take a look back at photos from this year in The East County Observer.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A class photo of Lakewood Ranch High School's 2001 graduating class.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 31, 2011
TOP STORY, OCT.: Lakewood Ranch's First Graduating Class

Lakewood Ranch High School's Class of 2001 celebrated its 10-year reunion.

  • East County
  • News
Ron Schooler has been detailing and cleaning boats for 20 years; 13 of those years have been spent in Sarasota at Marina Jack. "Look at where I am!" he says. "Every day is like a vacation."
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 30, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: September, 2011

Take a look back at photos from this year in The Sarasota Observer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Harrison Troyan, 4, was among about 80 youngsters who participated Sept. 17 in the Hang Ten for Autism event on the public beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 30, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: September, 2011

Take a look back at photos from this year in The Pelican Press.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
One of the city of Greenville, S.C.’s most controversial moves involved buying lots behind the Reedy River for mixed-use developments. Photo courtesy of Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 30, 2011
TOP STORY, SEPT.: Greenville outlines its success story

Sarasota hosted the economic development director of Greenville, S.C., to hear how the city revitalized its downtown core since the 1970s.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Each year in honor of the victims who died Sept. 11, the town of Longboat Key lines Gulf of Mexico Drive with 2,977 flags, one for each victim.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 30, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: September, 2011

Take a look back at photos from this year in The Longboat Observer.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Town Manager Bruce St. Denis exits the Longboat Key Town Commission Chambers Monday, Sept. 19, during a standing ovation for his 14 years of service to the town. Photo by Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 30, 2011
TOP STORY, SEPT.: Final Bow

Bruce St. Denis resigned after 14 years as town manager, the longest tenure of a town manager in Longboat's history.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Two chicks nestle close to a Black Skimmer mother on Longboat Key. Photo by Rick Greenspun
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 30, 2011
TOP STORY, SEPT.: Snowy Plovers, Black Skimmers see more nesting success

Six Snowy Plover chicks made it to the flight stage this year on county beaches, but more than 80 Black Skimmer chicks achieved viability.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
River Club resident John D. Lee was taken to the emergency room at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center after he was attacked by John Sabin Aug. 25. in the parking lot of Braden River Elementary School. Published Sept. 1, 2011.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 30, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: September, 2011

Take a look back at photos from this year in The East County Observer.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lewis Abate has custom artwork on his Jeep to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11. “It’s my tattoo,” he says of the artwork.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 30, 2011
TOP STORY, SEPT.: 9/11 Anniversary

Lakewood Ranch resident Lewis Abate was inside the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. On the 10th anniversary of the attacks, he shared his story.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2011
Our View: Wish list for 2012 ...

We might look back at 2011 and see it was the year when the tide turned back in favor of freedom, free enterprise and the bedrock American values that made the country great.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Norma Pennington submitted this sunset photo, taken in Venice.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2011
Cool Today Winner: Sun sets on another year

Norma Pennington submitted this sunset photo, taken in Venice.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 29, 2011
Suncoast unveils homelessness plan

Leaders say the plan will require the help of the entire Sarasota community.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Roxanne Joffe is president of CAP Brand Marketing.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 29, 2011
SEASON OF SHARING: CAP Brand Marketing

Season of Sharing is an 11-year, community-wide fundraising partnership created by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Luella Crofut presented Ashley Kruger, middle, with a check of the garage-sale proceeds she raised in Kruger’s honor. At right is Sarasota Military Academy Headmaster Daniel Kennedy.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 29, 2011
Sarasota resident donates $1,400 to bone-cancer patient

Luella Crofut held a 10-day garage sale to raise money for a Sarasota Military Academy student diagnosed with cancer.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The members of the flash mob performed during a break between sets in August at First Friday Fest.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: August, 2011

Take a look back at photos from this year in The Sarasota Observer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Edward D’Agostino, downtown Sarasota
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: 2011 Weather Winners

Looking back through our archives of weather photos in 2011, picking our best submissions was a near impossible task. You, our readers, submitted some of the most spectacular sunset and sunrise photos we have ever received!

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2011
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2011
News Briefs

County Commission approves Amber Alert sign

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2011
Our View: Wish list for 2012 ...

We might look back at 2011 and see it was the year when the tide turned back in favor of freedom, free enterprise and the bedrock American values that made the country great.

  • Sarasota
  • News
SKIMMING THE SURFACE: Gulf Gate resident Stewart Green took this photo of skimboarders at sunset on Siesta Key Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY 2011 Weekly Weather

Looking back through our archives of weather photos in 2011, picking our best submissions was a nearly impossible task. You, our readers, submitted some of the most spectacular sunset and Siesta beach photos we have ever received!

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Jerry Case shot this photo of a bobcat strolling by his pool cage Dec. 10. Photo by Jerry Casey.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 29, 2011
ISLAND BEAT: More bobcats roaming the Key, residents report

Palm Island resident Jerry Case called last week to report his first sighting of a bobcat on the Key, although he has had a home on the island for four years.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Cheryl Gaddie, CG Designs
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2011
Resolutions for Siesta Key

The Pelican Press asked local personalities what changes they'd like to see.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2011
Cops Corner: Pelican Press

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Fran Palmeri took this photo of a royal tern family on Siesta Key Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2011
Weekly Weather: Keepin' the kids in line

Fran Palmeri took this photo of a royal tern family on Siesta Key Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Dick and Lorraine Vitale hosted a V Foundation fundraiser at Cafe Gabbiano in the Village.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: August, 2011

Take a look back at photos from this year in The Pelican Press.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Farmers Market manager Phil Pagano credits the market's success this summer to a new marketing effort and a commitment from vendors who stayed around during this traditionally slower time of year. Photo by Loren Mayo.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 29, 2011
TOP STORY, AUG.: Farmers market boasts off-season success

The Sarasota Farmers Market is doing so well in the midst of the heat and humidity this summer that some vendors are boasting of days rivaling their best in season.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Longboat Key Club Chef de cuisine Aaron Chavaria holds up a spoonful of citrus tomato confit, while preparing for dinner service in August at Sands Pointe restaurant.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: August, 2011

Take a look back at photos from this year in The Longboat Observer.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
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Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
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Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
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Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
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The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
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East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy

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