Gullett Elementary School's Student Council kicked off an upcoming fundraiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs by hosting a presentation by puppy raisers at the school Feb. 17. Students will collect items, such as blankets, towels and puppy toys, from Feb. 22 to March 18.

Stuart Scheyer captured this image of a parking lot crash that occurred early this afternoon in the Longboat Key Publix parking lot. Longboat Key police responded to the incident.

More than 100 women turned out at the Tara Golf & Country Club Feb. 17 to golf in the Tara 9-ers Rally for the Cure golf and luncheon event. Golfers hit the greenways before heading into the club for lunch, raffles, awards and more.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Wilson-Wood Foundation honored three community heroes at the 17th annual Unsung Hero Awards on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at Michael's on East. This year's recipients were Litoriel Hernandez, Barbara Higdon and Bill Johnson.

The 2011 tour, to be held March 4 and March 5, includes 10 multi-million dollar estates in The Oaks Club and on Casey, Bird and St. Armands Keys and Lido Shores.

The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key Foundation's Valentine's Ball raised money for charity and honored their 2010 Citizen of the Year, Matt Walsh.

Marilyn and Andy Vandermeer try out their kayak for the first time Monday, Feb. 14, on the bay near Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub.

BRAZIL. Now the Longboat Observer has really crossed the line: It traveled over the equator with Key residents Yolanda and David Noyes, who brought their newspaper on a 23-day cruise of the Amazon River. Here, the couple is pictured standing on the equator in Macapa, Brazil.

The Young Professionals group teamed up with the Pines of Sarasota for a 'Lovers' Lunch' on Saturday, Feb. 12, in Cutter Hall at the Pines.

GUEST FASHION EDITOR: Elenor Maxheim

At 'Go for the Cure' Sports Day, held Tuesday, Feb. 15, at the Longboat Key Club, members played golf and tennis to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation Suncoast Affiliate.