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Neighbors

Janet and Dean Mixon are retiring. The couple sold their food truck to Polk Sheriff Charities, Inc.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 6, 2026
Mixon Swirl food truck finds a new home in Polk County

Dean and Janet Mixon sell their iconic food truck to Polk Sheriff Charities Inc.

  • East County
  • Business
At the Women's Golf Association season farewell on April 28 at the Longboat Key Club, players enjoyed perfect golfing conditions. Pictured, Brenda Baril, Donna Newton, Jennifer Cahill, Regina Repenning, Michelle Swartz, Katie Moulton, Louise Berg and Joyce Welch.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 5, 2026
Women's Golf Association scrambles to close out season

Clear skies led to great plays by players with the Women's Golf Association at their end-of-season gathering.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Sourdough Society of Lakewood Ranch members Camille Piccininni, Erica Calka and David Wiegand each created a loaf of sourdough with different ingredients to make each unique.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 5, 2026
Sourdough Society of Lakewood Ranch rises by sharing ideas

These members don't loaf around when it comes to making delicious bread.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
At his first time participating in Corevettes on the Circle, newcomer Bob Hanstra took home the award for Best in Show. Car enthusiasts brought 150 Corvettes of all sorts of years, models and colors for the May 2 car show on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 4, 2026
Corvettes on the Circle welcomes 150 vehicles to showcase

The annual exhibition of new and classic cars supports honor flights for veterans in Southwest Florida.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Casey Gonzmart Jr. explains a PowerPoint slide to the club.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 3, 2026
Fifth-generation Columbia owner discusses restaurant's endurance

The Rotary Club of Sarasota, which just celebrated its 100th anniversary, learned about the roots of the centenarian restaurant business.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Carissa Smentowski, who played a big part in creating the Peaceful Path, receives a hug from the Peaceful Path Director Jamie Reagan during the World Labryrinth Day program.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 2, 2026
Peaceful Path in Lakewood Ranch offers a stroll on World Labyrinth Day

Peace Presbyterian has joined the worldwide effort to "create a rolling wave of peace."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Members of the community can obtain plots in the garden.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 2, 2026
Limelight Community Garden hosts grand opening

The new garden in the Limelight District is intended to provide a space for residents to learn and connect.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ed Catalane of the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club does his part to teach children, including Lakewood Ranch's Hayes Cochran, further their fishing skills at the Youth & Teen Fishing Seminar May 2.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 2, 2026
Expert cast teaches fishing lessons in Lakewood Ranch

One hundred and forty kids attended the Youth and Teen Fishing Seminar by the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club to learn the basics of fishing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Katie Kephart and Shawn Tritschler get into the 80's spirit.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 2, 2026
Downtown Sarasota takes a turn back to the '80s

The Back to the '80s block party, part of Fresh Fridays, brought back some of the decade's hits and fashion.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Longboaters met some of the current residents at the Humane Society of Longboat Key headquarters for the latest Off the Clock social on April 29, including Light. Light is a member of the "Hidden Gem Club" and promises to light up a room for his future adoptive family.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 1, 2026
Chamber members see behind the scenes at Humane Society social

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce brought its latest Off the Clock social to the Humane Society of Sarasota County headquarters.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Martha Jepsky and Rebel Jackson say The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle is a great place to build community and support a great cause.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 1, 2026
Lake Club Women's Giving Circle wine event raises funds with taste

Uncorked and On the Rocks fuels the group's charity given, which totaled more than $100,000 in 2025.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Hugh Culverhouse Jr.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 1, 2026
Philanthropist seeds matching fund with $250,000 promise

Hugh Culverhouse Jr. has initiated a campaign to raise a half-million dollars with a $250,000 matching grant to assist those facing financial hardship.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi explains how robust community education contributes to the island's success in responding to cardiac distress calls. He touched on response times, disaster response and more at the April 30 meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 30, 2026
Fire chief explains Longboat's high cardiac rescue success rates

Longboat Key Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi spoke about how vital it is for community members to learn CPR and be ready to act.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jean Craig Flynn prepares to swim laps.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 30, 2026
Soon-to-be centenarian just keeps swimming

Gulf & Bay Club resident Jean Craig Flynn has earned the nickname "Jingle Jean the Swimming Queen."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Volunteer Linda Gass helped organize a Beachplace fundraiser for All Faiths Food Bank, which included a golf tournament and tabletop games.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 29, 2026
Beachplace hosts food bank fundraiser

Golfers and friends made a $7,056 contribution to All Faiths Food Bank to support its campaign combating summer hunger.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Woman smells a scam with fake nude photos threat
  • May 6, 2026
Woman smells a scam with fake nude photos threat
2
This fall will be Scott Paravicini's fourth season as the Lakewood Ranch football coach. He's posted a 14-17 record since taking over the program.
  • May 6, 2026
Despite cancer, Lakewood Ranch High coach remains committed to his players
3
Janet and Dean Mixon are retiring. The couple sold their food truck to Polk Sheriff Charities, Inc.
  • May 6, 2026
Mixon Swirl food truck finds a new home in Polk County
4
Rod Brogan and Rachel Moulton star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Birthday Candles."
  • May 6, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre actor is a woman for all seasons
5
The home at 5910 Gulf of Mexico Drive sold for $4.9 million. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,272 square feet of living area.
  • May 6, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for April 20-24 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key

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