Your Observer

Kurt Schultheis
June 2, 2010

Property values decline again

The anticipated 9.68% decline this year marks the third time year-to-year taxable values have dropped on the island since 1988.

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
June 2, 2010

Proposed budget calls for 13.6% millage increase

There will be no deficit if the commission agrees to increase the millage rate from 1.5 mills to 1.7042 mills. The town manager cites pension costs, new hires for rising costs.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
June 2, 2010

Cork Restaurant suspends its operations for summer

Despite uncertainties, the owners of the St. Armands eatery are optimistic about the location's future.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
June 2, 2010

Cedars West wins tennis-court battle

A Manatee County judge ruled that the condominium has rights to two tennis courts but must replace the asphalt.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
June 2, 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

By Gene Jaleski
June 2, 2010

My View

Why I resigned from the commission

Longboat Key
Opinion

Observer Staff
June 2, 2010

May 24 Extended stay 9:51 a.m. -- 700 block of Tarawitt Drive. Parking Violation. Police observed a 40-foot Bluebird Presidential motor home parked in a front yard. A business card was left on the windshield that advised the owner that an ordinance exists that prohibits motor-home parking for an extended period of time.

Longboat Key
Cops Corner

Observer Staff
June 2, 2010

Our View

Jaleski's successor

Longboat Key
Opinion

Jen Blanco
June 2, 2010

ASSESSMENT

The Braden River High football team wrapped up its spring season with a 42-21 loss to Riverview May 27.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
June 2, 2010

Klawans' complete game propels MELL to win

Manatee East Little League's Czaia & Gallagher defeated Skyking Fireworks 6-4 May 25 to capture the District 26 County Cup Minor's division championship for the first time.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
June 2, 2010

Black belt prepares for World Games

Braden River Middle seventh-grader Michael Santoni was named to the U.S. National Martial Arts Team earlier this year.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
June 2, 2010

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Justin Klawans

The Observer spotlights Manatee East pitcher Justin Klawans.

East County
Sports

Observer Staff
June 2, 2010

Boy Scout earns Eagle ranking

Braden River High School student Ryan Morrissey, 16, recently earned the highest rank possible in the Boy Scouts of America organization during a special Eagle Ceremony May 2 at Camp Flying Eagle.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
June 2, 2010

East Rotary Club adds new member

The Rotary Club of East Manatee is proud to announce the induction of its newest member, Peter Mann.

East County
Neighbors

Pam Eubanks
June 2, 2010

Residents sew seeds for Ranch SmartFarm

Four women are working to build a sustainable, organic community farm and educational facility.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
June 2, 2010

Lack of volunteers threatens work at East County rescue

East County-based Honor Sanctuary has lost about 35% of its volunteers in the last month.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
June 2, 2010

Fishkind presentation earns mixed reviews

Dr. Hank Fishkind, the economist who conducted a feasibility study for Lakewood Ranch, spoke to residents about his findings last week.

East County
News

Robin Hartill
June 2, 2010

Building Permits

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of May 21 through May 27, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive)

Longboat Key
Real Estate

Robin Hartill
June 2, 2010

Key sales double to 22 the third week in May

Real-estate recordings on Longboat, Lido, St. Armands and Bird keys doubled during the third week in May, from 11 during the week of May 10 through May 14, to 22 during the week of May 17 through May 21.

Longboat Key
Real Estate

Robin Hartill
June 2, 2010

Business Observer

Rusty Chinnis Contractors hires new project manager; The Lazy Lobster now open for summer hours

Longboat Key
News

By Donna Swan
June 2, 2010

Deal Us In

Bidding over weak two

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
June 2, 2010

Scarlet starboard

Neil Blume submitted this sunset photo taken at Whitney Beach. Please send your sunset (or sunrise) photos to The Longboat Observer, 5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Fla., 34228, or e-mail them to [email protected].

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
June 2, 2010

Braden River star signs with Stars

Pirates pitcher Austin Platt will play for Florida State College at Jacksonville next year.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
June 2, 2010

OBSERVER TEAM SPOTLIGHT: Jordan Boughner

Each week, The East County Observer will introduce one player from the Miss Manatee Softball 12U Observer team.

East County
Sports

Pam Eubanks
June 2, 2010

Riva Trace earns county OK

Builder Medallion Home made several concessions to appease University Place residents but now can move forward with constructing its 86-home community.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
June 2, 2010

Ranch teen tackles education problems in Belize

Southeast High's Mackenzie Yaryura, along with students Sarah Stevens, Meg Rivera and Julia Nordhausen, will represent Florida in an international competition later this month.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
June 2, 2010

News Briefs 06.03.10

The Friends of Lakewood Ranch will host a forum at 7 p.m., June 9, at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
June 2, 2010

Manatee school district recognizes Witt volunteer

Country Creek resident Donna McCrane has spent more than 1,500 hours volunteering at the school in the last year.

East County
News

By Vanessa Moody
June 2, 2010

Ranch thespian earns scholarship, admission into Cincinnati Conservatory

Lakewood Ranch High School senior Dane LaFemina began acting at age 5.

East County
Schools

Observer Staff
June 2, 2010

Cops Corner 06.03.10

The victim reported that his Xbox 360 and five video games were stolen. He suspected his friend was responsible. When he went to the suspect's home, he recovered the items from the residence. While inside, he saw other items he believed were stolen.