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Neighbors

Linda Medina and Aliana Donald, second graders at Daughtrey Elementary, are eager to answer any questions Miss Gina might ask about the books she reads.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 4, 2026
Books for Kids continues to bring reading passion to elementary students

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch program provides reading volunteers to 10 schools in Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Curran Foundation's flagship project in Wake County, North Carolina is the Triangle Aquatic Center.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 4, 2026
Curran Foundation is new to Lakewood Ranch but not to giving

The foundation has made a nearly $13 million investment in Wake County, North Carolina, and now is investing in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Included in artist Christine Hales' new exhibition at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church is a series centering on the crucifixion of Jesus. The display is open to the public through the end of April.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 4, 2026
Iconography artist returns with new pieces at Longboat gallery

All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church is featuring the works of Christine Hales through April.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Charlie Cannon, Jim Leish, Charles Eldridge, Matt Zito, Dean Friedman and Harold Seegmiller are some of the newest and longest-serving members of the Longboat Key Club Friars, a cohort of golfers who enjoy the game, but also the camaraderie.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 4, 2026
Friars golfers reflect on value of connection ahead of annual gathering

This gathering of golfers has been finding ways to give back to the community over the years, while forging friendships to last among members.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2026-27
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 4, 2026
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2026-27

Readers from across the region submit their photos to the Observer's 2026-27 Weather and Nature Photo Contest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Brigette Kubin, owner of Three Island Monkeys, hosted a book signing by author James Langstaff on Feb. 28 for its latest "Meet the Artist" pop-up event.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 3, 2026
Art boutique features local author

The part-time resident author plans to host additional talks.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bradenton's Stillpoint Mission has outgrown its current building and hopes to bring in enough funds to purchase a new building to better serve clients.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 3, 2026
15th annual Stillpoint Mission Appeal has a new goal

Lakewood Ranch's Bob Smith and friends have been a huge source of funding for the nonprofit, which hopes to purchase a new building.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Wilma Davidson, president of the Sarasota branch of the National League of American Pen Women, said the group's artists decided to embrace the March 12 celebration of art as an annual tradition.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 3, 2026
Art and Found Day to return, surprising finders with gifts

The Sarasota Pen Women-led outreach brings surprise, free artwork to Longboat Key, Sarasota, Venice and beyond.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Following up on the recent publication of their co-authored book, "I Am the Other," Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key member Robert Gary and Imam Azhar Subedar invited community members to join a discussion about local approaches to bridging divides in beliefs. Rabbi Peter Kasdan moderated.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 3, 2026
Longboat writer shares process of co-authoring book on bridging divides

Robert Gary of Longboat Key welcomes discussion on the book he co-authored with Imam Azhar Subedar, titled "I Am the Other."

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Spike the bearded dragon was a popular guest at the 2024 Community Open House.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 2, 2026
Community open house scheduled

The Town Green will welcome Longboaters with food trucks, bounce houses, community organizations, live music and town staff March 7.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Javaughn Wallace and executive chef Michael from Drift at Lido Beach Resort dish up a poached pear and prosciutto bite at the 15th annual Taste of the Keys on Feb. 26 at the Longboat Key Club Harbourside Ballroom.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 2, 2026
Taste of the Keys bigger than ever in 15th year

The Longboat Key Garden Club fundraiser featured more restaurants and maxed out attendance at this year's event.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Magnolia Riner, 10, displays a design she created.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 1, 2026
Church of the Redeemer volunteers work together to build beds for kids in need

Church members worked together to provide beds, with everything included down to handmade quilts, for children in need.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Suncoast Stars Community's Jenny Audet, Julie Audet and Laurel Audet are grateful for the program that provides a wide array of activities including dance, music, fitness and nutrition, knitting, Bible study, crafts, and more.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 1, 2026
Suncoast Stars Community shines bright during fundraising event

The Sarasota nonprofit benefits adults with cognitive, physical and social disabilities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Gideon Demetrious, 6, Hani Demetrious and Jude Demetrious, 10, look through a series of prints.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 28, 2026
Sarasota Festival of the Arts serves up variety for attendees to browse

Held at J.D. Hamel Park, the event showcases work by artists from across the state and country, including Sarasota's community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
University Park's Marilyn Kern reacts after making the winning bid during the live auction for a Hawaiian vacation at Sisterhood for Good's Tropical Escape Feb. 27 at the Sarasota Polo Club.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 28, 2026
Sisterhood for Good of Lakewood Ranch hosts Tropical Escape fundraiser

The nonprofit has raised over $622,427 since it was founded 15 years ago, and not counting the Feb. 27 event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
JP Soars and the Red Hots will perform a free Father's Day concert at The Bay on Sunday, June 21.
  • June 16, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for June 18-24
2
The pickleball courts and basketball courts at Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park will be renovated over the summer.
  • June 16, 2026
Pickleball courts closed for major renovations
3
Harry's Continental Kitchens has been a local favorite for decades.
  • June 16, 2026
Savor Sarasota deals extended through June
4
Ducks lifted from storm drain by Longboat police
  • June 16, 2026
Ducks lifted from storm drain by Longboat police
5
Jonathan Ith, who has run Chick-fil-A Creekwood for the last 25 years, is preparing to open a new location in Heritage Harbour to keep up with the local demand.
  • June 16, 2026
Chick-fil-A expands in Bradenton with a new store in Heritage Harbour

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