Your Observer

Kurt Schultheis
December 1, 2009

Tennis center debuts tomorrow

The new Longboat Key Public Tennis Center building will receive a temporary certificate of occupancy to host The United States Tennis Association National Senior Clay Courts Tournament December 2.

Longboat Key
News

Jen Blanco
December 1, 2009

First-graders supply food to Honor Sanctuary

First-graders in Cris Edwards' class at McNeal Elementary School collected 252 pounds of pet food and supplies for Honor Sanctuary in conjunction with their animal needs unit.

East County
News

Jen Blanco
December 1, 2009

WaveRunners selling Poinsettias

The Lakewood Ranch YMCA WaveRunners swim team will be selling red Poinsettias now through Dec. 11 to help raise money for the program.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
December 1, 2009

Meadows to host professional women's doubles exhibition

The Meadows Country Club will host a professional women's doubles tennis exhibition Dec. 5.

Longboat Key
News

Jen Blanco
December 1, 2009

Tennis Tournament to benefit Meals on Wheels

The World Class Senior Doubles Championship will be held Dec. 12-13 at the Lakewood Ranch Athletic Center. All proceeds from the event will benefit Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.

Longboat Key
News

Pam Eubanks
December 1, 2009

Five cars burglarized in Sabal Harbour

Suspect(s) entered the vehicles by breaking out the windows or through unlocked doors.

East County
News

Robin Roy
November 30, 2009

Swine flu shots available for all

The vaccine will be available this weekend to the general public.

Sarasota
News

Robin Hartill
November 30, 2009

Lido residents look down road to MURT project

Plans for the Ben Franklin Drive of the project are 90% complete.

Longboat Key
News

Jen Blanco
November 30, 2009

Community Golf Scores 11.10.09 to 11.27.09

East County golfers post amazing numbers on area courses.

East County
Sports

Robin Roy
November 30, 2009

Police arrest Denny's robbery suspect

A Sarasota man was caught trying to rob this Denny's restaurant at 8214 S. Tamiami Trail.

Sarasota
News

Pam Eubanks
November 30, 2009

Humane Society holding adoption, neutering campaigns

The pet rescue organization is hoping to find homes for as many pets as possible and also is offering discounts on neutering services through December.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
November 30, 2009

Commissioners consider assessments

County commissioners will consider putting some some public works projects on tax bills as non-ad valorem taxes.

East County
News

By Steve Whidden
November 29, 2009

Professional Golf Tips 101

Rosedale Director of Instruction and PGA Professional Steve Whidden offers tips for improving your game.

East County
Sports

Loren Mayo
November 29, 2009

Photo of the day: Heavy rocker

Wrapped up for Christmas with no place to go, this giant-sized rocking chair was spotted in The Players Theatre parking lot.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
November 27, 2009

Pirates' season ends in overtime

Braden River saw its season come to an end Nov. 27 with a 21-14 overtime loss to Lake Wales in the Class 3A-Region 3 semifinals.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
November 27, 2009

Quest for Respect

ODA running back AJ Strong's two fourth-quarter touchdowns helped propel the Thunder to a 32-18 victory over Evangelical Christian Nov. 27.

East County
Sports

Pam Eubanks
November 27, 2009

Auto burglaries spoil Thanksgiving

Four vehicles were burglarized in the Lakewood Ranch area Nov. 26.

East County
News

Dora Walters
November 26, 2009

Man on the street: Thankful thoughts

We asked Longboat Key residents what they are most thankful for this year.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Kurt Schultheis
November 25, 2009

UPDATE: Brenner and Pokoik qualify

The town of Longboat Key will have at least two contested commission seat races this March.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
November 25, 2009

Ballet performs 'The Nutcracker'

Sarasota Ballet's sparkling production and holiday classic, "The Nutcracker," will run for three performances only Dec. 4 and Dec. 5, at the Sarasota Opera House.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
November 25, 2009

Thanksgiving drive feeds the hungry

Each year, the Mayors' Feed the Hungry Program hosts a Thanksgiving food drive; the program was started in 1987 by former Sarasota Mayor Fredd Atkins.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
November 25, 2009

Thrifty fashions thrill trendy parishioners

The Saint Boniface Episcopal Church Thrift Shop held a fashion show and luncheon featuring sport, casual and dramatic eveningwear Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the church community center on Siesta Key.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
November 25, 2009

Urfer Family Park dedication goes Western for ribbon cutting

Jack Urfer showed off his playful side when he volunteered to be "branded" with a branding iron at the Urfer Family Park ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication Saturday, Nov. 14.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Robin Roy
November 25, 2009

Arts groups bristle at city's gift

Last week, the city gave the state-run Ringling Museum $100,000 to hold a second international arts festival. Locally based arts organizations say it's a 'slap in the face.'

Sarasota
News

Robin Roy
November 25, 2009

Transients drawn to First Street

Several factors have made the retail area from Whole Foods Market to Starbucks a popular place for transients. Storeowners say their presence is hurting their businesses.

Sarasota
News

Loren Mayo
November 25, 2009

Nine kids from Imagine School on Palmer Ranch, Emma E. Booker Elementary and Ashton Elementary School shared their Thanksgiving plans, their favorite - and most-despised - turkey-day foods and why they're thankful.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
November 25, 2009

News Briefs 11.26.09

Monday, Nov. 30 is the last day to pay property taxes with a 4% discount.

Sarasota
News

Robin Roy
November 25, 2009

Greenspace committee rejects mitigation plan

A majority of the committee tasked with revising the city's greenspace policy came out against the concept of requiring business owners to replace any greenspace it covers.

Sarasota
News

Loren Mayo
November 25, 2009

SWEET GIGS: Animal instinct

As the animal department manager at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Jenna Forrester considers her job anything but work.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
November 25, 2009

Business Observer 11.26.09

The Caragiulo brothers, owners of two Caragiulo's Italian restaurants in Sarasota and Bradenton, plan to open a seafood restaurant in Burns Square.

Sarasota
News

Robin Roy
November 25, 2009

Five Points Park plans resurrected

Improving the downtown park was, at one time, the No. 1 project for the Community Redevelopment Agency. Those priorities changed over time, but now downtown groups want to revive the plans.

Sarasota
News

By Ian Black
November 25, 2009

Letter to the editor

Parking garage will be a big debate.

Sarasota
Opinion

Observer Staff
November 25, 2009

Cops Corner 11.26.09

A man shopping at a department store took four designer shirts and began walking toward the exit. When a security guard tried to stop him, he ran out the door to a waiting car, and as he jumped inside, he yelled at the driver to, "Go, go, go."