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Your Observer

Clockwise from bottom left are: Candice Miller,  Barbara Romig Mary Conkllin, Carolyn Kluding and Barbara Stapleton.
  • By Katy Arrillaga
  • January 31, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: 'Walk the Red Carpet' Fashion Show

Ladies in the University Park Women's Club enjoyed a "Walk the Red Carpet" themed general meeting, fashion show and luncheon recently. As part of the festivities, the group donated $16,000 to the Food Bank of Manatee.

  • East County
  • News
This parking lot in Burns Sqaure now offers free public parking.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 31, 2012
City offers free parking in Burns Square

Free parking is now available in Burns Square at Laurel Street and Orange Avenue, adjacent to the Burns Square Business District area.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 30, 2012
Cobb returns to action as Mustangs fall on Senior Night

The Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball team's fourth quarter rally fell short as the host Mustangs fell to Southeast 48-45.

  • East County
  • Sports
Keith Sharpshead dances the Chicken Dance, Saturday, Jan. 28, during the Fifth Annual Sarasota Indian Festival.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 30, 2012
VIDEO: Sarasota Indian Festival

Check out this video featuring dancing, singing, drumming and hoop dancing from the Fifth Annual Sarasota Indian Festival.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Join Emily Walsh for the Observer Daily Headlines.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • January 30, 2012
JAN. 30: Daily Headlines Video

Join us as we observe and report today's stories from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota, and Siesta Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Lakewood Ranch residents Pamela and Roger Wald are big fans of cheese and red wine.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 30, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY:Winemaker's ParTAY

East County residents enjoyed an evening of food and wine during the Forks and Corks Winemaker's ParTAY Jan. 28 at the Polo Grill and Bar. Guests sampled wines from a variety of celebrity winemakers from across the country while enjoying food stations and entertainment by Joel Fisher.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ken Comeforo, John and Sue Troup, Jane Stephenson and Bob Ray
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • January 30, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Tina and Tony's Wedding at Longboat Harbour

White 'just married' balloons and streamers adorn the entrance, napkins and party favors printed with 'Tina and Tony' deck the tables and attendees wear their best Italian wedding ensembles on Saturday, Jan. 28. It's almost as if a real wedding is about to take place at Longboat Harbor. But, it's just a dinner theatre showcase of 'Tiny and Tony's Italian Wedding.' The one-act is about an Italian wedding that only bride and groom want to take place, and it seems as the whole congregation has slept with either the bride or the groom.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Larry and Andrea Atlas, Melissa and Brad Lerner, Wayne and Ronna Ruben
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • January 30, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Beach Barbecue

Attendees to the beach barbeque at Longboat Key Club and Resort on Saturday, Jan. 28 warmed up near a fire pit during the chilly sunset. They dined on hamburgers and hotdogs while enjoying live entertainment from Francesco Tarantino. The young ones - and the young at heart - made s'mores.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Participants discussed ideas for the north end in small groups.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 30, 2012
Stakeholders participate in planning charrette

Approximately 40 people came together Saturday to discuss ideas for Longboat Key's north end.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Allie Castro, 7, enjoyed the day's festivities.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 30, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Winter Wonderland

Children at the Tabernacle Christian School celebrated the winter season with sledding, snow cones and other festivities during the school's Winter Wonderland event today.

  • East County
  • Schools
The commission meets at 3 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall, 1565 First Street.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • January 30, 2012
Sarasota City Commissioners meet to review and outline goals

The Sarasota City Commissioners meet today at a retreat to discuss progress on their two-year priorities and objectives.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kevin Loche, professional hoop dancer, shows off his skills, Saturday, Jan. 28, during the Fifth Annual Sarasota Indian Festival at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 30, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Fifth Annual Sarasota Indian Festival

The Fifth Annual Sarasota Indian Festival was held Friday, Jan. 27 - Sunday, Jan. 29 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 30, 2012
SCORES: Pirates clinch No. 1 seed

The Braden River High boys basketball team clinched the No. 1 seed in the Class 7A-District 11 tournament with a 58-19 victory over Manatee Jan. 27.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 30, 2012
SCORES: Lady Pirates sink Lemon Bay

The Braden River High girls basketball team defeated Lemon Bay 39-32 Jan. 27.

  • East County
  • Sports
Joe Gruters is hard at work this year preparing for the state’s Republican Primary on Tuesday.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 30, 2012
IN THE PUBLIC EYE: Joe Gruters

No one seems busier these days than Republican Party of Sarasota County Chairman Joe Gruters.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Incoming Style Show Chair Katie Cornell and former Style Show Chair Rene Brooks
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • January 30, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Bird Key Yacht Club Style Show

Bird Key Yacht Club's dining room's tables were full and attendees to the style show were anticipating club's members to walk the catwalk. The style show on Thursday, Jan. 26 marks the last for chair Rene Brooks before the change of watch. The clothing featured was from PJ's Boutique at 1443 Main Street, which specializes in colorful jackets.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Polo players raced to score.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 30, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: SMR Cup

East County residents gathered Jan. 29, at the Sarasota Polo Club, to watch the SMR Cup Finals, presented by Maduro Cigar & Bar. Also this weekend, local cowboys and polo players competed in fishing, cattle roping and more as part of SMR Cup festivities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lynn and Richie Barrie
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 29, 2012
Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival: The Grand Tasting

Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival: The Grand Tasting

  • Black Tie
Annalise and Olivia Love
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 29, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Family Movie Night at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church hosted Family Movie Night on Friday, Jan. 27. The movie was 'Mr. Popper's Penguins,' so there were penguin-themed treats, games and clothes. Families snacked on sweet-potato fries, fish and punch before the movie was shown.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Over 200 people came out to support Healthy Start, Thursday, Jan. 26, at the 3rd annual "An Evening For Healthy Start" at the Sarasota Architectural Salvage.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 29, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: An Evening For Healthy Start

Sarasota Architectural Salvage held the 3rd annual "An Evening For Healthy Start", Thursday, Jan. 26.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Riverview teacher Diane Bassett dressed as the Cat in the Hat.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 29, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Literature Spirit Day at Riverview High School

Students and teachers at Riverview High School celebrated Literature Spirit Day by dressing as their favorite characters from books. Book choices included Cold Mountain, The Cat in the Hat, Little Red Riding Hood among others.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
D.J. Rowley gets a close look at the play from the steps of the stage.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 29, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Sleepytime Storytime at the Out-of-Doors Academy

Out-of-Door Academy students from pre-kindergarten to first grade enjoyed stories, music and a play in the comfort of their pajamas Friday, Jan. 27. To promote the importance of reading and spending time with family, ODA teachers performed interactive songs and skits for an event that was both fun and educational.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Diana Guth and Pat Coville look at some jewelry, Saturday, Jan. 28, during the 14th annual Downtown Sarasota Art in the Park at Five Points Park.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 29, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Art in the Park at Five Points Park

The 14th annual Downtown Sarasota Art in the Park took place Saturday and Sunday at Five Points Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jenny Hicks and Bob Bisplinghoff enjoyed playing in the poker tournament.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 29, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY:Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund Poker Classic

More than 300 East County residents showed their support for former The Out-of-Door Academy student Taylor Emmons and his family during the Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund's Poker Classic Jan. 28 at the Lake Club. Family, friends and supporters celebrated what would've been Taylor's birthday weekend with a poker tournament, dinner buffet, entertainment from the Jolly Jester, Black Jack tables and more. Prior to the event, more than 200 golfers hit the fairways at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club for the fund's golf tournament fundraiser.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sgt. Maj. Kevin Goetz, U.S. Army Cadet Command ROTC, Capt. Skip Suereth, U.S. Navy Ret. and Capt. Peter Van Howe, 18th Airborne Corps.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 29, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Rosedale fourth annual Military Ball

Nearly 90 Rosedale residents, family and friends honored active duty military personnel and their guests representing all five branches of the Armed Services during Rosedale Golf and Country Club's fourth annual Military Ball Jan. 28. Guests enjoyed a social hour followed by dinner, a keynote address by CPT Peter Van Howe and dancing. The Lakewood Ranch High JROTC Color Guard posted the colors.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bill Bergloff with Vicky and Bob Kupec
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 28, 2012
Catholic Charities Ball

Catholic Charities Ball

  • Black Tie
Ethel Robinson, Brenda Belsito, Lillian Williams and Mary Footman attend church together.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 28, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: UNCF Scholarship Awards Dinner

More than 300 corporate and community leaders and students gathered Jan. 27, at the Polo Grill and Bar's Fete Ballroom in Lakewood, for the United Negro College Fund's annual Scholarship Awards Dinner.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Braden River sophomore Danny Lane clears the midfield in search of an open teammate.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • January 28, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY:Class 4A-District 11 championship

The Braden River High boys soccer team fell short of its quest for its first district title with a 1-0 loss to Manatee in the Class 4A-District 11 championship Jan. 27. As the District 11 runner-up, the Pirates will travel to Naples Gulf Coast for a Class 4A-Region 3 quarterfinal Jan. 31. Game time is set for 7 p.m.

  • East County
  • Sports
Police have not released the names of the pedestrian or driver.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • January 28, 2012
Pedestrian dies in GMD crash

A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle around 6:30 p.m. while heading toward the Islander Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
DCIM128GOPRO
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 27, 2012
Circus Sarasota Gala 'Year of the Dragon'

Circus Sarasota Gala 'Year of the Dragon'

  • Black Tie
One of the many bags up for auction at the Bags and Bling Luncheon.
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • January 27, 2012
Bags and Bling

Anual luncheon, fashion show and silent auction of handbags, jewelry and accessories.

  • Black Tie
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 27, 2012
Booker Middle School teacher honored as Teacher of the Year

Booker Middle School teacher and orchestra director, Victor Fernandez, was honored as Sarasota County's Teacher of the Year on Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Hyatt Regency. Fernandez was chosen from three finalists and will represent the school district at the Florida Department of Education Macy's Teacher of the year gala.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Join Emily Walsh for the Observer Daily Headlines.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • January 27, 2012
JAN. 27: Daily Headlines Video

Join us as we observe and report today's stories from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota, and Siesta Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Harry and Lynn Christensen
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • January 27, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Taste of the Keys Fashion Show, Part Two

The Garden Club of Longboat Key is pro at making green things grow, and their fundraising event in conjunction with Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and design on Jan. 26 was no different. They surely grew more 'green' at this year's Taste of the Keys than last year according to event coordinator Susan Landau.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The audience
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • January 27, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Taste of the Keys Fashion Show

The Garden Club of Longboat Key is pro at making green things grow, and their fundraising event in conjunction with Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and design on Jan. 26 was no different. They surely grew more 'green' at this year's Taste of the Keys than last year according to event coordinator Susan Landau.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
To receive an application for appointment, please contact the Office of the City Auditor and Clerk located in City Hall, 1565 First Street, or by calling 954-4160 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 27, 2012
Commission seeks committee members

Two seats for the Employee Retirement Account Committee are open for those with banking and investment management experience.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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