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Your Observer

Construction is already underway on projects like Hotel Sarasota, and the city will soon hear plans for another proposed hotel.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 20, 2016
UPDATE: More hotel rooms planned downtown

On Wednesday, city staff will vet plans for a 118-room hotel on Fruitville Road, the latest in a series of hotel projects in the heart of the city.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Todd Matthes, Benderson’s director of development, led a public workshop Monday regarding the Siesta Promenade project.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 20, 2016
Residents remain opposed to Siesta Promenade plans

The county is preparing to study the impact of a 24-acre development proposed for Stickney Point Road that has already triggered significant public concern.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 19, 2016
Sisterhood of Beth Israel hosts English high tea

While the ladies sipped tea, two members modeled clothes from J. McLaughlin.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sales tax revenues are slated for repairs and replacement of playground equipment and other needs. John Marble Park, pictured here, will receive several improvements. File photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2016
Manatee County forming sales tax oversight committee

Residents of unincorporated Manatee can apply through Jan. 6.

  • East County
  • News
East County Weekend Roundup: 12.19.16
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 19, 2016
East County Weekend Roundup: 12.19.16

A successful basketball weekend for the area's trio of schools.

  • East County
  • Sports
Developer Kevin Daves has purchased the former CoCENTRIX building for $5.4 million.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 19, 2016
Ritz-Carlton developer buys Sarasota property

A firm owned by developer Kevin Daves bought buildings at 540 North Tamiami Trail for $5.4 million.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ashley Murnen portrays Baloo, the bear, in "The Jungle Book." Photo by Sorcha Augustine.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 19, 2016
Creatures great and small highlight student performances

Woodland Fine Arts Academy presented three shows for audiences.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 18, 2016
Temple Beth Israel greets snowbirds

The temple held a welcome back dinner on Dec. 18.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 17, 2016
Bird Key Yacht Club hosts holiday celebration

Members enjoyed dinner and a performance by Rob Sotori.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • December 17, 2016
Selby Garden blooms with holiday light display

Tis the season to shine.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 17, 2016
Santa visits The Old Salty Dog

Customers enjoyed a hot chocolate bar, crafts and visiting with Santa Claus.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 16, 2016
Walkin' down Candy Cane Lane

Willis Elementary holiday show celebrates diversity.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Toys for Tots can be dropped off through Dec. 21 at the Longboat Key Police Department, 5460 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Terry O'Connor
    By
  • Terry O’Connor
  • December 16, 2016
Giving lags for Longboat Key Toys Tots

Toys can be dropped off through Dec. 21 at the Longboat Key Police Department, 5460 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
After resigning from the state attorney's office earlier this year, Hagen Brody is seeking a spot on the City Commission.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 16, 2016
Attorney enters City Commission race

Hagen Brody, who resigned from his position at the state attorney’s office amid controversy earlier this year, is seeking a spot on the Sarasota City Commission.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • December 15, 2016
Temple Sinai hosts Hanukkah happening

The event featured latkes, crafts and a festive book reading.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • December 15, 2016
Siesta Key Condominium Council hosts annual holiday light competition

Representatives from Siesta Key Village Association, the Chamber of Commerce and the Siesta Key Association boarded the Siesta Key Island Trolley for a competition that was both merry and bright.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 15, 2016
Longboat Chamber mingles after hours

The chamber hosted its holiday business after hours on Dec. 15 at Harry's Continental Kitchens.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • December 15, 2016
Christ Church spreads Christmas cheer

The reading buddies got a special visit and surprise from Santa Claus.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The property at 7610 Sanderling Road recently sold for $2,989,000.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 15, 2016
Two-property deal sells for $2,989,000

The following residential real estate transactions took place between Nov. 28 and Dec. 2.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2016
Sarasota weather page photo: Dec. 15

Mary Metzler captured this sunset on the way to Siesta Key Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2016
East County weather page photo: Dec. 15

Mary Tygh Parks captured this photo of a limpkin that was hanging out in Myakka River State Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Gregory Fiore captured this shot of a permitted rescue volunteer getting a loggerhead hatchling ready for release into the Gulf off Longboat Key.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2016
Longboat Key weather page photo: Dec. 15

Gregory Fiore captured this shot of a permitted rescue volunteer getting a loggerhead hatchling ready for release into the Gulf off Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The location of the Longboat Key Arts, Culture and Education Center is proposed to be built between Longboat’s Publix and the town’s public tennis center.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2016
The missing piece

It’s exciting to envision a new arts, culture and education center as the centerpiece of a town center. Go for it. The $10 million question, of course, is the $10 million and more.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
From left: Mark Richardson, Lloyd Hine, Frank Scrivani, Brad Sicard, Mike Ball, Mark Kerr, Jason Schmidt, John Michael, James Linkogle and Matt Dzikas. Not pictured: Troy Wooten, Dale Wyman, Joe Samblanet and Curtis Vandermolen.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2016
Good works from Public Works

Longboat Key Public Works staffers win praise.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Officials from Zilber, Homes by Towne and Schroeder-Manatee Ranch cut a ceremonial ribbon Dec. 14.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 15, 2016
Echo Lake Apartments opens in Lakewood Ranch

The complex is designed with lifestyle in mind.

  • East County
  • News
East County Thursday Roundup: 12.15.16
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 15, 2016
East County Thursday Roundup: 12.15.16

Golf results dominated the slate.

  • East County
  • Sports
Chris Thakoorpersad at the bat.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 15, 2016
Sarasota International Cricket Club plays for the memories

Prose and Kohn: Ryan Kohn

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Cellexia Foster.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 15, 2016
Booker basketball senior came a long way in a short time

She is headed to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University next season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
An old building on the south end of Siesta Key is among blighted properties that could be redeveloped as a hotel.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 15, 2016
Lack of details big hurdle for Siesta hotel

Siesta Key residents decried murky plans for a hotel on the barrier island.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
(File) A railroad track near Payne Park may one day be replaced by an extension of the Legacy Trail.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 15, 2016
Legacy Trail extension inches forward

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation has given $50,000 to support an extension of the Legacy Trail. How big an impact will the gift make?

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • December 15, 2016
Church continues its stitching tradition

Friends that stitch together, stay together.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A group of residents already lets their dogs roam free in Bayfront Park in the mornings — and they want the city to change its pet policies
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 15, 2016
Residents push for dog-friendly policies in Bayfront Park

Residents want to let their dogs off leash in Bayfront Park in the mornings, but the city is worried its pet policies might be too complex.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Dale Orlando wants to secure a place in her neighborhood where her dog, Shadow, can run free with other dogs from the area.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 15, 2016
Gillespie Park lobbies for paw park

After five years of asking for a dog-friendly area in Gillespie Park, Dale Orlando is close to making her vision a reality.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Fogle pledged to get substantive community feedback on the park district proposal.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 15, 2016
City moves ahead with park district plans

City leaders may create a dedicated taxing district to fund parks and recreation. They just need to figure out how it would function.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Anna Brugmann
  • December 15, 2016
The Ritz bakes up a colossal Christmas carousel

Kids, don't try this at home.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Imani Jones dribbles around a defender. File photo.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • December 15, 2016
Sarasota High 5 Moments: 12.15.16

Sarasota High 5 Moments: 12.15.16

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
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Ernie Els reads the green at The Concession during the 2023 World Champions Cup. He's No. 6 on the PGA Tour Champions money standings, as of April 6, and will be active at the Senior PGA Championship.
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A rendering of the Mira Mar building set against the backdrop of Mira Mar Residences, the project that will provide revenue to fund the $25 million to $30 million restoration of the historic structure.
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