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Neighbors

The top Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton light displays to see this holiday season
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer, Liz Ramos, Ryan Kohn
  • December 18, 2023
The top Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton light displays to see this holiday season

Residents get into the holiday spirit with vibrant decorations.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Taylor Galford
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 18, 2023
Music Compound now offers virtual, hybrid guitar instruction

The Sarasota music school's new course, “Introduction to Guitar Fundamentals: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide," was launched in early December.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Christmas in the Garden at Longboat Island Chapel
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 18, 2023
Longboaters make Christmas in Garden an inclusive community

Local organizations, businesses and residents share the meaning behind the trees they donated to Christmas in the Garden at Longboat Island Chapel.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Lake Club's Maureen Cozzi, Fran Berg and Joy Stone wrap gift cards to give to families at the Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 17, 2023
Lake Club residents grant Manatee children's Christmas wishes

The Lake Club Santa's Sleigh Project supports 80 children in need at the Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A holiday lights tour on Longboat Key
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 17, 2023
A holiday lights tour on Longboat Key

These are the best spots to see some extra holiday spirit illuminated on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Longboat Island Chapel
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • December 17, 2023
Where to worship this Christmas on Longboat Key

Whether you're a resident or a visitor, here are some options for where to celebrate this season.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A laser light show will cap New Year's Eve festivities at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 17, 2023
Laser light show will highlight New Year's Eve party in Lakewood Ranch

Waterside Place will host 150 drones to create an impressive welcome to 2024.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mason Rivera, 7, meets The Grinch (Debbie Maxa).
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 16, 2023
Southside Baptist Church becomes a Christmas town

The celebration brings together the Grinch and Santa Claus along with activities like snowball throwing.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Johanna Davis, Diego Villa and Natalia Van Genderen
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 15, 2023
St. Mary's Christmas concert features musicians from around the world

The annual concert had carols, a sing-a-long and great deals at the Women's Guild Christmas Bazaar.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Temple Emanu-El celebrates Hanukkah with giant menorah
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2023
Temple Emanu-El celebrates Hanukkah with giant menorah

The synagogue’s gathering also included time for children to write letters to young people displaced from their homes in Israel.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
President Brittany Lamont, board member Keith Pandeloglou and Communications Coordinator Kristie Calandro prepare for the last meeting of the year.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 14, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance puts focus on philanthropy

About 40 nonprofits showcased their services for alliance members at their last meeting of the year.

  • East County
  • Business
Nicolette Marks and Rebecca Kuse
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 14, 2023
The Market on Longboat Key is back for the season

After a one-year hiatus, the outdoor market returns with a variety of goods such as lobster rolls, cupcakes and artisanal gifts.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bonnie Chiseling, Paula Norwood, Barbara Eisenberg and Debbie Rand
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 13, 2023
Women's Golf Association of Longboat Key holds festive tournament

The Frosty Frolic was full of holiday spirit with groups dressed up as Elvis Presley in "Blue Christmas," festive flamingos and candy canes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Hayleigh Vuong, Sriya Ashok, Marguerite Barnett, Imelda Pallen Berry, Francis and Malloy McCaffrey, Romal Boldadora and Aegean McCAffrey perform at the Asian Talent and Fashion Show in 2023.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 13, 2023
Education, philanthropy key goals of the American Asian Women's Association

Women from any ethnicity with an interest to learn about Asian cultures and traditions are welcome to join the Lakewood Ranch nonprofit.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • James Peter
  • December 12, 2023
Sarasota author’s book to be featured in Times Square display

Ritu Anand’s children’s book “Kara’s Dreams” won recognition in the 2023 New York City Big Book Award contest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Longboat Key Police Department Customer Service Specialist Ivan Zunz shakes hands with Police Chief Russ Mager at a Town Commission meeting Monday, Feb. 2. Zunz was recognized for 10 years with LKPD at the meeting.
  • February 5, 2026
Ivan Zunz recognized for a decade with LKPD
2
Jennifer Rominiecki brought the living museum concept to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens when she was named president and CEO in 2015.
  • February 5, 2026
Botanical gardens' potential lured Rominiecki family to Sarasota
3
Capt. A.J. Grande operates a "six pack" fishing charter business who often picks up and drops off customers at Nora Patterson Park.
  • February 5, 2026
Permits will be required for charter boat operators using county parks
4
The home at 3851 Tangier Terrace was built in 2024 and has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,379 square feet of living area.
  • February 5, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 19-23 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis
5
District 2 Commissioner Penny Gold walks in a parade in 2021.
  • February 5, 2026
Longboat commissioner appointed to National League of Cities committee

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