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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
Church of the Redeemer volunteers hand made 30 quilts to accompany 30 beds donated and assembled by the church for children at Alta Vista Elementary School.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 28, 2026
Sarasota church makes beds, quilts for Alta Vista children

Church of the Redeemer volunteers work on projects in support of the Title I school.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Scott Cassell encounters a bull shark.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 26, 2026
Marine explorer and conservationist has led a life of daring

Osprey explorer Scott Cassell has done it all, from being attacked by Humboldt squid to breaking world records, but he does it for the ocean.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Olivia Haynes is the historian of the Sarasota Garden Club.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 26, 2026
How the Sarasota Garden Club discovered Ringling's Secret Garden

The Sarasota Garden Club rediscovered Mable Ringling's pride and joy on the Cà d’Zan campus and now works regularly to maintain it.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Pat O'Connell, Brenda Baril, Beth Scheible and Kim Lawrence said winning the championship Swing for the Cure annual golf day on Feb. 24 was especially meaningful to them, considering Lawrence is a cancer survivor.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 25, 2026
Swing for the Cure unites golfers in fight against breast cancer

The annual golf fundraiser supports Breast Health Sarasota, which recently surpassed $750,000 in contributions to support community members with cancer.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Elizabeth Henderson, the founder and president of the Little Free Library Club in Lakewood Ranch, began the group in 2023.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 25, 2026
Little Free Library Club works to keep reading accessible in Lakewood Ranch

Since 2023, the club has built five libraries in local parks. In order to expand, volunteers and books are needed.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Negotiations continue between Manatee County and its two garbage haulers — Waste Management and Waste Pro.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 24, 2026
Plan for Community Cleanup Day on Longboat Key

Get ready to safely dispose of household hazardous materials, electronics, papers for shredding and bulk items.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rabbi Howard Simon, master of ceremonies at Temple Beth Israel's 47th annual gala, welcomes attendees to the event on Feb. 22 at the Sarasota Yacht Club.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 23, 2026
47th Temple Beth Israel gala centers on community

The annual gala celebrated the contributions of Suzan and Barry Friedman and family over the years.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Artist Kathleen Murphy Willer, based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, said she has fun incorporating elements evocative of childhood in her acrylic paintings. She was one of the artists to brave the sun and rain at last weekend's fine art festival on Longboat Key.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 23, 2026
Specialized artists turn out for fifth Longboat Fine Art Fest

From glass molding to close-up photography, artists showcased works in a variety of media at the weekend festival.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Executive directors Brian Walton, Jessica Ryherd and Amy Steinhauser respectively from Save Our Seabirds, Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Inc. and The Paradise Center, pitched their future development ideas to attendees at the inaugural Longboat Key 100 fundraiser Feb. 17 at The Resort at Longboat Key Club.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 22, 2026
Inaugural fundraiser awards $100K to combat childhood hunger

Attendees at the first Longboat Key 100 fundraiser heard from Save Our Seabirds, The Paradise Center and Feeding Empty Little Tummies.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
« 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 »
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Latest News

1
St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry has been recommended by Howard Tipton to replace him as town manager as Tipton prepares to retire.
  • June 19, 2026
New town manager recommended for Longboat Key
2
Attendees were impressed by the fireworks across Sarasota Bay.
  • June 19, 2026
Fourth of July 2026 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch
3
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
  • June 18, 2026
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
4
Tony Barrett speaks at a candidate forum in April at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
  • June 18, 2026
Manatee County Commission candidate charged with domestic battery
5
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
  • June 18, 2026
Driver dies of injuries in blowout-triggered crash in Sarasota

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