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Neighbors

Never too senior to have fun
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 24, 2023
Never too senior to have fun

Senior Friendship Centers hosted couples 50 and older for a prom night of dancing and dining.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Retired Col. Herman Bell of River Club served in the Army for 22 years with most of that time in Special Forces.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 24, 2023
Colonel's story worthy of Lakewood Ranch parade's tribute

Retired Col. Herman Bell says surviving Vietnam was a combined factor of being blessed and lucky.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Joni and Ziggy von Schweinitz show off the gold flag they received from the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association for completing the Great Loop.
    By
  • James Peter
  • May 24, 2023
Longboat couple completes the Great Loop

The 10-month journey covered more than 6,000 miles of eastern U.S. seas, lakes and waterways.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Will Luera of Florida Studio Theatre had everyone pick a pose or movement to go with their name.
    By
  • Sidra Wali
  • May 23, 2023
The Paradise Center hosts improv classes on Longboat Key

The workshops are designed to build creativity, self-confidence and, of course, a sense of humor.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Chef Jeremy Thayer and Chef Steve Phelps
    By
  • James Peter
  • May 22, 2023
Local chefs gather at St. Armands Daiquiri Deck for book-signing

The recently released cookbook "Cooking with Friends" brings together recipes from standout chefs from the city, region and across the country.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Frances Powers stands next to her digital paintings at All Angels By the Sea Episcopal Church.
    By
  • Sidra Wali
  • May 22, 2023
Frances Powers displays digital art at All Angels By the Sea

The local artist combines digital art with a traditional form to create vibrant works.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Amani Washington and Trinity Adams
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 21, 2023
Graduation 2023: Booker High School

Multiple students offered words of advice as students headed into the future.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Gabriel Chiha and Julianna Chin
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 21, 2023
Graduation 2023: Riverview High School

Students celebrated the future as they received their diplomas.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Siblings Alexandria Smith and Rex Smith
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 21, 2023
Graduation 2023: Sarasota High School

Students received words of advice while friends parted ways on Saturday.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Longboat Island Chapel donated baby items to teen parents enrolled in the Cyesis Program.
    By
  • Sidra Wali
  • May 21, 2023
Longboat Island Chapel hosts charity event benefiting young parents

The chapel donated baby items for teen parents in the Riverview High School Cyesis program.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Joan Novak, Sarasota's Tina Backhus, Lakewood Ranch's Judy Balmer and Salwa Youssef, the manager of the Walmart off State Road 70 near Interstate 75, are excited to support Stillpoint Mission's Backpack Program.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 21, 2023
Lakewood Ranch woman seeks donations for backpack program

Judy Balmer hopes to donate 800 backpacks through Stillpoint Mission to distribute to low-income families.

  • East County
  • Schools
Country Club residents Maria and Marty Fullam are members of Strings Con Brio. They joined the orchestra a few months after moving to Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 19, 2023
Strings Con Brio featured in Waterside Place's Sights and Sounds series

The all-volunteer string orchestra includes Lakewood Ranch residents.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The all-white kitchen is enlivened with a colorful painting to add a cheerful note. A desk adds a secondary workspace.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • May 19, 2023
Country Club East home provides a perfect live/work balance

At Jeff and Katie Goldstein’s home in Country Club East, working from home has never looked — or felt — this good.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
Longboat Key firefighters jump into the water at Manatee County Marine Rescue headquarters.
    By
  • Lauren Tronstad
  • May 18, 2023
Longboat firefighters take the plunge for clean water

Longboat Key Fire Rescue personnel joined other area departments in Bradenton Beach in support of Islanders 4 Clean Water.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Since starting her position as executive director a year ago, Adrienne Bookhamer has added new fundraising events.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 18, 2023
Homebuilders give back through nonprofit program

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund’s Builders Give Back program raises valuable funds and awareness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Three comedians including Bradenton's Tim Boyd will perform at the “Hearts of Hope: A Valentine’s Comedy Night” fundraiser to benefit Harbor 58, Foster the Family, and Bring on the Ministry on Feb. 13.
  • February 6, 2026
Nonprofits to host Valentine's comedy fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch
2
Sarasota nonprofit Casting For The Kids helps children with cancer and their families breathe a little easier.
  • February 6, 2026
Annual fishing tournament casts for a cause
3
Work by Janet Echelman in “Radical Softness” at Sarasota Art Museum through April 26.
  • February 6, 2026
New creations, global voices, celebrations light up our cultural horizon
4
Chefs Justin Kurtz and Ismael Flores showcase some of Mar Vista’s signature dishes.
  • February 6, 2026
Innovative chef at Mar Vista honors tradition — and keeps reinventing it
5
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

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