Observe This: Today's Top Stories

Key celebrates lively season

→ Siesta Key businesses cashed in on a record-setting tourist season with the help of Europeans, the economy and the No. 1 beach ranking.

Don’t place all the blame on Europeans for the unusually heavy traffic on Siesta Key this year. Residents can point a finger at Cupid, as well.

Siesta Key merchants and hoteliers recently surveyed by the Pelican Press said they noticed an increase in marriages on Siesta this season, which brought families to enjoy the white-quartz sands of Stephen P. Leatherman’s best beach of 2011 ... [click

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Pardon our dust: Key construction is back

→ As tourists leave Siesta Key for their permanent homes, island residents are seeing what the recession effectively blurred: new construction.

The half-wrecked condominium on Ocean Boulevard and the skeletal remains of its four-story neighbor look eerie under the glow of two streetlights.

But during the day, while men in hard hats lift blocks of concrete and steer hulking backhoes, they’re a bright sight for real-estate recovery ... [click

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Suncoast Charities seeks donor support

→ The Suncoast Charities for Children wants the public to be aware that its organization funds the boat races and fireworks that occur on the bayfront every Fourth of July.

The Suncoast Charities for Children Vice President Lucy Nicandri said a perception that the city of Sarasota and Marina Jack restaurant fund Fourth of July fireworks and the 2012 Super Boat Grand Prix Festival is hampering the organization’s fundraising.

Nicandri said the organization still needs to raise $49,600 for the 28th annual event this summer ... [click

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