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Your Observer

Tyler Beck, 7
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 22, 2011
VIDEO: ODA Students tell all about Santa

ODA students tell what they've learned about St. Nick.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
During their December meeting, members of the Siesta Key Association recognized county Parks and Recreation Department staff for all their work to make Siesta’s beach the top one in the country. Photo by Norman Schimmel.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 22, 2011
Island Beat: SKA applauds county's Parks and Recreation staff

As befitting their last meeting before the holidays, the members of the Siesta Key Association this month took the opportunity to thank county employees who play major roles in the upkeep of the Key's beaches and the protection of its wildlife.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Siara, Grade 4, Pine View School
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2011
Pelikids: Holiday Special

Pelikids is a monthly feature highlighting the work of Sarasota County students. This month's offerings are from students at Lakeview Elementary and Pine View schools.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Meet this week's Athlete of the Week, Jack Cannon
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 22, 2011
Athlete of the Week: Jack Cannon

As a senior at The Out-of-Door Academy, Jack Cannon, 17, is one of the basketball team's leading players.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2011
Cops Corner: Siesta Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By Dean Kalahar
  • December 22, 2011
My View: It's not education; it's indoctrination

While parents think our schools focus on reading, writing and arithmetic, the reality is they focus on identity politics and social consciousness.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
One condominium, which has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,009 square feet of living area, sold for $700,000. Another, which has one bedroom, two baths and 1,232 square feet of living area sold for $430,000. Photo by Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 22, 2011
Two Crescent Arms condos top week's residential sales

Two condominiums in Crescent Arms top all transactions in this week's real estate. Elizabeth Van, of Huron, Ohio, sold her Unit 301-S condominium at 6312 Midnight Pass Road to Richard Bronson and Bonnie Bronson, trustees, of Lees Summit, Mo., for $700,000.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Access to Shell Beach was restricted while the city of Sarasota laid a new water pipeline to Lido Beach.
  • By Jack Gurney
  • December 22, 2011
TOP STORY, JAN.: New water pipe being installed under Big Pass

Siesta Key residents inconvenienced by Shell Road work crews will have to be patient through the end of February, when a Sarasota city project to install a new water pipeline under Sarasota Bay to the south end of Lido Beach will be finished.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
About 30 students from the Ringling College of Art and Design on Jan. 14 set up shop in Lakewood Ranch to film a scene for a senior thesis project. Published Jan. 27, 2011.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: January, 2011

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

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Representatives from State College of Florida, Sarasota-Manatee, Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice revealed plans Jan. 18.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2011
TOP STORY, JAN.: The Big DEAL

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch and State College of Florida in January announced a partnership to create a 72,000-square-foot hub to attract businesses to the Manatee-Sarasota area.

  • East County
  • News
Sanborn Studios, LLC, who leased a space in the Lakewood Ranch Corporate Park in September 2010, has announced it will terminate its lease on its primary studio facility. File photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2011
Production company to close Lakewood Ranch operation

Sanborn Studios has announced it will terminate its lease for its Lakewood Ranch studio.

  • East County
  • News
Lisa Dubow, Alice Dubow, 6, Teresa Outwaite and Max Outwaite, 6, wore some festive Chanukah headbands and necklaces at A Taste of Chanukah, Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Five Points Park.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: A Taste of Chanukah

The Chabad of Sarasota and Manatee sponsored a Jewish food festival called 'A Taste of Chanukah', Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Selby Five Points Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Two 8-year-olds wait in the wings before a spacing rehearsal for the finale.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 21, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Sweet Life

The Sarasota Ballet School performed three performances of "A Nutcracker Sweet" December 16 and 17 at the Lakewood Ranch Performing Arts Center and at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center. The cast of 120 performers danced a variety of parts from dolls to partygoers to butterflies and angels.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2011
Nolan Middle FFA marches in Myakka

More than 40 Future Farmers of America students from Nolan Middle School earned community service hours Dec. 3 at the Myakka City Christmas Parade.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2011
Temple youth spread cheer

East County residents were among the Temple Emanu-El Youth Group members who brought songs, crafts and holiday cheer to Anchin Pavilion Dec. 11.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Saul and Florence Putterman. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2011
65 years and going strong

Florence and Saul Putterman, of Lido Key, celebrate 65 years together.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The plan will include the historic Longbeach Village, along with other parts of the north end.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 21, 2011
New College students to design north-end plan

The Longboat Key Revitalization Task Force announced a joint effort that will result in a design charrette of the historic north-end.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
David Bullock said that an appraisal would be the starting point for consideration of the purchase.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 21, 2011
Town considers Bay Isles property

The Longboat Key Town Commission authorized an appraisal of a property adjacent to Publix that isn't under contract with the supermarket chain.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 21, 2011
Education Center offers continuing opportunities

The Longboat Key Education Center's motto suggests it's never too late to continue learning and expanding one's knowledge.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 21, 2011
Bills don't make cents to commission

The commission will discuss a resolution opposing two bills that could eliminate the town's business-tax receipt program.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 21, 2011
Town discusses law of the landscape

The law of landscaping requirements could soon have a slightly different look. The Longboat Key Town Commission reached consensus at its Dec. 15 regular workshop to forward two ordinances related to landscaping for first reading and public hearing.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 21, 2011
Magazine sales solicit warnings from police

Longboat Key police have issued at least six warnings in December to individuals selling magazine subscriptions without permits.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jim Eatrides and Kevin Barile stand behind copies of the applications they filed with the Longboat Key Planning Zoning & Building Department to bring a cellular tower to the Longboat Island Chapel property.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 21, 2011
Q&A with Jim Eatrides and Kevin Barile

Jim Eatrides, of Alpha-Omega Communications Inc., and Kevin Barile, of Ridan Industries II LLC, hope to bring a 150-foot stealth cellular tower to the Longboat Island Chapel. Here, the Eatrides and Barile sound off on their application.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2011
Letters to the Editor

Town Commission needs to show fiscal responsibility; We won't come back if dogs on the beach; Dogs do not need access to Longboat's beaches

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Photo by Mallory Gnaegy
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 21, 2011
Neighbors: Weldon Frost

The residents of less-tropical places may have Jack Frost nipping at their noses, but Longboat Key has it's own 'Frost' - Weldon Frost. He has been ringing the bell for the Salvation Army for 23 years at the most lucrative bucket in all of Sarasota County - the Longboat Key Publix.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photos
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2011
Watch donations grow

The Longboat Key Turtle Watch, thanks to support from volunteer efforts, the community and a Harry's Continental Kitchens wine tasting fundraiser, announced its 2011 donations to Mote Marine Laboratory.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
McKitrick
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2011
Back in the swing of things

Arlene McKitrick was in bed for five weeks due to a flu strain she picked up while competing in an international golf tournament in France.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Enjoy this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2011
Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Read this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2011
JUST THE STATS

18 - number of points putting the Seagulls in first place for the Bird Key Yacht Club Bowling League Tuesday, Dec. 13.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Barbara Thurston submitted this sunrise photo, taken at Emerald Harbour on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2011
Cool Today Winner: Gem of a Sunrise

Barbara Thurston submitted this sunrise photo, taken at Emerald Harbour on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Onlookers watch as Felicity prepares to head back to sea. Photo courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2011
News Briefs

Fire Rescue Chief presents awards; Two turtles released from Lido Beach; Commission moves forward on pension study; Town advertises PZ&B director position; Town Hall to close Dec. 26 for Christmas; Town receives proposals for wireless study

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 21, 2011
REAL ESTATE REPORTS

Roger Pettingell gives sweet thanks to his customers; SAR honors four members for contributions to community; Island Real Estate acquires Betsy Hills Real Estate brokerage

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This home at 725 Norton St. has two bedrooms, two baths, and 1,899 square feet of living area. It sold for $430,000. Photo by Mallory Gnaegy.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 21, 2011
Sleepy Lagoon home sells for $430,000

A home in Sleepy Lagoon Park tops all transactions in this week's real estate.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
Lilly Pulitzer Store Manager Shannon Moulton and Development Director for Sarasota Ballet Noreen Delaney
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 21, 2011
BUSINESS OBSERVER

Lilly Pulitzer throws in-store fundraiser for Sarasota Ballet; Bienvenidos, La Malinche; Trunk show raises proceeds for Susan G. Komen

  • Longboat Key
  • News
  • By Brian Gunnell
  • December 21, 2011
Bridge Bites: Nice lead, partner!

There are other ways to bid the North hand, but our North was obviously a paid-up member of the bid-what-you-think-you-can-make club. East's 4NT showed the minors, then North pushed on to 5â™ , in this case bidding what he hoped they could make.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This home lit up Pasadena Glen in the Palmer's Creek section of the Country Club of Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 21, 2011
PHOTO SPECIAL: Night Lights

In celebration of the holiday season, many East County residents have brightened the night, stringing up lights and other displaying other decorations for neighbors and friends to enjoy. Here is just a sampling of Christmas cheer aglow in the East County this year.

  • East County
  • News
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Latest News

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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
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Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
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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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