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Neighbors

Gary Kompothecras and his family live in one of the largest houses on Siesta Key — a three-story, 13,560-square-foot estate on Point of Rocks Road.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 1, 2024
Gary Kompothecras may be larger than life, but he’s also down to earth

Siesta Key resident and entrepreneur Gary Kompothecras has been called many things. “Creator” is his favorite.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Located on the edge of Sarasota Bay, Plymouth Harbor offers stunning water and city views.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 1, 2024
Plymouth Harbor’s remarkable residents reflect the community's long legacy

Plymouth Harbor is home to people who have enjoyed distinguished careers in business, medicine, law, academia and, especially, the arts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ben Baldwin was part architect, part decorator, part horticulturalist — an elegant gentleman whose goal in life was to create beauty to live in.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • February 1, 2024
Owners of Siesta Key home preserve its modern lineage

Designer Ben Baldwin had a vision for his Siesta Key home that remains safe with its current owners — down to every detail.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Musical trio to present Neil Diamond tribute on Longboat
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 31, 2024
Musical trio to present Neil Diamond tribute on Longboat

The show will combine a concert and a behind-the-music breakdown of the inspiration for the artist's most popular songs.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rev. Brock Patterson found his perfect fit at Longboat Island Chapel.
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • January 31, 2024
How one church and its pastor inspire its members to give back

Under Rev. Brock Patterson’s leadership, Longboat Island Chapel continues to offer vital support to area outreaches — with grace and a touch of humor.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bud Northway and Rosanna White at the Chamber's Light Up, Longboat event on Nov. 25. The couple will be renewing their vows after being married for six weeks.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 31, 2024
Vow renewal event set for Valentine’s Day on Longboat Key

Longboat couples are invited to commemorate their special day with a vow renewal ceremony on Feb. 14.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
David Proudfoot won the first Run for the Beads 5K on Feb. 18, 2023.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 31, 2024
Second Mardi Gras-themed race scheduled for Waterside

Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation's Run for the Beads Mardi Gras 5K Run/Walk will again wind through Waterside of Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Samina Morrow, Julie Benjamin, John Fain, and Angela Massaro-Fain have a little fun in preparation for Phantom: A Masquerade Ball.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 31, 2024
Sisterhood for Good gives back to community with masquerade ball

Sisterhood for Good of Lakewood Ranch hopes its Phantom: A Masquerade Ball fundraiser produces plenty for those in need.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Anisa Mycak and Tania Vitvitsky hold up the Ukrainian flag.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 31, 2024
Humanitarian recounts scenes of everyday life amid Russia-Ukraine war

"They have to live because they could be dead the next day," says Tania Vitvitsky, a humanitarian of Ukrainians who did not flee Russia-Ukraine war.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Tyler Hilaire is the "nature boy" on campus. He's always finding sticks to play with.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 30, 2024
Beyond the Spectrum tailors education to each student

The Lakewood Ranch nonprofit works with children and young adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Education Center at Temple Beth Israel to host first fundraiser
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 30, 2024
Education Center at Temple Beth Israel to host first fundraiser

Program Director Susan Goldfarb highlights the new educational programs and The Education Center's decades-themed fundraiser.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Harry Anand's Change of Watch ceremony. Bobby Overall, Brian Will, Alex Lancaster, Harry Anand and Pete Kujawski.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 30, 2024
Yacht Club leader preaches local involvement as key to progress

New Commodore Harry Anand brings his skills as a business leader, community activist and mayor to the Sarasota Yacht Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Deborah Jennings, Ann Friesch, Georgene Lytle, Jean-Marie Seidl, Kerry Ottenwess, Liz Burdeau and Lori Moran
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 29, 2024
Beachplace condominium celebrates 45th anniversary

Condo owners marked the milestone at their annual owners party and recall brushes with celebrity over the years.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Janet Minker’s love of architecture is rooted in her career as a graphic designer.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • January 29, 2024
Sarasota architecture inspires graphic designer to preserve its legacy

Lido Shores resident Janet Minker is a tireless advocate for preserving Sarasota’s historical buildings — and, by association, the city’s character and charm.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Country Club's Michael Modisett has about 30 plants in the garden area in front of his home. He has at least 90 plants among the three areas around the front of his home in hopes of attracting various butterflies, especially the monarch butterfly.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 29, 2024
Butterfly garden blooms in Lakewood Ranch

A Lakewood Ranch Garden Club class on butterfly gardens inspires a Country Club resident to start his own.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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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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