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Neighbors

James Madden, Julia Mergen, Culver Casson and Steffen Robinson of The Christmas Carolers offer a performance.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 2, 2023
Block party ushers in holidays in downtown Sarasota

This month’s Fresh Fridays event put a holiday spin on the food and entertainment.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Karen MacDougall and her granddaughter Sloane Johnson love Music on Main, especially in December. Sloane is dressed as an Elf on the Shelf.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 2, 2023
Lakewood Ranch's Music on Main hosts its holiday celebration

A long line of families waited patiently as Santa set up shop under the big Christmas tree.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rotary Club of Longboat Key donated gifts for children to Stillpoint Mission in Bradenton.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 1, 2023
Rotary Club of Longboat Key donates holiday gifts to Stillpoint Mission

The club hosted a "wrap" party to wrap gifts for children in need and present donations to the local nonprofit.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Hodges Soileau
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 30, 2023
'The Baby-Sitters Club' cover illustrator recalls how he created his iconic work

Hodges Soileau, whose cover illustrations defined the series for a generation of readers, will visit Sarasota for an exhibition Dec. 1-2.

  • Arts + Culture
Whether a parking attendant, Joseph's angel, a wise man's attendant, an angel or any other role, the Walmsley family loves coming together to participate in the living nativity each year.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 29, 2023
Nativity tradition continues for East County family

Participating in the Tabernacle Church's annual living nativity is a tradition for the Walmsley family.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
These angels are made from magnolia seed pods. After spraying them for bugs, committee member Vicki Carvelli applies several coats of varnish to preserve the pods.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 29, 2023
Lakewood Ranch angel tree raises thousands for those in need

Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church parishioners raised $35,000 last year by making and selling Christmas ornaments.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Since he had a widowmaker heart attack in 2015, Sarasota artist Fabio Dal Boni has been seeking to recapture what he saw during that time.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 29, 2023
Artist's work represents his experience with a life beyond

Fabio Dal Boni says his paintings on aluminum are inspired by a visit to the afterlife in 2015.

  • Arts + Culture
Bonnie Caulson, Jessica Braemer, Ellie Casebolt, Lora Bostick and Shadeed Wright are at Grace Community Church on Nov. 17. The church made a $25,000 donation to Better Together.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 29, 2023
Grace Community Church focuses on outreach

The Lakewood Ranch church has a hand in many community events and supports several local nonprofits.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
All of the tennis center courts are being used for the tournament.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • November 29, 2023
20th Longboat Key tennis tournament attracts players countrywide

The Senior Men’s United States Tennis Association Tournament will be played from Nov. 27 to Dec. 3 and is dubbed one of the "Triple Crown" Florida tournaments.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Former Florida Senate President Bill Galvano, Concession owner Bruce Cassidy, PGA Tour Champions President Miller Brady, Intersport founder Charles Besser and former PGA Tour star Peter Jacobsen announced the new World Champions Cup in April.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 28, 2023
World Champions Cup to throw block party in Lakewood Ranch

The inaugural PGA Tour Champions event is going all out to thank The Concession and the region.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rev. Juila Piermont
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 27, 2023
Christ Church of Longboat Key chooses first full-time pastor

The Rev. Julia Piermont shares her excitement of being the new pastor for Christ Church and her admiration of its foundation.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Whitney Barazoto, Dan Barazoto, Elizabeth Barazoto, Lisa Barazoto and Magally Ramsaier
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 27, 2023
Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce hosts Light Up Longboat

Local residents and organizations gathered to mark the beginning of the holiday season with the fifth annual Light Up Longboat tree-lighting.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Nearly 500 donated shoeboxes fill one of two vans at the Holiday Shoebox Drive at the Lakewood Ranch Elks on Dec. 4, 2021.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 27, 2023
Meals on Wheels Plus prepares for annual Shoebox Collection

Helping out Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee with shoeboxes has become a tradition for Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch members.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Longboat Key 43th annual Interfaith Service
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • November 26, 2023
Religious congregations of Longboat share in fellowship with interfaith service

Christ Church of Longboat Key hosted six congregations for the 43rd annual Interfaith Thanksgiving service to remind everyone the meaning of giving thanks and sharing in community.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Santa Claus arrives on the Key Life Charters float.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 26, 2023
Siesta Key welcomes Santa Claus in annual Holiday Parade

The parade featured numerous businesses in Sarasota and ended with the arrival of Jolly St. Nick.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
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