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Your Observer

    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 21, 2019
Longboat Key weather page photo: November 21

David Holliss captured this heron enjoying his own umbrella at Beachplace on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rams coach Josh Smithers talks with his team after the loss.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 21, 2019
Prose and Kohn: Riverview football coach will miss his senior class

The Rams lost to Steinbrenner 24-20 on Nov. 15.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Shon Devald.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 21, 2019
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Shon Devald

The Riverview High soccer player talks his passing ability and recovering from an injury.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
A new in-line hockey rink located in Lakewood Ranch Park, adjacent to Lakewood Ranch High School, is open to the public as programming details are considered.
    By
  • Shellie Terry
  • November 21, 2019
Lakewood Ranch is getting cooler than ice with new rink

With the help of The Lightning Foundation, Manatee County adds another sweet amenity to Lakewood Ranch’s outdoor recreation bag in the form of an in-line hockey rink.

  • LWR Life
Town labor negotiator Reynolds Allen, second from left, makes a point to the Town Commission. Town Manager Tom Harmer, union president Mick McHale and union attorney Caroleen Brej listen.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 21, 2019
Longboat commissioners back town's proposals for police contract

In impasse resolution meeting, commissioners agree with pay-raise package and staying with town's retirement plan. Union sought access to Florida's pension system as top issue.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Rosemary District resident Sue Stewart speaks with city Transportation Planner Megan Lui and Chief Transportation Planner Colleen McGue at a neighborhood meeting Thursday, Nov. 14.
    By
  • David Conway
  • November 21, 2019
City plans routes for bikes, pedestrians

After adopting a multimodal transportation plan, the city is pursuing funding for projects such as bike lanes and multiuse trails.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The preview center at the mall will include installations such as the Her Story Walk designed to highlight major achievements by women in sports. Rendering courtesy Women's Sports Museum.
    By
  • David Conway
  • November 21, 2019
Women’s Sports Museum preview coming to UTC

Museum organizers hope a smaller exhibit at the mall is a step toward the establishment of a permanent attraction in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • News
City Commissioner Willie Shaw stood to deliver impassioned remarks about diversity at a Nov. 5 public hearing on Selby Gardens' master plan proposal. Those comments later drew criticism from the proprietors of Michael's on East.
    By
  • David Conway
  • November 21, 2019
Shaw questions Selby’s diversity initiatives

Comments critical of the racial makeup of the workforce at Selby Gardens and Michael’s On East draw pushback from those organizations.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 21, 2019
Cops Corner: Sarasota 11.21.19

Enjoy this week's edition of Cops Corner.

  • Sarasota
  • Cops Corner
Members of the public filed out of the commission chambers as the County Commission discussed the adoption of a new district map.
    By
  • David Conway
  • November 21, 2019
Despite public objections, county picks new district map

Moving to redistrict ahead of the 2020 census, the Sarasota County Commission selected a controversial map based on a submission from a former Republican Party chairman.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    A time to celebrate |
  • November 20, 2019
Rockey - Stevenson ENGAGEMENT

Mr. and Mrs. David Stevenson are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Jessica, to William Rockey, son of Dr. and Mrs. Pat Rockey of Palm Coast, FL.

  • Longboat Key
  • Celebrations
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 20, 2019
Sarasota Libraries, schools partner to bring learning tools to students

The two organizations partnered to bring ONEPass, a program that contains a variety of learning tools, to the county.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Longboat Key fire department is switching to this Phenix model in December. It is less traditional than the department's current helmets but is also lighter and allows for more mobility.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • November 20, 2019
Longboat Key fire department switching to lighter helmets

After many Longboat Key firefighters spoke of neck pain caused by their helmets, the department decided to switch to a new model. It settled on a Phenix model that is a pound and a half lighter.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Caroline Zucker
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 20, 2019
Zucker chosen as Sarasota School Board Chair

Caroline Zucker will serve as board chair in her last year on the board.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Briana Harris Francois (right) and John Woods stand together at the Longboat Key Club Tennis Association's annual Fall Frolic. Harris Francois is succeeding Woods, the only director of tennis in club history.
    By
  • Brendan Lavell
  • November 20, 2019
Harris Francois ready to step up as Longboat Key Club tennis director

Briana Harris Francois worked under John Woods for seven years at Longboat Key Club. Now, she's succeeding the only Director of Tennis the club has ever known — and she's spent a lifetime preparing for it.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mariamarie Soto Negron, a kindergarten student enjoys playing on the playground at B.D. Gullett Elementary School.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 20, 2019
School District of Manatee County rezoning approval appeases GreyHawk parents

School Board of Manatee County approves redistricting for several East County schools

  • East County
  • News
Out-of-Door Academy seniors Andrew Dowdell and Brian Lutton are working to convert Lutton's golf cart from gas to solar power. They will then use it as a model to convert ODA's eight golf carts to solar power.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 20, 2019
ODA students drive toward alternative fuels

ODA seniors have drive for alternative fuels

  • East County
  • News
iLana Armida dropped her single "High No More" in January 2019. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 20, 2019
East County singer satisfied with move to LA

Mill Creek's Ilana Armida working to make it big in Los Angeles

  • East County
  • News
Frank Bell is the new head coach of the Lakewood Ranch High girls basketball team.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 20, 2019
Rookie varsity coach takes over Lakewood Ranch's girls basketball team

Frank Bell coached the junior varsity team last year.

  • East County
  • Sports
Alyssa Bradford signed with Young Harris College on Nov. 13.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 20, 2019
Prose and Kohn: Mustang's signing story one of self-belief

The senior didn't play lacrosse two years ago. Now, she's a college-level player.

  • East County
  • Sports
Manatee County Commissioners will hear the requests at their December land-use meeting.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 20, 2019
Right mix for rezone request in Bradenton?

Manatee County Planning Commission endorses commercial rezone off S.R. 64.

  • East County
  • News
Mark Chait, director of leasing for Benderson Development Co. says there are new and evolving entertainment concepts that could be a good fit for the University Town Center East District project.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 20, 2019
More choices coming to Mall at UTC in Sarasota

More choices coming to Mall at UTC in Sarasota

  • East County
  • News
Tidewell Hospice and Blue Butterfly program participants cut a ceremonial ribbon during a Nov. 13 grand opening ceremony.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 20, 2019
Tidewell Hospice grief program spreads its wings in Lakewood Ranch

Tidewell Hospice grief program spreads its wings in Lakewood Ranch

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 20, 2019
Excellent food and swine at East County church

Excellent food and swine at East County church

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Stu Drymon and Darrell Jackson both love researching beers and trying to create new recipes.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 20, 2019
Partners brew new business in Bradenton

Longtime friends start a microbrewery in East County.

  • East County
  • News
Christian Shaneyfelt.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • November 20, 2019
East County Athlete of the Week: Christian Shaneyfelt

The Lakewood Ranch senior talks making the state championship and wanting to teleport places.

  • East County
  • Sports
Paisley Gabbard and Wesley Hoben, first graders at Gene Witt Elementary School, work on an assignment during class.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 20, 2019
Mold concerns Gene Witt parents

Concerns of mold persist at Gene Witt as school board votes for complete renovation

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 20, 2019
Redistricting Sarasota County is a no-win proposition

To redistrict now or wait doesn’t matter. The outcome will be the same: lawsuits and a government that weakens voters’ voices.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Brynn Mechem
  • November 19, 2019
Bowden officially done, search for interim superintendent begins

The Sarasota County School Board unanimously approved a proposed separation agreement

  • Sarasota
  • News
Naomi Person and Margaret Cass pose during the interfaith service.
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • November 19, 2019
First Presbyterian holds interfaith Thanksgiving service

First Presbyterian Church held its community Thanksgiving interfaith service on Nov. 17.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Every part of the campus aims to heal children.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • November 19, 2019
All Star Children's Foundation aims to revolutionize child mental healthcare

Kiwanis Lawn Party benefits local foundation behind a state-of-the-art campus for foster children.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    In Memoriam |
  • November 19, 2019
Lenore Holzer Weiss

Her loving family and devoted friends mourn the passing of Lenore Holzer Weiss on November 17, 2019.

  • Longboat Key
  • Tributes & Obituaries
The Manatee County Property Appraiser sought clarification on which of the town's two beach-taxing districts encompassed island properties.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 19, 2019
Two Longboat meetings set for Wednesday

Commissioners will clarify which beach-tax zone island properties will occupy and settle issues with police contract negotiations.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Architect rendering of the new entry pavilion. Rendering done on Lumion courtesy of DSDG Architects.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • November 19, 2019
Save Our Seabirds plans expansion on City Island

Renewed entry and education facilities are in the cards for the organization.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • November 19, 2019
Longboat election qualifying closes with four unopposed candidates

Two newcomers to the Town Commission now considered 'commissioner-elect.'

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Kelley Storey packs one of the boxes.
    By
  • Whitney Elfstrom
  • November 18, 2019
Season of giving

Gulf Gate Rotary Club partnered with Children Protection Center to donate Thanksgiving dinners to 80 families in need.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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