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Neighbors

Kalee Zavela, the Town of Longboat Key's first grants coordinator, explains what factors she weighs when pursuing project opportunities to improve the community, be it hurricane rebuilding or enhancing first responder equipment.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 29, 2025
Rotary honors the dedication of a town's grant coordinator

Rotarians heard from Kaylee Zavela about ongoing hurricane-recovery projects and other current undertakings.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
In an effort to raise support for mental health services, Kyndal Ray Edwards is walking to all four corners of the country. He reached Longboat Key on Oct. 25, and he set his sights on Sarasota on his journey southward.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 29, 2025
Cross-country walker reaches Longboat

In an effort to raise support for mental health services, Kyndal Ray Edwards is walking to all four corners of the country.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
At 100 years old, Bernard Greenberg still has vidid memories of his time serving with the U.S. Army in New Guinea.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 29, 2025
WWII codebreaker to serve as 2025 Tribute to Heroes Parade grand marshal

Bernard Greenberg, who served with the 126th Signal Radio Intelligence Company, intercepted Japanese radio transmissions during World War II.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Members congregate in the lobby of the Lakewood Ranch YMCA to socialize after exercising.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 29, 2025
Lakewood Ranch YMCA is 'more than a gym'

Members can learn Spanish or take art classes along with working out or taking a swim lesson.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Wilma Davidson at home on Longboat Key, where she and her husband have lived full time for 20 years.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • October 29, 2025
Curiosity and a zest for life drive Longboat woman's storied career

Writer, educator, pilot and lifelong learner Wilma Davidson has built a career — and a life — defined by curiosity, achievement and purpose.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Siesta Key Kiwanis Club members Shawna Smith, incoming president Mary-Lynn Desjarlais, Joy Horne Jones, Candace Anderson, Kimberley Amos and Steve Stonecipher (front). The club meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at Gecko's on Clark Road in Sarasota. (Photo taken at Hub Baja Grille on Siesta Key.)
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • October 29, 2025
'Mighty' Siesta Key Kiwanis Club helps children, one community at a time

Poverty can happen anywhere. The Siesta Key Kiwanis Club is working to insulate Sarasota kids from its effects.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Rev. Bill Friederich and his wife, Bah Hero, attend the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet, at which Longboat Island Chapel won the Business Resilience Award. He is leaving the chapel and taking up a leadership role at Saint Andrew United Church of Christ.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 28, 2025
Longboat's Rev. Bill honored before going to Sarasota church

The outgoing care pastor and former senior pastor at Longboat Island Chapel is taking up a leadership role at St. Andrew United Church of Christ.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Valarie Evanko, Bob Mazurek and Iris White shared their hope that The Lord's Warehouse thrift shop will keep its normal operations running after a new Goodwill donation center opens on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 27, 2025
Lord's Warehouse prepares for incoming Goodwill

Organizers of the Longboat thrift shop hope they'll be able to maintain usual operations when the new Goodwill donation center opens.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jordan Sacks, Brooke Strickland, and Coast hang out at the event.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 27, 2025
Two Pride groups merge to create Gulfcoast Pride Festival

Held Oct. 26, the festival was Sarasota's largest Pride event and featured headlining musical act Zee Machine.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mushu and Emmett dressed as Kermit and Fozzie, while Teagan Nickols dressed as Miss Piggy, claiming eighth place.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 26, 2025
Dogs and humans get into costume at Dog-A-Ween

Costumers went all-out for the contest, held at the Sarasota Farmer's Market by the Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Heather Kasten stands with incoming board chair Jennifer Rominkiecki.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 26, 2025
Chamber welcomes Selby Gardens president as board chair

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting welcomed board chair Jennifer Rominiecki, as well as keynote speaker Jim Knight, a Hard Rock International executive.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch 5-year-old Cora Forrester and her mom Cassie Campbell give some love to Banjo the goat from Blissful Goat Yoga during East Manatee Fire Rescue's Trunk or Treat Oct. 25.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 26, 2025
East Manatee Fire Rescue adds a spark to Halloween

The Trunk or Treat event at Station 1 in Lakewood Ranch drew hundreds.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This year makes 22 years of the Boo Run, which has been referred to as the "day of Grayson." Grayson Tullio dresses as Russell from the Disney movie "Up" while his great friend Monika Oberer dresses as his Carl Fredricksen.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • October 25, 2025
Boo Run is not just another day for Gray

The Lakewood Ranch race has been an important fundraiser for Another Day for Gray, which supports those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
After a fun filled night at Boo Fest on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, Bradenton's Lennox Craig, 3, is all smiles dressed as one of the 101 dalmations.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • October 25, 2025
Plenty of Boo for you in Lakewood Ranch

BooFest brings princesses, animals, minions and more to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jon Mongeau and Lita and John Brannan accept the award for Emerging Business of the Year on Oct. 23 at the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce 2025 membership awards banquet at Lido Beach Resort.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 24, 2025
Longboat chamber awards highlight business recovery

Business leaders celebrated their ability to rebound and recover from the 2024 hurricanes as the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce handed out 13 awards Thursday.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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