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Sarasota | Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
March 24, 2011

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Martina Coppenrath

Martina Coppenrath recently completed the Disney Princess Women's Half Marathon, in Orlando, which she ran barefoot.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
March 24, 2011

Urban Sarasota gardens cultivate interest

Junior League's Simply Sarasota Kitchen Festival kicks off March 30 and runs through April 2.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Maria Amodio
March 24, 2011

First Church celebrates 120 years downtown

The First United Methodist Church, the oldest existing organization in Sarasota, celebrates its 120th anniversary this year.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Maria Amodio
March 24, 2011

First Church celebrates 120 years downtown

In 2005, First United Methodist Church was offered $17 million for its downtown property, where the church has been located since 1911.

Sarasota
News

Loren Mayo
March 24, 2011

CAUTION: Adults at Play

If you've ever wanted to take the controls of a bulldozer or excavator, one East County business can accommodate your heavy-duty dreams.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 24, 2011

WEEKLY WINNER: PEACHY KEEN

Brandon Surline submitted this sunset photo, taken at Big Pass on Siesta Key.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
March 23, 2011

GALLERY: Sarasota County Teacher of the Year

Melissa "Missy" Owens, of Bay Haven School of Basics-Plus, received the award for 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
March 22, 2011

GALLERY: Woman's Exchange Annual Luncheon

The Woman's Exchange today hosted its annual luncheon honoring more than 170 volunteers.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
March 21, 2011

GALLERY: Temple Emanu-El's Purim Carnival

Temple Emanu-El celebrated Purim with a carnival on Sunday, March 20. The carnival included games, food, bounce houses and crafts. The money raised will go to the school.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
March 20, 2011

GALLERY: TBS Purim Carnival

Temple Beth Sholom held its Purim Carnival - complete with everything from rock climbing to a dunk tank -- today.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
March 19, 2011

GALLERY: HSSC Pug Parade

Costumed pugs paraded St. Armands Circle during The Humane Society of Sarasota County's 14th annual Pug Parade Saturday.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
March 19, 2011

Photo of the Day: Supermoon Splendor

The supermoon rose in the sky at Saturday at 3 p.m. and was only 221,565 miles away from the Earth. The moon was closer to the Earth than it has been in more than 18 years and will also be the biggest full moon of 2011.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
March 19, 2011

GALLERY: Sarasota Springfest

The 5th Annual Sarasota Springfest took place on Saturday, March 19 out at Palmer Ranch. The 2011 Charity Partner of the Springfest included the Youth Programs of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, including PAL Sailor Circus, Pony PAL, Camp XRAYD and Streetwise Parenting.

Sarasota
News

Rachel S. OHara
March 19, 2011

GALLERY: Walk MS Sarasota

Walk MS Sarasota had over 350 participants raise money and walk in the 2K walk on Saturday, March 19, starting at J.D. Hamel Park.

Sarasota
News

Loren Mayo
March 18, 2011

GALLERY: Julie Rohr Academy International Fair

Julie Rohr Academy students each studied a different country for the school's International Fair. Many dressed in costume, prepared a food dish native to that country, played music and presented a poster board of interesting facts.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
March 17, 2011

GALLERY: Shamrock St. Patrick's Day Block Party

Decked out in green boas, headbands, beads and even mohawks, the St. Paddy's Day party at Shamrock was a rockin' good time for all.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
March 17, 2011

GALLERY: BKYC St. Patrick's Day Party

Bird Key Yacht Club hosted a St. Paddy's Day party complete with Irish dancers and a bagpiper.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
March 17, 2011

GALLERY: Students pay respect to siblings killed in crash

Sarasota Military Academy students marched from Orange Avenue to First Baptist Church, on Main Street, to show their support for Sean Leonard and his sister, Jessica -- two of four students who were killed in a car crash Sunday

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
March 17, 2011

Queen of Cakes

Mini cakes on a stick are popping up all over the place, and Sarasota's getting into the mix with the addition of the Lollicake Queen.

Sarasota
News

Loren Mayo
March 17, 2011

Walkers take steps to raise funds for MS

Walk MS Sarasota takes place Saturday at J.D. Hamel Park.

Sarasota
News

Maria Amodio
March 17, 2011

Pineapple Antiques Show celebrates its 35th year

The 35th annual Pineapple Antiques Show takes place March 17 through March 19, at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail.

Sarasota
News

Rachel S. OHara
March 17, 2011

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Susan Lawrence

Susan Lawrence and her husband, Victor, took up croquet five years ago. Today, they have built up the team to more than 50 members.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 17, 2011

WEEKLY WINNER: Golden Glow

Ellen Michelson submitted this sunset photo, taken at Sandy Cove, on Siesta Key.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
March 14, 2011

Gallery: Goldie Feldman Academy 'Pi Day'

Goldie Feldman Academy students celebrated National Pi Day Monday, March 14, by rapping, dancing, baking, making PowerPoint videos and hats and decorating T-shirts. Students also competed to see who would be named the 2011 Pi Day champ.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Maria Amodio
March 13, 2011

GALLERY: St. Michael Church St. Patrick's Day Dinner Dance

St. Michael the Archangel Church hosted their annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner Dance Sunday, March 13, at the church.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
March 13, 2011

PHOTO OF THE DAY: My First Spring Training Game

Meredith and Eric Piazza brought their son, Will, 2, to his first baseball game on Sunday, March 13, at Ed Smith Stadium. The Piazzas lived in Washington, D.C., at one point and became loyal Orioles fans while living there. They now live in Sarasota and were excited to be able to take their son to his first spring training game.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
March 12, 2011

GALLERY: Shamrock Fest

The third annual Shamrock Fest took place fomr 12-10 p.m. on Saturday, March 12 on Hillview.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
March 12, 2011

GALLERY: Sarasota Firefighters Rib Cook-Off Festival

The Sarasota Firemen's Benevolent Fund hosted the eighth annual Rib Cook-Off at Phillippi Estate Park.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Loren Mayo
March 11, 2011

VIDEO: 'Mooney Day' talent show

Cardinal Mooney Catholic School hosted its annual "Mooney Day" Thursday, during which several students performed in a talent show competition.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Maria Amodio
March 10, 2011

GALLERY: St. Michael Women's Guild Fashion Show

The St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church Women's Guild hosted their annual fashion show and luncheon Thursday, March 10 at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 10, 2011

Philanthropist honored at luncheon

First Step of Sarasota held its eighth annual Caring Hearts Luncheon Feb. 17, at Michael's On East.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 10, 2011

Irish to celebrate St. Paddy's Day early

Plan to strap on your green suspenders and shamrock headbands at the third annual Sham Rock Festival from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 12, on Hillview Street.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
March 10, 2011

GALLERY: BKYC v. SYC Bowling Tournament

The last time Bird Key Yacht Club and Sarasota Yacht Club's bowling teams faced off against one another was five years ago. Prior to that the clubs had a yearly competition and the winning club would go home with the trophy and get to keep it until the following year when it could be back up for grabs. This year SYC won by a mere 141 points.