Observer Media Group
Sarasota woman makes mermaid tales
- Title
- Sarasota woman makes mermaid tales
- Runtime
- 2:44
- Date posted
- 12 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com for the latest local news!
Jade Morgan’s business started with her daughter’s dream. Kaylee, 6, wanted to be a mermaid.
Morgan already had some crafting and DIY experience — she’d even sold things at local craft shows — so she decided to try her hand at creating a mermaid costume.
It took her a few attempts before she found the right combination of materials, Morgan said. She had to find swimsuit material that wouldn’t fade in the saltwater and that didn’t become transparent when wet.
Kaylee’s first mermaid tail was black and sparkly. Morgan took her to the beach with her costume, and the two attracted the attention of many of the beach-goers, Morgan said. People asked to take Kaylee’s picture and asked her where she’d bought the outfit.
Morgan made an adult-sized tail and wore it with her daughter. Again, the pair of them became celebrities on the beach.
“I thought, ‘I...
- Title
- Sarasota Ballet "The Secret Garden"
- Runtime
- 4:00
- Date posted
- 12 years ago
- Description
- Choreographer/director Will Tuckett talks about the theatrical dance production he created for Sarasota Ballet. It's a hybrid dance-theater-puppetry retelling of "The Secret Garden." Clips of the ballet were filmed in rehearsal at Asolo Repertory Theatre's Koski center leading up to the production.
For the full story, visit YourObserver.com.
For more information on the ballet and for tickets visit SarasotaBallet.org.
- Title
- In the Kitchen with: Siesta Key Oyster Bar
- Runtime
- 3:44
- Date posted
- 12 years ago
- Description
- Join us in the kitchen with chef Douglas at Siesta Key Oyster Bar and watch his preparation of shrimp and avocado ceviche. For the full recipe please visit:
http://www.yourobserver.com/news/longboat-key/Front-Page/1030201330035/IN-THE-KITCHEN-WITH-Siesta-Key-Oyster-Bar
*IN THE KITCHEN is a trademark of Observer Media Group, Inc.
- Title
- Retail expert predicts more restaurants to come on St. Armands Circle
- Runtime
- 2:48
- Date posted
- 12 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com for the latest local news!
At the first of three scheduled presentations Monday, retail consultant Robert Gibbs said there is unmet demand in the city of Sarasota that will allow for considerable growth over the next five years.
Gibbs was hired by the city in April to study the optimal mix of businesses in four areas: downtown, St. Armands Circle, the Rosemary District and the Martin Luther King Jr. Way corridor. At City Hall this morning, Gibbs presented his findings, as well as recommendations for how the city can improve the caliber of its retail offerings.
Within all four districts, Gibbs found, there was both an immediate and future demand that could support commercial growth. Gibbs said there was a demand for an additional 256,500 square feet of retail space in the study area now, with that number growing to more than 300,000 by 2019.
In order to capitalize on that demand — and compete with the forthcomi...
- Title
- Mote Marine's Stranding Investigations program gets boost from grant
- Runtime
- 2:35
- Date posted
- 12 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com for the latest local news!
Mote Marine Laboratory staff have another tool in the quest to rescue distressed sea creatures thanks to the Sea Turtle Grant Program.
The Stranding Investigations Program used the funding, which is generated from the sale of Florida Sea Turtle license plates, to buy a new 13-foot Boston Whaler from Marine Max in Sarasota.
- Title
- FYI Friday — Your weekly news roundup: July 11 - July 18
- Runtime
- 3:05
- Date posted
- 12 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com for the latest local news!
This week we saw world-famous aerialist Nik Wallenda hit a wall with plans for a local training center, the Colony saga on Longboat Key advance another chapter and much more!
- Title
- Florida Studio Theatre: Kate Alexander
- Runtime
- 6:42
- Date posted
- 12 years ago
- Description
- Associate Director of Florida Studio Theatre Kate Alexander shares a few stories from her acting career. For her full story, visit YourObserver.com.
"Taking Shakespeare" opens July 23 — for more information, follow this link: http://www.floridastudiotheatre.org/show_shows.php?id=434
- Title
- Suds of love: Mother and daughter duo make homemade soap
- Runtime
- 2:12
- Date posted
- 12 years ago
- Description
- Title
- Sarasota County aims to restore natural resources
- Runtime
- 2:48
- Date posted
- 12 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com for the latest local news, and pick up a copy of the Pelican Press and the Sarasota Observer for more information!
- Title
- Dick Vitale gets doused during Chillin' 4 Charity
- Runtime
- 3:07
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Hall of Fame basketball announced Dick Vitale continues his charity work.
- Title
- Sarasota residents respond to bayfront redevelopment plans
- Runtime
- 2:45
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com for the latest local news!
At the last City Commission meeting in June, Vice Mayor Susan Chapman wondered if the visioning process surrounding public bayfront land was getting out of control. At the first City Commission meeting in July, the board ensured the city would have a more prominent role in that conversation.
Led by Michael Klauber, Visit Sarasota County Board of Directors chairman, a group of organizations banded together earlier this year under the name Sarasota Bayfront 20:20. Together, the group's members have worked on developing a community vision for 75 acres of public and privately owned bayfront land surrounding the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The group seeks to create a project that establishes a cultural and economic legacy for the city while also ensuring public access to the bayfront.
The newly formed group spoke before the commission in March, at which time the city decided to stay out of the fray ...
- Title
- U.S. Masters Swimming steps it up with treadmills
- Runtime
- 2:43
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Every morning, Laura Hamel walks in to her office puts on her sneakers, plugs in her computer and takes the first step of many on her office treadmill. The routine has become second nature to Hamel who is Communications and Publications Director at U.S. Masters Swimming headquarters in Sarasota.
Hamel is one of three employees at the US Masters Swimming headquarters who walks while working.
She shares her experience as an "office walker" with the Observer.
- Title
- capturing a moment
- Runtime
- 3:20
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Artists Javier "Javo" Rodriguez and Zach Gilliland collaborate on an installation featuring 250 sketched portraits of subjects found on Instagram. The installation will be on display from July 10 through Aug. 15 at Art Center Sarasota. Follow Javo on Instagram at IamJavo. For more information, visit YourObserver.com.
- Title
- Sarasota County aims to recapture the past
- Runtime
- 3:26
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com for the latest local news!
Sarasota County Archaeologist Ryan Murphy and volunteers are sifting through thousands of artifacts discovered in local Native American burial grounds and middens, and other archaeological sites throughout county.
- Title
- Video assists in Siesta Village arrest
- Runtime
- 2:08
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- (Video courtesy of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office)
Sarasota County deputies arrested a West Palm Beach man who was allegedly caught on tape stealing a woman's purse from the Beach Club Tuesday morning.
Surveillance video shows 28-year-old Keith Hernandez wait for a woman to go to the restroom, then shove her purse down the front of his pants before exiting the Siesta Key Village bar. A Beach Club employee confronted Hernandez when he returned to the bar, and he fled the establishment again.
Security staff detained Hernandez until deputies arrived, after which he claimed $400 in cash and an iPhone 4 found in his pockets belonged to him. When authorities turned on the phone, it displayed a picture of the victim and her family. Hernandez then claimed security staff planted the cell phone on him, before changing his story and stating that deputies had put it in his pocket.
The victim found her purse in a nearby trash can, and deputi...
- Title
- Spirit of America: The American Experience
- Runtime
- 11:44
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- 'Spirit of America: The American Experience'
Six prominent residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties recall their journey to the "Land of the Free."
A Holocaust survivor recalls years of running, only to end up in the U.S. — the "dessert." And a Canadian planner trekked down south to live his dream.
A Russian immigrant followed her family, and with the help of volunteering at Girls Inc. of Sarasota County, learned to speak English. And a Turkish student follows his dream in hospitality.
A Thai trouble-maker lives his dancing dreams, and a Cuban immigrant finds freedom.
To read more, visit http://www.yourobserver.com/content/2014-Spirit-of-America-476.html
- Title
- The Good News: Katie Hood
- Runtime
- 2:41
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Focusing on healthy brains, Katie Hood and the Alzheimer's Association provide support for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.
To read more, visit YourObserver.com/thegoodnews
*THE GOOD NEWS is a trademark of Observer Media Group
- Title
- Main Street moratorium on events to take effect
- Runtime
- 2:25
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com for the latest local news!
With planned construction restricting the available parking downtown, the city is instituting a policy that will significantly reduce the number of Main Street events.
- Title
- Longboat Key renourishment project moves ahead
- Runtime
- 3:31
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com for the latest local news!
The process involved with getting sand to the north end of Longboat Key is a seven-day-a-week, 12-hour-a-day job for a crew of six dredge workers who are spending their summer off the shore of Longboat Key.
Since May, Pompano Beach-based dredging company Cavache Inc. has placed 80,000 of the 100,000 cubic yards of sand promised for the severely eroded north end of the island.
The $850,000 West Coast Inland Navigation project cost taxpayers $350,000.
The Longboat Observer was invited on a tour of the dredge to review the cutter head dredge process.
Project timeline
Sand is now being placed near the Broadway beach access, which is the last area to receive sand.
Public Works Director Juan Florensa said the contractor will not work during the busy Fourth of July weekend.
"It's just too busy that weekend and now that the popular North Shore Road...
- Title
- The Good News: Susie Chinn
- Runtime
- 2:09
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- For the last 25 years, nonprofit organization Sarasota in Defense of Animals has provided rescued animals with a permanent home.
To read more, visit YourObserver.com/thegoodnews
*THE GOOD NEWS is a trademark of Observer Media Group
- Title
- Knowing Me, Knowing You: Dancing Queen
- Runtime
- 4:22
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- The cast of The Sarasota Players' "Knowing Me, Knowing You: The Hits of ABBA" present "Dancing Queen" from the production. It runs July 10 through 21. For more information visit YourObserver.com.
- Title
- Sarasota Improv Festival: Darryl Knapp
- Runtime
- 3:32
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Darryl Knapp, or The Mayor of Improv, does a little improvising to show what you might be able to expect in Sarasota Improv Festival 2014. For the full story and more information bout the two-day improv festival in Sarasota, visit YourObserver.com.
- Title
- Smells like green spirit: Selby's corpse plant blooms
- Runtime
- 2:06
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- This weekend, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens welcomed back Seymour the corpse plant to its conservatory. Seymour, an Amorphophallus titanum from Indonesia, last bloomed in 2012 and attracted visitors from across the state. The corpse plant emits an odor that holds true to its name, the flower itself smells like decaying flesh.
- Title
- The Good News: Ivonne Padilla
- Runtime
- 2:38
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Through a partnership with Girls Inc., Selby Gardens has awarded 20 families yearlong memberships to help instill a lifelong love of the outdoors in children.
To read more, visit YourObserver.com/thegoodnews
*THE GOOD NEWS is a trademark of Observer Media Group
- Title
- Bailey Sloan: Summer Circus Spectacular
- Runtime
- 1:03
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Bailey Sloan will Ringmistress the Summer Circus Spectacular 2014. For the full story head to YourObserver.com.
- Title
- Parker Converse: Sculpted Rocking Chair
- Runtime
- 3:14
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Parker Converse is a bespoke chair maker. You won't find anything like his chairs at Ikea. Read the full story on YourObserver.com.
- Title
- Local racers take a spin on Indy 500 track
- Runtime
- 5:24
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- More than 700 vintage cars revved up their engines at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway June 4 through June 8, one week after the Indy 500.
Sarasota resident Rick Sanders and Bradenton resident Bill Stelcher were among racers at the inaugural Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational.
Stelcher drives a 1929 Ford Model-A Speedster, while Sanders has restored a 1930 Speedster.
- Title
- Army Corps releases Big Pass study draft
- Runtime
- 2:57
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- The Observer video team sat down with Sarasota City Engineer Alex DavisShaw to discuss the report highlighting plans to dredge Big Pass to renourish Lido Key.
- Title
- Siesta Key construction: Sarasota County starts work on North Shell Road
- Runtime
- 3:02
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- In less than one month, residents surrounding North Shell Road on Siesta Key may finally have some peace from the chaotic parking and partying they allege takes place during busy beach days.
The $30,627 renovations will create 17 parking spots along the road, which currently has no delineated parking spots, and will eliminate a pedestrian sidewalk to add six parallel park spots. North Shell Road is located off Higel Avenue on the north end of Siesta Key.
The work, which began Monday, is slated to end July 3, said Sarasota County project manager Gary Spraggins.
"We wanted to be ready for the Fourth of July and the (Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix)," Spraggins said.
Sarasota County commissioners approved the plan by a split vote in April, with several commissioners calling the plans a "compromise" for the public and private residences nearby. County staff had proposed four options for commissioners to consider, ranging from 12 to 17 parkin...
- Title
- PREVIEW: Black Is The Color Of My Voice
- Runtime
- 1:27
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Actress and playwright Apphia Campbell gives a preview of a song from her production "Black Is The Color Of My Voice." The show based on Nina Simone's life runs through June 22 at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. For more, visit YourObserver.com.
- Title
- The Good News: Sarasota Middle School
- Runtime
- 2:44
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- For Sarasota Middle School teachers and administration, STEMsmart award reflects everyday student engagement.
To read more, visit YourObserver.com/thegoodnews
*THE GOOD NEWS is a trademark of Observer Media Group
- Title
- Project manager outlines State Street garage plans
- Runtime
- 2:15
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Title
- Mary DeArment brings words to life
- Runtime
- 1:49
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Artist Mary DeArment shares her creative process behind Words with Designs...Designs with Meanings.
- Title
- Olympians share stories with aspiring athletes
- Runtime
- 2:44
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Five Olympians visited the Sailor Circus Thursday, June 5. The Olympians shared personal stories with aspiring athletes before answering questions. The meeting is part of the Olympians' visit to Sarasota for the 2014 Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final.
- Title
- Big Cat Habitat introduces 'spokeslion' for Jam Out Hunger event
- Runtime
- 2:33
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com for the latest local news!
As Clayton Rosaire smiled at one of his best friends — a more than 400-pound lion named Handsome — and gave him raw meat for "treats," the two acted as if there weren't cameras rolling.
Rosaire and Handsome — who has made appearances in Tropicana commercials and films, such as "The Wolf of Wall Street" — have been working together for five years.
"Oh, don't be a primadonna," Rosaire said to Handsome, who struck various poses for his audience.
Rosaire, a trainer at Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, and Handsome were filmed June 4, for a public service announcement for Jam Out Hunger. Event organizers said the announcement should be featured on local radio stations and television networks.
From noon to 5 p.m., June 21, Big Cat Habitat, located at 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota, will home the Jam Out Hunger event, which benefits All Faith's Food Bank's Campaign A...
- Title
- The Good News: Teagan Nickols and Pete Nickols
- Runtime
- 2:02
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Father-and-daughter volunteer team helps level the playing field at Miracle League of Manasota. Read more at YourObserver.com/thegoodnews
*THE GOOD NEWS is a trademark of Observer Media Group.
- Title
- Sarasota residents prepare for summer lull
- Runtime
- 2:08
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com for the latest local news!
The Observer video team hit the streets in downtown Sarasota to find out how residents are getting ready for summer.
What are you planning this summer?
- Title
- Sarasota residents examine Lift Station 87 designs
- Runtime
- 2:00
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com for the latest local news!
Moving forward with an overhauled design, the engineering firm in charge of the Lift Station 87 project led a public meeting last night to update and get feedback from the public.
In April, engineering firm McKim and Creed informed the City Commission that the original plans for an underground lift station would be vulnerable to major storms. The commission directed McKim and Creed to produce plans for a structure that could withstand a Category 3 storm surge. As a result, the wastewater facility will now include an above-ground structure in Luke Wood Park, near Mound Street and Tamiami Trail.
Thursday night, the engineering firm and city staff presented two concepts for what that structure could eventually look like. After consulting with the city's Urban Design Studio, the group decided to proceed with a high-profile building.
"We decided the best option was a dominant feature — so...
- Title
- Tequila Cantina prepares for major overhaul
- Runtime
- 2:48
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Lisa Morreale has a vision that would transform Tequila Cantina. Her plan would change the restaurant's décor, cuisine, clientele and even its name. Before she can make those changes, however, she has to overcome an unexpected obstacle: residents who dislike the restaurant in its current form.
Residents in downtown Sarasota have registered complaints about the noise coming from nearby establishments, with Tequila Cantina cited as one of the most frequent offenders. The restaurant stays open until 2 a.m. daily, offering live music and attracting much of its business at the bar.
Morreale, a member of an ownership group that purchased the restaurant March 6, wants to change that.
She's hired a new chef, Ted Hastings, to offer fresh European food.
She's hired Del Vescovo Design Group, who contributed to projects such as Citrus Square, to reimagine the interior of the building for a more upscale look.
She wants to change the...
- Title
- In the Kitchen with: Derek's Rustic Coastal Cuisine
- Runtime
- 3:52
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- This week we went in the kitchen at Derek's Rustic Coastal Cuisine with executive chef and owner Derek Barnes and chef de cuisine Adam Straatman while he prepares the restaurant's Grilled Double Cut Pork Chop, which is served with a hash of sauteed pulled pork, sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts, and finished with a mole sauce. Watch the preparation and get the full recipe at: www.YourObserver.com/InTheKitchen
*IN THE KITCHEN is a trademark of Observer Media Group Inc.
- Title
- The Good News: Sheri Potter
- Runtime
- 2:08
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Using the tradition of folding and retiring the flag, Girl Scouts
of the Gulf Coast Troop 254 create a sense of community.
To learn more, visit YourObserver.com/thegoodnews
*THE GOOD NEWS is a trademark of Observer Media Group
- Title
- Bayfront Children's Fountain reopens
- Runtime
- 2:26
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com for the latest local news!
The Steigerwaldt-Jockey Children's Fountain at Bayfront Park reopened Friday, after innovations due to a faulty mechanical park, according to a city of Sarasota news release.
"Things like this are the reason we come on vacation," said Neill Collins, who brought his family to the park Tuesday.
The fountain, which costs the city roughly $66,000 to maintain annually, will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Labor Day, weather permitting. Winter hours are from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
- Title
- Lakewood Ranch hosts Memorial Day Parade
- Runtime
- 3:46
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com daily for the latest local news!
Veterans of all stripes, from bikers to bagpipers, marched on Lakewood Ranch Main Street for the "Tribute to Heroes" Memorial Day Parade Sunday.
John Breiner, who co-founded the parade, served as grand marshal.
- Title
- Sarasota County pursues larger disc-golf park on North Trail
- Runtime
- 2:48
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com for the latest local news!
Bryan Moore rears back and launches a neon disc across a small clearing framed tightly by oak trees.
Moore, a professional, sponsored disc-golf player, misses the fairway with his shot and the plastic "driver" smacks into a tree on the third disc-golf hole at North Water Tower Park.
"Well, at least I've zeroed in on the tree," Moore jokes.
North Water Tower Park is tucked into the Bayou Oaks neighborhood. It is only accessible by navigating the snaking side streets from the North Trail or Old Bradenton Road, but it contains one of the oldest and most popular disc-golf courses in Florida.
"I think a lot of people have lived here for a while and don't even know about it," Moore said.
But that could change as Sarasota County begins planning the purchase of more than six acres abutting the park on the North Trail.
Commissioners approved a plan to add to the ...
- Title
- In the Kitchen with: The Broken Egg
- Runtime
- 3:35
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- This week we went in the kitchen at the Broken Egg with owner Dawn Hair and chef Marco while he prepares Don's Fiesta Skillet, a Mexican-inspired breakfast medley with chorizo and peppers, served over a bed of the restaurant's Cheesy Potato Casserole. Watch the preparation and get the full recipe at: www.YourObserver.com/InTheKitchen
*IN THE KITCHEN is a trademark of Observer Media Group Inc.
- Title
- The Good News: Dedra Reed
- Runtime
- 3:01
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Booker Elementary students share life goals and celebrate the
importance of dreaming big with the school's first anthology.
To read more, visit YourObserver.com/thegoodnews
*THE GOOD NEWS is a trademark of Observer Media Group
- Title
- Booker High showcases new campus
- Runtime
- 2:39
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com for the latest local news!
Booker High School Principal Dr. Rachel Shelley describes the $58 new campus.
- Title
- Dick Vitale's 75th birthday celebration at the 9th annual Dick Vitale Gala
- Runtime
- 0:15
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Dick Vitale was surprised with a birthday celebration for his 75th birthday at the 9th annual Dick Vitale Gala after party Friday, May 16, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. The Four Tops sang "Happy Birthday" to Vitale on stage in front of his family and friends.
- Title
- Harvey Milk Festival founder previews the weekend event
- Runtime
- 2:57
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Visit YourObserver.com for the latest local news!
- Title
- Debra Lambert puts a spin on yarn
- Runtime
- 1:53
- Date posted
- 13 years ago
- Description
- Neighbor: Debra Lambert
Your neighbor since: 2005
Neighborhood: Eastwood Oaks
In her own words: "I love the beach and am definitely a warm climate person. I think we live in paradise!"
Debra Lambert sits surrounded by hanging hand-knitted creations, wool overflowing the shelves and piles of colorful batts of fibers. Lambert is the owner of Picasso's Moon, a yarn shop in downtown Sarasota, and an avid knitter who recently put on the third annual Art Yarn Fiber Festival. Lambert, who has lived in Sarasota since she graduated college at University of Arkansas, says that she can't think of a better way to spend her days.
"You're making one a kind art all the time," she says. "It's so much fun to see how creative you can be."
The Arkansas native started knitting after taking a job to pay for college at a yarn store where she learned everything she knows. "I just walked in to yarn accidentally and it's now come a full circle," she says.
Tod...
