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Your Observer | All

Allen Brown of Embracing Our Differences, Chantima Kaewvichian of Bangok, Thailand, the painter of "Hide or Shine," and its sponsors Tobi Leanna Schneider and Steven Neumeister, gather in front of the art piece. The quote by Kim Howard of Bloomington, Indiana, reads, "Choosing to speak when others are silent is an act of bravery this world needs."

"My inspiration for this painting is so simple. It's the feeling to be ourselves, like everybody deserves to be themselves, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone," Kaewvichian said. 

"I'm very happy, and I'm honored to be the part of this amazing exhibition," she also said.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 1, 2025
Embracing Our Differences hosts celebration of kindness at Bayfront Park

The celebration honored the organization's outdoor art exhibition at the park, and its message of inclusivity and understanding.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The hit musical "Les Misérables" comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on April 8-11.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for April 3-9

Don't miss these arts and entertainment events around Sarasota and Manatee counties this week.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program said the 19% increase in seagrass coverage from 2022 to 2024 is an important indicator of the bay's recovery.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 1, 2025
New seagrass survey shows promise for Sarasota Bay's recovery

The results showed a 19% increase in seagrass coverage from 2022 to 2024, and preliminary observations indicate the bay was resilient enough to withstand 2024 storms.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
12th grader Gregory Pech, of the Riverview High School Kiltie Band, plays the bagpipes.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 1, 2025
Gillespie Park celebrates 100th anniversary

The neighborhood honored Sarasota's Scottish heritage as the park and neighborhood celebrated 100 years.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The home at 7928 Mainsail Lane has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,938 square feet of living area.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • April 1, 2025
Top residential real estate sales for March 17-21 in Lakewood Ranch

A Concession home on Newlane Place tops the week's sales at $4.05 million.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
A Sarasota County employee plants a tree as part of the effort to replace invasive plants at county parks.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2025
Invasive plants removed from Ted Sperling Park

With the help of a $75,000 federal grant, Sarasota County has replaced invasive species with native plants.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Darlene Quiala enjoyed the experience with her friend Areana Thompson.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 1, 2025
Attendees enjoy the vibes at Sarasota Reggae & Food Festival

The event featured food vendors, live music and a vendor market.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Director Peter Amster is directing "Good Night, Oscar" at Asolo Repertory Theatre.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • April 1, 2025
Director Peter Amster celebrates a troubled genius in Asolo Rep's 'Good Night, Oscar'

Pianist and raconteur Oscar Levant bared his mental health struggles on national TV.

  • Arts + Culture
Alleged HOA coup draws Longboat PD response
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 1, 2025
Alleged HOA coup draws Longboat PD response

Officers responded to a report of individuals starting a coup by speaking loudly and delaying a meeting. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.

  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
The blueberries ripen at different times and are sold at $7/pound.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 1, 2025
Blueberry season begins at Manatee County farms

Manatee County is part of Florida's south central blueberry production region, contributing to approximately 25% of the state's commercial blueberry acreage.

  • East County
  • News
Lakewood Ranch sophomore Gigi Canali has scored a team-leading 48 goals in a breakout season.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • April 1, 2025
Lakewood Ranch girls lacrosse players have a secret weapon

The Mustangs are hunting for their first regional playoff appearance.

  • East County
  • Sports
Riselle Bain, a voice for inclusion in the cantor tradition, joins Temple Beth Israel for a Passover Seder for women.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 1, 2025
Longboat Key's Temple Beth Israel features special guest at Passover Seder

Cantor Riselle Bain brought her musical talents to Longboat Key on March 25 for a holiday service.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The town of Longboat Key's new GIS dashboard gives residents access to data on districts, zoning, condominium construction history and sea level rise predictions.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • April 1, 2025
Longboat Key goes live with new public-facing GIS mapping tools

New GIS databases give residents access to information about evacuation routes, zoning maps and sea level rise estimates.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
The KSA Architecture rendering of Saravela shows two towers of varying heights.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 1, 2025
Sarasota Planning Board rejects alley vacation for multifamily development

The two-tower Saravela application moves on to the City Commission without an endorsement from the Planning Board, which cited a lack of a site plan in its recommendation to deny the vacation of Fourth Way.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Save Our Seabirds board chair and event co-chair Linda Mitchell, Executive Director Brian Walton and board member and co-chair Nancy McLean
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • March 31, 2025
Save Our Seabirds hosts annual Extravaganza at the big top

The nonprofit raised funds to help sick and injured birds with circus-themed event and the help of Sailor Circus performers.

  • Black Tie
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Latest News

1
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
2
The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
  • December 20, 2025
East Manatee church members will go through bars to spread Christmas joy
3
Evidence discovered in the home of 33-year-old Demond L. Smith who was arrested by Sarasota police on multiple charges.
  • December 20, 2025
Repeat felon faces charges in Sarasota drug bust
4
Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening
5
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat
  • December 19, 2025
Traffic cleared after fire, bridge malfunction in Sarasota, Longboat

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