Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 2, 2013

SIDELINES

Riverview Rams qualify for state meet; ODA track teams post top-11 finishes

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 2, 2013

JUST THE STATS

5 - The number of Sarasota area baseball teams that advanced to the regional tournament, which began May 1.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
May 2, 2013

Athlete of the Week: Zack Summerall

Sarasota High sophomore Zack Summerall crossed the finish line in 4:22.09 to win the 1,600-meter run at the Class 3A-Region 3 meet April 25, at Charlotte High.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
May 2, 2013

MOMENTS IN TIME

The Observer takes a look back at this week in Sarasota's history.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
May 2, 2013

CONFIDENT STRIDES: Girls on the Run 5K

More than 100 girls from eight area schools will run in the Girls Inc. sponsored Girls on the Run 5K.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 2, 2013

SCHOOL BOARD BULLETIN

Students from Colegio Montessori Chiaravalle in LeÃ³n, Mexico, visited students at The NewGate School for the second annual student exchange program April 15 through April 27.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
May 2, 2013

Teacher Spotlight: Sean McDonald

The Out-of-Door Academy second-grade teacher Sean McDonald didn't expect to live in sunny Florida. In fact, he didn't expect to be a teacher, but he discovered his passion for teaching when he took courses in childhood education while studying pediatrics at Webster University in St. Louis.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
May 2, 2013

YOUR NEIGHBOR: Adrienne Wagner

Adrienne Wagner's Bay Plaza condominium is adorned with Oriental decorations: lamps, ikebana flower arrangements; tea sets; and a traditional Japanese wedding kimno that hangs on her living room wall.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 2, 2013

Weather Photo: SITTIN' ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY

Nate Ilardi submitted this photo of a sunset in Osprey.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
May 1, 2013

Lady Sailors launch come-from-behind win

Sophomore catcher Alyssa Price hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh inning to tie the game and helped propel the Sarasota High softball team to a 2-1 nine-inning victory over Braden River in the Class 7A-Region 3 semifinals April 30.

East County
Sports

Nick Friedman
April 30, 2013

Dr. Beach names Siesta Key Beach in top six beaches in Florida

In a list published in the Guardian, Dr. Stephen Leatherman named Siesta Key No. 3

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 29, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : The Glenridge Fashion Show

Ladies at the Glenridge on Palmer Ranch viewed the latest clothing styles Monday, April 29 during a fashion show at the Glenridge. PJ's Boutique, 1443 Main Street, brought clothing and accessories that eight models showed off to an audience of 80 women. 'I have been a customer of PJ's for a long time,' said Paula Spitalny, who helped coordinate the fashion show between PJ's and the Glenridge. 'They have very wearable apparel for our age group and price line.'

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
April 29, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Class 3A-District 10 Championship

The Out-of-Door Academy baseball team defeated rival Cardinal Mooney 11-3 in the Class 3A-District 10 championship April 26, at McKechnie Field.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Katie Hendrick
April 28, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Mote Marine Party on the Pass

Mote Marine Laboratory hosted Party on the Pass Saturday, April 27. The fundraiser, catered by 12 Sarasota-Manatee Originals Restaurants, benefited medical treatment for sick and injured dolphins, whales and sea turtles.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 28, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Historic Spanish Point High Tea Time

Community members gathered at Historic Spanish Point Sunday, April 28 to enjoy brunch and to celebrate 500 years of Florida history through Viva La Florida, a state collaboration. Community members listened to Spanish guitar my Bryan Spainhower and percussionist Max Kelly and heard actor Alessandro Rossal tell the story of an old Spanish trader. Gordon's Gourmet served the Spanish inspired brunch with more than 150 people in attendance during the two morning sessions. Community members also got a chance to bid on three personalized historic tours.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 28, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Child Protection Center Fundraiser at Casey Key Fish House

Community members streamed in and out of Casey Key Fish House from 2 to 6 pm Saturday, April 27 to raise money fro the Child Protection Center. Board member Elaine Crouse organized the event with Casey Key Fish House owner Jimmy VonHubertz to recognize National Child Abuse Prevention month. Neighbors wore blue, the color that represents child abuse prevention, and blue ribbons. The Child Protection Center deals with child abuse cases in Desoto and Sarasota County. This was the first time this event took place at Casey Key Fish House and the Child Protection Center hopes to keep up the partnership.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
April 27, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Class 3A-Region 3 Track Meet

The Braden River, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota High boys and girls track teams competed in the Class 3A-Region 3 meet April 25, at Charlotte High.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 27, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : The Great American Clean Up Siesta Key

Volunteers all over the country participated in the Great American Cleanup 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 27 to beautify and improve the community. Keep Sarasota County Beautiful has been an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc., for almost 25 years and participates in the nation wide cleanup every year. An estimated 800 volunteers from all over Sarasota County registered to participate in The Great American Clean Up and will be scattered throughout 20 locations around Sarasota to beautify and clean up the community. Approximately 38 volunteers helped pick up trash on Siesta Key Beach.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 26, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: First Presbyterian First Roots

First Presbyterian Church hosted their First Roots parent fundraiser Thursday, April 26 at Michael's On East to raise money for the preschool. First Presbyterian hosts the Butterfly Ball, a family event, every year but this time wanted to have something just for the adults Approximately 120 guests enjoyed refreshments, bid in a silent auction to raise money for preschool scholarships and new playground equipment. First Presbyterian Preschool has 74 students.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Katie Hendrick
April 26, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: SPARCC Designer Donation Party

The ladies of SPARCC, the Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, hosted a designer donation party Thursday, April 25, at the Longboat Key Club and Resort's Harbourside Dining Room. Saks Fifth Avenue stylists gave makeup demonstrations for the women who donated items for SPARCC's fall sale to benefit outreach programs for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
April 26, 2013

WEEKEND BEST BET: Bust a move at SRQ Dances 2013

In honor of National Dance Week, the Sarasota-Manatee Dance Alliance has partnered with the West Coast Civic Ballet to launch SRQDances2013.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 25, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Celebrating Paul Thorpe

The invitation to Paul Thorpe's Thursday, April 25 surprise party read 'Lets make a toast to Paul Thorpe a.k.a Mr. Downtown.' One hundred twenty community members and leaders, friends and family surprised Paul Thorpe at the Gator Club to show their appreciation and celebrate the strides he has been making for Sarasota for the past four decades. 'Young and old, we all love him,' said party organizer and close friend Barbara Strauss. 'This was long overdue.'

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
April 25, 2013

Children at Work

Many children took part in the 20th annual Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day Thursday, April 25.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Roger Drouin
April 25, 2013

Children watch K-9s in action at Sarasota Police Department

National Take Your Child to Work Day started with a K-9 unit demonstration.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 25, 2013

Green thumbs

St. Boniface Preschool has teamed up with the Florida Farm to School program to teach children from where their food comes.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
April 25, 2013

Hearts of gold

The Shamrock Pub donated $7,100 to the YMCA Youth Shelter April 1.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 25, 2013

MR. DOWNTOWN: a well-earned title

Through a strong love for the community, Paul Thorpe has helped develop downtown Sarasota into the thriving destination it is today.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
April 25, 2013

Laugh Out Loud: Laughter Unlimited

Laughter Unlimited keeps spirits high with humor therapy.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
April 25, 2013

Giving Matters honors philanthropist

Booker High School senior Laura Alston is the winner of the 2013 Young Woman Philanthropy Award.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
April 25, 2013

Former Crew rower steers Sharks

Sarasota High graduate and Nova Southeastern University coxswain Courtney Berger will return home to compete in the 2013 Sunshine State Conference Rowing Championship April 26, at Nathan Benderson Park.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
April 25, 2013

Athlete of the Week: MADISON SCHMIDT

Riverview High senior Madison Schmidt cleared 10 feet, 6 inches to win the pole vault event at the Class 4A-District 7 meet April 17, at Spoto High.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 25, 2013

JUST THE STATS

43 - The number of teams scheduled to compete in the Florida Scholastic Rowing Association Sweep Championships April 27 and April 28, at Nathan Benderson Park.