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Neighbors

Students from Sarasota High School's marching band walk in the parade.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 7, 2025
Sarasota's spirit goes on display in the holiday parade

Each year, the parade features many local organizations, businesses, schools and clubs.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Debi and Mike O'Leary take a look at the tree.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 6, 2025
Sarasota annual tree lighting takes place at Selby Five Points

Turnout was high for the event, which combined the Fresh Fridays block party with the lighting of the Christmas tree.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A rendering of Florida Studio Theatre's McGillicuddy Arts Plaza.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 6, 2025
Florida Studio Theatre receives anonymous $1 million gift

FST will use an anonymous $1 million gift to start a matching donation campaign for Phase 2 of its McGillicuddy Arts Plaza expansion.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Brent Piersma and Beverly Sutton fill seed packets for Hope Seeds.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • December 5, 2025
Hope Seeds seeks extra hands

Increased need in Caribbean regions means Christ Church of Longboat Key is seeking extra volunteers to pack seeds.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The moon shines between a pair of "Florida Reindeer."
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 4, 2025
Holiday display at Selby Gardens boasts over 2 million lights

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' "Lights in Bloom" illuminated extravaganza features a tree covered in dragonflies, train decorations and more to explore.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Laura Oliff-Maxey and Barbara Braun
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 4, 2025
Mothers Helping Mothers strengthens its toy drive effort

The Sarasota organization has taken on an additional 50 families this year, which brings its total to 350.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Eighth grader Mikayla Ross works with teacher Joseph Conner.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 4, 2025
Tutoring nonprofit helps raise students' success rates

Laurel Civic Association, which tutors Sarasota County children after school in addition to providing numerous other services, is currently planning to construct a new 48,000 square-foot facility.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mill Creek's Ilana Simone, who performs as Ilana Armida, has returned to her roots after living in Los Angeles to pursue her musical career.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • December 3, 2025
Mill Creek musical artist continues to search for her audience

Ilana Armida, a graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School, continues her push to be successful in the music industry as an entertainer and songwriter.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch High School graduate Jason Huh has founded a few different companies, including Sodi Pop. Sodi Pop is now available in a healthy vending machine at the school for staff and students to enjoy.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • December 3, 2025
Sodi Pop, billed as a healthier product, comes to Lakewood Ranch High

Jason Huh, who graduated from Lakewood Ranch High School in 2003, never thought his own product would be sold at his alma mater.

  • East County
  • Business
Serge and Sonia Gauthier, owners of Gauthier Salon & Wellness Center, commissioned artist Ludmil Iliev, joined by Vladi Iliev, to paint a mural inspired by shop greeter Ziggy the dog.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • December 3, 2025
Furry face of St. Armands salon immortalized in new mural

Ludmil Iliev, a muralist specializing in animals, brought his talents to Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Anne Vose and Jackie Donnelly peruse the works of artist Marie Therese Lacroix, center.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • December 3, 2025
Check out these artists at Lawn Party by the Bay

Local creatives are bringing a new art exhibition to this year's Lawn Party by the Bay, along with a silent auction of Peter Max's work.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Shaelyn Band, which opens the Lakewood Ranch Blues Fest Dec. 6 at Waterside Place, is led by singer Shaelyn Mulberry.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 2, 2025
This musical soul search leads to Lakewood Ranch

The Lakewood Ranch Blues Fest is back for its second edition with seven top bands at Waterside Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Police Department on Dec. 2 gave away $2,000 in gasoline at three city stores, first offering to take photos with unsuspecting patrons.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 2, 2025
Gas patrons fill up on Sarasota Police's giving spirit

Chief Rex Troche and several officers visited three stores, spreading goodwill and topping off people's tanks.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lyndon Usher speaks with Pastor Carl Jenks of Radiance Church of Sarasota.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 2, 2025
Community comes together to serve homeless during Thanksgiving

Numerous organizations were involved in helping to serve those in need at the Thanksgiving Wednesday Community Luncheon.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch writer Peter Moscovita found his passion for writing through a cancer diagnosis and encouragement from his wife.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • December 2, 2025
81-year-old writer combines history and fiction through his books

Lakewood Ranch's Peter Moscovita has published seven books and earned a Hollywood Book Review for his first book "The Following Storm."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Britnie Sutika, CEO Kristie Skoglund, Kimberly Treharne, Paola Pinillos and Kate Reed
  • December 7, 2025
Florida Center for Early Childhood hosts 2nd annual Wonder Gala
2
Students from Sarasota High School's marching band walk in the parade.
  • December 7, 2025
Sarasota's spirit goes on display in the holiday parade
3
Debi and Mike O'Leary take a look at the tree.
  • December 6, 2025
Sarasota annual tree lighting takes place at Selby Five Points
4
Devin Mignery (center) prepares to take the snap during the FHSAA Class 2A state semifinal between Cardinal Mooney and Cocoa. The senior quarterback was inserted for junior Davin Davidson and helped usher the Cougars into the state championship.
  • December 6, 2025
Cardinal Mooney football headed to state championship
5
A rendering of Florida Studio Theatre's McGillicuddy Arts Plaza.
  • December 6, 2025
Florida Studio Theatre receives anonymous $1 million gift

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