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Sarasota | Neighbors

Jen Blanco
October 25, 2012

NATIONAL CHAMPS: Nico Schultz and Nick Hernandez

Sarasota Youth Sailors Nico Schultz and Nick Hernandez won the 2012 USODA Team Race National Championship July 22 though July 24, in Sandusky, Ohio, with Team Florida Oceanic Racing, a travel squad based in Clearwater. The boys will represent Team USA in the BMW Optimist Team Race Cup Oct. 27 in Berlin.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
October 25, 2012

SIDELINES

Lady Thunder earn tournament berth; Lady Blazers take win during Senior Night; Lady Thunder take the win on Senior Night; ODA rolls past SW Florida Christian; Sarasota Crew 4+ squad wins gold

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
October 25, 2012

Athlete of the Week: Taylor Katz

Riverview senior Taylor Katz has been swimming since grade school. She says she's driven by her naturally competitive nature.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
October 25, 2012

JUST THE STATS

2 - The number of shutouts the Booker High football team has posted this season after blanking Avon Park 41-0 in Class 4A-District 6 action Oct. 19.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Adam Hughes
October 25, 2012

Three-bedroom Sarasota Beach home sells for $ 720,000

A home in Sarasota Beach tops all transactions in this week's real estate. Emma Calvo, of Sarasota, sold her home at 5418 Avenida Del Mare to Sean and Stacey O'Meara, of Sarasota, for $720,000.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Observer Staff
October 25, 2012

Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Mike Hagan submitted this sunrise photo, taken aboard his boat in Sarasota Bay.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
October 24, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: ODA v. CMHS semifinal game

The Out-of-Door Academy brought the thunder and beat the Cardinal Mooney cougars in the semifinals Tuesday, Oct. 23, at Bradenton Christian.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
October 24, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Chamber Salute to Business

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce hosted its 92nd annual luncheon Monday, Oct. 22 at the Hyatt Regency, Sarasota. More than 500 guests gathered to enjoy a meal and honor local businesses as a part of the theme, 'Salute to Business.' The chamber honored local business leaders in the categories of Hiring our Neighbors, Investing in our Future and Anniversary Milestones. The Chamber also presented its second Chair's Cup Award.

Sarasota
News

Mallory Gnaegy
October 24, 2012

Area artist helps people become two-faced

Joannie Atkins has been doing special-effects makeup since 2003; she graduated from the Tom Savini School of Special Effects Makeup. She works with area photographers and production companies to produce some authentically scary-looking makeup.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
October 23, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: 2nd annual Halloween Doggie Parade at Stoneybrook

Some of Stoneybrook's favorite canines put on their best costumes and paraded around the outside of the country club Monday, Oct. 22, during the 2nd annual Halloween Doggie Parade at Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club in Palmer Ranch.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
October 22, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Dream Harbor Elections at Girls Inc.

In preparation for Girls Inc.'s Dream Harbor elections, during which the students elect a mayor, vice-mayor, secretary/historian and treasurer, female politicians paid educational visits to the students. Mayor Suzanne Atwell visited students Thursday, Oct. 18, to tell them about her experience in politics and give tips about how to run a successful campaign.

Sarasota
News

Rachel S. OHara
October 22, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY & VIDEO: 15th annual Howl-O-Ween Fall Festival

The Humane Society of Sarasota County held their 15th annual Howl-O-Ween Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
October 22, 2012

VIDEO: The Sarasota Grapeviners

The Sarasota Grapeviners are an international folk dance group that meets every Wednesday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the John Chidsey Bayfront Community Center.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
October 22, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: 24th annual Pumpkin Festival

Hundreds of people enjoyed the fun and festivities that took place out at the 24th annual Pumpkin Festival Saturday, Oct. 20, at Fruitville Grove.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
October 22, 2012

ODA rolls past Southwest Florida Christian

The Out-of-Door Academy football team rolled to a 52-16 victory over Southwest Florida Christian in its Homecoming game Oct. 19.

East County
Sports

Yaryna Klimchak
October 22, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: St. Marthas Celebrates 85 Years

St. Martha's Catholic Church celebrated their 85 year establishment as a parish on Saturday Oct. 20 at the church. Over 200 members attended Celebrate St. Martha's, Oktoberfest themed party. Parish members served brats, sauerkraut, potato salad and Oktoberfest beer while others listened and danced to the Jimmy Jay band.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
October 22, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Pride Festival 2012

Sarasota Pride held Pride Fest 2012 'A Celebration of Family' on Saturday Oct. 20 at J.D. Hamel Park from 12 - 6 p.m. This year the festival was more family oriented with face painting and a bouncy house for kids. People listened to music, interacted with the vendors and enjoyed the festive atmosphere.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
October 22, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Craft Festival Downtown Sarasota

The 18th Annual Downtown Sarasota Art & Craft Festival was held Oct. 20 and Oct. 21 on Main Street. Artists and artisans displayed and sold their work to crowds of craft lovers. A variety of jewelry, pottery, ceramics, paintings, clothing and other unique materials ranged from $10 to $5,000.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
October 18, 2012

Kobernick-Anchin resident gets hands-on

One of 90-year-old Kobernick-Anchin Pavilion resident Sidney Fagin's handmade sculptures was celebrated recently at the retirement complex.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
October 18, 2012

Overnight Success

Local teen and Miss Heart of the USA pageant competitor Emily Ervin recently saw success with an overnight food drive she organized.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
October 18, 2012

Keeping Pace: Courtland Bernard

Sarasota High senior Courtland Bernard has his sights on finishing the season as one of the top 10 runners in the state in Class 3A.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
October 18, 2012

Athlete of the Week: Lauren Hochstetler

Sarasota High School's Lauren Hochstetler comes from an athletic family.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
October 18, 2012

JUST THE STATS

3 - The number of Sarasota County boys and girls golf teams that advanced to their respective regional tournaments.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Adam Hughes
October 18, 2012

Home in Royal Palm Harbor sells for $710,000

A home in Royal Palm Harbor tops all transactions in this week's real estate. Citimortgage Inc. sold the home at 1216 Northport Drive to Peter and Agnes Kovacs, of Sarasota, for $710,000.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
October 18, 2012

Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Laurie Krampits took this sunset at the 10th Street boat ramp in Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
October 17, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY & VIDEO: National School Lunch Week

School Board Chairwoman Caroline Zucker was a guest lunch server Oct. 17 to Booker Middle School students. President Kennedy proclaimed National School Lunch Week in 1963. The Sarasota County School District celebrated this week with guest servers in county schools.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
October 17, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Booker v. Riverview varsity volleyball

The Lady Rams and Lady Tornadoes took to the court Tuesday, Oct. 16, for Riverview's final home game of the volleyball season. Riverview won 3-0.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
October 16, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Strider World Championships

Strider bike riders ages 2 through 5 traveled from all over the world Saturday, Oct. 13 for the Strider World Championships. Racers used their feet to pedal over the Sarasota BMX track to compete for world titles.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
October 16, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Booker High School Homecoming

Booker High School hosted its homecoming game Friday, Oct. 12 against LaBelle High School. Booker defeated LaBelle 27 - 0, and fans enjoyed cheering from the stands and watching a halftime show from the band.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
October 16, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Harry Potter Costume Contest

Hogwarts hopefuls gathered at Barnes and Noble Saturday, Oct. 13 for a Harry Potter costume contest and scavenger hunt. Fans of the book series donned glasses, robes and lightning scars before roaming the aisles of books to complete the scavenger hunt.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
October 15, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Veterans Appreciation Day

In an effort to recognize all of Sarasota's local veterans, Ken Chester, owner of Chester's Reef in Gulf Gate, hosted a Veteran's Appreciation Day event in front of his bar Saturday, Oct. 13. The event featured live music, food, raffles and prizes, and all the proceeds benefited the Wounded Warrior Project.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
October 15, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Cardinal Mooney Homecoming

The Cardinal Mooney Cougars played the St. Petersburg Catholic Barons Friday, Oct. 12, during their homecoming game at Austin Smithers Stadium. The Cougars won their homecoming game 35-9.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
October 14, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Group Meeting

The Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Group held their general meeting Thursday, Oct. 11, at the Sarasota Garden Club. The meeting included guest speaker, Thomas Becnel.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
October 12, 2012

Evan Wilson surpasses 5,000 passing yards as ODA tops Imagine School of North Port

The Out-of-Door Academy senior quarterback Evan Wilson eclipsed 5,000 career passing yards while lead the host Thunder to a 27-14 victory over the Imagine School of North Port Oct. 12