Your Observer

Robin Hartill
June 1, 2010

Key signs welcome on both ends of the island

Two new 'Welcome to Longboat Key' signs are now complete.

Longboat Key
News

Pam Eubanks
June 1, 2010

Buchanan proposes freeze on drilling permits

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan is asking other legislators to place a moratorium on all deepwater drilling permits for new and existing oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

East County
News

Jen Blanco
June 1, 2010

Peterson, Johnston Smith named 2010 Developmental Coach of the Year

U.S. Figure Skating and the Professional Skaters Association recently named Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex's Jim Peterson, Lyndon Johnston and Alison Smith as the 2010 Developmental Coach of the Year.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
June 1, 2010

FCA to host summer tennis clinics

Lakewood Ranch High girls tennis coach and Fellowship of Christian Athletes area director Jason Golden will host a junior tennis clinic June 14 through Aug. 19 at Palm-Aire Country Club, 5601 Country Club Way, Sarasota.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
May 31, 2010

Community Golf Scores 05.18.10 to 05.26.10

East County golfers post amazing numbers on area courses.

East County
Sports

Maria Amodio
May 28, 2010

Store Around the Corner: Addison Craig

Addison Craig boutique in St. Armands has shoes and handbags for every style.

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
May 28, 2010

Simpson recommends Islandside project denial

Planning, Zoning and Building Director Monica Simpson has recommended denial of the Longboat Key Club and Resort's Islandside renovation-and-expansion project for the third time.

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
May 28, 2010

Trustee appointed to oversee Colony operations

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May will allow a trustee to oversee resort operations at The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, effectively removing the resort's longstanding management.

Longboat Key
News

Loren Mayo
May 28, 2010

WEEKEND BEST BET: Memorial Weekend Luau

Join Sarasota County lifeguards this Sunday for a luau party at Gilligan's and LeLu Coffee Lounge on Siesta Key.

Sarasota
News

Robin Hartill
May 28, 2010

Ackerman receives Eagle Award

The honor recognizes Ackerman for her top performance among Coldwell Banker's 4,800 agents in Florida.

Longboat Key
Real Estate

Robin Hartill
May 28, 2010

WEEKEND BEST BET: Race Around Lido

Participants will sail from Sarasota Sailing Squadron to Lido Key and back.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
May 28, 2010

Westway Drive home sells for $4.95 million

The sale is the second highest year-to-date sale on the Lido Key street.

Longboat Key
Real Estate

Michael Eng
May 28, 2010

WEEKEND BEST BET: Tribute to Heroes Memorial Day Parade

Lakewood Ranch will host its annual Tribute to Heroes Memorial Day Parade at noon, May 30, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

East County
News

Robin Roy
May 28, 2010

Knife attacker threatens police

When witnesses intervene in a fight between a man and his ex-girlfriend, the man swings a knife at them, cutting a woman in the chest.

Sarasota
News

Pam Eubanks
May 28, 2010

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT: Gullett Elementary (WITH VIDEO)

Children at Gullett Elementary School showed off what they've been learning in school Thursday night at the school's science fair. The East County Observer got a first-hand look at several of the projects.

East County
Schools

Michael Eng
May 27, 2010

STORE AROUND THE CORNER: Ruff Life

Heritage Harbour resident Jill Cushing got the idea for her new T-shirt business from her sons, Eamon and Ethan.

East County
News

Loren Mayo
May 27, 2010

Teacher, student cut hair for Locks of Love (VIDEO)

Following student presentations about cancer, Sarasota Middle School language arts teacher Lauren Peters and eighth-grade student Erica Tenorio generously donated their hair to Locks of Love, a charity that serves children suffering from medical hair loss.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Robin Hartill
May 27, 2010

OBITUARY: Jerome Lavin

Jerome Lavin, 65, was a Longboat Key resident.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
May 27, 2010

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT: Southside Elementary (VIDEO)

As they rehearse their lines for "Macbeth," fourth-graders at Southside Elementary talk Shakespeare with The Sarasota Observer.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 27, 2010

Local yarn aids oil-spill relief efforts

Local knitting store A Good Yarn has introduced a new yarn color named after the shimmering Gulf.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 27, 2010

Bash benefits charity for mothers

On May 8, Sarasota Sally and Etrusco Ristorante hosted a fundraiser for Our Mother's House to raise funds to furnish the organization's new apartments.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 27, 2010

Siesta Key lifeguards have fun with colors

Yes, the colors of the lifeguard towers on Siesta Key Public Beach do hold some sort of significance - to the lifeguards, at least

Sarasota
Neighbors

Pam Eubanks
May 27, 2010

Fishkind presents study (WITH VIDEO)

Economist Dr. Hank Fishkind defended the findings of his feasibility study for the incorporation of Lakewood Ranch during a forum Tuesday.

East County
News

Observer Staff
May 27, 2010

Solar oven turns judges onto taste

On May 1, sixth-graders from St. Martha's Catholic School competed in the Energy Whiz Olympics, in Cocoa Beach.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 27, 2010

Will the real Bertha Palmer please stand up?

Somehow, the late Bertha Honore Palmer is still showing up everywhere around town in her big lacy hats and dainty dresses.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 27, 2010

Parent volunteers receive rewards for their efforts

Time, talent and dedication goes a long way at Phillippi Shores Elementary School. Geidy Rodriguez and Catherine Ellis received citizenship certificates and medals Monday, May 24, for their exemplary contributions to Michael Gangi's first-grade class during the past school year.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Robin Hartill
May 27, 2010

Cork Restaurant to close next week

The future of the three-year-old restaurant is currently uncertain.

Longboat Key
News

Jen Blanco
May 27, 2010

MAN ON THE STREET: Summer Reads

East County residents share what books top their summer reading lists.

East County
News

Kurt Schultheis
May 27, 2010

Town manager requests sand input

Town Manager Bruce St. Denis is urging town residents in a memorandum to consider which type of sand they want for the town's next beach project.

Longboat Key
News

Pam Eubanks
May 27, 2010

County discusses budget today

County Administrator Ed Hunzeker and Director of Finance Jim Seuffert will go over the budgeting process, budget highlights and other documentation.

East County
News

Observer Staff
May 27, 2010

Our View

Should the city raise taxes?

Sarasota
Opinion

Robin Roy
May 27, 2010

Citizens display support for police

Before it presented its final recommendations, the Police Advisory Panel heard from citizens who wanted to show that they backed the Sarasota Police Department.

Sarasota
News

Robin Roy
May 27, 2010

Construction claims first business

The owner of Max's Dog Bakery is not waiting to see what effect a one-month construction project is going to have on her business. She's closing her doors and opening back up online.