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Your Observer

Harvest United Methodist Church's Pumpkin Patch is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Oct. 31.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 24, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Pumpkin Paradise

Harvest United Methodist Church's Pumpkin Patch is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Oct. 31.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Commissioners plan to take comments on the item at 10 a.m. in the first floor chambers of the Manatee County Administrative Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 24, 2011
County to discuss redistricting

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday are seeking public input regarding redistricting at the board's meeting Tuesday.

  • East County
  • News
Dressed as a policeman, 4-year-old Ethan Armor proved to be one of the fastest runners.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 24, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Creaky Bones 5K

East County residents on Oct. 22 headed to Nathan Benderson Park for the Creaky Bones 5K & Sarasota Dragon Boat Festival.

  • East County
  • News
Freedom Cafeteria Manager Therese Rickrode stands with Shelby King, owner of King Family Farm. Photo submitted by Therese Rickrode.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 24, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: School Lunch Week

Students at Freedom Elementary School learned about farming and food during National School Lunch Week Oct. 10-14.

  • East County
  • News
Scott Bushey, Nora Stephan, Ellyn Hammond and Opera Board President Joe Stephan
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • October 23, 2011
Sarasota Opera Curtain Raiser Dinner

Sarasota Opera Curtain Raiser Dinner

  • Black Tie
Maureen and Stan Greenway from Bradenton, Brian Hunt from St. Pete and Christina Lima from St. Pete
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • October 23, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Triathlon

Athletes from all over came to Longboat Key Club and Resort to participate in the Second Annual Ziivaa Longboat Key Triathlon and Duathlon on Sunday, Oct. 23. The triathlon consisted of a half-mile swim, a twenty-mile bike and a five-mile run. The Duathlon consists of a two-mile run, twenty-mile bike and a five-mile run.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Kindergartner Connor Loukota took a much-needed break from all of the fun and games.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 23, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival

Hundreds of East County residents flocked to Hunsader Farms for the 20th annual Pumpkin Festival Oct. 23. Guests enjoyed picking out pumpkins in the pumpkin patch, hayrides, a corn maze, a petting zoo, children's rides and games, a craft fair, music and a plethora of fair food and drinks, among other activities. The Pumpkin Festival will resume this Saturday and Sunday and will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • October 22, 2011
CANDance: Dancing With Our Stars

CANDance: Dancing With Our Stars

  • Black Tie
Johna Desrosiers
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • October 22, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Thriller Audition

On Friday, Oct. 21 a zombie apocalypse took place at Sarasota High when normal students tapped into their living dead counterparts to audition for a part in its 'Thriller' performance. They will perform around Sarasota for the third year in a row at St. Armands 'Fright Night' on Monday, Oct. 31.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Seven-year-old Emmalee Adams with Sarasota Dance Academy
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • October 22, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Kids, Cats and Cupcakes

Cat Depot's fundraiser with cat themed cupcakes, games, dancers, face paint and prizes made already cool cats, even cooler on Saturday, Oct. 22. There were 16 games, a bouncy house and live entertainment provided by area dance academies. The cats were getting lots of love in the adoption center, too.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dee Rodgers and Sally Pruna got zombiefied for the event.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • October 22, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Zombie Pub Crawl

It was the night of the living dead Saturday as corpses aimlessly lurched through Gulf Gate.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Jim and Jean Zakovec pose with Bill Steele, Saturday, Oct. 22 at Bird Key Yacht Club.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • October 22, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Belgian Night at BKYC

The members of Bird Key Yacht Club had a fun time trying out different Belgian beers and enjoying Belgian cuisine, Saturday, Oct. 22 at Bird Key Yacht Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Braden River High football team is still alive in the Class 7A-District 10 race.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 22, 2011
Pirates stay alive in playoff race

The Braden River High football team kept its playoff hopes alive with a 26-11 victory over visiting Sarasota Oct. 21.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch junior Danielle Valley won four events, including the 200-yard individual medley.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 22, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Manatee County Swimming and Diving Championships

The Lakewood Ranch High swim team once again showed its dominance, breaking seven meet records and sweeping all of the relay events en route to capturing the boys and girls championships at the Manatee County swimming and diving championships Oct. 19 at the G.T. Bray Aquatic Center. The Lady Mustangs scored 615 points to finish ahead of St. Stephen's (353.5) and Braden River (205) while the Mustangs scored 575 points to finish ahead of Southeast (298) and Braden River (261). Lakewood set new meet records in the boys 200-yard medley relay and 400 freestyle relay. Will Kazokas also set records in the 100 butterfly (53.63) and 500 freestyle (4:47.24). Other Lakewood meet record-setters include: Danielle Valley in the 500 freestyle (5:03.06); Luke Hanner in the 200 individual medley (2:09.39); and Kevin Berkenbusch in the 200 freestyle (1:55.80).

  • East County
  • Sports
Everyone in attendance was able to select a handcrafted ceramic bowl to take home.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 22, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY:Empty Bowls

Dozens of East County residents enjoyed hearty bowls of soup during the annual Empty Bowls event Oct. 21 on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Participants were able to sample a variety of soups from local restaurants and take home handcrafted ceramic bowls, which were mad by local potters. Proceeds from the event benefit The Food Bank of Manatee.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lillian Fuller, June Sgarzi and Maureen Grarafalo walked for a friend who died in 2004.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 22, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Sporting pink shirts and bras, Sarasota and Manatee county residents walked for a cause Oct. 21 during the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event at the Sarasota Polo Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mikaela Campbell, Skylar Homan and Caroline Cestaro are all in fifth grade.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 22, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: McNeal Costume Ball

Donning their Halloween costumes, children at McNeal Elementary School gathered Oct. 21 with their families in the school's cafeteria for a Costume Ball. Attendees enjoyed pizza and ice cream, dancing and a costume contest, among other activities.

  • East County
  • News
Monica Simpson is director of the Planning Zoning & Building Department.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 22, 2011
Investigation reveals issues with P&Z director

Interviews with town employees show concerns about Planning Zoning & Building Director Monica Simpson.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Under the new process, the School Board will act as the primary information-gathering body and will hold workshops to discuss budget-related issues and gather information from staff, departments and the community.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 22, 2011
Superintendent announces new budget process

A new budget development process is being implemented for the Manatee County School District's 2012-2013 school year.

  • East County
  • News
Van and Diana Neely and Mickey Gager
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • October 21, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Pioneer Day Fish Fry

The Historical Society's Pioneer Day Fish Fry begged the question: Grouper or Mullet? But pioneers and other Longboat Key Residents seemed to enjoy both equally on Friday, Oct. 21 at Mar Vista. Mar Vista served the seafood along with other southern comfort foods: fried green tomatoes, okra and cheese grits.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Commissioner Joe Barbetta poses with Linda and Bob Long and Norma Roembke Friday, Oct. 21, at St. Boniface's.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • October 21, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Oktoberfest at St. Boniface

St. Boniface and the Siesta Key/Greater Sarasota Republican Club enjoyed an evening full of bratwurst, pork tenderloin, apple strudel, beer and live German music Friday, Oct. 21, at St. Boniface's.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Commissioner Phill Younger holds one of two at-large seats on the Longboat Key Town Commission.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 21, 2011
Future charter committee to address Younger suggestion

A future charter review committee will discuss Commissioner Phill Younger's suggestion for reconfiguring the commission.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Alise Mirikitani, 8, proved she had a good reach.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 21, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: YMCA Fall Festival

East County residents gathered Oct. 21 at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA for the Y's annual Fall Festival event. Children and their families enjoyed carnival-style games, music and other festivities.

  • East County
  • News
The Lakewood Ranch High football team improved to 3-0 in Class 6A-District 7 with a 35-21 victory over Dixie Hollins Oct. 21.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 21, 2011
Mustangs remain perfect in district

The Lakewood Ranch High football team scored a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns to secure a 35-21 victory over visiting Dixie Hollins in a Class 6A-District 7 Oct. 21.

  • East County
  • Sports
Valerie Byford submitted this sunset photo, taken near Marina Jack in downtown Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 21, 2011
Weekly Winner: Boater's Paradise

Valerie Byford submitted this sunset photo, taken near Marina Jack in downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The suspects stole $40 cash and a $150 metro PCS phone. They returned to their vehicle and fled the area.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 21, 2011
Man robbed at gas station

A Sarasota man was robbed at gunpoint at a gas station in the 2800 block of University Parkway Oct. 20.

  • East County
  • News
Cindy Kaiser, outgoing executive director of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 21, 2011
Kaiser departing Education Foundation

Cindy Kaiser, executive director of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County since 2007, is leaving the organization to handle long-term family health issues, the foundation announced Friday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Residents and visitors may still use the Turtle beach area, but are urged not to wade, swim or participate in any other water recreation event until the advisory is lifted. It is still safe to fish and consume fish caught in this area. File photo.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • October 21, 2011
Beach water advisory issued for Turtle Beach

Sarasota County Health Department officials discovered an elevated level of enterococci (enteric) bacteria from beach water samples.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Mark Smith, president of the board of directors of All Faiths Food Bank.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 21, 2011
IN THE PUBLIC EYE: Mark Smith

President of the board of directors of All Faiths Food Bank; he has been a member of the board since 2006.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 21, 2011
COMMUNITY SPORTS TIPS: Grip

This week, Tara Golf & Country Club PGA Golf Professional Melissa Williams shares tips on improving your grip.

  • East County
  • Sports
Max Goldner enjoys the beach on Long Island but is currently prohibited by town codes from visiting Longboat Key’s beaches.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 21, 2011
Committee to sniff out dog beach issues

The Longboat Key Town Commission agreed that a committee should discuss ways to compromise on allowing dogs to access a small section of the island's beaches.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Sally Schule, Gwen MacKenzie, Kyla Weiner, Susan Jones and Alex Quarles
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • October 20, 2011
Key to the Cure 'The Pink Party'

Key to the Cure 'The Pink Party'

  • Black Tie
Dr. Janet Whitlock was surprised by all the people who were in the hospital to greet her and wish her a happy birthday and congratulate her on 30 years as a veterinarian at Beneva Animal Hospital.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • October 20, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Surprise party at Beneva Animal Hospital

The Beneva Animal Hospital held an open house and surprise birthday and anniversary party on for Dr. Janet Whitlock, Thursday, Oct. 20 at the hospital. Whitlock has been the owner and main veterinarian at the facility for 30 years.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Women’s Club of Lakewood Ranch members Linda McGrath and Gunnel Nilsson both live in Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 20, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY:Lakewood Ranch Women's Club Bazaar, Boutique and Luncheon

Members of the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club enjoyed an afternoon of socializing and shopping during the club's fifth annual Bazaar, Boutique and Luncheon Oct. 19 at Fete Ballroom at the Polo Grill and Bar. Guests enjoyed perusing the various boutiques and vendors who were displaying a variety of items, including quilts, light boys, children's toys, scrapbooking accessories, handmade doll clothes, plants, jewelry and more, before sitting down to lunch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
These doves found a comfy perch on Lakewood Ranch Main Street today.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 20, 2011
PHOTO OF A DAY: Birds of a feather

These doves found a comfy perch on Lakewood Ranch Main Street today.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rev. Dean Taylor
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 20, 2011
FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT: Rev. Dean Taylor

Rev. Dean Taylor arrived this month at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, do you know these things about him?

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
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