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Neighbors

Jennifer Kovatch (left) and Keith Pandeloglou (right) of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities present the Volunteer of the Year Award to Lakewood Ranch's Monaca Onstad.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 12, 2024
LWR Community Activities honors Volunteer of the Year

Former SMR Community Relations Director Monaca Onstad won the coveted award.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The bounce houses shut down due to high winds, but Bradenton resident Brody Pawelkoski, 3, got a quick bounce in beforehand.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 12, 2024
Bounce houses take over Nathan Benderson Park

The Big Bounce America is billed as the "biggest touring inflatable event in the world."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Robert Gaglio addresses the audience at Bird Key Yacht Club.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 12, 2024
Local author brings taste of Italy to Bird Key Yacht Club

Chef Robert Gaglio's new book documents his tours of Italy and journey of self-discovery following the 2008 financial crisis.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Zumba is among the activities offered at The Bay Park.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 12, 2024
Free ways to get fit and stay healthy in Sarasota

From beach yoga to high-intensity training at The Bay, the city has something to offer fitness seekers of all stripes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Melvin Pettis, a Cypress Springs Gracious Retirement Living resident, recalls meeting Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963 and again in 1965.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 11, 2024
Lakewood Ranch resident recalls meeting Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s contributions to fighting for the rights of others continue to inspire 94-year-old Melvin Pettis.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bob Horne
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 11, 2024
20 years in, Bob's Train owner journeys to restore Ringling's rail car

Bob Horne, owner of Bob's Train, hopes to see the yearslong project completed, even if it means continuing to perform much of the work himself.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The cast of "Acceptance Pending" performs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Aug. 27-28, 2023.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • January 10, 2024
Musical from Braden River High alum to make local debut

After a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Gabriel McDerment is bringing his musical, “Acceptance Pending,” on tour in the U.S.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Roger Kabler as Robin Williams
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 10, 2024
Comedian to bring Robin Williams to life in Longboat performance

Actor Roger Kabler has performed all over the U.S. as Robin Williams and will perform at Temple Beth Israel on Jan. 14.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Joel Morganroth, chair of the board of trustees, cuts the ribbon.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 9, 2024
Selby Gardens cuts the ribbon on Phase 1 of its Master Plan

The new facilities include what the organization says is the world’s first net-positive energy botanical garden complex.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ute Vela competes in the Observer Challenge held Feb. 3-5, 2023. She and her husband, Enrique, have won the tournament four times.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 9, 2024
Observer Challenge to bring weekend of island camaraderie

Longboat Key Tennis Center will host the annual tournament that's all about teamwork Jan. 19-21.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Art by Pamela Olin
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 9, 2024
Father-daughter duo's art exhibition opens at Plymouth Harbor

Pamela and Richard Olin showcase 3D artwork on the theme of family.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Autumn Tselios leads the Naples-based band, The Rockefellers, at Fresh Fridays on Jan. 5.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 9, 2024
How downtown Sarasota block party organizers find fresh bands

Fresh Fridays, held the first Friday of each month, sources high-end bands locally and from outside the area.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Harry Strunk, 2, explores inside a cardboard tunnel.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 9, 2024
Sarasota Children's Museum kicks off quest for a dedicated space

The inaugural event of Sarasota's Children's Museum drew families to The Bay Park, offering children interactive experiences and hands-on learning activities.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This is just a practice run on Kore Steakhouse. The street lights will be covered with garbage bags during the exhibit to provide a darker background for the projections.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 9, 2024
Visual art display celebrates 30 years of Lakewood Ranch

"Ranch Reflections," a showcase of moving murals, runs from Jan. 14-20 at Waterside Place.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bud and Charlie made their debut Dec. 31 at the Sarasota Polo Club with Alan Freitag holding the reins. Anyone who attends the matches can take a free ride at halftime.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 8, 2024
Belgian draft horses make big impression at Sarasota Polo Club

Bud and Charlie will be pulling a wagon full of fans at halftime of the Sunday polo matches in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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When he's not painting, artist Tom Stephens makes fishing rods.
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Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School fourth graders Leona Killion and Michael Chmielarski created business cards as a dancer and a soccer player for the Project T.E.A.C.H. activity on March 12.
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Jenna Jahn notched a pair of top-two finishes at the Eddie Starling Memorial Invite on March 13 — including a record-breaking performance.
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