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Key Life

The lanai overlooks a pool and a small grove of mangroves and sea grape lining the bayou.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • February 3, 2023
1950s ranch transforms into the epitome of Sarasota style

Dan Denton transformed an ordinary Lido Shores ranch home with midcentury bones into a spectacular, modern glass pavilion set in a garden.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sam Ramey fell fast and furious in love with the life aquatic. For him, the experience was so life-changing that he finished his schooling while living aboard a sailboat.
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • February 3, 2023
A guide to get your Sarasota fishing adventures started

As the saying goes, a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work. Or, as outdoorsman and angler Fennel Hudson puts it: “Having a fishing rod in your hand is merely an excuse to explore out-of-sight depths and reveal mysteries that previously only existed in dreams.”

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Drum circle newbie Julia Clark (center) bangs her worries away among the usual cadre of characters.
    By
  • Heidi Kurpiela
  • February 2, 2023
The beat goes on at Siesta Key drum circle

Now in its 26th year, the Siesta Key drum circle is as steady and evocative as the tide. And much like the beach’s famous sand, its rhythm is just as healing.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Artist and Ringling College student Jesse Clark was selected to coordinate the “Visions in Black” program at area-based colleges. He also created this year’s poster art.
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • January 31, 2023
Suncoast Black Arts Collective spotlights artists of color

The second annual exhibition of "Visions in Black" celebrates creativity by regionally based artists of color.

  • Arts + Culture
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 29, 2023
Longboat 'Shark Guy' gives the ABC’s of shark fishing

Rob Metz has learned just about everything there is to know about catching sharks. And he’s not afraid to show you.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Foxy Lady’s founder and owner Lorry Eible has been a local trendsetter for 50 years.
  • By Amy Bentley
  • January 28, 2023
St. Armands' Foxy Lady is still fabulous at 50

Foxy Lady founder Lorry Eible credits family, friends and generations of loyal customers for 50 years of success.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Tracy Jackson and Tim Hensey are cautiously confident that most Siesta Key residents seek independence from county government.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • January 27, 2023
Siesta Key fights for its independence

A determined group of Siesta Key residents seeks a new, more responsive form of localized government for the island.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Andrew and Luz Hereth celebrated 15 years of marriage at the 2022 Valentine’s Day vow renewal on Siesta Beach.
  • By Observer Staff
  • January 27, 2023
The best things to do this spring on Siesta, Lido, Longboat keys

The don’t-miss events from around the keys in February, March and April.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Lassies race in Sarasota Bay. (Photo by Jennifer Joy Walker)
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 13, 2022
The Luffing Lassies celebrate 50 years of friendships on the water

The Luffing Lassies is celebrating its 50th anniversary of bringing together adventurous women who bond over good company and the fine art of sailing.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
When Judy Fryer is not working, she’s managing a 25-acre farm and participating in equestrian eventing. (Photo by Lori Sax)
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 10, 2022
Old Salty Dog owner dishes on origin story of its quirky menu, sustained success

This astute businesswoman and restaurateur shares her insights on hot dogs, horses, happy employees — and the secret sauce behind running one of the most popular restaurants on the keys.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
(Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Robert Plunket
  • November 10, 2022
Casey Key home makes the most of its tranquil surroundings

A spacious Casey Key estate reflects a life well lived for the former CEO of Cadbury and his family.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Allini fizzy bath truffles: $18.95. Allini bath bombs: $6.95. Allini artisan bar soap: $9.95. Set of 3 cosmetic bags: $59.95. Yellow natural sponge: $19.95.
    By
  • Guest Author
  • November 10, 2022
Up and down the keys, great gifts abound

Want to bring something special to a special someone? These local offerings lend a personal touch.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Architecture Sarasota's 10th MOD Weekend will feature a yoga class at the iconic Umbrella house designed by Paul Rudolph on Sunday, Nov. 5. 
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • November 9, 2022
Lido Shores’ homes stand as a testament of time — and fabulous architecture

This architecturally unique neighborhood helped launch the Sarasota School of modernist architecture. Its vision of the future is not a thing of the past.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Graci McGillicuddy hopes All Star Children’s Foundation will become a model for foster care across the nation. (Photo by Harry Sayer)
    By
  • Guest Author
  • November 9, 2022
Siesta couple creates place of love, support for foster kids and their families

Graci McGillicuddy turned her passion for children’s welfare into a welcoming haven for foster children.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Fran Blum believes success is sexy. (Photo by Mark Wemple)
    By
  • Su Byron
  • November 8, 2022
Fran Blum believes success is sexy. And who’s going to argue with her?

In Fran Blum’s book of life there are no empty pages. There are many tales of travel, far-flung adventures, romance, groundbreaking careers and many missions accomplished.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
« 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 »
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  • December 4, 2025
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The moon shines between a pair of "Florida Reindeer."
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Holiday display at Selby Gardens boasts over 2 million lights
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A satellite image of Hurricane Irma.
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Shane Rawley poses for a photo on Dec. 2 at Shaner's Pizzeria with his three published books. From left: "A February Thaw: A Peter Cobb Adventure," "January Freeze: A Peter Cobb Adventure" and "Peter Cobb: Three Strikes You're Out."
  • December 4, 2025
Former MLB pitcher and local pizzeria owner is an author

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