Your Observer

Observer Staff
September 2, 2009

Sailors rally in second half to defeat Mustangs

The Lakewood Ranch High football team fell to Sarasota High 34-23 in its annual Preseason Kickoff Classic.

East County
Sports

Observer Staff
September 2, 2009

Thunder roll in Kickoff Classic

The Out-of-Door Academy football defeated Clearwater Calvary Christian 35-21.

East County
Sports

By Pam McTeer
September 2, 2009

'New era' dawns at ODA

The private school opened its new 25,000-square-foot Art Center Aug. 26. The facility is 800 times the size of ODA's existing space for arts classes.

East County
Schools

Robin Hartill
September 2, 2009

Engel & Volkers absorbs Wedebrock sales division

Longboat Key-based Wedebrock's 25 sales agents will become part of Engel & VÃ¶lkers, a Germany-based firm.

Longboat Key
News

Jen Blanco
September 1, 2009

First Tee announces fall programs

The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee is now enrolling for its fall after school, Saturday morning and home-school student programs.

East County
Sports

Kurt Schultheis
September 1, 2009

Public Tennis Center construction continues

The new Longboat Key Public Tennis Center building has been under construction while tennis players used the courts this summer, but the rest of the project is on hold for now.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Robin Roy
September 1, 2009

Bijou Cafe owner seeks streetscape upgrade

Saying he feels the city has ignored his requests for improvements, the owner of Bijou Cafe said he will work with the Downtown Improvement District to upgrade his part of First Street.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Robin Roy
August 31, 2009

City Commission to vote on paid parking details

Their vague vote to approve meters Aug. 17 caused so much confusion in City Hall that city commissioners will be asked next week to vote again on the paid-parking program. One option they'll have is to delay the program until next year.

Sarasota
News

Robin Hartill
August 31, 2009

The Columbia's 12th annual Community Harvest begins Sept. 1

During the month of September, The Columbia Restaurant will donate 5% of each check to one of 15 charities of the customer's choice.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
August 31, 2009

Mobile cafe reaches new heights

Java Dawg's double-decker-bus-turned-mobile-cafe made its debut at Saturday's Downtown Farmer's Market.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Robin Roy
August 31, 2009

Land deal closes for new Publix

Lawyers for Publix Super Markets Inc. closed today on the purchase of the former Sarasota Herald-Tribune building at Tamiami Trail and Bay Street.

Sarasota
News

Robin Roy
August 28, 2009

Art gallery owner charged with theft

Robert Preiss, owner of R&R Bond Gallery, on St. Armands Circle, was arrested after he allegedly failed to pay the owners of artwork sold on consignment.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
August 28, 2009

Manatee hospitals extinguish smoking

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Manatee Memorial Hospital and Blake Medical Center all will become tobacco-free Sept. 1.

East County
News

Observer Staff
August 28, 2009

Delaney to speak at Bayshore Elementary

NBA referee and East County author Bob Delaney will be at Bayshore Elementary School Sept. 1 to welcome the newest members to the school's Bob Delaney Leadership Academy.

East County
News

Robin Hartill
August 28, 2009

Obituary: Robert 'Bob' Hoffman

Robert 'Bob' Hoffman, of Sarasota and formerly of Chicago, died Aug. 15.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Robin Hartill
August 28, 2009

Obituary: Mark 'Mike' Dreyer

Mark 'Mike' Dreyer, 68, of Longboat Key and Canton, Ohio, died Aug. 8.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

By Jessica Luck
August 28, 2009

Photo of the day: Just visiting

This snail and ant were spotted clinging to the front window at The Longboat Observer office.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Robin Roy
August 28, 2009

Leaking ice machine shuts down county phones

Eight county offices, including the sheriff's office, is without phone service until at least the early afternoon Friday, Aug. 28. Emergency 911 service is not affected.

Sarasota
News

Robin Hartill
August 28, 2009

Man on the street: Signs of summer

On Thursday, we headed to Tiny's of Longboat Key to ask locals about the signs of summer on Longboat. What does summer on Longboat Key mean to you? Leave your comments under reader comments.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
August 28, 2009

Historical Society appoints new executive director

On Wednesday, Aug. 26, The Historical Society of Sarasota County's board of directors appointed Arnold Berns as executive director.

Sarasota
News

Jen Blanco
August 27, 2009

Lady Pirates power past Lady Rams

Senior setter Regina Aluise had 18 set assists, four kills and 10 service points to lead the Braden River High volleyball team past Riverview tonight.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
August 27, 2009

Lady Pirates power past Lady Rams

The Braden River High volleyball team defeated Riverview in three sets tonight.

Sarasota
News

Kurt Schultheis
August 27, 2009

Commission discusses the budget at special meetings

The Longboat Key Town Commission discussed everything from millage rates to The Longboat Key Club and Resort's Islandside redevelopment application at two special meetings Thursday, Aug. 27, at Town Hall.

Longboat Key
News

Robin Hartill
August 27, 2009

Christ Church begins clearing its future site

On Aug. 17, Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian, began clearing a 1.5-acre parcel of land that will be its future site. The preparation is necessary for engineers to assess the parcel.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
August 27, 2009

Locals start downtown initiative

Sarasota residents Matt Orr and Rich Swier have shown their support for downtown Sarasota via www.ilovedowntownsrq.com, Facebook and Twitter pages and by urging merchants to hang an 'I LOVE DOWNTOWN Sarasota' sign in their store window.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 27, 2009

Chance to design bras enhances event

Key to the Cure is calling all designers.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 27, 2009

Ranch alum selected for Athlon spirit competition

The Web-based competition features more than 30 cheerleaders and dancers from throughout the country.

East County
Sports

Observer Staff
August 27, 2009

Ringling students add color to G.WIZ

As part of Ringling College of Art and Design's annual community service program, the freshman class volunteered its time at the G.WIZ back-to-school party Saturday, Aug. 22.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Robin Roy
August 27, 2009

Criminal charges filed against the Morgans

An extradition process is underway to bring Sarasota residents John and Marian Morgan back to the United States from Sri Lanka, where they are currently jailed on a separate charge.