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Neighbors

The School of Rock is open in Lakewood Ranch. The soft opening was on Sept. 11, and the grand opening was on Oct. 29.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 6, 2023
Bradenton couple brings personal experience to School of Rock

Gary and Kelley Falcon, who opened the new Lakewood Ranch music education school, have spent more than 30 years in the music business.

  • East County
  • Business
Gene Kennedy, the owner of Bandit Movie Cars, brought a replica of the 1969 Charger used in the movie "Dukes of Hazzard."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 5, 2023
Burt Reynolds still the Boss Hogg at Lakewood Ranch Car Show

The Knights of Columbus event expects to raise $10,000 for St. Jude Children's Hospital.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota's Mark Dietz dresses for the occasion with his 10-year-old daughter Livia Dietz, 8-year-old son Marek Dietz and wife, Erin Dietz. Livia Dietz says she loves the human chess matches at the fair.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 5, 2023
Sarasota Medieval Fair begins its run in Myakka City

Attendees dress for a day of jousting, human chess matches, live music and more.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Leila Schaedler-Luera, 10, goes all-in for the challenge.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 4, 2023
Ice cream eating championship helps support Rise Up Cafe

The competition helped support Rise Up Cafe, a nonprofit-run coffee and ice cream shop in downtown Sarasota operated by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
"I've gone around like 20 times," Kaitlin Verrinder said of choosing a bowl.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 4, 2023
Empty Bowls fundraiser fills need in Lakewood Ranch

The 23rd annual soup tasting was held on Nov. 3 at Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Derek Almy, Terry Almy, Earl Almy, Talon Almy, Mark Hall, Jaxson Almy and Sara Almy
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 3, 2023
Mote A-scare-ium provides a safe place for children on Halloween

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium hosted families for a scavenger hunt, underwater pumpkin carving, candy and more.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mike Granthon and Chris Brown own five restaurants in the heart of Siesta Key Village.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 3, 2023
Restaurant company continues to make its mark on Siesta Key

Some of Siesta Key’s most popular restaurants are owned by Chris Brown and Mike Granthon, founders of Sarasota’s Above the Bar Hospitality Group.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The home’s main living area offers unparalleled views of the Gulf. The space incorporates living, dining and kitchen in an open concept plan.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • November 3, 2023
Architecture meets art in $12M Gulf-front home on Casey Key

This exquisite home on Casey Key, designed by Carl Abbott, takes its inspiration from cutting-edge modernism and ancient Mayan pyramids.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Bob Gault enjoys a variety of retirement pleasures, including golf, sailing, fishing and volunteering.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 2, 2023
Longboater Bob Gault rose from emptying trash to CEO of SeaWorld

The retired theme park executive never forgot what led to his success: an unmatched work ethic and a deep passion for connecting with people.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Reni Papalexiou at Wild Yoga at Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 2, 2023
The must-try yoga options in Sarasota

Sarasota offers many yoga opportunities, including ones involving goats, lemurs and floating in the air.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kent Eschenbach and James Denner (right) pose with Larry Frankel (middle) on Siesta Beach.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 2, 2023
Photobomber conducts daily raids on unsuspecting beachgoers

Larry Frankel, also known as the Siesta Key Photobomber, keeps the smiles coming on Siesta Key.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Libby Gallups, Judie Rogers and Debbie Emery came in costumes, and in character, as the Sanderson Sisters from "Hocus Pocus." The three friends entertained the crowds by adopting the voices and mannerisms of their characters.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 1, 2023
Attendees dress in costumes to impress for Fright Night on St. Armands Circle

Friends and families put in a group effort with their Halloween costumes for the trick-or-treating event.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Liz Reed giving the Bradenton Ghost Walk
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 1, 2023
Design 2000 employee hunts ghosts in her spare time

Liz Reed is the co-founder of the Paranormal Society of Bradenton and shares that she wants to help people understand that ghosts really aren't that scary.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Norman Pritchard at his last service at Christ Church of Longboat Key.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 31, 2023
Pastor at Christ Church retires after nine years

The Rev. Norman Pritchard served the Presbyterian Church for 50 years and made a mark in service and worship.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Carol Edwards serves soup during the 2022 Empty Bowls fundraiser that benefits Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 30, 2023
Empty Bowls fundraiser takes a bite out of hunger

Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee's annual event, which will be held Nov. 3, provides funds for The Food Bank of Manatee.

  • 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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