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Sarasota | Neighbors

Jen Blanco
April 23, 2014

Australia's Kyrgios captures the men's singles Sarasota Open title

The 2014 Sarasota Open concluded with the men's singles and doubles finals April 20, at the Tennis Gardens at the Longboat Key Club.

Longboat Key
News

Nick Friedman
April 23, 2014

The Good News: Embracing Our Differences' Cameron Greco

Using the universal language of art, Embracing Our Differences hopes to create newfound appreciation for the value of diversity.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 22, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Leadership Sarasota celebration ceremony

The 2014 Leadership Sarasota class celebrated the completion of this year's project Tuesday, April 22. 36 The class of 36 donated more then 600 hours to the Roy McBean Club of the Boys and Girls Club since September. The volunteers helped organize nutrition classes, build rain barrels, create a learning garden and paint a mural by the club's playground. The class worked closely with Boys and Girls Club volunteers and children and thanked the children during the ceremony.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 22, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Sunset Beach Cleanup

Beach lovers celebrated Earth Day at Whole Foods Market's Sunset Beach Cleanup Tuesday, April 22, on South Lido Beach. Volunteers spent two hours cleaning the beach and park before enjoying healthy snacks provided by the market. 'I love the beach and I like it clean,' says Shirin Desai-Gibson.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nolan Peterson
April 22, 2014

Siesta special event permits to get another look

The county commission agreed Tuesday to consider adding Halloween to the list of holidays covered by a special event permit available to Siesta businesses.

Sarasota
News

Nolan Peterson
April 22, 2014

Shelter talks set to continue

The Sarasota City Commission will meet with county commissioners Tuesday to discuss the results of study evaluating the primary option for a downtown homeless shelter.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 21, 2014

Sarasota welcomes Suncoast Science Center

The Suncoast Science Center will provide 60,000 square feet of experiential learning for students and members of the community. 'We need a place outside the classroom where there are no time limits," says Ping Faulhaber, "where kids can explore, create and be innovative."

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nolan Peterson
April 21, 2014

Bee Ridge pedestrian islands are under review

The FDOT project is one of a series that has recently caught county staff off-guard.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 19, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Big Truck Day

Sarasota County hosed its 18th annual Big Truck Day Saturday, April 19, at Twin Lakes Park. The free event invited families to climb aboard vehicles of all sizes and shapes; including fire trucks, monster trucks and city busses. Easter eggs were hidden on the grounds and in the vehicles for children to find while the Easter bunny handed out sweets.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 19, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Siesta Key Village Easter Party

Siesta Key Village hosted its annual Easter Party Saturday, April 19, at Beach Access 5. The party included a meet and greet with the Easter bunny, face painting, an egg hunt and a visit from the fire station and sheriff's office.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 18, 2014

Weekend Best Bet: Siesta Key Village Easter Party

Meet the Easter bunny and hunt fun for eggs on Siesta Beach at the fifth annual Siesta Key Village Easter Party Saturday, April 18.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Nolan Peterson
April 18, 2014

Sheriff's Office reports falling crime rate

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office released its annual report Wednesday, highlighting agency milestones and achievements.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 18, 2014

Photo of the Day: John Sanders carries cross

Drivers on Tamiami Trail can't miss John Sanders and his 120 pound cross. Sanders has been walking along Tamiami Trail since early this morning and plans to walk as far as Bradenton. The Siesta Key resident has carried the cross every Good Friday for more than a decade. "We have a country in dire need of a prayer," says Sanders.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 18, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Stations of the Cross

Members of the community observed the beginning of Good Friday with the Stations of the Cross Friday, April 18. The walk was held on Main Street and was led by Fr. Fred Robinson and Rev. David Bumsted from Church of the Redeemer. More than eight churches were represented at the walk, which ended at Church of the Redeemer. "It helps people focus on what Jesus did," says Mike Dull.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 17, 2014

Reader-submitted photos of the sun halo

Check out these reader-submitted photos of the sun halo, which formed a rainbow-colored ring around the sun Wednesday, April 16. Clouds containing ice crystals cause the sun's light to refract, resulting in this phenomenon.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 17, 2014

Sweet Celebration

Temple Beth Sholom's youth group celebrated Passover with a Chocolate Seder Sunday, April 13.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 17, 2014

Seminole Spirit

Members of the Sarasota Seminole Club worked with Habitat for Humanity of Sarasota as part of Florida State University's Seminole Service Day.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
April 17, 2014

Familiar Heights

Pole vaulter Travis Amuso hopes to return to the Class 4A state championships this season in honor of his late grandfather and coach, Guy Amuso.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 17, 2014

High five moments of the week

The top five sports moments of the week.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 17, 2014

It's Read Everywhere

Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along! Visit YourObserver.com/itsreadeverywhere to submit your entries. We can't wait to see where The Observer will travel next!

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
April 17, 2014

Sidelines

Founders Club to offer summer membership; Orioles minor league to hold extended training; Play Golf Sarasota to hold tournament; Sarasota is right up alley of professional bowlers

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 17, 2014

Just the Stats

The week in sports by the numbers.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 17, 2014

Your Neighbor: Amy Webber

When Amy Webber isn't teaching adult ceramics at Sarasota County Technical Institute, she is designing teapots.

Sarasota
News

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 17, 2014

VIDEO: Paws-ative Impact

Southeastern Guide Dogs has trained more than 2,800 guide-dog teams since its establishment in 1982.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 17, 2014

Business Observer

Sally Ullman relocates business to Sarasota; ArtisTree hires new account executive; Tervis Tumbler store will open on St. Armands Circle; Lawson named as Australian Tourist Board representative

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 17, 2014

Occasions

The Observer celebrates Sarasota's most recent births and marriages.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 17, 2014

Weather: Sarasota

T. Guy Spencer submitted this sunset photo.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 16, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: YPG State of Jobs Conference

The Sarasota Young Professionals Group (YPG) held its inaugural State of Jobs Conference Wednesday, April 16, at Sarasota County Technical Institute. Members networked before hearing from keynote speaker and Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of the Orland Magic Pat Williams.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 16, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Dreams Are Free Food Truck Rally

Dreams Are Free held its inaugural Food Truck Rally Wednesday, April 16. Families from both Dreams Are Free and St. Martha's Catholic School celebrated the beginning of spring break with hot food from food trucks. The luncheon was a fundraiser for the school for students with special needs. 'All of our families were able to join together,' says Dreams Are Free Principal Rebecca Shields. 'This was really a community builder as well as a fundraiser.'

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
April 16, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Class 7A-District 10 Semifinal Softball- Lakewood Ranch vs. Sarasota

The No. 2 seed Lakewood Ranch High softball team defeated No. 3 seed Sarasota 9-1 in the Class 7A-District 10 semifinals April 15. Freshman Logan Newton allowed one run on five hits and two walks while striking out four in five innings of work to earn the win on the mound. Junior Amanda Rak pitched the final two innings in relief, striking out five, to earn the save. Jackie Schoff went 1-for-1 with a double, three walks, a stolen base, a RBI and three runs scored to lead the way for Lakewood at the plate. Maddie Biggs went 2-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored. Kaylee Misiti went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs. SaraBeth Wengerd went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored to lead the way for Sarasota at the plate. Clarissa Lynch pitched 1/3 of an inning before turning the ball over to Brittany Bendel. Lakewood Ranch will travel to rival Braden River for the district championship April 17.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nolan Peterson
April 16, 2014

School Board pushes to leave Todd's seat vacant

The selection of former board member Carol Todd's replacement should wait until the Aug. 26 primary election, the Sarasota School Board said Tuesday.

Sarasota
News

Harriet Sokmensuer
April 15, 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Early Care Center's Easter Luncheon

First Church, Downtown Saraosta's Early Care Center held its annual Easter lunch Tuesday, April 15. Parents and grandparents spent an hour with their loved ones and enjoyed a lunch prepared by volunteers.