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Sarasota | Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 22, 2014

Meet the Class of 2014

With graduation upon us, the Sarasota Observer asks six high school seniors to take a look back at their time in school and share a sneak peek into their futures.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 21, 2014

Town Hall Scholars receive college scholarships

The 15 students each received a $2,000 scholarship for their continuing education.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
May 21, 2014

The Good News: Dedra Reed

Booker Elementary students share life goals and celebrate the importance of dreaming big with the school's first anthology.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
May 21, 2014

Youth Movement

The Out-of-Door Academy football team's roster will be composed primarily of freshmen and sophomores next season.

East County
Sports

Jen Blanco
May 21, 2014

National Recognition

Nathan Benderson Park has been named the host site for the 2015 USRowing Youth National Championships.

East County
Sports

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 20, 2014

Campaign Against Summer Hunger surpasses goal

The 40-day campaign, which ended May 10, is part of All Faiths' efforts to end hunger for Sarasota families.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 17, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Booker High School Prom

Booker High School held its annual Prom Saturday, May 17, at Michael's On East. The prom's theme was 'in to the future' and include silver-painted bottle centerpieces with stars and diamonds in sand. Throughout the night, students voted for prom king and queen; Sam Proctor and Chrystal Hoffman.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 17, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Temple Emanu-El Blessing of the Animals

Temple Emanu-El hosted its annual Blessing of the Animals Saturday, May 17. The temple invited members of the public to bless their pets and have a quick check-up with Dr. Hal Alterman. Attendees included families from as far as Orlando. Rabbi Brenner Glickman said the blessings at the outdoor ceremony.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 17, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Pine View 2014 Cobalt

Pine View School for the Gifted held its annual Cobalt Saturday, May 17, at the Chelsea Center. Students enjoyed sweet snacks outside before heading inside where they enjoyed dinner.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 16, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Church of the Redeemer Potluck on Palm

The Church of the Redeemer held a Potluck on Palm Friday, May 16, along Palm Avenue. The potluck was a surprise to congratulate the Rev. Fredrick Robinson on his 20th anniversary of being rector at the church.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 16, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Community Youth Development Annual Celebration

The Community Youth Development held its 18th annual Celebration Friday, May 16, at the Francis. Members of the community celebrated youth and adult volunteers of Sarasota. The nonprofits Business Partner of the Year Award went to Westfield Sarasota Square Mall while Sarasota students, such as Kathy Quispe and Vanessa Rodriguez, received scholarships.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 16, 2014

Don't forget to take the Observer along on your summer travels!

Is your family getting ready to head out on a summer vacation? Make sure you pack a copy of your Observer!

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 16, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: First Presbyterian Pre-School Butterfly Ball

First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota Pre-School held its annual Butterfly Ball Friday, May 16. Families and students celebrated that last day of school with a sing-a-long and afternoon of arts and crafts.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Ashley Munroe
May 16, 2014

WEEKEND BEST BET: Harvey Milk Festival

Celebrate Sarasota's fifth annual Harvey Milk Festival this weekend.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
May 15, 2014

Nathan Benderson Park to host 2015 championships

Suncoast Aquatic and Nature Center Associates announced today that Nathan Benderson Park has been chosen to host the 19th annual USRowing Youth National Championships, which will be held June 12 to June 14, 2015.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 15, 2014

Tiny Hands Foundation launches Backpack Brigade

The Tiny Hands Foundation is accepting donations for its inaugural Back to School Backpack Brigade. The nonprofit will be filling the backpacks Aug. 2.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 15, 2014

New face

Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota welcomes John Irvin as its new religious educator director.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 15, 2014

Budding artists

The Chapter No. 115 of Ikebana International invited children to honor their mothers with workshops Saturday.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 15, 2014

Spring fling

The Bay Island Siesta Neighborhood Association held its annual Spring Fling May 8. More than 60 members attended the party, which Garrett and Stephanie Puzzo hosted.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 15, 2014

Sisterly love

Sarasota resident Rose Schloss, 101, recently returned from a trip of a lifetime.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 15, 2014

Sing for spring

The Allegro Music Academy recently held its spring recitals.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 15, 2014

Paper hearts

Members of the Church of the Redeemer's Heart to Heart Book Club held its final book club meeting of the year May 5.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 15, 2014

Your Neighbor: Debra Lambert

Lambert, owner of Picasso's Moon, a yarn shop in downtown Sarasota, recently hosted the third annual Art Yarn Fiber Festival.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 15, 2014

Business Observer

After-hours vet opens in Rosemary; Harbor Retirement plans new facility; Bernhardt joins Blalock Walters, P.A.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 15, 2014

Weather: Sarasota

Jan Shoemaker Means submitted this sunset photo, taken during the Siesta Key drum circle.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
May 14, 2014

The Good News: Steve Case of Venice High School Amateur Radio Club

Hobby meets real-world application for Venice High School Amateur Radio Club members.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 13, 2014

Residents pay school library fines for neighborhood children

Neighbors contributed more than $245 to help the children, who attend Gocio Elementary, check out books hassle-free.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 11, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Selby Garden's Mother's Day Brunch

Families celebrated Mother's Day at the Selby Gardens Mother's Day Brunch Sunday, May 11. After brunch, which included hot dishes and desserts, attendees enjoyed the gardens.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 10, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Military Academy Prom

Sarasota Military Academy held its annual prom Saturday, May 10, at Michael's On East. To mark the end of the academic year, students spent the evening dining and dancing.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 10, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota High School Prom

Sarasota High School held its annual prom Saturday, May 10, at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Students enjoyed dinner and dancing at the masquerade-themed evening.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 9, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Argus Foundation 'Low Country Boil'

The Argus Foundation held its annual 'Meet and Greet Our Government Officials' at its Low Country Boil Friday, May 9, at Sarasota Outboard Club. The evening invited members to mingle with government officials from Sarasota and Manatee Counties while enjoying an all you-can-eat pot luck dinner. "I come every year for the camaraderie and the ability to interact with the public casually" says Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 9, 2014

Weekend Best Bet: Selby Gardens Mother's Day Brunch

Enjoy the gardens with loved ones before sitting down for brunch catered by Michael's On East Sunday, May 11.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
May 9, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Ashton Elementary's World Series Games

Ashton Elementary fifth grade students went up to bat at the school's annual World Series Games Friday, May 9, at Twin Lakes Park. The students were divided into Major League Baseball teams, such as the Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves and Toronto Blue Jays, to recreate the World Series Games. Those who didn't play helped off the field with concession stand vendors, security guards and cheerleaders.