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Your Observer

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
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 29, 2011
TOP STORY, AUG.: Overturned

After a reversal of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort bankruptcy rulings, Dr. Murray 'Murf' Klauber could recoup damages from the Colony Association.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Siesta Beach with lots of folks in the water. Photo by Carolyn Bistline
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • December 29, 2011
TOP STORY, AUG.: Will Siesta be able to trumpet No. 1 status?

Siesta Public Beach has been drawing even more people than usual this summer, no doubt a reflection on its status as No. 1 beach in the country.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Country Club of Lakewood Ranch residents Bob and Karol Borkowski caught a glimpse of this precious fawn tucked into the base of a blooming plumbago. Published Aug. 25, 2011.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: August, 2011

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

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Spc. 4 Patrick Lay II graduated from Braden River High School in 2008 as part of the school’s first graduation class.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 29, 2011
TOP STORY, AUG.: Spc. 4 Patrick Lay II

Braden River High School graduate Patrick Lay II died in an IED attack Aug. 11.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota Orchestra campers performed their recital on the final day of camp in July.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 28, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: July, 2011

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

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Patrick's Restaurant and Tavern owner Jim Sullivan believes his former landlord is mimicking his restaurant. Photos by Rachel S. O'Hara
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 28, 2011
TOP STORY, JULY: Food Fight

The relationship between the owner of Patrick's Restaurant and Tavern and his landlord soured, which prompted a move down the street earlier this year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Courtesy photo
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 28, 2011
Key physics

The Physics Club on Longboat Key started with Pat Anderson and Leonard Biberman, pictured. They meet once a month for lunch and have a speaker, which is usually a member of the club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Photo by Mallory Gnaegy.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 28, 2011
Lots for Tots

Many local little boys and girls will benefit from the elves at the Longboat Key Michael Saunders real-estate offices.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Photo by Mallory Gnaegy
    By
  • Molly Schechter
  • December 28, 2011
Teenage sweethearts

Helen and Marvin Peretz dated for five years before they were married in 1951.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
John Caviglia, Longboat Key
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 28, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: 2011 Weather Winners

Naming a weekly winner became increasingly more difficult throughout the year, and it seemed each new submission was more beautiful than the last. We hope you enjoy this look at some of our favorite submissions from 2011. We'd also like to thank all of our contestants so far and invite you to continue submitting in the new year.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Noelle and Heather Amorini play with their dog, Tucker, in July at the Longboat Key Freedom Fest celebration.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 28, 2011
YEAR IN PICTURES: July, 2011

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

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The North Shore Road public beach access closed in November. File photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 28, 2011
News Briefs

North Shore Road beach access re-opens; Larson plans to look at underground utilities; Town facilities to close for New Year holiday; Town to hold hazardous waste/E-scrap collection; CEB asks for inclusion in code discussions

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Tennis pro James Blake at the Sarasota Open. Photo by Rachel O'Hara.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 28, 2011
Our View: Wish list for 2012 ...

Trifecta: Osama got zapped. Gaddafi got gored. Kim Jong got 'il,' really ill.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Read this week's Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 28, 2011
Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
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