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Your Observer

The Windsor resident Gerry Haller wore a replica of her old military uniform as she packed care boxes for her grandson.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 7, 2011
Windsor residents prepare sweet surprise

The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch has launched a campaign to send care packages to troops in Iraq. The soldier receiving packages is resident and veteran Gerry Haller's grandson.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The cooking school offers interactive cooking demonstrations and hands-on classes.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 7, 2011
Ranch cooking school readies for business

Viking Culinary School officially is opening on Lakewood Ranch Main Street Sept. 14.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This Greenbrook Village home, which has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,521 square feet of living area, sold for $515,000. Photo by Jen Blanco.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • September 7, 2011
Greenbrook Village home sells for $515,000

A home in Greenbrook Village tops all transactions in this week's real estate. Charles and Cynthia Piano of Burr Ridge, Ill., sold their home at 13426 Goldfinch Drive to Fadi Kayali and Jennifer Hengy, Lakewood Ranch, for $515,000.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Sixteen-year-old Dalton Jenkins, who trains at House of Pain Martial Arts, captured the Junior Florida State Lightweight title Aug. 27.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 7, 2011
Sports Briefs

HOP Martial Arts fighter wins state lightweight title; Mustangs open season with win; Lady Mustangs dominate Canes Classic

  • East County
  • Sports
The East County Observer and Bogey's Restaurant and Sports Pub have teamed up to showcase the East County’s top athletes. Each recipient's article will be featured on the restaurant's wall.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 7, 2011
Athlete of the Week: Keyon Fordham

Eleven-year-old running back Keyon Fordham scored four touchdowns, including a 60-yard kickoff return, and racked up 200 yards on the ground in the first half, leading the East Manatee Bulldogs' Junior Pee Wee team to a 33-0 victory over the Fishhawk Wolfpack in its season opener Aug. 27.

  • East County
  • Sports
Your memories of 9/11
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 7, 2011
9/11: Your memories

We asked you to submit your memory of where you were for 9/11. Here is what you sent.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Vice Mayor Terry Turner warned commissioners that approving a millage increase is only going to create tougher financial problems for the city next year.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • September 6, 2011
Commission approves 5.3% millage increase

Sarasota city commissioners approved by a 3-2 vote Tuesday night a millage rate of 2.9249 mills for fiscal year 2010.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Sarasota City Commission must bake budget decisions and consider suspending water and sewer impact fees today at City Hall.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • September 6, 2011
Commission makes budget decision today

Sarasota city commissioners must review a list of $844,091 in additional budget cuts before approving a budget on first reading today at City Hall.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 6, 2011
COMMUNITY SPORTS TIPS: Preparing for tournament play

This week, Tara Golf & Country Club PGA Golf Professional Melissa Williams shares tips for preparing for tournament play.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A seagull tries to fly over the bay near Centennial Park during a rain storm Tuesday afternoon. The rain was so heavy that it was even difficult to see the Ringling Bridge from the nearby park.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • September 6, 2011
Photo of the Day: Ringling in the Rain

With hurricane season in full force, daily thunderstorms and bouts of rain are becoming a common occurrence in both Sarasota and Manatee counties. The Ringling Bridge is almost difficult to make out from Centennial Park during a storm Tuesday afternoon.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jim Harriott said staff had noted during a June budget discussion that the county would not have the approximately $7 million in extra funding it needs for the project until FY 2015.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • September 6, 2011
Gulf Gate Library project could be moved up

In response to concerns voiced Tuesday by Sarasota County Commission Chairwoman Nora Patterson, county staff will examine ways to accelerate the construction of the new Gulf Gate Library. The project is set to start in Fiscal Year 2015.

  • Sarasota
  • News
John Greer and Vinny LaBash
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • September 6, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: YES enjoys luncheon at Clayton's

The Young Entrepreneurs of Sarasota met for their weekly luncheon Tuesday, Sept. 6 at Clayton's Siesta Grille on Siesta Key.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report states the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport’s tower called in reference to a plane that was experiencing engine problems. Courtesy Photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 6, 2011
Plane makes emergency landing

A small aircraft made an emergency landing in the East County Sept. 3.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Michelle Last, Ashley Platt, Olivia Ortiz, Devin McDermott and Kristin Zarrella all posted Top 5 finishes.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 6, 2011
Lady Mustangs dominate Canes Classic

Lakewood Ranch High junior Olivia Ortiz finished first overall at the 19th Annual Canes Classic 5K Sept. 5 at G.T. Bray Park.

  • East County
  • Sports
Marilyn Kopko, 62. Courtesy Photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 6, 2011
Palm Aire woman missing since Friday

Authorities are looking for Marilyn Kopko, 62.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 6, 2011
Burglary attempted in Dollar General parking lot

A Bradenton man feared his safety after a man with a knife attempted to get in his vehicle.

  • East County
  • News
The victim, who’s name is withheld while the investigation is pending, was walking home when the suspect grabbed her from behind.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • September 6, 2011
Kidnapping attempted on Siesta Key

Police report an attempted kidnapping at 6703 Midnight Pass Road.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Donovan Ingley helped lead Gainesville Soccer Alliance to a 5-0 victory over the North Fort Myers Knights in the first game of the tournament.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 5, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Nike Cup Labor Day Showcase

Thousands of youth soccer players put their skills to the test during the Nike Cup Labor Day Showcase Sept. 3-5 at the Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch. More than 300 boys and girls teams, ranging in age from U9-U18, from across the state participated in the annual event, which was hosted by the Clearwater Chargers and the Fusion Futbol Club.

  • East County
  • Sports
Peter Easton and Jami Heredia pose before taking over the grill for their shift Saturday, Sept. 3 at the 65th Labor Day Regatta at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • September 3, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: 65th Labor Day Regatta BBQ

The Sarasota Sailing Squadron held a BBQ for the competitors and the spectators on Saturday with many members helping to cook, clean and sell at the BBQ.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Demardre Patterson returned the opening kickoff of the second half for a touchdown, giving ODA a 28-14 lead.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 3, 2011
Out-of-Door wins season opener

The Out-of-Door Academy overcame a muffed punt and sloppy weather conditions, defeating St. Petersburg Catholic 35-21 in its season opener Sept. 2.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Senior running back McKenzie Hathaway rushed for two touchdowns.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 2, 2011
Mustangs gallop past Pirates

Behind the strength of its offensive line and the legs of McKenzie Hathaway and Andre Christiano, Lakewood Ranch defeated Braden River 28-18, marking the Mustangs second-consecutive win in the rivalry series.

  • East County
  • Sports
Sara Vaught kept the Mustang fans on their feet throughout the game.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • September 2, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch fans

Lakewood Ranch's faithful fans took the green and silver on the road as the Mustangs faced East County rival Braden River Sept. 2 at Pirate Stadium. The Mustangs emerged victorious, defeating the Pirates 28-18.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarah Kinsey got a boost from a classmate so she could cheer on the Pirates from above.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • September 2, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River fans

Braden River fans donned their school colors to cheer on the Pirates as they faced East County rival Lakewood Ranch Sept. 2 at Braden River. The Pirates lost to the Mustangs 28-18.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A third-quarter downpour couldn't stop the Thunder's potent rushing attack.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • September 2, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: ODA vs. St Petersburg Catholic

A late-game downpour couldn't drown out the Thunder's pursuit for greatness on the gridiron as ODA opened its season Sept. 2 against St. Petersburg Catholic. The Thunder handled the Barons 35-21.

  • East County
  • Sports
Elise Lipoff and Frank Maggio tended the bar at Shamrock Pub during last year's Guest Bartender Summer Showdown.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • September 2, 2011
Celebrity bartenders serve drinks for good cause

Tonight's Guest Bartender Summer Showdown at Shamrock Pub will benefit Goodwill Industries Manasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Beach Access 12 closed Aug. 1 to enable Sarasota County workers to improve drainage and realign the parking spaces.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • September 2, 2011
Beach Access 12 re-opens on Siesta Key

Beach Access 12 on the south end of Siesta Key re-opened Friday afternoon in time for Labor Day.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Longboat Key Town Hall is located at 501 Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • September 2, 2011
Town Hall to close for Labor Day

Town Hall will re-open Tuesday, Sept. 6.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
City Hall and its various departments will be closed Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • September 2, 2011
City of Sarasota administration offices closed for Labor Day

The city of Sarasota administration offices will be closed Monday for the holiday. Trash and recycling schedules for the city are not affected.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 2, 2011
Authorities identify man in structure fire

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has identified the body found in a structure fire Aug. 29 as that of 20-year-old Lane Austin Jordan.

  • East County
  • News
Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight announced Friday he was arresting three youth football coaches and a player for their actions at an Aug. 27 game.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • September 2, 2011
Sheriff makes arrests in youth football brawl

Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight made four arrests stemming from the youth football brawl Saturday, at Riverview High School.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 2, 2011
County offices close for Labor Day

Although Manatee County government offices will be closed Sept. 5, the county's parks and public beaches will remain open.

  • East County
  • News
Goodbye Eddie performed at Music on Main in January.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 2, 2011
Monthly concert hits Ranch Main Street

Lakewood Ranch Main Street's monthly Music on Main concert series will run from 6-9 p.m. tonight.

  • East County
  • News
The Diva Angels motorcycle group organized the event.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 2, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Corn Hole Tournament

The Gulf Coast Diva Angels of Sarasota-Bradenton on Sept. 1 hosted a corn hole tournament at Manatee River Harley Davidson. The event, which also featured live music and food and drink, benefited Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 2, 2011
Classic Cops of the Day

Enjoy a classic Cops Corner entry from the East County Observer archives.

  • East County
  • Cops Corner
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • September 1, 2011
Town monitoring tropical disturbance

Tropical Disturbance 35 is currently traveling northwest in the Gulf of Mexico.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 1, 2011
Pastry shop opens on Main Street

Pastries by Design opened today in its new Lakewood Ranch Main Street location.

  • East County
  • News
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