Fire Rescue Station No. 1 had its ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, Oct 6. The new station is the third station in Sarasota County to be "green."

New artwork is popping up all over downtown Sarasota this month as part of the Sarasota Public Arts Committee's latest project, 'Intersections.' Twelve artists have been selected to display their work throughout five downtown shopping districts for the next year. The Public Arts Committee will then select one sculpture to purchase as part of the city of Sarasota's Public Art Collection. One of the most recent pieces to go up is a series of four sculptures by North Carolina artist, Tekla, entitled 'Tree Works.' The sculpture is located on Palm Avenue across from Church of the Redeemer.

Longboat Key resident and global marathoner John Wallace reads The Longboat Observer while visiting the Kwame Nkrumah memorial in Accra, Ghana; Betsy Smith enjoys The Longboat Observer's trek each week up to Anna Maria Island.

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce trekked out to Turtles Restaurant, on Midnight Pass Road, for a networking luncheon.

A gala celebration of the Artist Series of Sarasota's first fifteen years of "Classical Concerts tha

Morton's Gourmet Market held its 11th annual Firehouse Chili Cook-Off Sunday to benefit the Sarasota Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund.

The Sharks Siesta Key Triathlon drew hundreds of people Sunday for an exciting day of swimming, biking and running.

SPARCC supporters gathered Saturday for a morning of fitness, inspiration and camaraderie as they walked in support of a violence-free future.

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center offered education and fun at the Embrace a Life of Health and Wellness Expo Oct. 2. Attendees were able to participate in a variety of health-related screenings and peruse booths from local practices. Children flocked to the special Kids Zone, which featured a bounce house, face painting and more.

The Lakewood Ranch Arts Council, in partnership with the American Ideals Foundation, made its public debut Oct. 1 with the "October Romance" concert at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. American Ideals founder and pianist/composer Robert Moffa played for the crowd, while also introducing other artists and showing off their work.

Foxy Lady Siesta Key hosted the second annual "Viva la Pink" fashion party for breast-cancer awareness. Proceeds will benefit Team Believe, which will participate in the Tampa Bay Breast Cancer 3-Day.

Lakewood Ranch couldn't keep up with the nationally ranked Manatee Hurricanes Friday night, falling 34-7 to the local powerhouse. The loss puts the Mustangs at 3-2 on the season.