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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
5131 Jungle Plum Road in Siesta Key
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 14, 2023
Longboat Key Realtor's listing places in HGTV contest

Cindy Fischer of Michael Saunders and Co. discusses her Siesta Key listing that won best Waterside Home.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lori Goldmeier, dressed as Harley Quinn from DC Comics, and Ryan Jacobson
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 13, 2023
SarasotaCon showcases comics and local community of enthusiasts

The experience hosted memorabilia, legendary comic book artists and cosplay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 11, 2023
Self-help author, age 94, encourages seniors to embrace their stage of life

Author and former University of Maryland professor Nancy Schlossberg's most recent book was published in May.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Michael DeWulf painting at his live art show at Wyland Gallery on Aug. 4.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 9, 2023
Sarasota artist draws audience with live show at Wyland Gallery

Sarasota-based artist Michael DeWulf paints for 10 to 14 hours to grow in his craft.

  • Arts + Culture
Mateo has had enough of pictures and is ready for his walk. He's accompanied by Shelter Director Dani Ziegler and Board and Executive Committee Member Cheryl Johnson.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 9, 2023
Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch volunteers go above and beyond

The Myakka City nonprofit uses care and love to prepare pets for adoption.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Gail Loefgren returned to the chamber in September 2013 after a five-year hiatus.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 8, 2023
Gail Loefgren reflects on 25 years of service as chamber president

After announcing her retirement, the president of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce recounts the impact that the island has had on her.

  • Longboat Key
  • 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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