Your Observer

Robin Roy
October 22, 2009

Tampa streetcar fuels Sarasota dreams

City and county officials, business owners and residents toured Ybor City's streetcar system. Some left convinced a similar system could work on Main.

Sarasota
News

Robin Roy
October 22, 2009

Effort to stop garage fails

In a 3-2 vote, the City Commission defeats the vice mayor's request to kill the Palm Avenue parking garage project.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
October 22, 2009

IN BRIEF

Community News and Notes

Sarasota
News

Robin Roy
October 22, 2009

Taste of success

After spending thousands in a building that was later foreclosed upon, a barbecue business perseveres in a catering truck parked in an abandoned parking lot.

Sarasota
News

Robin Roy
October 22, 2009

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 is a micromanagement of Bartolotta.

Sarasota
News

Loren Mayo
October 22, 2009

'Doctor Idol' competition prescribes fun-filled night

Twelve bands fronted by local doctors will find their rhythm for a fundraising competition organized by the Ear Research Foundation.

Sarasota
News

Loren Mayo
October 22, 2009

Miss Florida visit kicks off Southside jog-a-thon

Southside Elementary School students looked up to Miss Florida - not only because she towered over them but also because of her passion for encouraging kindness wherever she goes.

Sarasota
News

Dora Walters
October 22, 2009

ODA fifth-graders embark on underwater exploration

It was both a fun day and a learning experience when The Out-of-Door Academy fifth-graders took a field trip Oct. 16 to Mote Marine Laboratory.

Sarasota
News

By Thomas Sowell
October 22, 2009

How media get away with libel

To sue or not to sue? That is the question. After racist statements were made up out of thin air and then attributed to Rush Limbaugh, these were the options he had.

Sarasota
Opinion

Observer Staff
October 22, 2009

Our View

Micromanging City Hall

Sarasota
Opinion

Observer Staff
October 22, 2009

Cops Corner

Complainant said someone was walking in between houses, asking for money.

Sarasota
Cops Corner

Adam Hughes
October 22, 2009

Siesta Key home tops week's transactions

A home in Waterside Wood Siestas Bayside tops all real-estate sales for the week of Sept. 25-30.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Kurt Schultheis
October 21, 2009

Data: Traffic jams would be rare

Don't worry about the traffic. Based on the comments Wednesday of the town of Longboat Key's traffic engineer, traffic flow on Gulf of Mexico Drive and around the main entrance to the Longboat Key Club and Resort will meet the town's prescribed levels of service at peak hours and in peak season if the Key Club's $400 million expansion plan is approved and completed.

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
October 21, 2009

Key Club makes its case

If the town of Longboat Key rejects the Longboat Key Club and Resortâ€™s proposed $400 million Islandside redevelopment and expansion, the clubâ€™s property will deteriorate, property values Key-wide will fall and jobs and businesses will continue to contract.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
October 21, 2009

Schools to benefit United Way with exercise campaign

The Manatee County School District plans to air a DVD titled "United We Exercise" to district students and employees Oct. 23 to stress the importance of health and to benefit the United Way of Manatee County.

East County
News

Observer Staff
October 21, 2009

S.R. 64 Mobil station nears completion

The Mobil gas station and convenience store at 10508 S.R. 64 E., in Portal Crossing, is expected to be complete by February 2010.

East County
News

Observer Staff
October 21, 2009

Business Observer

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
October 21, 2009

Main Street's newest additions celebrate grand openings

Big Olaf Creamery, Good Earth Natural Foods and Katy Rose Oilery will celebrate their grand opening this weekend with special events Oct. 24.

East County
News

Robin Hartill
October 21, 2009

Mystery writer Griffin gets a novel prize

The award is recognizes Griffin's newest novel, "Wyatt's Revenge."

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
October 21, 2009

Napier's dog needs good home

Bernard, this handsome, 4-year-old, neutered lab/chow mix, needs a good home.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
October 21, 2009

Goddard School celebrates birthday

The Lakewood Ranch preschool opened one year ago this week.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
October 21, 2009

Residents jazz up NFL halftime

East County Jazzercise instructor Sue Encke and student Cindy Palmer joined more than 300 Jazzercise instructors and students during a halftime program for the Miami Dolphins Oct. 4.

East County
Neighbors

Pam Eubanks
October 21, 2009

Alert Ranch resident thwarts car burglars

Two male teenagers admitted Oct. 20 to entering unlocked cars in Colonial Grand and Summerfield and said they have committed burglaries in the past, as well.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
October 21, 2009

IDA board approves Town Hall increases

The Interdistrict Authority Board adopted new fee structures and rules for groups and residents seeking to use rooms in Town Hall.

East County
News

Kurt Schultheis
October 21, 2009

Town reverses course on tax

Longboat Key boat-slip owners disputed the high cost of a new tax for boat-slip owners who rent out their slips. Town Manager Bruce St. Denis agreed to reduce the charge.

Longboat Key
News

Molly Schechter
October 21, 2009

Black Tie & Tales

Read this week's social column, Black Tie & Tales, by Molly Schechter.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
October 21, 2009

In Brief

Community News and Notes

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
October 21, 2009

Colony wants to remain independent

Longboat Key resident Manfred Welfonder's plan for an international hotel chain to purchase The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort is not being met with open arms from resort officials.

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
October 21, 2009

Walgreens eyes Key site

The drug-store company, based in Deerfield, Ill., has submitted an application for a stand-alone location on Bay Isles Road, just west of Bank of America.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
October 21, 2009

Our View

The public interest

Longboat Key
Opinion

Observer Staff
October 21, 2009

Letters to the Editor

Longboat Key
Opinion

By Marnie Matarese
October 21, 2009

My View

'Youâ€™ll Never Eat Lunch in this Town Again!'

Longboat Key
Opinion

Kurt Schultheis
October 21, 2009

Town staff seeks code enforcement help

The commission has not given the town manager direction to use the $57,000 it placed into the fiscal year 2009-10 budget for an additional code-enforcement officer.