Your Observer

Jen Blanco
October 23, 2009

Homecoming Advantage

The Out-of-Door Academy football team claimed sole possession of first place in the district with a 17-7 victory in the school's Homecoming game against rival Bradenton Christian Oct. 23.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
October 23, 2009

Tarpons steamroll Mustangs

Lakewood Ranch suffered its worst loss of the season -- a 49-0 rout at the hands of Charlotte Oct. 23.

East County
Sports

Robin Roy
October 23, 2009

Mote scientists to attend conservation meetings in Cuba

The scientists will set a five-year action plan.

Longboat Key
News

By Steve Whidden
October 23, 2009

Professional Golf Tips 101

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

East County
Sports

Robin Hartill
October 23, 2009

Cotton tale: Another record at Casa del Mar

At 30 feet, 4 inches, the resort's cotton plant is the world's tallest.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Robin Hartill
October 23, 2009

Disaster relief: All smoke, no fire at Harry's

The restaurant was evacuated as a precaution as the result of a broken gas line.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
October 23, 2009

New MRI test saves one of Ranch's own

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center radiologists discovered breast cancer in one of the hospital's employees while setting up and make adjustments to the new MRI machine.

East County
News

Pam Eubanks
October 23, 2009

Sheriff's association to host hazard seminar

Manatee County families wishing to learn their community's role in preparing for a major incident should plan to attend an All Hazards Homeland Security Initiative training seminar Oct. 24.

East County
News

Observer Staff
October 23, 2009

Rainbow artist to 'paint' skies over Lakewood

Fred Stern will create a natural rainbow over the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk tomorrow at the Sarasota Polo Club.

East County
News

Observer Staff
October 23, 2009

Rainbow artist to

Sarasota
News

Kurt Schultheis
October 22, 2009

No decision, more hearings set on Key Club

Speaking on behalf of the Longboat Key Club and Resort, Dr. Hank Fishkind, Florida's most renowned economist, didn't mince words in his characterization of Longboat Key.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
October 22, 2009

LBK Citizen of the Year Fuller, 79, dies

Claudia Fuller was a Longboat Key resident since 1990.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
October 22, 2009

Ranch's Hesselberg named among Great 100 Nurses

Dr. Bonnie Hesselberg, SCF Lakewood Ranch provost and dean of nursing at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, was recognized by the SCF District Board of Trustees at an October meeting for being named among Great 100 Nurses by the Florida Nurses Association.

East County
News

Robin Roy
October 22, 2009

Two to challenge Nora Patterson

A Republican and Democrat hope to unseat Patterson who has represented County Commission District Four since 1998.

Sarasota
News

Loren Mayo
October 22, 2009

Therapy pups treated to story time

A partnership between the Humane Society of Sarasota and the Gulf Gate Library lets children practice reading to furry friends.

Sarasota
Neighbors

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.