Your Observer

Robin Hartill
July 20, 2009

Arts Center completes media room renovations

The cultural media room formerly held two galleries and will now be used for concerts and lectures.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Kurt Schultheis
July 20, 2009

St. Denis asks officials for pipeline help

On Monday, July 20 Town Manager Bruce St. Denis asked Congressman Vern Buchanan and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood for help in protecting white sand resources.

Longboat Key
News

Loren Mayo
July 20, 2009

Photo of the day: Big bite

In between mouthfuls of White Berry's original yogurt topped with Oreo cookies, 6-year-old Kyle Upman tells The Observer, "It's good!"

Sarasota
Neighbors

Robin Roy
July 20, 2009

State attorney reviews police brutality case

City Manager Bob Bartolotta said errors were made by several city and police-department employees, including Police Chief Peter Abbott.

Sarasota
News

Loren Mayo
July 18, 2009

BKYC Mommy and Me

Bird Key Yacht Club's Executive Chef Joseph Santangini held a "Mommy and Me" cooking class.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

By Maggie Pahos
July 17, 2009

Man on the street: Secret Sarasota

We asked, and you told us: What is the best-kept secret in Sarasota?

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Maggie Pahos
July 17, 2009

Man on the street: On call

We asked Longboaters if they were in favor of cell-phone towers being placed on the Key.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 17, 2009

Sarasota YMCA names new president/CEO

Paul Smith, from Kansas City, Mo., will begin his new position as president/CEO Sept. 1. Former President/CEO Carl Weinrich retired June 30 after 34 years.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
July 17, 2009

Car burglars hit River Club

Burglars broke into five cars on Pine Valley Street in River Club last night.

East County
News

By Maggie Pahos
July 17, 2009

Photo of the day: Hidden beauty

This yellow hibiscus can be found at Joan M. Durante Park, 5550 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 17, 2009

Mote treats rare sea turtle that swallowed balloon

A Kemp's ridley turtle was found in distress Tuesday, July 14, on south Lido Beach, after it had swallowed a balloon.

Longboat Key
News

Jen Blanco
July 17, 2009

Manatee East wins second district crown

The Manatee East Little League 10-and-11-year-old All-Star team won the district title after defeating Braden River Little League 8-4 July 17 in game two of the best-of-three series.

East County
Sports

Observer Staff
July 17, 2009

Three injured in hit-and-run crash

Florida Highway Patrol investigators are searching for vehicle that fled the scene of an early morning crash at Interstate 75 and State Road 64.

East County
News

By Maggie Pahos
July 16, 2009

Man on the street: doggie dining

We hit the streets in the Hillview area and Main Street to ask one question: Are you in favor of the doggie-dining ordinance.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Robin Roy
July 16, 2009

Judge orders Morgans' arrest

The Sarasota couple accused of running a Ponzi scheme did not show up for a contempt of court hearing Thursday, and a warrant was issued for their arrest.

Sarasota
News

Kurt Schultheis
July 16, 2009

Public Tennis Center project begins

Tennis courts at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center are still in use for members while construction of a new pro shop gets underway.

Longboat Key
News

Adam Hughes
July 16, 2009

Siesta Key condo sells for $1.8 million

A condominium in Crescent Siesta Key tops all sales in this week's real-estate transactions.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Observer Staff
July 16, 2009

Cops Corner

A person reported a man knocked on his door and said he was an Army Ranger and needed a ride. When the person closed the door, the man started yelling and eventually left.

Sarasota
Cops Corner

Observer Staff
July 16, 2009

Letters to the Editor

Wayne Vert thinks a roundabout story headline put them in a negative light.

Sarasota
Opinion

By Denise Kowal
July 16, 2009

My View: Don't surrender - reject 'U-C' statue

Sarasotans should not let their emotions for the famous WWII photograph blackmail their principles for integrity.

East County
Opinion

Observer Staff
July 16, 2009

Ranch Main opens eateries to doggie dining

Lakewood Ranch Main Street, restaurants and cafes will be offering special incentives to diners who bring their dogs to eat in the outside patio dining areas at Dining with Dogs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. tonight.

East County
News

By Rod Thomson
July 16, 2009

My View

Sarasota County's license fever

Sarasota
Opinion

Observer Staff
July 16, 2009

Our View

Unconditional: Integrity first

East County
Opinion

Observer Staff
July 16, 2009

In Brief

Community News and Notes

Sarasota
News

Loren Mayo
July 16, 2009

Student steps into performing role

Sarasota High School junior Curren Griffin says cross training in football and dance strengthens his performance level in both activities.

Sarasota
News

Robin Roy
July 16, 2009

'They should be locked up'

A man who invested $500,000 with the Sarasota couple accused of running a Ponzi scheme has not received any money and is suing them. He calls them 'crooks who have no morals.'

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
July 16, 2009

Sarasota residents celebrate graduation

Cadet Adam Davidson DeMarco, above, graduated Saturday, May 23, from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
July 16, 2009

Lime Marketplace offers variety

These tough economic times forced Siesta Key resident Larry Hollander to get creative for his latest business.

Sarasota
News

Robin Roy
July 16, 2009

Fees increased, positions eliminated for budget

To balance the 2010 budget, the city plans to institute 'controversial' fees and cut 30 vacant positions. The budget is projected to have a $9 million shortfall in revenue.

Sarasota
News

Kurt Schultheis
July 16, 2009

UPDATE: Longboat house catches fire - again

Traffic on Gulf of Mexico Drive was shut down for a second time Wednesday, July 15, when a second fire flared up at 5060 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Longboat Key
News

By Maggie Pahos
July 15, 2009

Man on the street: Larger than life

We polled passerby near the "Unconditional Surrender" statue on Sarasota's bayfront and asked one question: Should the statue stay on the bayfront or be moved to a less public space?

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 15, 2009

LECOM hosts medical seminar

Linda Rosenberg, president and CEO of the National Council for Community Behavioral Heathcare will be speaking at a free public seminar sponsored by Manatee Glens from 9-11 a.m., July 16, at LECOM Bradenton.

East County
News

Observer Staff
July 15, 2009

Heritage Harbour woman attacked in home invasion

Manatee County Sheriff's Office detectives are searching for a suspect who knocked a Heritage Harbour woman unconscious after breaking into her home Tuesday.