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Your Observer

    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 12, 2011
Ortiz competes in national championships

Lakewood Ranch High junior Olivia Ortiz was one of 40 girls selected to compete in the national finals of the 2011 Foot Locker Cross Country Championships Dec. 10 in San Diego.

  • East County
  • Sports
Larry Burns with Coleen and Stephen Weiss
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 12, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Porsche's in the Park

Owners of Porsches and people hoping Santa is really nice to them this year took over St. Armands Circle on Saturday, Dec. 10. Suncoast Motorsports hosted its 7th annual Porsche's in the Park featuring cars from all of Florida. Royal Pet Rescue also made an appearance with puppies for adoption.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Carol Vengroff’s family
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 12, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Carol Vengroff Opening

Carol Vengroff made her living as an artist. The exhibit opening at Bird Key Yacht Club on Friday, Dec. 9 was a display of work she has made throughout the past 50 years. It was very eclectic.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Event Chair Carol Chiarella and Helga Lopatin
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 11, 2011
Sparccle for the Holidays

Sparccle for the Holidays

  • Black Tie
Alessio and Marcella Arogi
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 11, 2011
Christmas in Candy Land

Christmas in Candy Land

  • Black Tie
Ellie Feldman, Irv Parmet and Florey Miller and Dr. Christopher Cortman
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Temple Sinai Jewish Food Festival

Temple Sinai held its annual Jewish Food Festival Sunday, Dec. 11, but the event featured much more than just food. Temple members and guests perused crafts and books for sale, kids jumped around inside a bounce house and everyone was treated to music and entertainment. The festival also featured a health fair.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
What looks like specks of dirt floating in a bucket of water are actually baby scallops. However, some of the debris on the bottom is actually dirt.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Baby Scallops

When the microscopic baby scallops begin to develop the ability to attach, it is time to release them. At mid-day on Friday, Dec. 9, what looks like six buckets with specks of dirt floating throughout were the three-to-four million scallops that were released around the bay by Sarasota Bay Watch. 'God speed, little scallops,' Andy Mele says as he pours them into the bay near Sister Keys. The scallops have around a one-percent chance of survival, but the group doesn't know for sure because the project hasn't been done before. They plan to return and check on the GPS coordinates where they were released. The funding for the project was from Sarasota Yacht Club, and Cannons Marina provided the boats.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Tom Aposporos with the Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce, new chamber member Stan Umenhofer and Susan Goldfarb with the Longboat Key Education Center
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Open House at Centre Shops

Live music trailed from the doors of Kitchens by Kerrie, where realtors from a few doors down, guests and other Centre Shops owners and workers drank wine and snacked on appetizers from the Lazy Lobster on Thursday, Dec. 8. A handful of stores down was a shop recently settled into it's new location, Steff's Stuff, who was serving Sangria and appetizers. Exit Art Gallery had trays of food catered from Harry's Continental Kitchens. Attendees between stores socialized while snacking on popcorn provided by The Longboat Key Education Center. There was no shortage of food - or fun - at the Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce Event: Open House at the Centre Shops.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Originator of the luncheon Jane Newman with Pat Merriman and Cheryl Clark
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: L'Ambiance Holiday Luncheon

What started as a combined effort of L'Ambiance resident's donations, turned into a charity luncheon four years ago. They have selected different charities over the years, and this is the first year Children's Guardian Fund was selected. L'Ambiance collected sweatshirts and hoodies to be donated to the children with the fund who are removed from their homes and put in a safe place.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Pam Coleman and Liz Riedinger
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Docent Luncheon

It's not the case that the Longboat Key Historical Society Docent say, "thanks." The board of directors treated the docents to a lunch at Lazy Lobster on Thursday, Dec. 8 to show appreciation for all they do.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mark Anderson, Michelle Woodson, Hal and Lynn Christensen
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Wine Tasting

The weather outside was frightful but the people at Harry's Continental Kitchen's wine tasting were still delightful on Wednesday, Dec. 7; even though it is the first time the event has ever witnessed rain. The cold and rainy day knocked over the live entertainment Howie Banfield's tent and forced the crowd under two tents. But, attendees were in good spirits. Five dollars of every attendee's entrance fee profited the Longboat Key Historical Society. And since they had no place to go, let it rain, let it rain, let it rain.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The runners for the 5K start off running down the beach, Saturday, Dec. 10, for the 35th annual Sandy Claws run on Siesta Key Beach.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: 35th annual Sandy Claws run

Hundreds of people participated in the 35th annual Sandy Claws 1-mile fun run and 5K, Saturday, Dec. 10, on Siesta Key Beach. It is the oldest, local, continuous run. Many people running dressed up for the occasion in hats, shirts and funky socks for the holiday themed run.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Indiana Martinez listens and looks at a piece done by Tim Jaeger.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: THIRTEEN opens at G. Wiz

The artists of S/Art/Q had their month long exhibit opening, Friday, Dec. 9 at G Wiz. The exhibit, THIRTEEN, features all the artists affiliated with S/Art/Q and will be up at G Wiz through Jan. 7, 2012.

  • Arts + Culture
Kids in line watch Blythe Snyder, 7, scream with delight as she flies down the Snow Slide, Friday, November 9, during Southside Stroll.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Southside Stroll

Hundreds of families enjoyed themselves Friday, Dec. 9, as they participated in Southside Stroll. There were crafts to make, places to write letters to Santa, a Snow Slide and Santa Claus himself even made an appearance.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The judges try and figure out what pie will get first place in the fruit pie category, during the 1st annual pie contest, Friday, Dec. 9 at Everence Federal Credit Union.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Pie Contest

Everence Federal Credit Union held their 1st annual pie contest, Friday, Dec. 9 in the parking lot of their store front. There were 21 pies entered into three different categories and over 40 different pies for people to taste following the judging.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Precious Modupe, 14, Amelia Rupan, 13, and Abrielle Leeder, 12, served bowls of soup to guests.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River Middle School's Empty Bowls Luncheon

Braden River Middle School and the community showed their support for the fight against hunger during the school's 12th annual Empty Bowls Luncheon Dec. 8. During the event, which the school's National Junior Honor Society hosted, enjoyed a bowl of soup, bread and dessert while listening to members of the school's orchestra perform. Guests received a handcrafted bowl to take home and proceeds from the event will benefit Our Daily Bread.

  • East County
  • Schools
Two-year-old Natasha Caro couldn’t wait to meet Santa Claus and ask him for something purple.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 11, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Holiday Party with a Purpose

East County children enjoyed an afternoon of holiday fun and games during the Holiday Party with a Purpose Dec. 10 at Greenbrook Adventure Park. The event, hosted by local Keller Williams Realty Realtor Holly Pascarella, served as a benefit for the local Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. During the party, children and their families enjoyed pictures with Santa Claus, games, arts and crafts, a bounce house and slides and food and Christmas cookies, among other activities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Madeline Dolleman, Mackenzie Downs and Patricia Maroszek
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 10, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Achieva Credit Union Reindeer Trot

Achieva Credit Union held its first Reindeer Trot Saturday, Dec. 10, at Payne Park. The 5K/10K community event benefited classroom grants administered by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Two-year-old Aiden Torres asked Santa Claus for a choo choo train this year.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Holidays Around the Ranch

East County families celebrated the holiday season during Holidays Around the Ranch Dec. 9 on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Children and their families decorated Christmas cookies, made arts and crafts and enjoyed games, musical entertainment and a visit with Santa, among other activities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A rainbow emerged from the clouds over Ringling Boulevard. Might it be a sign for a sunshine-filled weekend?
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 9, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Rainbow surprise

A rainbow emerged from the clouds over Ringling Boulevard. Might it be a sign for a sunshine-filled weekend?

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The town is eligible for an additional $5 million pending Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) approval of the Port Dolphin project.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 9, 2011
Town receives $500k from Port Dolphin agreement

The town has received a $500,000 check as part of the Port Dolphin gas pipeline agreement.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Individuals can nominate candidates who live in either Sarasota or Manatee county online at www.home-tech.com/index.php/santasuds.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 9, 2011
Local business to give away three $1,700 washer and dryer sets

Home-Tech is giving away three new Whirlpool washer and dryer sets to three local families. Nominations are being accepted through Dec. 12.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 9, 2011
East Manatee Wrestling Club set to kickoff season

The East Manatee Wrestling Club will kick off its season from 5:45 to 7 p.m., Jan. 3 in the wrestling room at Lakewood Ranch High School, 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

  • East County
  • Sports
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
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