• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Your Observer

Devin Miller and JoJo Zolikoff race each other on the BMX track. Loren Mayo.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • October 13, 2011
Sarasota BMX goes preschool

What seems to be chaos barreling down a BMX track is in reality carefully calculated moves, as two little racers jockey for position in a fierce fight for first place.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lou Oberndorf, left, cofounded METI in 1996. The company has since become one the largest health-care technology firms on the Gulf Coast, with a focus in lifelike human simulators. Mike Bernstein, right, was named president of METI in 2009. File photo.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • October 13, 2011
How the METI deal was done

The top executive for a $60 million Sarasota medical technology business took on a complicated mission: Find a buyer for the firm without sacrificing price. It was an exacting operation.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Gulf Gate Elementary School Principal Robin Magac and pre-kindergarten student Madelyn Cohen meet Zeus, a 6-month-old llama from Oak Crest Farms. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Rachel Brown Hackney
  • October 13, 2011
Gulf Gate students join national reading initiative

The approximately 750 students at Gulf Gate Elementary School joined forces with students all across the country Oct. 6 to "Read for the Record," which emphasizes the importance of reading to young children in families of all income levels.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
This home at 5132 Jungle Plum Road has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths, a pool and 6,928 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,875,000. Photo by Loren Mayo.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 13, 2011
Hidden Harbor home tops week's sales at $2,875,000

A home in Hidden Harbor tops all transactions in this week's real estate.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Peter van Roekens submitted this photo of a late-evening sky on Siesta Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 13, 2011
Weekly Winner: Comical Contrails

Peter van Roekens submitted this photo of a late-evening sky on Siesta Key.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Co-chairs Courtney Rosenthal and Jill Friedman
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • October 12, 2011
Le Petit Marche

Le Petit Marche

  • Black Tie
Wendy Davis is open to volunteering with any department and Stanley Rodak would like to volunteer for fisheries or research.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • October 12, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY:Mote Volunteer Recruitment

Mote Aquarium cast out the net for potential volunteers on Wednesday, Oct. 12 and had more than a few nibbles. Around 60 candidates attended the volunteer recruitment coffee. Current volunteers spoke to the whole group about their positions and job responsibilities in hospitality, as guides, in fisheries and many more before meeting one-on-one with potential volunteers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The event is the only clay court college tournament in the nation, and this year the event will include a party at ESPN sportscaster Dick Vitale's house.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • October 12, 2011
Dick Vitale Clay Court Classic returns to Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club is set to host the 2011 Dick Vital Intercollegiate Clay Court Classic from Nov 11 to Nov 13.

  • East County
  • Sports
At what location are these flowers growing?
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 12, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Where am I growing?

At what location are these flowers growing?

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota High School students will dress up as everything from their favorite sports team to nerd day during spirit week.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • October 12, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota High School Tacky Tourist Day

Students at Sarasota High School donned their tackiest tourist attire as part of the school's spirit week celebration.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
How much do you know about Gov. Rick Scott?
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2011
FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT: Gov. Rick Scott

Think you know Florida Gov. Rick Scott? Here are some things you may not have known about him.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Kyle Cartwright, 14, has been charged with two burglaries. Police credit "Nero" the K-9 dog for stopping an armed burglary.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 12, 2011
Runaway arrested for burglaries

A 14-year-old boy was arrested Oct. 5 after the Sarasota Police Department was notified the suspect was located within city limits.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2011
Chef Martinez heats up food fest

Chef Jose Martinez, proprietor of Maison Blanche on Longboat Key, will be the only chef representing the West Coast of Florida in two appearances this week at Disney's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The view of a proposed 150-foot stealth cell tower depends on your perspective.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 12, 2011
P&Z to sound off on cell tower

The Planning & Zoning Board will consider a proposed stealth tower at Longboat Island Chapel. But a meeting and an open house this Sunday will offer different perspectives on the plan.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
David Bullock was appointed interim town manager by the Longboat Key Town Commission in October 2011.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 12, 2011
IN THE PUBLIC EYE: David Bullock

David Bullock will assume the role of interim Longboat Key manager Nov. 1.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jon F. Swift Inc. began removing the current landscaping in St. Armands Circle’s four medians last week, but the company has not received the necessary permit from FDOT to begin the entire median project. Photo by Mallory Gnaegy.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 12, 2011
Circle median project sees delays

Work has been delayed for months on a St. Armands Circle median project that will enhance the district while improving safety for pedestrians.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 12, 2011
P&Z staff details concerns about Publix design, access

The Longboat Key P&Z staff has concerns about the scale of the supermarket's proposal for Avenue of the Flowers.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
To access videos, go to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/town-of-longboat-key-commission-meetings-live
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 12, 2011
Live from Town Hall, it's the commission

Commission meetings and workshops are now live-streamed, but the meetings aren't the only thing viewers will see.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Founder and Co-Chairman of the Sister Keys Conservancy Rusty Chinnis, former Town Manager Al Cox and Harry Christensen celebrate the town of Longboat Key’s purchase of Sister Keys. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • October 12, 2011
Chinnis reflects on 30 years of changes on Longboat

When Rusty Chinnis, founder of Rusty Chinnis Contractor Inc., arrived 30 years ago on Longboat Key from Atlantic Beach, the island looked different than it does today.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 12, 2011
Town staff to weed through code issues

Torn screening, peeling paint and browning grass can be eyesores. They can also adversely impact the property values of neighboring homes.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The view from a penthouse unit in the Grand Mariner condos. The rendering of the cell tower has been drawn to scale. Courtesy rendering
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2011
Our View: There must be another way

There should not be a cell tower behind Longboat Island Chapel.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Unit 116 condominium at The Shores, 5757 Gulf of Mexico Drive, has three bedrooms, two baths, and 1,996 square feet of living area. It sold for $637,500. Photo by Mallory Gnaegy.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • October 12, 2011
The Shore condominium sells for $637,500

Norman Halpern, trustee, and Diane Halpern, Sarasota, sold the Unit 116 condominium at The Shore, 5757 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to Charles and Susan DiNatale, Longboat Key, for $637,500.

  • Longboat Key
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2011
Chabad enjoys Family Fun Day

Chabad Hebrew School of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch celebrated its first Family Fun Day of the year with a Honey Cake Bake-Off Sept. 25.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Billie and Bob Delaney with Charles Barkley, who also joined in on the ride
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2011
Ranch residents Ride 2 Recovery

Lakewood Ranch resident Bob Delaney, with the help of his wife, Billie, a marathon runner, spent weeks training for a Ride 2 Recovery bicycle event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Florida Gov. Rick Scott visited The Observer Group’s downtown Sarasota office Monday to answer questions for its editorial board about his agenda for the upcoming legislative session.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • October 12, 2011
FULL STORY: Gov. Scott says jobs will solve Florida's problems

Florida Gov. Rick Scott's visit to the Observer Group prompted discussion on economic growth, the importance of jobs and Scott's intention to reduce state taxes.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 12, 2011
School Board districts to get new boundaries

The Manatee County School Board has started the redistricting process for its School Board members.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 12, 2011
School Board districts to get new boundaries

The Manatee County School Board has started the redistricting process for its School Board members.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 12, 2011
Hunsader prepares for annual festival

This year's Pumpkin Festival will run three weekends, from Oct. 15 through Oct. 30.

  • East County
  • News
Longboat Pass Bridge connects the north end of Longboat Key to Coquina Beach on Bradenton Beach. File photo.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • October 12, 2011
Bridge repair project to begin during season

A $1.1 million Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project to repair Longboat Pass Bridge is scheduled to begin in November and continue into spring 2012.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2011
Letters to the Editor

Frustrated by false proclamations; Cell towers cause fear for health

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Read this week's Cops Corner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2011
Cops Corner: Longboat Key

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
Dr. Joseph Klein attributes turning 100 years old to several factors, including a healthy lifestyle and good genes.
    By
  • Mallory Gnaegy
  • October 12, 2011
Neighbors: Dr. Joseph Klein

Dr. Joseph Klein has lived through World War I, Word War II and the flu pandemic of 1918.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2011
Obituary: Hermine Silver

Hermine Silver, of Longboat Key and formerly of Franklin, Mich., died Oct. 7. She was 79.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2011
Obituary: Caleb Livingston Batten

Caleb Livingston Batten, of Longboat Key, died Oct. 6. He was 90.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2011
Obituary: Alice Louise Barton

Alice Louise Barton, of Sarasota, and formerly of Ohio, Mich., and Longboat Key, died Sept. 30. She was 88 years old.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • October 12, 2011
Business Observer

Colony restoration attracts big names

  • Longboat Key
  • News
« 1657 1658 1659 1660 1661 1662 1663 1664 1665 1666 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest News

Sponsored Content
1
  • June 3, 2026
Keys & Courses: A High-Energy Dueling Piano Dinner Party
2
Selby Gardens’ Selenicereus cactus blooms for one night only.
  • June 3, 2026
Selby's 'Queen of the Night' blooms tonight only
3
University Town Center is poised to welcome more than a dozen new tenants, Ikea this summer to Dick's House of Sport in 2027.
  • June 3, 2026
13 new retailers, eateries coming to University Town Center
4
Blair "Chip" Kunka and Jan Kunka of the Bradenton Lions Club didn't previously have a young contact to start a Leo Club. When Tyler LaPlaca reached out, they were all in.
  • June 3, 2026
Teen founds Lakewood Ranch Leo Club to provide community service
5
Panther Ridge's Chantal Wilford wants to provide further support to families in Manatee County through becoming the District 5 school board member.
  • June 3, 2026
Panther Ridge mom hopes to make connections in District 5 school board seat

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free