Your Observer

Robin Hartill
July 21, 2010

Tall (cotton) tale: Casa del Mar's plant sets another record

On July 15, Longboat Key Fire Rescue Lt. Michael Murphy climbed up the ladder on a town fire truck to reach the top of the cotton plant and held out the measuring tape, which he then lowered down to Casa del Mar Assistant Manager Mark Meador and Manatee County Agriculture Assistant Ervin Shannon to record the official height: 31 feet, 7 inches.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Kurt Schultheis
July 21, 2010

Sand accumulates near Islander groins

Town staff and Islander Club residents are pleased thus far with the progress of the two groins built in May.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
July 21, 2010

Key coyote identified as visitor's missing dog

Police told Kevin Fuller, of Maitland, who was vacationing at Gulf Tides of Longboat Key, that they had received reports of a coyote sighting, and Fuller agreed that Maggie could be mistaken for a coyote.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Robin Hartill
July 21, 2010

Casa del Mar reservations manager books retirement

Mildred 'Millie' Kossmann retired last week after working 28 years at Casa del Mar.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Pam Eubanks
July 21, 2010

Spyder, Spice & Everything Nice

Louisiana native Spyder Broussard will again partner with Polo Grill owner and chef Tommy Klauber to dish out authentic Cajun cuisine to East County residents.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
July 21, 2010

Waterlefe drives bridge fight

Residents in the East County community are continuing their battle against the proposed Fort Hamer Bridge.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
July 21, 2010

Coalition solicits feedback for charter

The proposed city charter assumes five city council seats, with each council-member serving a four-year staggered term.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
July 21, 2010

MAKING WAVES

Last week, Sarasota County approved a conceptual master site plan for Nathan Benderson Park that includes a 2,000-meter rowing course.

East County
News

Observer Staff
July 21, 2010

News Briefs 07.22.10

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund now is accepting nominations for the C. John A. Clarke Humanitarian Award, which will be awarded Oct. 15.

East County
News

Jen Blanco
July 21, 2010

ROAD TRIP(S)

Four East County Little Leaguers traveled 1,100 miles in six days to compete in the AAU National Baseball Championships and the District 26 All-Star Tournament.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
July 21, 2010

Pirates, Mustangs wrap up summer seasons

The Braden River and Lakewood Ranch High baseball teams each played about 25 games during their summer baseball season, which began the first week of June.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
July 21, 2010

Swimmer preps for national competition

Twelve-year-old Luke Hanner was one of seven swimmers selected to represent the Florida Zone team July 27-31.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
July 21, 2010

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Luke Morris

The Observer spotlights Braden River Middle School eighth-grader Luke Morris.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
July 21, 2010

Manatee East dominates district All-Star tourney

Manatee East Little League captured District 26 titles in the 9-10, 10-11 and 11-12 age divisions.

East County
Sports

Observer Staff
July 21, 2010

Big cat visits East County home

GreyHawk Landing resident Doug Robinson snapped this photo of a bobcat peeking into his lanai.

East County
Neighbors

Pam Eubanks
July 21, 2010

Current watering schedule remains in Ranch

However, Lakewood Ranch Community Manager Bob Fernandez said he wants to make sure residents are given the option to water twice a week.

East County
News

Robin Hartill
July 21, 2010

Restored residence

The historic Umbrella House on Lido Shores, designed in the Sarasota School of Architecture style, gets its famed trellis structure back.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Pam Eubanks
July 21, 2010

School board to discuss McGonegal's proposal

The Manatee County School Board on July 26 is expected to vote in favor of a .25 mill increase. However, a .25 mill decrease for capital projects means no change for taxpayers.

East County
Schools

Robin Hartill
July 21, 2010

Key Real Estate: Lido Key home sells for $2.25 million

In total, 13 sales were recorded at the Sarasota and Manatee county courthouses. Of those sales, 10 occurred on Longboat Key, including two on the Manatee County side of the island, and one each occurred on Lido Key, St. Armands Key and Bird Key. Four of the week's sales exceeded $1 million. Additionally, three of the week's 13 transactions were vacant-lot sales.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Pam Eubanks
July 21, 2010

Wish comes true for United Kingdom couple

Phil and Emma Pedley recently moved to the United States and purchased a Lakewood Ranch business, Wish on Main.

East County
News

Observer Staff
July 21, 2010

Building Permits

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of July 9 through July 15, in order of dollar amounts.

Longboat Key
Real Estate

Observer Staff
July 21, 2010

Cops Corner 07.22.10

The victim had employed the suspect for the past 16 months as a vet tech for the clinic. During that time, the suspect was responsible for maintaining and ordering the medication for the animals. The suspect's performance became poor, and he seemed to be under the influence of drugs while at work.

East County
Cops Corner

Michael Eng
July 21, 2010

Business Observer 07.22.10

Kathy Sharpe Herbst has joined the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Florida Suncoast Chapter, as the new development coordinator.

East County
News

Robin Hartill
July 21, 2010

Business Observer 07.22.10

Whole Foods to hold Save Our Seabirds fundraiser.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Robin Hartill
July 21, 2010

Real Estate Reports

Beau Ciel condominium holds downtown soiree; Sheryl Vieira rejoins Signature Sotheby's Realty; and Thompson joins Michael Saunders' St. Armands office.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

By Donna Swan
July 21, 2010

Deal Us in: Double, rebid or pass?

South bid one diamond, and West made a weak jump overcall of two hearts. What should South bid when North and East have passed?

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
July 21, 2010

WEATHER: Vibrant Vista

Charles Preston Rawls submitted this sunrise photo, taken at Island Park, in downtown Sarasota. 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

Robin Hartill
July 20, 2010

Mote's Waldo returns to Florida Keys

The robot was deployed Monday to gather information about oil impact.

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
July 20, 2010

P&Z e-mail spat ensues

The chairwoman of the Planning and Zoning Board and one of its planning board members disagreed in town e-mails Tuesday.

Longboat Key
News

By Sue Seiter
July 20, 2010

Peace members enjoy kayaking trip

A women's fellowship group at Peace Presbyterian Church recently enjoyed a day kayaking on Sarasota Bay.

East County
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
July 20, 2010

Local water skiers qualify for National Championships

Three members of the Sarasota Ski A Rees Water Ski Show Team recently qualified to compete in the 36th Division 1 Show Ski National Championships Aug. 13-15 in Janesville, Wis.