• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Joelle Daniels, Claudiu Retean and Sandy Schonhoff
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Observer Challenge Cocktail Party

Those participating in the annual Observer Challenge this weekend attended a cocktail party, Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Sarasota Yacht Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Barb Kerwin, Gail Wyer, Susan Tome, Barbara Gurchiek, Terri Noyes, Jinny Johnson, Jane Boehme and Judy Williams were the committee for the holiday party.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Garden Club's Candy Cane Lane

The Longboat Key Garden Club members got together Thursday, Dec. 8 at All Angels by the Sea to celebrate the holidays with a buffet dinner and a 50/50 raffle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Julianna Cunningham, right, stayed focused on singing, even as her classmates turned to catch falling snow.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Willis 'Christmas Around the World'

Third-grade students at Willis Elementary shared the sounds and history of holiday season with fellow students and family members during their "Christmas Around the World" show Dec. 8-9.

  • East County
  • News
Read this week's Cops Corner cases from East County, Sarasota, Longboat Key and Siesta Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 9, 2011
TOP COPS: Horses gone wild!

Enjoy the top Cops Corner cases featured in all Observers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
...
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: 'Back to the 80s' Musical

Theater students at Lakewood Ranch High School brought back the music and style of a decade past during performances of 'Back to the 80's - The Totally Awesome Musical" Thursday night. Shows continue through Dec. 10.

  • East County
  • News
The item notes that Legoman "washed ashore on Florida’s Siesta Key in October," with the words, "No Real Than You Are," printed on its front.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 9, 2011
Legoman ranks No. 2 in Time's 'Odd-ball News Stories'

Siesta Key's Legoman has made Time magazine's list for Top 10 Oddball-News Stories of 2011.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Caroline Pope enjoyed dinner with her mom, Denise, and brothers, Wiliam and Andrew, not pictured, while her dad took Santa pictures.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: BRE Supper with Santa

Families at Braden River Elementary School celebrated the holiday season with a special Supper with Santa event and musical performance Dec. 8.

  • East County
  • News
Judge Thomas Gallen said he found no issues with the Auditor and Clerk's Office, describing the staff at City Hall as "proficient, professional, and dedicated."
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 9, 2011
Judge calls claim of auditing issues 'meritless'

An independent investigation of City Hall and the Auditor and Clerk's Office has revealed no issues with employees.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Each child who attends the event will receive gifts and also will be able to participate in activities such as making ornaments.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 9, 2011
Manatee students treat foster families to holiday party

The Manatee County School District will host the second annual TSA Holiday Community Party Dec. 9, at Haile Middle School.

  • East County
  • News
File photo. To prepare the shoebox, wrap the top and bottom of a shoebox separately in Christmas wrapping paper.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 9, 2011
Shoebox drive to help local seniors in need

Organizers of the Community Shoebox Reception are asking individuals to fill shoeboxes with goodies for senior citizens.

  • East County
  • News
Donna Scudder, Eric Henderson and Lisa Hersch
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 8, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Ritz-Carlton unveils 'Winter Water Land' gingerbread display

The Ritz-Carlton paid homage to manatees, dolphins, sea urchins and turtles in this year's gingerbread creation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol last month on Veterans’ Day at the request of Congressman Buchanan.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 8, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Flying high

An American flag flown over the United States Capitol and accepted by the City Commission earlier this week was raised today above the Five Points roundabout in honor of American military veterans.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Karel Beck
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 8, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Sea Gals and Style Show

The Sea Gals have never hosted over 100 people for their holiday luncheon, but this year, they had 150. The Sea Gals and the Style show combined forces for a Florentine fantasy luncheon and informal fashion show featuring evening dresses from L boutique. Bird Key Yacht Club member Annette Lloyd designed jewelry for the models that accompanied the dresses. Interior designer Karen Jones gave a lecture on Florence design during dessert.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Grants are awarded to projects that benefit Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 8, 2011
Key condo associations complete Bay Partner projects

The Windward Bay and Beachplace associations recently completed projects funded by Sarasota Bay Estuary Program grants.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jamez White, 11, was one of 25 boys from Moody Elementary School who got to ride a limousine around the Rosedale community today.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 8, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Ridin' in style

Jamez White, 11, was one of 25 boys from Moody Elementary School who got to ride a limousine around the Rosedale community today.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jim Buck and Lesley Huntley
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 8, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Men Who Cook

It wasn't just Men Who Cook at the kick-off party for the Asolo Repertory Theatre event on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at the Longboat Key Club Tennis Gardens. There were also men who pretend to cook, or so says their wives, and women who eat, too. The second-annual event presented by Beverly Bartner, Molly Schechter and Margaret Wise will feature business and community men cooking up a storm of their favorite recipes and will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 15.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jon Greeley with his piece “Going Dancin’”
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 8, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Scott Pike and Friends

One hallway on the Plymouth Harbor mezzanine is lined with portraits and seascapes on one side of the wall and hosts political sculptures on the other. Down the crowded hallway to the left, there's a nude painting that everyone keeps talking about - in a good way. And to her right sits a statue made from recycled computer and electronic parts. People at the Scott Pike and Friends art show on Tuesday, Dec. 6 are socializing with glasses of wine and light snacks as they view the artwork.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Community members also can participate in the program by sending a Christmas card, thanking a soldier, to Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capital Heights, MD 20791-5456.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 8, 2011
Braden River students bring 'a touch of home' to military servicemen

Students at Braden River High School are participating in the American Red Cross' Holiday Mail for Heroes program

  • East County
  • News
Participating students were recognized by Manatee County commissioners at Tuesday's meeting.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 8, 2011
High school students experience government in process

Students participated Tuesday in 'Youth in Government Day' at Manatee County's administrative building.

  • East County
  • News
Arleen Klein and Marcy Klein
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 8, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Frosty Frolic

Women from the Women's Golf Association dressed as snowwomen on the golf course at Longboat Key Club and Resort Harborside on Tuesday, Dec. 6, for their annual Frosty Frolic. The get-together celebrates the season with a game of golf followed by brunch prepared by the chefs at Longboat Key Club. Each woman brought an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Tom Roberts, of A New Approach, with Christine Koch and Steve Boris, both of Boost Studio
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 8, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Business Alliance Holiday Social

Members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance celebrated the holiday season with their fourth annual holiday social held Dec. 7, at The Lake Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Photo by Rachel S. O’Hara.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 8, 2011
We've got spirit, yes we do

Saturday's Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade attracted thousands of spectators and participants, all decked out in their holiday finest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Fran Levinson, Anne Weintraub, Tamara Chapman, Vanessa Opstal and Kim Goodson. Photo by Loren Mayo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 8, 2011
Simply Spoiled hosts superstars

Local superstars turned up at Simply Spoiled Thursday, Dec. 1, for a special reception to kick-off the call for nominations for the third annual 2012 Women's Leadership Council Community Superstars.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Victoria Erquiaga, Diana Durand, Wendy Lee Goldberg, John Dickinson, Jason Elden, Marina Eckert, Valerie Coyle and Richard Light, Gillespie Village merchants, pose on the porch of Sarasota Marche. Photos by Rachel S. O'Hara and Kurt Schultheis.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 8, 2011
Retail village highlights Gillespie Park's revitalization

A block of 1920s cottages along a stretch of Fruitville Road is being converted into a retail village that also highlights Gillespie Park's revitalization.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 8, 2011
Neighbors do not show 'goodwill' toward project

The Sarasota City Commission will review an appeal by a group of North Trail residents that is upset with the Sarasota Planning Board's decision to approve a Goodwill Superstore. on the North Trail.

  • Sarasota
  • News
This circus-themed Payne Park playground was approved by the city Monday.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 8, 2011
Payne Park playground approved

On Monday, the Sarasota City Commission approved a colorful circus-themed playground for the park.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 8, 2011
DSA shines light on tree issue

The city of Sarasota and the Downtown Sarasota Alliance are both frustrated that a tree donated to Selby Five Points Park last year remains unlit.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 8, 2011
News Briefs

Overhead: 'Never, ever again!'; Costco construction schedule announced

  • Sarasota
  • News
Photo by Loren Mayo.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 8, 2011
SEASON OF SHARING: Heidi Smith

Growing up in an Army family, Heidi Smith's constant moving might have helped her gain a broader picture of the world, but it didn't give her the opportunity to put roots down in one community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 8, 2011
Letters to the Editor

Don't be divisive on North Trail Goodwill; University of Florida will never schedule OSU

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 8, 2011
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 8, 2011
Teams begin training for half marathon

More than 4,000 people are expected to participate in the seventh annual First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon and Relay March 11, 2012.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Gary Amig, access management/safety program manager for District One of the Florida Department of Transportation, talks Tuesday evening with Kathy Bell, a resident of the Excelsior condominium complex.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 8, 2011
Poll shows opposition to pedestrian islands plan

The majority of Key residents attending a public meeting Tuesday indicated they preferred no action out of five options for improved pedestrian safety on Midnight Pass Road.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The Sarasota County Commission Tuesday approved a contract that could lead to the sequencing of Siesta Public Beach improvements from the summer of 2012 through the fall of 2014.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 8, 2011
Faster work plans unveiled

The County Commission has set in motion a plan that could lead to the completion of all Siesta Beach improvements by late 2014.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
File photo.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 8, 2011
Mooring regulation moves ahead

City commissioners agreed with recommendations from staff on regulations for boaters anchored outside a proposed mooring field.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 8, 2011
Letters to the Editor

Einstein had points on how to treat others; Scott rail rejection was obviously right

  • Sarasota
  • News
« 1584 1585 1586 1587 1588 1589 1590 1591 1592 1593 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest News

1
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
3
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
4
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
5
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2025 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now