Your Observer

Rachel S. OHara
December 9, 2010

Tot Shabbat kids gift holiday cheer

Children and their parents participated in a special Tot Shabbat Nov. 27 at Temple Emanu El.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Maria Amodio
December 9, 2010

Donor Spotlight: Charley Richards

Each week, The Sarasota Observer will feature a different donor who is involved with Season of Sharing, a 10-year, community-wide fundraising partnership created by the Community Foundation.

Sarasota
News

Robin Roy
December 9, 2010

ROUNDABOUT RECONFIGURATION

A law firm at the intersection of Ringling Boulevard and Orange Avenue wants City Hall to change the planned roundabout at that intersection, so it can later redevelop its property.

Sarasota
News

Robin Roy
December 9, 2010

Permanent police panel created

The City Commission voted to install a permanent police panel to advise commissioners on the Sarasota Police Department's policies and officer interaction with the community.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
December 9, 2010

It's the economy, commissioners

This was another one of those "what-were-they-thinking?" moments at the Sarasota City Commission.

Sarasota
Opinion

Observer Staff
December 9, 2010

Nov. 24 Fault line 12:04 a.m. - South Tamiami Trail and Vamo Way. DUI. A woman from Charlotte County was clocked driving 68 mph in a 45 mph zone, and a deputy stopped her. The woman had a strong odor of alcohol on her breath and had bloodshot eyes. She failed a sobriety test, and on her way to jail she told police, 'It's not my fault. I didn't even want to drive to Sarasota.'

Sarasota
Cops Corner

Adam Hughes
December 9, 2010

Sarabande condo sells for $975,000

A condominium in Sarabande tops all real-estate transactions from Nov. 9 to Nov. 16.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Pam Eubanks
December 9, 2010

Women's Club hosts holiday dinner

About 200 ladies filled the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club Dec. 8 for the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club Annual Holiday Dinner & Auction. This year's gala raised funds for Meals on Wheels PLUS, the Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy and SOLVE Maternity Homes.

East County
News

Dora Walters
December 9, 2010

Garden Club holiday party

There were surprise guests with a surprise announcement at the annual Sarasota Garden Club holiday party held Dec. 9 at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church. As Susan Landau and Jane Buckman announced plans for a special event April 13 at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, Ron Johnson and Jack Black resplendent in tuxedos stepped forth with preview. The event is billed as "A Taste of the Keys and St. Armands" with the highlight an all-male style show.

Longboat Key
News

Black Tie Staff
December 8, 2010

Guest Fashion Editor - Alicia King

Black Tie

Rachel S. OHara
December 8, 2010

Quilter featured at BKYC

Bird Key Yacht Club celebrated the opening of their latest art exhibit at the club, Wednesday, Dec. 8 starting at 6 PM. Janine Ward's quilts were hung on the walls in the lobby for all to see.

Longboat Key
News

Loren Mayo
December 8, 2010

MAN ON THE STREET: Sarasota Christian School (VIDEO)

On Wednesday, 400 students from Sarasota Christian School worked tirelessly to package 60,000 meals that will be delivered to the Sarasota All Faiths Food Bank and the First Haitian Baptist Church of Belle Glade to feed hungry families.

Sarasota
News

Dora Walters
December 8, 2010

Man on the Street: Key Wishlist

We asked Longboaters what they would to see come to Whitney Beach Plaza.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
December 8, 2010

Braden River Havoc wins championship

The Braden River Havoc 10U baseball team won the select division championship of the IBC Baseball State Championship Dec. 3-5 in Clearwater and Dunedin.

East County
Sports

Pam Eubanks
December 8, 2010

Manatee schools earns positive marks

Five of Manatee's district high schools earned a B grade for the 2009-2010 year, including Lakewood Ranch and Braden River high schools.

East County
News

Robin Hartill
December 8, 2010

Key businesses team up for Toys for Tots

Toy drop-off boxes are located at 12 businesses and organizations throughout the keys.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Roy
December 8, 2010

County suspends school impact fees

The school board asked the County Commission to stop temporarily the collection of the $2,000 fee on each new single-family home.

Sarasota
News

Jen Blanco
December 8, 2010

Mustangs top Bruins

The Lakewood Ranch High boys soccer team defeated Bayshore 3-2 Dec. 7.

East County
Sports

Observer Staff
December 8, 2010

Nolan students march in Myakka

Students in Nolan Middle School's FFA chapter took their organization to the streets for the Myakka City Holiday Parade Dec. 5.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
December 8, 2010

Ranch hosts Cornaro tribute

The Sarasota Sister Cities Association and The Ausonian Society celebrated a 500-year anniversary tribute to Caterina Cornaro, The Lady of Asolo, with a gala Nov. 17 at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.

East County
Neighbors

Kurt Schultheis
December 8, 2010

Town, Colony owners work to save units

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort unit owners can request code changes or ask for an extension of an abandonment deadline.

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
December 8, 2010

Commission seeks sand options

The Town Commission believes delaying an island-wide beach project for one year will allow the town to explore other beach options.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
December 8, 2010

Cops Corner

Nov. 23 License liability 10:21 a.m. - 5300 block of GMD. Reckless Driving. A Longboat Key woman was issued a ticket for failing to drive in a single lane after she was observed swerving all over the road, running at least five cars off the road, almost hitting a bicyclist and almost hitting two parked cars. The woman told police she felt fine and doesn't have any health problems. Police decided to submit the woman for a re-examination of her driver's license.

Longboat Key
Cops Corner

Robin Roy
December 8, 2010

Circle parking secured

Business owners feared a proposal to remove parking next to a dozen Circle stores and restaurants would be devastating.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
December 8, 2010

Historical Society seeks to honor Key residents

The Longboat Key Historical Society has located the Tablet of Honor and will be adding more names to the monument once it is returned to Bicentennial Park.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
December 8, 2010

Our view

St. Denis' Waterloo?

Longboat Key
Opinion

Dora Walters
December 8, 2010

TBI hosts unique Hanukkah party

An enthusiastic group of Temple Beth Israel members and guests celebrated Hanukkah Dec. 5, at the temple.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

By Loren Mayo and Maria Amodio
December 8, 2010

Season of Sharing helps community

Season of Sharing is a 10-year, community-wide fundraising partnership created by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Herald-Tribune Media Group that provides emergency, last-resort funding to families in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
December 8, 2010

Letters to the editor

To send in your letters, please e-mail them to [email protected], or mail them to The Longboat Observer, 5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 34228.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Robin Hartill
December 8, 2010

Christ Church lays foundation for new building

Completion of the approximately $3 million building is scheduled for next summer.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Robin Hartill
December 8, 2010

Building Permits

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Nov. 26 through Dec. 2, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive)

Longboat Key
Real Estate

Robin Hartill
December 8, 2010

Key Real Estate: Orchid Beach unit sells for $2,575,000

The sale was the largest of seven transactions that occurred during the week of Nov. 22 through Nov. 26, which was shortened by two days because of Thanksgiving.