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Neighbors

Embracing Our Differences brings students together through creating art with messages of acceptance and love. (Courtesy photo)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • November 16, 2022
Embracing Our Differences returns for another year of artful empathy

The scope of the project has expanded over the years, but the 20th edition of Embracing Our Differences is all about kindness.

  • Arts + Culture
Chris McComas, Cecilia Torres and Kelly Harmon have fun with cornhole. (Photo by Lori Sax)
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • November 16, 2022
New app connects Ranchers to their favorite sports and each other

Chris and Jessi McComas of MVP Sports and Social are launching a new app connecting Lakewood Ranchers to all things sports and social.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • November 15, 2022
Siesta Key Crystal Classic awakens Sarasota's inner child

The annual sand sculpting festival brought in friendly competition and drew in thousands of visitors.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund’s mission, under Adrienne Bookhamer, remains the same: to support the 100-plus nonprofits that improve the lives of Lakewood Ranch residents. (Photo by Lori Sax)
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 15, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Community Fund hires its first director

Adrienne Bookhamer, the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund’s first executive director, is excited about shining a light on the dozens of organizations helping regional residents.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Main Street Market founders are looking for locally owned businesses that either handcraft or locally source the goods they sell. (Photo by Nancy Guth)
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • November 14, 2022
Locals-first market blossoms on Lakewood Main Street

Niki Dalsing and Lindsay Wood, the founders of Main Street Market, launched these boutique-style shopping experiences in 2020 with 24 vendors. The vendor list has now grown to more than 75.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The bar at Ventura's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar at its November 2022 opening.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 14, 2022
New Italian restaurant opens in Whitney Plaza

Ventura's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar has replaced the Bayou Tavern, but you can still order the veal cannelloni.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • November 14, 2022
All Faiths Food Bank serves Bowls of Hope

Hundreds gathered for the annual Bowls of Hope event to enjoy hot soup from local restaurants and caterers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lassies race in Sarasota Bay. (Photo by Jennifer Joy Walker)
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 13, 2022
The Luffing Lassies celebrate 50 years of friendships on the water

The Luffing Lassies is celebrating its 50th anniversary of bringing together adventurous women who bond over good company and the fine art of sailing.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 13, 2022
Suncoast Food and Wine Fest once again the toast of Lakewood Ranch

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch offers another successful food and wine festival.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 12, 2022
St. Mary's Church honors WWII veteran Bill Kelley

Uncle Sam on stilts led the parade, and a ball drop raised money for victims of Hurricane Ian.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Marilyn Blazakis, the president of the St. Barbara Philoptochos Society, shows off the various pastries and foods available at Autumn Fest. (Photos by Liz Ramos)
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • November 12, 2022
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church to host Autumn Fest in Sarasota

The annual festival offers a taste of Greece while benefiting charities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • November 11, 2022
Rotary holds annual Veterans Day event at Temple Beth Israel

Tuskegee Airman George Hardy was the guest of honor.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Congressman Vern Buchanan presents the Congressional Veteran Commendation award to Richard Petrucci. (Photo by Ian Swaby)
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 11, 2022
Former Navy pilot reaches great heights

Lakewood Ranch resident Richard Petrucci continues to serve the military community long after his retirement and was honored with the Congressional Veteran Commendation award.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Howard Millman ad Carolyn Michel's home on St. Armands Key evolved and flourished along with their marriage.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • November 11, 2022
At Home With: Carolyn Michel and Howard Millman

Their home on St. Armands has long served as centerstage for important fundraisers and social gatherings for artists, performers and the town’s social set.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • November 11, 2022
Veterans Day parade marches with pride down Sarasota's Main Street

A grateful crowd honors the service of those in uniform.

  • Sarasota
  • 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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