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Your Observer

    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 6, 2011
Brochures going out to candidates

The Mercer Group, which is conducting the search for the new Sarasota County administrator, has posted on its website a brochure outlining the qualities sought in that public official.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Briana O'Brien drives her Green Hopper on Main Street in downtown Sarasota. O'Brien has expanded her "green" service to the Key. To catch a free ride, call 706-5400. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 6, 2011
Another free taxi service operating on Siesta Key

A former Daiquiri Deck waitress has been operating a free taxi service on the Key since April, using a battery-powered vehicle she calls the Green Hopper.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
News Briefs

County Commission to vote Oct. 25 on salaries; County beginning address verifications; Sarasota offers mobile health services

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Backflow prevention devices must be installed per state and federal Health Department requirements. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 6, 2011
City of Sarasota spending $1.2 million for backflow devices

A state and federal mandate that requires municipal water systems to be protected with backflow prevention devices will cost the city of Sarasota $1.2 million.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Trigga is 4 years old and needs a good home.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • October 6, 2011
Sarasota Animal Services sees increased adoption need

Sarasota County Animal Services won't turn away any animals that are dropped off at its facility on Bee Ridge Road.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Suncoast Metals on 51st Street in Sarasota has signs posted warning people not to try to sell stolen goods.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 6, 2011
Dealers scrap over metals

Rare coin dealers protest as county officials try to develop a stricter ordinance regarding the sale and purchase of ferrous, non-ferrous and precious metals, including gold and copper.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The Suncoast Quad Squad takes its giant bat skate for a test drive in Sarasota.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • October 6, 2011
Roller derby divas prepare for takeoff

Sarasota's roller derby girls are putting the final touches on a giant roller skate that they hope to send soaring through the air Saturday at the 2011 Red Bull Flugtag Tampa.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
Letter to the Editor Special: Recycling the right choice

A few weeks ago, the Pelican Press published an opinion column titled "Recycling as religion" in which the author expressed his view that recycling is a waste of valuable resources and that the county justifies its recycling program with arguments that don't "stand up to research."

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
Our View: County cuts are right sizing

The Sarasota County Commission's freshly approved 2012 budget looks more like a bubble correction than Draconian cutbacks of critical services, at least when viewed through a 10-year lens.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
A sign for a dog-bathing service, put up in the spring at the 17th Street Dog Park, drew complaints from users of the facility, even though the business was labeled a sponsor. Photo by Norman Schimmel.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 6, 2011
Commission forgoes specific rules for park signs

Although wary of advertising in county parks, county commissioners declined to set guidelines for signage. The Friends of Sarasota County Parks Inc. will handle requests.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The Riverview High School and Sarasota High School classes of 1966 will host a mini reunion from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at The Sarasota Sahib Shrine Temple, 600 N. Beneva Road.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • October 6, 2011
A dedication of historical significance

The Sarasota County Historical Commission recognized Riverview High School with the dedication of a marker that explains the historical significance of the original school, which opened in 1958 and was designed by architect Paul Rudolph.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Ava Csiszar’s free beach yoga classes have been drawing steady participation on Siesta Key Public Beach. File photo.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 6, 2011
Island Beat: Season brings a number of fundraisers back to the Key

Benny Kimsey's bluegrass picnics are back.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Kevin Cooper, 30, says he finds nonprofit work inspiring. Photo by Rachel Brown Hackney.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 6, 2011
Neighbors: A man for all members

Ohio native Kevin Cooper focuses on service to members and the community as executive director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Energy Upgrade will enable residents to visit a website, www.energyupgradetoday.com, to help them identify and set priorities for saving energy, which will result in lower utility bills.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 6, 2011
County launches new energy-efficiency program

An online county initiative launched Monday has been designed to make it easier for residents to lower their utility bills.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Sarasota entrepreneurs Dan Miller and Chris Abbot recently launched the Abbeton Accelerator Fund. The fund invests in startup ideas, mostly in technology. Photo by Rod Millington.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • October 6, 2011
Innovative Business: Acceleration Machine

The idea people behind a technology startup sometimes lack two key elements: cash and know-how. A trio of Gulf Coast business veterans is here to help.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
This home at 313 Canal Road, which has two bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 1,918 square feet of living area, sold for $410,000. Photo by Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
Riegels Landing home tops this week's sales at $505,600

A home in Riegels Landing tops transactions in this week's real estate. Cosimo and Concetta Tripoli, Sarasota, sold their home at 1254 Riegels Landing Drive to Joseph and Alison Rini, Sarasota, for $505,600.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Mitch Garber took this sunset photo in July, on Siesta Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
Weekly Weather: All Aglow

Mitch Garber took this sunset photo in July, on Siesta Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Maria Lutz, Tracy Henderson, Rebecca Blitz and Penny Shuff. Chefs Phil Mancini and Tommy Klauber led the way and prepared each course before turning over the reins — and pots, pans and kitchen utensils — to the attendees.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Martha's gets a taste of Italy at interactive dinner

The Taste of Italy Interactive Dinner held for St. Martha's Catholic School drew 150 eager participants to the event Saturday, Sept. 24, at Michael's On East.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jim Butler founded Paradise Homes in 2003. The company has since become one of the fastest-growing homebuilders in the Sarasota-Bradenton market. Photo by Mark Wemple.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • October 6, 2011
Homebuilder in Paradise

Jim Butler rarely hesitates to invest money - a lot of money - in his entrepreneurial ventures. His latest stake, homebuilding, has been a winner.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The home at 7776 S. Holiday Drive has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,382 square feet of living area. It sold for $1 million. Photo by Loren Mayo.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 6, 2011
Holiday Harbor home sells for $1 million

Richard Bores and Mary Cuthbert-Bores, Sarasota, sold their home in Holiday Harbor at 7776 S. Holiday Drive to Edward Stolarski, Sarasota, for $1 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Rosemary Gillies
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • October 6, 2011
Real Estate Reports

RE/MAX named among nation's top realtors; Keller Williams doubles operations in Sarasota; Hudson and Gillies join Signature Sotheby's; Wellman-Moffatt team joins Michael Saunders

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Peter Monaghan submitted this sunset photo, taken in Island Park near downtown Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 6, 2011
Weekly Winner: A Walk in the Park

Peter Monaghan submitted this sunset photo, taken in Island Park near downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tyler Kaisi, Maya Kaisi, Nick Slimick and Sierra Pittman.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • October 6, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Festival sARTee Kick Off

Festival sARTee's kick-off hosted by Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design featured Inspired Journeys containing two exhibits, "Fresh Paints" and "Provocative Petticoats," and a performance by the Sailor Circus on Thursday, Oct. 6.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jenny Hovey, Erin Fitzgerald, Taryn Pharo, Dr. John Fezza, Gail Cervera and Pia Simonson
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • October 5, 2011
Wine Women & Shoes Sole Men Reception

Wine Women & Shoes Sole Men Reception

  • Black Tie
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 5, 2011
Tickets on sale for gourmet party

Tickets are now on sale for the Longboat Key Gourmet Lawn Party (formerly called the St. Jude Gourmet Luncheon), which takes place Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Longboat Key Club and Resort's Islandside golf course driving range.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 5, 2011
Aging in Paradise has new website

The Aging in Paradise center at the Longboat Island Chapel now has a new website: aginginparadise.org.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Ally Kukanza helps Mote scientists release rescued hatchlings back into the Gulf of Mexico. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 5, 2011
Selfless birthday wish for the turtles

Allison Kukanza opted out of birthday presents for her ninth birthday earlier this month; instead, she asked that donations be made to Mote's Sea Turtle Hatchling Hospital, which her family donated to Mote.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 5, 2011
Tara enjoys Italian festival

Tara Golf and Country Club residents on Sept. 17 enjoyed an authentic Italian feast during the San Gennaro Dinner Festival.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Levi signed the national anthem before the contest. And — even better — he got a high-five from Rays Manager Joe Maddon.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 5, 2011
Rays request Waxler's support

After their incredible ride into the postseason, the Tampa Bay Rays asked for East County sign-language guru Levi Waxler's services at the team's playoff game against the Texas Rangers Oct. 3.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Agriculture students from the school’s Science and Health Academy, among others, attended the event.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 5, 2011
Rodeo legend visits BRHS

East County cowboy and legend Hub Hubbell, 93, on Sept. 30 visited Braden River High School, where he talked about his life as a cowboy and gave a lasso demonstration.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
David Bullock stands outside of Longboat Key Town Hall before Monday night’s commission meeting.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 5, 2011
FULL STORY: Bullock receives one-year contract

Town Commission voted 6-1 for longtime Sarasota County deputy administrator.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 5, 2011
Our View: Start with a blank sheet

There is no point ranting or scolding for the selection Monday night of David Bullock as Longboat Key's new interim town manager.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Jim Brown and his daughter, Sue Rico, talk Monday afternoon at his home at the Twin Shores Mobile Home Park.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • October 5, 2011
Jim Brown leaves behind a legacy

After 35 years on Longboat Key, Jim Brown, former mayor, town commissioner and champion of the island bids adieu to his home.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Robert Lincoln
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 5, 2011
DCA reverses Islandside ruling

The Florida Department of Community Affairs reversed a previous ruling, but the significance of the decision has yet to be determined.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 5, 2011
Lighthouse Point dock project creates waves

The proposed expansion plan reached stormy waters last week, when a fight broke out between two neighbors.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
A class photo of Lakewood Ranch High School's 2001 graduating class.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 5, 2011
Lakewood Ranch High School's first graduating class celebrates 10 years

Lakewood Ranch High School's 2001 yearbook was titled 'The Final Piece' -- to honor its first graduates as the last puzzle piece needed to complete the high school. This week, that pioneering class celebrates its 10-year reunion.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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