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Neighbors

Tara Poulton has the perfect pairing of personality and work ethic for her job.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 17, 2023
Putting politics into action locally isn’t easy. Tara Poulton just makes it look that way.

With a cool-under-pressure personality mixed with a get-stuff-done work ethic, Tara Poulton is the right fit as the new district director for Lakewood Ranch’s only U.S. Congressman.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Seeburg’s 1951 Model B (right) was among the first jukeboxes that could play 45 RPM records.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 17, 2023
This home collection of jukeboxes is a museum-worthy experience

When a jukebox in a store window caught Vickie Compton’s eye, she had to have it. That led to four decades of collecting and restoring them with her husband, Rodger.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sights + Sounds debuted in May 2022 with Broadway on the Lake.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 17, 2023
Waterside gets lively with a new performance series

Sights + Sounds at Waterside Place is a monthly series showcasing performances by area arts groups.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jeanne Dubi and Christine Johnson are longtime friends and allies, and their organizations have regularly partnered over the years. This project is their most consequential undertaking.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 17, 2023
Nonprofits pair up to preserve Celery Fields

The Sarasota Audubon Society and the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast have collaborated to rewild the Quad Parcels at the Celery Fields, creating new bird habitats and wildlife viewing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Fairy Village, like the group's other work, is created from a wide variety of repurposed materials.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 17, 2023
The Artful Codgers find beauty in unwanted materials

The crafting class, held for residents of the Sunnyside Village retirement community, transforms recycled materials into art.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Angelina Bens, Leo Bens, Michael Nunes, Karen Pashkow, Jeffrey Nunes, and Anne Summers
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 16, 2023
Longboat Island Chapel hosts happy hour for Stillpoint Mission donations

The chapel's monthly event collected children's socks and shoelaces just in time for the back-to-school season.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Tennis Coach Dickie Herbst and Cornell Professor Emeritus Joe Novak formed a friendship after Herbst read a story about Novak in the East County Observer. Novak died in September.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 16, 2023
Former Cornell professor lends education theories to sports training

Lakewood Ranch's Joe Novak, 92, works as a consultant for NXT Athletics Institute for Learning and finds that his learning theories are still in demand.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Alexia, Suzanne and Juliana Mattes perform together for the first time at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 16, 2023
'Something Rotten' a family affair for Lakewood Ranch mom, daughters

Suzanne Mattes and her two daughters, Juliana and Alexia, appear in the ensemble cast at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Captains Bill Brooker and Charlie Schmitz
    By
  • James Peter
  • August 16, 2023
Sailing lessons you won’t soon forget

The instructors of Sara-Bay Sailing School have loads of experience and plenty of punchlines.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
As executive director of Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, Rhonda Leiberick has found work that is deeply meaningful.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 16, 2023
Get-it-done attitude put to work for Meals on Wheels of Sarasota

Rhonda Leiberick, a Lakewood Ranch resident and the executive director of Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, finds her calling creating meaningful connections.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Garden Club at the 1980 celebration of Longboat's 20th anniversary
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 15, 2023
Garden Club helps community, beautification bloom on Longboat Key

The history of the club is intertwined with beautification and community-building efforts on the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Gabriel McDerment has been working on his musical, "Acceptance Pending," since his freshman year at New York University where he is now a junior.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 15, 2023
Braden River High alum to produce musical for Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Gabriel McDerment will debut his musical, "Acceptance Pending," in the international performing arts festival.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ella Rose Sherman teaching Mote visitors about the Strandings Investigation at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 15, 2023
Mote volunteer program gives high schoolers taste of marine science

The fall volunteer program at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is tailored to busy high schoolers' schedules.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Country Creek's Mila Goetting always keeps her eyes on the next obstacle. In this case, she's thrusting herself from one hopscotch to the next.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 14, 2023
Ninja courses no obstacle for Bradenton 12-year-old

Country Creek's Mila Goetting grew to love such competitions by watching "American Ninja Warrior."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Almost all Florida manatees have propeller scars from past collisions with boats. Complying with “Idle Speed No Wake” speed limits for boats helps protect manatees from harm.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • August 14, 2023
Florida manatees find food and shelter at Myakka

Efforts to protect these imperiled mammals at the state park include removing dams that can leave them stranded and increasing awareness about boat speed limits.

  • 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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