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Your Observer

    By
  • Jack Short
  • December 16, 2015
Whole Foods project may get bogged down

Sarasota County staff recommends preserving wetlands at the proposed University Station site.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 16, 2015
Longboat Key Letters to the Editor 12.17.15

Tunnel under Gulf of Mexico Drive; Refugees

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 16, 2015
Lake Club home tops area sales at $2.5 million

Steven Gardner and Greta Gardner, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 7933 Waterton Lane to John Compton, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $2,525,000.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
“I like to show people animals… but I don’t kill animals unless they’re in pain,” Frank Gamsky said.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • December 16, 2015
An East County resident's charm is his love of snakes

When something slithers, his neighbors know who to call.

  • East County
  • News
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate sales associate Roger Pettingell will represent Seaward Development in selling 16 units at Azure on Palm, a five-story luxury condo development at 711. S. Palm Ave.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 15, 2015
Details emerge for downtown condo project

Azure on Palm includes 16 luxury condominiums above a parking garage on 711 S. Palm Avenue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Jack Short
  • December 15, 2015
Public outreach meeting planned on I-75, Bee Ridge construction

The meeting will be an opportunity for questions, comments and one-on-one with DOT staff about the project, which will renovate the Bee Ridge Road interchange.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The co-developer of the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota and the upscale, golf-centered Concession community in Manatee County is proposing a $200 million collection of upscale condominiums, retail and entertainment space and offices on a 31-acre tract near Sarasota
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2015
Ritz developer proposes $200 million complex near Sarasota Square

Naples-based Apogee Realty Advisors LLC plan to construct 203 residences, along with 178,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space, and 60,000 square feet of offices on South Tamiami Trail.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Ringling College of Art and Design spent $550,000 to buy nearly a half-acre of property on the North Trail this month.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • December 15, 2015
Ringling College buys North Trail land

The Ringling College of Art and Design last week bought two vacant properties fronting North Tamiami Trail for $550,000.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Kindergartener Ryelynn Brunner maneuvers the slime bucket to dump on Assistant Principal Samantha Webb.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 15, 2015
Braden River Elementary students slime faculty members

Students who raised $75 or more during the annual walkathon dumped 'space slime' on Principal Hayley Rio and Assistant Principal Samantha Webb.

  • East County
  • News
Approximately 45 north-end residents packed Longboat Key Town Hall Monday afternoon to inform the Longboat Key Town Commission they don’t want their power lines buried.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 15, 2015
Neighborhood undergrounding referendum moves forward

The Longboat Key Town Commission moved forward with a referendum to bury power lines in neighborhoods Monday while residents debate the fairness of the funding formula.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Braden River's Domenic Aluise goes up for a header in the first half versus Venice.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 15, 2015
Pirates slip past Indians

The Braden River High boys soccer team edged past Venice 2-1 Dec. 10.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch junior LaDazhia Williams finished with 16 points and four rebounds.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 15, 2015
Lady Mustangs remain unbeaten in district play

The Lakewood Ranch High girls basketball team posted a 56-point win against rival Braden River Dec. 10.

  • East County
  • Sports
Auxiliary President Virginia Orenstein stands with Meals on Wheels Plus CEO Maribeth Phillips, Guardian Angel’s Bobbie Price, F.E.L.T. Development Director Kim Bailey and Auxiliary grants chairwoman Carolyn Ramsey. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 15, 2015
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Auxiliary doles out $20,000

Three non-profits have received grants from the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Auxiliary.

  • East County
  • News
Bob Carter thanks guests for his surprise retirement party Monday evening at Friendship Centers.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 15, 2015
Friendship Centers gives final surprise for Bob Carter

President and CEO Bob Carter walks in to a room full of friends and family Monday night to celebrate his retirement.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Riverview senior midfielder Felipe Rojas attempts to maneuver the ball around Sarasota's line of defense.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 15, 2015
Rams and Sailors draw even

The Riverview and Sarasota High boys soccer teams tied 0-0 Dec. 14.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Democractic Club of Sarasota President Mary Clupper with guest speaker Neil Phillips.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 15, 2015
Democratic Club prepares for the holidays

The Democratic Club of Sarasota hosted a holiday celebration for members and guests.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Eugene Moore missed his former restaurant customers, so he opened Farmer's Inn on Wheels.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 14, 2015
Side of Ranch: Jay Heater

Local restaurant owner gets hitched with Farmers Inn on Wheels

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jack Short
  • December 14, 2015
Whole Foods, Wawa locations face zoning issues

Sarasota County staff have recommended against allowing a developer to remove wetlands for the proposed University Station.

  • East County
  • News
The commission will discuss how to proceed with a potential master planning effort for Bobby Jones.
    By
  • David Conway
  • December 14, 2015
Bobby Jones committee recommends $14.5 million in upgrades

At a special meeting of the City Commission, the Bobby Jones Golf Club Study Committee will lay out its suggestions for improving the municipal golf facility

  • Sarasota
  • News
If the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization's outlook is correct, projected transportation funding will fall far short of the amount needed to build a strong infrastructure.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 14, 2015
Transportation plan could depend on finding new funding sources

MPO approves its strategic mobility plan.

  • East County
  • News
Fellow Braden Woods residents Ray Geisler and Gail and Tom Myers review Neal Communities concept plan of the 31-home subdivision. Since the developer has not yet applied to the county for the rezone, the concept plan is not solidified.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • December 14, 2015
Neal Communities presents plans for 31 homes between Braden Woods and River Club

The developer held a neighborhood meeting Monday to gauge neighborhood opinions.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • December 14, 2015
County staff proposes enforceable ban on Hidden River Trail Road bicycling

Commissioners will vote on holding a public meeting at Tuesday’s meeting.

  • East County
  • News
Jeanne and John Larranaga, or Mrs. Claus and Santa, pose with Hannah and Haven Wood.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 14, 2015
Heritage Harbour families celebrate Christmas early

Breakfast with Santa attendees enjoyed pancakes and sausage, crafts and photos with Santa Claus at annual Breakfast for Santa.

  • East County
  • News
Michael Hein, the former city manager of Tucson, Ariz., was selected as the town’s new assistant town manager Friday.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • December 14, 2015
Bullock selects new assistant town manager

Michael Hein, the former city manager of Tucson, Ariz., was selected as the town’s new assistant town manager Friday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Mary Anne Maginot teaches math at Nolan Middle School.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • December 14, 2015
Nolan Middle teacher selected as Educator of the Year finalist

Math teacher Mary Ann Maginot is among four teachers in the running for the Excellence in Education Awards.

  • East County
  • News
Hunter Reed won the 120-pound weight class to help lead the Lakewood Ranch High wrestling team to a first-place finish at the 21st Annual Cougar Invitational Dec. 11 and Dec. 12.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 14, 2015
Mustangs win Cougar Invite

The Lakewood Ranch High wrestling team won the 21-team tournament Dec. 11 and Dec. 12.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 13, 2015
BHS Key Club satisfies sweet tooth with gingerbread house

The Booker High School Key Club creates an entry for the CYD Gingerbread Festival.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • December 13, 2015
Tennis Center aces Observer Challenge

The 16th annual Observer Challenge tennis tournament hosted 124 players on Dec. 11 to 13, at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Santa Claus reels in a catch on the back of entry 4.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 13, 2015
Boats light up Sarasota Bay for parade of lights

Boats light up Sarasota Bay for parade of lights

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This entry was from Seaward Crossfit.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 13, 2015
CYD awards Gingerbread Festival winners

More than 150 Gingerbread Festival entries on display at Westfield Sarasota Square Mall.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Participants on the first lap of the 8.8-mile route.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 13, 2015
Longboards roll through Siesta Key Village

CaliFlorida hosts Longboard Extravaganza races Saturday, Dec. 13 around Siesta Key.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer gets in position for the start of the one-mile fun run.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 12, 2015
Runners sprint to finish Sandy Claws Beach Run

Sarasota County Parks and Recreation hosts 39th annual Sandy Claws 5K and fun run on Siesta Key.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
New owner Jon Whittemore reads a plaque dedicated to course designer Arnold Palmer at Legacy Golf Club of Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 12, 2015
On course to a brighter future

New owners say personal attention will make the difference at Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
Sam and David Howard with Dani Mallitt and Garret Pearson and their menorahs.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 12, 2015
Temple Emanu-El hosts Hanukkah Happening

Families celebrate the sixth night of Hanukkah together at Temple Emanu-El

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Artist Christopher Eisenberg performed on the stage for attendees.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • December 12, 2015
Residents take a merry stroll through Southside Village

The annual Southside Village Holiday Stroll wins over the Grinch.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch kids Devin Raines, left, finishes up his cookie while Alexa Thornton, right, takes a bite. "It's good!" she said.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • December 11, 2015
Lakewood Ranch Main Street fills with holiday cheer

Community Activities held its annual Holidays around the Ranch Friday.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

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The World of Chucko photo-bombs Dana Dalpra, Lauren Hersh and Tami and Phillip Lanham.
  • December 14, 2025
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2
Joni Hill, Cate Douglas and Gaby Hayashi make their way across the beach.
  • December 14, 2025
Holiday spirit gets moving at Sandy Claws Beach Run
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Eat, drink and be merry like you're in a 'Home Alone' movie
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Santa (Steven Trudell of St. Petersburg) gets the runners fired up just before the start of the 2025 Jingle 5K Dec. 12 in Lakewood Ranch.
  • December 13, 2025
More than 500 runners go the distance in Lakewood Ranch's Jingle 5K
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Longboat Key Police Deputy Chief Frank Rubino (left) accepts a framed display of medals, patches and pins that demonstrate his 45-year career in law enforcement.
  • December 13, 2025
Longboat deputy chief with 45 years of experience to retire

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