Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 23, 2026

Newtown celebrates Juneteenth holiday

The event, featuring a market with businesses from throughout the Newtown community, celebrated the holiday on June 19 commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
June 19, 2026

Fourth of July 2026 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch

From parades to the classic fireworks, check out these events to help you celebrate Independence Day right.

Arts + Entertainment
Things To Do

Andrew Warfield
June 18, 2026

Arts organization leader's emphasis on inclusiveness forged in resilience

Tania Castroverde Moskalenko is focusing the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation on growing access to the arts.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 18, 2026

Volunteers work together to create the first floral carpet by a Sarasota team

The standalone project, led by the Sarasota Int'l Chalk Festival organization, could become the first in a series of such projects.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Adnan Dedic
June 18, 2026

Where Prestige Meets Performance: Redefining Real Estate Excellence

In Sarasota’s hyper-competitive market, Adnan Dedic doesn’t just participate—he leads.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Attendees get into costume as Mrs. Roper at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime

Attendees showed their best look as the character from the sitcom 'Three's Company,' during the event at The Bazaar.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 15, 2026

Hundreds of attendees gather for FIFA World Cup watch party at The Bay

The event featured former FIFA competitor Trevor Sinclair as well as a community soccer tournament.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
June 13, 2026

Architect wins industry award for Selby Gardens design work

Architecture firm Overland Partners was honored with the American Institute of Architects' Committee on the Environment award for its work on Selby Gardens Master Plan Phase 1.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Eric Garwood
June 12, 2026

Steube named an MVP in Congressional ballgame

Sarasota-area Congressman Greg Steube pitched a complete game and had five strikeouts in another GOP victory.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 10, 2026

Camp Shriver creates place of connection for disabled athletes

The camp allows athletes with intellectual disabilities to work alongside Cardinal Mooney students in sports activities.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 8, 2026

Silver Pride draws nearly 1,000 in its celebration of older LGBTQ+ adults

The event, held at Senior Friendship Centers, was focused on those in the LGBTQ+ community ages 50 and up.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 7, 2026

Campers at Sarasota City YMCA try their hand at throwing a lasso

Local rancher Robbie Martin visited the summer camp to help kids gain an understanding of agricultural careers.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 7, 2026

SRQCon brings pop culture fans together at Selby Library

The annual event allowed attendees to connect through cosplay and activities.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 6, 2026

Kids Summer Beach Runs kick off for the year

The beach runs are held every week through July 29.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
June 5, 2026

Patterson Foundation donates $500,000 for storm relief

The Patterson Foundation has donated $500,000 to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund, which meets immediate and longer-term needs following natural disasters.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 4, 2026

Father and 7-year-old son get into the business of trading Pokémon cards

Josh Stacy turned part of his used car dealership into a shop for a different asset, Pokémon cards, after his son Silas helped inspire his interest.

Sarasota
Business

Observer Staff
June 3, 2026

Selby's 'Queen of the Night' blooms tonight only

Guests are invited to see the once-a-year event.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
May 30, 2026

Temple Emanu-El celebrates the joy of pets with Blessing of the Animals

The event celebrated four-legged friends and the joy they bring to their human companions.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Mark Gordon
May 29, 2026

Prominent Sarasota philanthropist, former Tropicana CEO dies at 67

Brock Leach reached the pinnacle of Corporate America. Then, right before he turned 50, he switched for a career in the ministry.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Kat Wingert
May 28, 2026

Isabel Scott Norton remembered as formative force for Sarasota

Through over 50 years of her gentle leadership, Norton shaped everything from public meeting civility to libraries in the community.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By JL Bainbridge
May 28, 2026

Are You Crystal Clear on Your Investment Performance?

Many investors aren’t and it can quietly lead to uncertainty, missed opportunities, and unknown fees.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sarasota residents honor sacrifices at Memorial Day Parade

The parade, held May 25, headed through downtown Sarasota and was followed by a ceremony at J.D. Hamel Park.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
May 22, 2026

Ride of Silence honors cyclists injured or killed while the community mourns recent losses

The silent procession, held May 20, drew a record turnout of about 130 people for the 7-mile loop through downtown Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
May 21, 2026

Colony of black skimmers continues to thrive on Lido Key; here's how to respect their space

Averaging around 1,100 adults as of May 15, the colony is nesting on a spot along North Lido Beach.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Matt Walsh
May 20, 2026

Forging a legacy with the Navy's newest ship

With Siesta Key’s Robyn Modly as ship sponsor, the Thomas Modly family officially commissioned the USS Cleveland, the Navy’s new combat ship.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
May 15, 2026

Sarasota researcher wins international STEM award

The impact of a Sarasota woman's research has gained attention beyond the United States.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
May 14, 2026

Siesta Key Chapel welcomes community to help in unique forest restoration

A multiorganizational partnership is aiming to bring new life to the church's campus, which was damaged during hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

By Sertoma Club of Sarasota
May 14, 2026

The Moments We Take for Granted—Until They’re Out of Reach

Helping children and families overcome speech, language, and hearing challenges.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Monopoly to make special Sarasota County edition

Monopoly: Sarasota County Edition is tipping its top hat to favorite county locations by seeking nominations of established businesses, nonprofits and landmarks.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
May 13, 2026

Sarasota Jungle Gardens has big hopes for its cohabitating crocodiles

Dominic and Kananga, the resident American crocodiles at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, have the potential to produce offspring, according to staff.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 12, 2026

Chamber executive wins top statewide professional award

Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ed Hill was honored with the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Professional of the Year Award.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
May 10, 2026

Be Fabulous Music & Arts Pride Fest held at Selby Five Points Park

The event hosted by the Fabulous Arts Foundation showcased LGBTQ+ artists and connected community members downtown after making its return there last year.