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Your Observer

    By
  • Robin Roy
  • January 3, 2010
TOP STORY, November: Police chief keeps job

Chief Peter Abbott was suspended for two weeks without pay for his role in the investigation of the videotaped kicking of a handcuffed suspect. The officer who kicked the suspect was fired.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • January 3, 2010
Driven to Donate

Pillow drive provides comfort to homeless.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Sean Roth
  • January 3, 2010
TOP STORY, NOV.: TideWell expands in Ranch

The Sarasota-based non-profit purchased the 36,652-square-foot building for $6.55 million.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • January 2, 2010
TOP STORY, OCT.: Medallion buys Cascades

After nearly two years in limbo, residents in the East County community finally have a new developer.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • January 2, 2010
TOP STORY, October: Commission OKs citizen panel

The City Commission axed City Manager Bob Bartolotta's proposal to hire a consultant to investigate the police department. Commissioner Terry Turner said the move was a micromanagement of Bartolotta.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 2, 2010
TOP STORY, October: Key Club pushes project approval

The Longboat Key Club and Resort's Islandside project hearings before the Planning and Zoning Board continued Oct. 21 and Oct. 22 at Temple Beth Israel.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • January 1, 2010
TOP STORY, September: Vendors to control farmers market

The City Commission ruled Sept. 9 that the Downtown Farmers Market vendors would run the market instead of the Downtown Partnership. The partnership's chairman said the change was an insult to those who've worked to make the market a success.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • January 1, 2010
TOP STORY, September: Colony suspends hotel operations

The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort suspended its hotel operations Sept. 27, while it attempted to reach an agreement with its association.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 1, 2010
TOP STORY, SEPTEMBER: Flood Zone

Some areas of Manatee County were drenched with more than eight inches of rain over a two-day period.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 31, 2009
TOP STORY, AUGUST: Town hall draws 1,400

U.S. Rep Vern Buchanan addressed health care reform during his forum Aug. 20 at Braden River High School.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 31, 2009
TOP STORY, August: Hilton applies for tourism units

The Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort was the only property to submit a proposal by Aug. 17 for additional tourism units. A restaurant and meeting space are also part of the project.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • December 31, 2009
TOP STORY, August: Merchants issue rallying cry

Spurred by the announcement that Sarasota News and Books was closing, downtown merchants planned to gather in Five Points Park to urge locals to support downtown businesses.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend in 2010

These 10 people will influence the course Sarasota in 2010.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • December 30, 2009
TOP STORY, July: SEC: Morgans boast about fleeing to Europe

SEC investigators acquired an e-mail in which John and Marian Morgan claimed to still be working on investments, which a Tampa judge had forbidden.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 30, 2009
TOP STORY, July: Who owns Beer Can Island?

The town of Longboat Key and Manatee County disagreed about who should be responsible for the popular swath of sand north of Longboat.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend in 2010

From real estate and health care to the football field and the political arena, these 10 leaders will impact all facets of East County life in the new year.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Rex Jensen

Twenty years ago, Rex Jensen owned his own consulting business and didn't think he would fit in at Schroeder-Manatee Ranch. Now two decades later, the company's president and CEO has seen his predecessors' vision of a bustling master-planned community come to fruition.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Helen Sosso

Earlier this month, Prudential Palms Realty President and CEO Helen Sosso acquired Lakewood Ranch Realty, fulfilling a desire to establish a presence in the master-planned community.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Dr. Dwight Fitch

As one of the leading radiation specialists with 21st Century Oncology, Dr. Dwight Fitch is using his talents -- quite literally -- to save lives in Lakewood Ranch. Fitch is leading some of the country's most advanced experimental treatments to great success.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Lori Basilone

As the Community Activities Director for Lakewood Ranch, Lori Basilone organizes nearly a dozen events throughout the year. She's the woman behind all the fun in the East County community.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Jaden Hair

Lakewood Ranch's Jaden Hair is one of the East County's most endearing people - and certainly the community's most famous chef. Since releasing her first cookbook, "The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook," last fall, Hair's fame has grown nationwide with appearances on 'The Today Show' and 'The CBS Early Show.'

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Dr. Bob McCann

As a candidate for the District 67 state representative seat, River Club resident Dr. Bob McCann is the only candidate with experience in both law and medicine. His philosophy should appeal to conservatives: less government coupled with more personal responsibility equals more progress.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Greg Steube

At 31 years old, Greg Steube is the youngest candidate vying for State Rep. Ron Reagan's District 67 seat. The Bradenton native also is the only candidate to have a background in agriculture and law and experience working directly with the Legislature.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Brett Timmons

Four years ago, The Out-of-Door Academy football coach Brett Timmons was handed a group of players who knew almost nothing about football. In 2009, Timmons saw the first of his goals come to fruition when the Thunder captured their first district title and advanced to the Class 1B state semifinals.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Paul Chetlain

Paul Chetlain is responsible for the maintenance of Lakewood Ranch's ponds and landscaping. The Bradenton native is working to use innovative and green technologies to reduce or eliminate the battle between a pleasing landscape and a healthy one.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Paul Blackketter

Benderson Development Property Manager Paul Blackketter is the man behind a future world-class rowing facility off University Parkway. If all goes as planned, the facility will be responsible for making the East County one of the premier destinations for the sport in the nation.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 30, 2009
'Tis the season of sharing in Sarasota

This year, the board of directors of the Community Foundation jump-started Season of Sharing with a $200,000 grant, as part of its 30th anniversary BOOST economic stimulus initiative.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 30, 2009
Girls Inc. singers go on caroling tour

A group of girls from Girls Inc. brought holiday cheer to their supporters Dec. 21 through Dec. 23 by serenading several office staffs with 'Jingle Bells,' 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' and 'The 12 Days of Christmas.'

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 30, 2009
10 to contend: Jim Shirley

Jim Shirley made the switch from Pal Sailor Circus to the Sarasota Arts Council in November and has a vision on how the Arts Council can move forward.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 30, 2009
Santa baby reports to Town Hall

Santa Claus came to Town ... Hall, that is.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Joe McKenna

The Sarasota Orchestra CEO recently saw his organization through a tumultuous time.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 30, 2009
SYC members carol from their kayaks

Sarasota Yacht Club's Keen Kayakers embarked Dec. 19 from the club for Christmas caroling in their decorated kayaks.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 30, 2009
10 to contend: Alex Miller

This corporate CEO continues to maintain compassion for animals and her employees.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Keith Fitzgerald

The state rep is up for re-election in 2010. Will Republicans find it difficult again to defeat this two-term incumbent?

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Molly Demeulenaere

Starting in January, G. WIZ - The Science Museum will be the permanent home for Jim Gary's 20th Century Dinosaurs exhibit.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Robin Roy
  • December 30, 2009
10 to Contend: Bob Morris

His group's plans to develop one of the most sought after pieces of property in Sarasota are expected to take shape this year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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Latest News

1
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
2
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
3
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
4
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
5
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy

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