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Your Observer

Briana Calderon mimics the pose of the woman she painted on this wooden canvas.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 16, 2010
Neighbors: Briana Calderon

Briana Calderon, a 16-year-old junior at Booker High School for the Visual Performing Arts, says that her love for art has been a part of her life since she was a little girl.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 16, 2010
Letters to the editor

Letters to the editor

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By Bob Soran
  • December 16, 2010
My View: Marina Jack's annual financial obligations exceed the average

Rather than continuing to foster public misconception about Marina Jack and its partnership with the city, we think a better service could be provided by outlining the facts accurately.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The latest cost add-on to the ever-growing costs of the Legacy Trail: a $3.1 million bike and pedestrian overpass over U.S. 41. Money is apparently no object with the ballooning Legacy Trail.
  • By Rod Thomson
  • December 16, 2010
My View: Legacy of the spending blob

I'm sure the Legacy Trail and its ever mounting cost is nice for those people who live near it - and who like to bike and have bikes. But that is not a large percentage of the people in Sarasota County, and not a great reason for public policy.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 16, 2010
Our View: The plunder of business subsidies

Gov.-elect Rick Scott knew when he entered the state's political arena and certainly knows now that turning around Florida's economy is likely to be the toughest challenge he will have faced in his professional life.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • December 16, 2010
In Brief

In Brief

  • Sarasota
  • News
Debbie and Dan Dannheisser fulfilled the Christmas wish list of a boy whom they had never met.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 16, 2010
The Christmas Spirit

As two parents in Georgia contemplated a way to break the news to their 9-year-old son that they couldn't afford Christmas presents this year, a Sarasota resident was already making calls to obtain the boy's Christmas wish list.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • December 16, 2010
Rebound could balance city fund

Once predicted to be millions in the hole, Sarasota's tax-increment financing could break even if a state economic forecast becomes reality.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Debbie Comer
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 16, 2010
Selby guests pine for decorations

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Great Room by the Bay was transformed into a holiday wonderland for the Marie Selby Gardens Associates' Wine, Dine and Pine event Nov. 30.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Aimee Barnes and Cynthia McGrail
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 16, 2010
Phillippi Shores lifts spirits with gifts

Along with the help of parents, staff and community members, Phillippi Shores Elementary School guidance counselor Aimee Barnes and I.B. coordinator Cynthia McGrail rounded up a roomful of gifts to make the holidays extra special for 79 needy children.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • December 16, 2010
Board demands greenspace guarantee

An advisory board cautioned City Hall not to demand more plant beds for downtown without assurance those greenspaces will be maintained.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Team leaders Mike Beaumier, vice president of Suffolk Construction, and Jonathan Parks, senior principal of Jonathan Parks Architect, on sixth level of the Palm Avenue parking garage.
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • December 16, 2010
Garage sets sail

The Sarasota Observer got an exclusive tour a week before the scheduled opening of the Palm Avenue parking garage, which will soon feature a modern, sail-like appearance on the outside and roomy parking levels inside.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch residents Frank and Michelle Vitori brought their son, Frankie, 18 months, to see Santa for the first time.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 16, 2010
Holiday traditions sparkle on Main

Lakewood Ranch Main Street continued to celebrate the holiday season with an array of activities Dec. 15. East County residents enjoyed a visit from Santa, the sounds of the Dickens Carolers, carriage rides and holiday pet photos.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch CDDs meet at Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 16, 2010
Ranch CDDs prep for security changes

Supervisors in Lakewood Ranch CDDs 1 and 4 today approved contracts with their current security provider.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch residents Dick and Lorraine Vitale are blessed to be able to spread Christmas cheer to underprivileged children.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 16, 2010
Vitale family spreads Christmas cheer

Lakewood Ranch residents Dick and Lorraine Vitale celebrated the holiday season with eight members of the Boys and Girls Club during their annual Christmas Party Dec. 15. After enjoying sandwiches and snacks and touring the Vitale home, the children gathered together and listened as Dick Vitale spoke about the importance of doing the right thing and following your dreams. Following the speech, the children enjoyed a visit from Santa Claus where they received a plethora of gifts and gift cards for Publix.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Cannons Marina owner David Miller also earned an award from Sarasota Bay Watch in June.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 16, 2010
Cannons wins fifth Florida DEP award

The Longboat Key marina was named a Florida Clean Boatyard and Clean Marina.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The workshop will be at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 16, 2010
Commission considers beach options

The Longboat Key Town Commission will review a list of four scenarios involving its island-wide beach renourishment project at its regular workshop today.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Diana and Howard Armbrust
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • December 15, 2010
Starry Night Dinner Series highlighting 'La Bete'

Starry Night Dinner Series highlighting 'La Bete'

  • Black Tie
Town Manager Bruce St. Denis says the Islander groins installed last year are an example of an alternative technology that works.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 15, 2010
The Sand Man

On the eve of the Town Commission's decision on which beach renourishment project to choose, both the town manager, beach engineer and consultants back the town's decision to dredge.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Peter Vrinios has been making candy canes since he was 7 and now is teaching his son.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 15, 2010
Confection Perfection

Peter Vrinios has been making candy canes since he was 7 years old. Now, the GreyHawk Landing resident is bringing his family's tradition to the East County for the first time.

  • East County
  • News
Connor Dzembo, 4, was diagnosed with A-T one year ago. Photo by Dorothy Snyder Photography.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 15, 2010
Wobbly Feet finances first case study

East County-based Wobbly Feet Foundation has partnered with the A-T Children's Project to study the role of inflammation in Ataxia Telangiectasia patients.

  • East County
  • News
Welfonder
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
Welfonder doubles up on her latest novels

For the first time in her 10-year career, Longboat Key romance novelist Sue-Ellen Welfonder will release two books within one month.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
There's still time to show your holiday spirit

There's still time to get into the holiday spirit. The Longboat Observer's judges will finish making their lists of the island's best and brightest decorations for the annual "Light Up the Keys" contest this week and deliver special stocking stuffers to winners Friday, Dec. 17.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
Resident plants seeds for 'Tommy the Tree'

Longboat Key resident Nick Kovalakides has written a children's book, "Tommy the Tree," that tells the story of five-year-old Tommy and his quest to become a Christmas tree.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
Wedding bells ring

Belated congratulations are in order for Kristy Iannello and J.P. Balfour, who tied the knot Oct. 3, at the Ritz-Carlton Beach Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Joe Palumbo
    By
  • Dora Walters
  • December 15, 2010
Key home salvaged for Habitat for Humanity Sarasota

Christmas came early this year for Habitat for Humanity Sarasota.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Abrahamson
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
Abrahamson eyes new appointment

Dr. Ira Abrahamson was appointed as the first chairman of the board, emeritus, in the history of the Cincinnati Athletic Club at the Past Presidents Dinner meeting Oct. 12.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 15, 2010
Pension board, town clash over decision

The Firefighters Pension Board approved Monday, Dec. 13 two separate investigations of its pension for $65,000.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Jim Long explains to the crowd how the liquidation sale and buying process work.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 15, 2010
Colony Closeout

The first day of The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort's liquidation sale drew shoppers seeking memories - and great bargains.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
Our View

Moment of truth

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Blumfield
    By
  • Maria Amodio
  • December 15, 2010
Donor spotlight: Barbara Blumfield

Each week, The Longboat 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.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
LIBYA. This is not a mirage – The Longboat Observer even travels to deserts. Town and Carol Mink brought their Observer with them on an October trip to the Sahara Desert. The Minks are pictured in the Berber village of Kabao, Libya.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
It's Read Everywhere

LIBYA. This is not a mirage - The Longboat Observer even travels to deserts. Town and Carol Mink brought their Observer with them on an October trip to the Sahara Desert. The Minks are pictured in the Berber village of Kabao, Libya.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 15, 2010
News briefs

Community news and notes

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The 2010 Sarasota Bay Watch Sister Keys cleanup drew 80 volunteers.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • December 15, 2010
Sarasota Bay Watch receives grants totaling $24,000

Group founder Rusty Chinnis says that the group could hire a full-time director with additional support.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Dora Walters
  • December 15, 2010
Longboat Lookback

A look at what was happening on Longboat this week in years past.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Duncan
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 15, 2010
Duncan secures commission seat

Harbourside resident Jack Duncan will take a seat at the dais as District 2 commissioner next year after another resident bowed out of the race.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
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