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Your Observer

A new Walmart for the grocery-store-starved North Trail will be built in 2012.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • August 18, 2011
Planning board approves Walmart

The city's Planning Board unanimously approved last week a proposed 'neighborhood market' Walmart for the North Trail.

  • Sarasota
  • News
As illegal short-term rentals continue to spark complaints, Code Enforcement Officer John Lally has found himself trying to balance the demands of tourists and full-time residents,
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • August 18, 2011
Short-term rentals continue to upset residents

Although sympathetic to tourists, the county's code enforcement officer is working to end illegal home rentals on Siesta Key.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Beach Bazaar customers have been gathering up souvenirs as well as beach supplies. Photo by Rachel S. O’Hara.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • August 18, 2011
No. 1 beach equals big summer season

A full parking lot at Siesta Key Beach is translating into a lot of customers for Key merchants and restaurants.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
The Siesta Beach Pavilion has been a focal point for the public beach since it was dedicated in 1960. Photos courtesy of the Sarasota County History Center.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • August 18, 2011
Hidden wall enables building modifications

The discovery of a Siesta Beach Pavilion wall long hidden by structural additions will enable the county to modify the historic building without having to elevate it.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 18, 2011
News Briefs

Rep. Holder to lead legislative subcommittee; Sarasota sales fall 18% in July

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • August 18, 2011
Future charter schools may receive less district money

The Sarasota County School Board plans a more detailed look at its funding stream for charter schools, with an eye toward reducing allocations for new schools.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
This depiction of how a Palm Avenue parking garage wall would look was presented last week to the Public Art Committee. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • August 18, 2011
Parking garage murals planned

Jonathan Parks Architect, the architect for the Palm Avenue parking garage, suggests the city approve a $25,000 mural project for the interior walls of the garage.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • August 18, 2011
Planning Board controversy comes to close

Accusations of lame-duck political maneuvering marked the usual process of appointing members to the city's Planning Board.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • August 18, 2011
City told to send positive signals

The city's economic-development coordinator said decisions that appear to be unfriendly to business are also watched by potential new businesses.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 18, 2011
News Briefs

Path cleared for free electric-car service; Commission endorses North Trail plan

  • Sarasota
  • News
Sophie Williamson in the chicken coop in her family’s backyard. Photos by Rebecca Wild Baxter.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • August 18, 2011
12-year-old raises chickens in backyard

A 12-year-old girl's interest in chickens has taken her from addressing the City Commission to raising hens in her backyard.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kathy Bolam, a Venice retiree, wants Sarasota County voters to amend the county charter to restrict county commissioners from spending taxpayers’ money on nonprofit services. Photo by Rod Millington.
  • By Jay Brady
  • August 18, 2011
Government contracts with nonprofits: good doing or wasteful spending?

Local governments contracting with nonprofits for services spend millions of taxpayers' dollars each year. The strategy has its supporters and detractors.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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
  • August 18, 2011
Farmers market boasts off-season success

Visitors and locals are supporting the Sarasota Farmers Market in record numbers this summer, thanks to a new marketing campaign put into effect by the market's board of directors.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 18, 2011
Our View: Privatize Bobby Jones

Golfing may be the least essential of all government services. Of all the entertainment venues that local governments own or subsidize - from the Van Wezel to tennis courts to baseball - surely golf must rank near the bottom in order of importance.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 18, 2011
Letters to the Editor: 08.18.11

Change still needed for less debt and taxes; Kudos for showing 'Ruskin Sky' painting

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 18, 2011
Cops Corner: Sarasota

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
The Harbor Acres home at 1545 Hillview Drive has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, a pool and 4,625 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,262,500. Photo by Loren Mayo.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 18, 2011
Harbor Acres home sells for $2,262,500

Margaret Varner, Sarasota, sold her home at 1545 Hillview Drive, in Harbor Acres, to Donald and Sharon Lerner, Sarasota, for $2,262,500. Built in 1997, it has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,625 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $2.1 million in 2002.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • August 18, 2011
Business Observer

Eager Beaver Car Wash wins community award; Carson elected to U.S. Green Building Council; New College recognized in Princeton's top colleges list; Community Foundation awards financial aid; YMCA selected to receive grant for Hispanic program

  • Sarasota
  • News
Diane Desmond submitted this sunset photo, taken beneath the John Ringling Causeway.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 18, 2011
Weekly Winner: Watchful Perch

Diane Desmond submitted this sunset photo, taken beneath the John Ringling Causeway.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 18, 2011
Letters to the Editor: 08.18.11

Who's to blame? Freshman Republicans; County should focus on beach parking

  • Sarasota
  • News
Merrill
  • By David Merrill
  • August 18, 2011
My View: Building a university economy

The future is retirement. At least that's what a report from the University of Florida says about Sarasota's economy.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 18, 2011
Our View: Downtown's answer on Key

Sometimes the best solutions can be found in our own backyard.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • August 18, 2011
Groups suggest ethics code for county workers

Saying policy changes in the wake of a county purchasing scandal won't do any good unless county employees follow the rules, several citizens' organizations are asking county government to adopt a code of ethics.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 18, 2011
Cops Corner: Pelican Press

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • August 18, 2011
Jet Skis prove value as rescue equipment

Sarasota County lifeguards and Sheriff's Office deputies collaborated recently for a water rescue in Big Pass, after a 19-foot boat ran aground in Big Pass.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Jordan
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 18, 2011
PeliKids

Pelikids is a monthly feature highlighting the work of Sarasota County students. This month's offerings are from students at Southside, Gulf Gate and Lakeview elementary schools and Booker Middle School.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The home at 238 Island Circle has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,877 square feet of living area. It sold for $855,000. Photo by Rachel S. O’Hara.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • August 18, 2011
Mangrove Point Road home sells for $2,675,000

Thomas Westbrook and Donald DeLoach, trustees, of Duluth, Ga., sold the Unit 303 condominium at 5916 Midnight Pass Road to Bert and Anamari Bowers, Sarasota, for $425,000. Built in 1971, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,240 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $41,800 in 1971.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Robert Frederickson submitted this photo of a group of Mennonites enjoying the Siesta Key sunset.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 18, 2011
Weekly Winner: Contemplative Moment

Robert Frederickson submitted this photo of a group of Mennonites enjoying the Siesta Key sunset.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Ian Segneri co-founded the Missing Link Junior Golf Academy at the Legacy Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch about 10 years ago.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • August 17, 2011
COMMUNITY SPORTS TIPS: Improving your short game

This week, Missing Link Junior Golf Academy instructor Ian Segneri shares tips for making more shot putts.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Will Ryan, 4, Molly Ryan, 6, and Channing Holder, 6, enjoy their yogurt creations Wednesday, Aug. 17 at Yogurtology on South Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • August 17, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Sweet Treat

Yogurtology has become one of the "it" places to go for a sweet treat this summer in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • August 17, 2011
Mother arrested for ex-husband accusations

Police say the woman falsely reported to the Division of Children and Families that her ex-husband was using drugs and leaving their 11-year-old son home alone.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • August 17, 2011
Classic Cops of the Day: Sarasota

Enjoy a classic Cops Corner entry from the Sarasota Observer archives.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
An estate property in the Sanderling Club on Siesta Key ranks No. 1 on TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • August 17, 2011
Homes on Siesta Key and Casey Key rank in the top 10

A Siesta Key home ranks No. 1 and a Casey Key home No. 9 on a list compiled by TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Many of the town’s marine patrol efforts involve Beer Can Island.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • August 17, 2011
Town seeks $76,500 in Manatee WCIND funds

Mayor Jim Brown wrote in a letter that the town has a similar arrangement with Sarasota County that enhances public safety.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The turtle nest is located at 5211 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 17, 2011
Longboat turtle nest open takes place Friday

A nest opening will take place at 7:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at 5211 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 17, 2011
Putterman works on display in Maine

Lido Key resident Florence Putterman's works will be displayed in the 'Entwined Metaphors' exhibit at the Palmina S. and Stephen F. Pace Galleries of Art at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, in Fryeburg, Maine.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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