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Sarasota | Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 11, 2013

Student Spotlight: AndrÃ© Dupuis

Andre Dupuis' room is lined with medals, certificates and trophies from regattas and speech-and-debate tournaments from across the country. Despite his accomplishments, the Pine View junior is not boisterous or flashy, but sincere and modest.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 10, 2013

Prom-A-Palooza

Follow the East County and Sarasota Observers through May 18 for prom content and coverage, including feature stories, schedules, photos, contests and more.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 8, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Casey Key Picnic

The Casey Key Association hosted their annual picnic Sunday, April 7 at the Nokomis beach pavilion to get together with community members. 'It is great for people to get to know one another in a relaxed atmosphere,' said Steven Lee. 'We love Casey Key and support it.' Butchers Gourmet served dinner to 145 community members and Bryan Spainhower played Spanish guitar.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
April 8, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Beyond the Dream

Kelly Wright, of Fox News and 'Beyond the Dream,' filmed a segment in Sarasota Thursday, April 4, at The Francis downtown. Wright performed live jazz music and awarded local leaders who have followed in the footsteps of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Ghandi.

Sarasota
News

Nick Friedman
April 8, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Patterson Foundation Legacy of Valor Luncheon

The Patterson Foundation celebrated the launch of its Legacy of Valor Campaign Friday, April 5, at the Girl Scouts of the Gulfcoast Conference Center. The campaign will highlight military service and patriotism in Sarasota leading up to next spring's Patriot Plaza dedication.

Sarasota
News

Nick Friedman
April 8, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Family Living Kids' Day

Family Living hosted its annual Kids' Day Saturday, April 6, at Payne Park. Families and children explored the event's many summer camp and educational booths and participated in many family friendly events, including face painting, miniature horse petting and Strider bike races.

Sarasota
News

Yaryna Klimchak
April 7, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Run for the Turtles

Nearly 1,000 runners hit the beach Saturday, April 6 to help endangered turtles at Mote Marine Aquariums Run for the Turtles on Siesta Key Beach. The 5K sanctioned by the Manasota Track club and the 1-mile fun-run/walk provided major support for Mote Marine Laboratory's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Katie Hendrick
April 5, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Save Our Seabirds Soiree

Save Our Seabirds held its annual soiree Friday, April 5, to raise funds for hospital operations and food. The Resort at Longboat Key Club catered the event; acoustic guitarist Dean Miller performed.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 5, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Hob Nob

Members of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce gathered Thursday, April 4, at Ed Smith Stadium for the annual Hob Nob networking event. Members dressed in tropical luau attire and enjoyed food, drink and socializing, as well as the opportunity to adorn the front page of the Sarasota Observer.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Mallory Gnaegy
April 5, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Republican Women's Club of Sarasota April luncheon

Republican Women's Club of Sarasota met for their monthly luncheon Friday, April 5 at Michel's On East. This luncheon was accompanied with a fashion show debuting all the hottest looks of summer.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 5, 2013

Weekend Best Bet: Mote's Run for Turtles

Mote Marine Aquarium is hosting its 27th Annual Run for the Turtles to raise funds for conservation and research for the Sea Turtle Program at Mote Marine Aquarium.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
April 4, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Class 3A-District 12 tournament

Lakewood Ranch's Ashley Bongart won the No. 1 singles crown and then teamed up with Lindsey Rechcigl to win the No. 1 doubles title at the Class 3A-District 12 tournament April 2-3, at Charlotte High. As a team, the Lady Mustangs finished as the district runner-up behind Venice. On the boys side, Sarasota High's Andre Johnson won the No. 1 singles title to lead the Sailors to a second-place finish in the team standings.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 4, 2013

Super senior

The Sarasota Senior Softball Association awarded Regis McCurry the Fred Frank Achievement Award Wednesday, March 27, at the association's annual awards luncheon, at Der Dutchman.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
April 4, 2013

State Street Eating House to expand, focus on service

Following a successful first year, the restaurant will add additional seating and a lounge area, but its owners say they won't lose sight of the atmosphere customers have come to love.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
April 4, 2013

Athlete of the Week: Richie James

Riverview High junior Richie James captured three individual track and field titles at the Sarasota County Championships March 26, at The Out-of-Door Academy.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 4, 2013

JUST THE STATS

15 - The number of runs the Sarasota Christian softball team scored in its 15-2 victory over The Out-of-Door Academy March 26.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 4, 2013

SCHOOL BOARD BULLETIN

Mayor Suzanne Atwell honored Alta Vista Elementary students for their commitment to kindness Wednesday, April 3, at Selby Public Library. Children created kindness quilts comprised of 300 individual portraits of kindness, which will be on display during the month of April.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 4, 2013

Principal Spotlight: Steven Largo

Pine View School for the Gifted Principal Steven Largo sits in his office, sifting through paperwork. There is a lot of work to be done before he retires June 27 from 40 years of teaching and education.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 4, 2013

Your Neighbor: Margaret Brading

Margaret Brading is a Jack-of-all-trades: She has worked as a dental-lab technician; telephone representative; supervisor and instructor at a mutual fund; high school teacher; filmmaker; restaurant owner.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 4, 2013

Weather Photo: GLIMPSE OF GRANDEUR

Debbie McMurry submitted this photo of sunset she took from Casey Key.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
April 3, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Sports Page Closing Party

Sports Page Bar & Grill hosted their closing party from 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 2 after 18 years of being in business. Approximately 300 people streamed into the sports bar.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
April 3, 2013

Louies Modern and The Francis open to public

Libby's owners open the new Palm Avenue restaurant and banquet hall tonight

Sarasota
News

Nick Friedman
April 2, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: St. Thomas More Easter Egg Hunt

Families gathered at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Gulf Gate Saturday, March 30, for the church's annual Easter egg hunt. Children and their families grabbed their baskets and set out in search of eggs.

Sarasota
News

Nick Friedman
April 2, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Church of the Incarnation Easter Egg Hunt

Church of the Incarnation hosted its annual Easter Egg hunt Saturday, March 30. Children and their families enjoyed face painting, visiting with the Easter Bunny and searching for eggs.

Sarasota
News

Rachel S. OHara
April 1, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: Woman's Exchange Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

The Woman's Exchange held their annual volunteer appreciation luncheon Monday, April 1 at Michael's On East.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
March 31, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Siesta Key Village Association Easter Egg Hunt

The Siesta Key Village Association and Beach Bazaar hosted the their 28th Annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 30 on Siesta Key Beach. Children ages one to six looked for Easter eggs through the grasses and sands of Siesta Key Beach. About 150 children attended the event with their parents.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
March 31, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church Easter Egg Hunt

Children stampeded to find Easter Eggs Saturday, March 30 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. More than 50 children participated in the celebration. Shirley Stepp also known as Granny Goose told children stories and gave them prizes before the Easter egg hunt.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
March 30, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : The 3rd Annual East Local Week ends with the Harvest Ball

The 3rd Annual Eat Local Week wrapped up with the Harvest Ball Friday, March 29 at the South Gate Community center where guests enjoyed a potluck dinner and contra dancing. Transition Sarasota put on their 3rd Annual Eat Local Week March 22 through the 29 to show the impact of local foods and their importance sustainability and the economy.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
March 29, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY : Southside Elementary Celebrate Learning Day

Southside Elementary PTO put on Celebrate Learning Day Thursday, March 28 to let children learn in a fun and interactive way. Community organizations like Mote Marine Aquarium, Florida Studio Theater, Spanish Point, Brown's Grove, Jungle Gardens and the Sarasota Film Festival were stationed in different zones where they interacted with the children and taught them lessons about Florida. Square 1 Burgers and Nancy's BBQ donated lunch and Brown's Grove supplied children with samples of orange juice.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
March 29, 2013

PHOTO GALLERY: 12th annual Jungle Trails and Bunny Tails

More than 1,200 people took part in the 12th annual Jungle Trails and Bunny Tails Friday, March 29, at Jungle Gardens.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
March 29, 2013

PHOTO OF THE DAY : Southside Elementary holds Celebrate Learning Day

Southside Elementary hosted Celebrate Learning Day Thursday, March 28 where children rotated through educational zones to learn about Native Florida. Fifth grader Mason Thomas runs a relay orange race with classmates at the Brown's Grove zone. Ally Jaynes was one of seventy-five volunteers at the event. Students raced backwards with oranges on spoons after hearing a presentation on the importance of citrus in Florida. Browns Grove did the presentation and passed out fresh squeezed orange juice. The PTO began planning the event in November.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
March 29, 2013

VIDEO: Good Friday Morning Stations of the Cross

The 13th annual Good Friday Morning Stations of the Cross walk took place Friday, March 29, down Main Street through downtown Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
March 28, 2013

Athlete of the Week: Cheyenne Miller

Sarasota Christian School freshman pitcher Cheyenne Miller threw a complete game, allowing three hits while striking out nine to lead the Lady Blazers to a 12-3 victory over Southeast March 21. The 14-year-old also went 4-for-4 with a double, triple and three RBIs.