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Your Observer

Model Gigi Tuffile, 4
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • February 15, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Temple Beth Israel fashion show

Temple Beth Israel took the catwalk for its annual fashion show on Feb. 16 at Michael's on East. Adults and children, ages six months to 13 years, modeled in fashions by Dream Weaver and Little Boutique on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The purchaser of a liner property in front of the State Street garage hopes to buy more city-owned land, but the City Commission has expressed skepticism about the changes.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 15, 2015
State Street garage developer seeks more land

At Tuesday's City Commission meeting, the board will weigh in on proposed changes to a commercial property at the State Street garage.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Downtown Sarasota is the third location for Fast n Fresh, owned by Lakewood Ranch residents Lesley and Michael Harb. Photo by Colin Reid.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 15, 2015
Fast n Fresh opens its doors in downtown Sarasota

The salad specialty restaurant opened for business last week at its new location on Osprey Avenue.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
According to the economic impact study on the four-day event, attendees spent $4.1 million in direct expenditures. Photo by Amanda Morales.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 15, 2015
Thunder by the Bay brings in $8 million impact

According to the economic impact study on the January motorcycle festival, about 90,000 people attended and brought $8 million in economic impact to the county.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Lakewood Ranch's Kailyn Scully goes up for a layup.
  • By Jason Clary
  • February 15, 2015
Lakewood Ranch falls to Fort Myers in regional final

The Mustangs were defeated 55-51 Saturday night.

  • East County
  • News
(Courtesy of SPD) The Sarasota Police Department has not released the identity of the driver involved in the accident that killed 70-year-old James Stephens on the North Trail Saturday.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 15, 2015
Bicyclist killed in North Trail accident

An unnamed driver struck and killed 70-year-old James Stephens at the intersection of North Tamiami Trail and 16th Street Saturday.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A 40,000-square foot Whole Foods Market will be built across the street from the Fresh Market at the intersection of Honore Avenue and University Parkway.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 15, 2015
Whole Foods headed to University Park

The second Whole Foods Market in the area is headed to East County.

  • East County
  • News
Bob's
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 15, 2015
Blow to Bob’s Boathouse in noise ordinance battle

Judge David Denkin upheld the constitutionality of Sarasota County’s noise ordinance Feb. 6, with an order denying Bob’s Boathouse owner’s motion to dismiss the county’s case against the restaurant.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lou Gagliardi answer's Sam Deangelo's questions about the engine in his 2014 Ford.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • February 14, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: MTC Car and Bike Show

The parking lot of Manatee Technical College turned into a showcase for vintage acars, hot rods and motorcycles Feb. 25, during the school's annual Car and Bike Show.

  • East County
  • News
Amanda King and Elizabeth Lutz
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 14, 2015
Cat Depot Annual Gala 'Love Me Tender'

Cat Depot Annual Gala 'Love Me Tender'

  • Black Tie
Stacey McLeod-Anderson and Dan Anderson
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 14, 2015
Orchid Ball 'The Ruby Affair - A Romance of a Thousand Blooms'

Orchid Ball 'The Ruby Affair - A Romance of a Thousand Blooms'

  • Black Tie
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe founder and Artistic Director, Nate Jacobs and Democratic Club of Sarasota President, Mary Clupper.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 13, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Democratic Club Meeting

The Democratic Club of Sarasota hosted its monthly luncheon for members and guests Feb. 14 at The Francis.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sandy and Dick Weber take a turn on the dance floor at the Longboat Key Kiwanis Valentines in Monte Carlo party.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 13, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Kiwanis Valentines

Love and luck were in the air on Longboat Key for the Kiwanis Foundation Valentines in Monte Carlo dinner and casino party Saturday night at the Longboat Key Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Kim and Cecil Calloway repeat after Special Magistrate Edward Wilson. They have been married for 50 years.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 13, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Say I Do Again on Siesta Key

Couples boasting marriages from 73 years to 3 months renewed their vows Valentine's Day on Siesta Key Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Alex and Wendy Barroso with Pia Alvia
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 13, 2015
Circus with a Purpose, A Benefit For St. Jude Church

Circus with a Purpose, A Benefit For St. Jude Church

  • Black Tie
Joe Barbetta and Ben Hatcher
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 13, 2015
Compassion In Caring Luncheon

Compassion In Caring Luncheon

  • Black Tie
Guests were given tours of the facilities and the history of the church.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 12, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Redeemer First Friday

Church of the Redeemer welcomed members of the community to mingle with members, clergy, as well as tour the grounds and facilities on Feb. 6 for the First Friday Walk.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium President and CEO, Michael Crosby presented future plans to guests.
    By
  • Amanda Morales
  • February 12, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Republican Club meeting

Members of the Republican Club of Longboat Key welcomed Mote President and CEO Michael Crosby as the guest speaker Friday, Feb. 13 at Portofino Restaurant and Bar.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
This year's event features a variety of casino games.
    By
  • Robin Hartill
  • February 12, 2015
Kiwanis Valentine's Day tickets still available

The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key has 20 tickets remaining for tomorrow's Valentine's in Monte Carlo.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
This week's FYI Friday features news about the Ringling Bridge jumper, new businesses in Lakewood Ranch and more!
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 12, 2015
FYI Friday - Your weekly news roundup

Catch up on the week's most important and most interesting news stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County with FYI Friday.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 12, 2015
Siesta Key property target of Craigslist scam

A Craigslist scammer took images from a real estate website to create a fake vacation rental post.

  • Sarasota
  • News
In both District 2 and District 3, one candidate has dwarfed their opponents' spending through January.
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 12, 2015
Commission candidates file early contribution reports

As the race for two district City Commission seats heats up, donations are streaming in to the six candidates running for election in March.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Complaints lodged against the town for past approvals granted to Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub won't be heard.
    By
  • Kurt Schultheis
  • February 12, 2015
ZBA won't hear Mar Vista complaints

Three complaints lodged by Gene Jaleski against Mar Vista past actions will not be heard by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Barre3 franchisees Paulina Manning and Beth Woods are some of Main Street's newest tenants. To introduce themselves to the neighborhood, they're offering a free class this weekend.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 12, 2015
Barre3 offers community class on Main Street's lawn

To generate interest for its opening March 2, Barre3 is offering a free community exercise class from 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 14, beside The Fish Hole Mini Golf location on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

  • East County
  • News
Ann Anderson, David Pilston and Nancy Curtis
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 12, 2015
An Evening of Lemur Love

An Evening of Lemur Love

  • Black Tie
Sue Adams and Linda Cullen
    By
  • Black Tie Staff
  • February 12, 2015
SPARCCle on the Runway Fashion Show & Luncheon

SPARCCle on the Runway Fashion Show & Luncheon

  • Black Tie
Bassist Michael Dempsey and singer and lead guitarist Steve Arvey
    By
  • Kristen Herhold
  • February 11, 2015
PHOTO GALLERY: Longboat Key Center for the Arts Art & Blues concert

Some of the best blues performers in the area performed on Feb. 12 at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts. Singer and lead guitarist Steve Arvey, pianist Bill Buchman, harmonica player Tony Smith, bassist Michael Dempsey and drummer Rich Andre performed a jazz and blues concert.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Ida Cuthbertson, a Sarasota County resident, writes down her ideas for the enhancement of the county's services for older residents in the comprehensive plan update's mobility category.
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 11, 2015
County launches comprehensive plan process

At Sarasota County's comprehensive plan update kick off meeting last night, residents were invited to post thoughts and ideas about plan changes.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Years after closing its iconic Siesta Key location, Bob's Boathouse opened in 2013 on South Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • February 11, 2015
Blow to Bob's Boathouse in noise ordinance battle

Judge David Denkin upheld the constitutionality of Sarasota County's noise ordinance Feb. 6, with an order denying Bob's Boathouse owner Tom Lefevre's motion to dismiss the county's case against the restaurant.

  • Sarasota
  • News
In August, Manatee County hired Matrix Consulting Group to conduct a review of the Animal Services Department. The results will be discussed at 1:30 p.m. today.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 11, 2015
Manatee County Commissioners slated to review report on Animal Services

During their afternoon work session at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 12, Manatee County Commissioners will review the study on the Animal Services Department performed by Matrix Consulting Group.

  • East County
  • News
Manatee County has five openings for the Animal Services Advisory Board, which makes recommendations Manatee County Commissioners on animal policies.
    By
  • Amanda Sebastiano
  • February 11, 2015
Manatee County seeks Animal Services Advisory Board members

Manatee County has five openings for the Animal Services Advisory Board. Applications are due Feb. 27.

  • East County
  • News
Sotheby in 2013.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2015
All grown pup

On Jan. 29, guide dog Sotheby walked across the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall stage to receive his diploma as a Southeastern Guide Dog graduate with his new handler, Ginny Eichholz.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Shelli Freeland Eddie
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 11, 2015
CCNA forum highlights neighborhood issues

A City Commission candidate forum Saturday illuminated key points leading up to the March 10 election, highlighting the interests of the candidates - and the neighborhood groups that posed the questions.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Florida Department of Transportation said a roundabout at Midnight Pass and Beach roads could make the intersection safer. Courtesy rendering
    By
  • Jessica Salmond
  • February 11, 2015
GOING IN CIRCLES: Does Siesta Key need a roundabout?

The Midnight Pass Road/Beach Road intersection experienced 11 accidents in the last five years. The No. 1 concern for Siesta Key residents is pedestrian safety.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • David Conway
  • February 11, 2015
Taking minutes

The length of City Commission meetings has become a topic of concern for those sitting on the board, after commissioners questioned the structure of those meetings during two recent discussions.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Shelli Freeland Eddie
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2015
Your candidates: District three

In advance of the March 10 City Commission election, the Sarasota Observer will profile the six candidates vying for the open District 2 and 3 seats. We begin this week with the District 3 candidates. District 2 candidates will run in the Feb. 19 issue.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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