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Neighbors

Jim Emanuelson is the president of Lakewood Ranch CERT, and John McInally is the responder liaison.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 10, 2026
Lakewood Ranch nonprofit quick to respond in an emergency

CERT members aren't first responders, but they can offer valuable aid before help arrives.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Metal sculptor John Grammer has honed his crafting skills through various stages of his careers in construction and prop work for film. Now, he said he appreciates getting to fine tune the work he presents at shows like last weekend's St. Armands Circle Craft Festival.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • June 10, 2026
From movies to metal sculpture, local crafter does it all

St. Armands' craft fair brought unique offerings to the summer art scene, from flowers for leis to handcrafted metal artwork.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Family and friends helped Out-of-Door Academy graduate Caleb Rodriguez celebrate his academic accomplishments at the May 22 ceremony. Rodriguez will be departing Longboat Key to attend the University of Central Florida to study mechanical engineering.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • June 10, 2026
Life is a roller coaster, and this graduate wants to engineer it

Longboat Key graduate Caleb Rodriguez is making plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Central Florida.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Members of the public curious to learn more about Longboat Key's sea turtle population ask questions of the experts at the first Turtle Walk of the nesting season on June 6 beside the newly staked nest.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • June 9, 2026
Following record year, turtle nesting season off to strong start on Longboat

Nearly 50 people participated in the first educational Turtle Walk of the season with Mote Marine experts.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Amy Snider and Julie Waters bring some ribbon energy to the dance floor.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 8, 2026
Silver Pride draws nearly 1,000 in its celebration of older LGBTQ+ adults

The event, held at Senior Friendship Centers, was focused on those in the LGBTQ+ community ages 50 and up.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Plymouth Harbor residents Dr. Frederick "Fred" Moffat, George "Gus" Nimick and James "Jim" Griffith each cut into their cakes in a unique triple 99th birthday celebration.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • June 8, 2026
Trio of celebrants share a 99th birthday party

Plymouth Harbor held a combined birthday party for three residents, each celebrating their 99th birthdays this summer.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Daniel Bitter, 7, tosses the lasso.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 7, 2026
Campers at Sarasota City YMCA try their hand at throwing a lasso

Local rancher Robbie Martin visited the summer camp to help kids gain an understanding of agricultural careers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cole Ralston and Aether Baskin enjoy the con experience.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 7, 2026
SRQCon brings pop culture fans together at Selby Library

The annual event allowed attendees to connect through cosplay and activities.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Brody Floyd, 6, his mom Sara Floyd, and brothers Jacob Floyd, 9, and Benjamin Floyd, 6, prepare for the run.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 6, 2026
Kids Summer Beach Runs kick off for the year

The beach runs are held every week through July 29.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County's Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund is meant to pay for immediate relief and long-term resilience efforts in the four-county area.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 5, 2026
Patterson Foundation donates $500,000 for storm relief

The Patterson Foundation has donated $500,000 to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund, which meets immediate and longer-term needs following natural disasters.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Isabella Cz, a rising sixth grader at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, and Skylar Flandreau, a rising sixth grader at Martha B. King Middle School, take turns playing the ukulele during the Manatee Arts Education Council smARTen Up Camp.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 4, 2026
Smarten Up Camp gives Manatee County students advanced arts opportunities

Over four days, the Manatee Arts Education Council hosted students who are gifted in the arts.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Silas and Josh Stacy stand amid their collection.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 4, 2026
Father and 7-year-old son get into the business of trading Pokémon cards

Josh Stacy turned part of his used car dealership into a shop for a different asset, Pokémon cards, after his son Silas helped inspire his interest.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Gabrielle Finnegan, chapter president of the Lakewood Ranch High School Future Farmers of America, checks out Lucy the cow with 7-year-old camper Luca Bellantonio.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 3, 2026
Camp churns out important agricultural lessons in Lakewood Ranch

Future Farmers of America members teach campers about animal and plant science and environmental leadership.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Selby Gardens’ Selenicereus cactus blooms for one night only.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 3, 2026
Selby's 'Queen of the Night' blooms tonight only

Guests are invited to see the once-a-year event.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Blair "Chip" Kunka and Jan Kunka of the Bradenton Lions Club didn't previously have a young contact to start a Leo Club. When Tyler LaPlaca reached out, they were all in.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 3, 2026
Teen founds Lakewood Ranch Leo Club to provide community service

When Tyler LaPlaca realized there wasn't a Leo Club to encourage young people to be involved in community service, he took matters into his own hands.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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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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