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Neighbors

Lucille Messina said her husband, Karl, has always been her rock. Here they celebrate a birthday with Jacklyn.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 5, 2022
Lakewood Ranch author tells of painful but loving journey with disabled daughter

Lucille Messina says that every day is special to hear "Momma."

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Michael Crosby spoke about the impact Clark had on him.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 4, 2022
Eugenie "Shark Lady" Clark, Mote founder, honored with stamp

The trailblazing marine scientist was honored with a postage stamp ceremony on what would've been her 100th birthday.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • May 4, 2022
2022 Giving Challenge raises $16 million for nonprofits

Community Foundation staff and supporters met for a celebratory part on April 27.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Central Park's Skyler Vargas will graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University at 18 years old after finishing high school at 16 years old.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 4, 2022
Lakewood Ranch student graduates college at 18

Central Park's Skyler Vargas is way ahead of the curve as she graduates college at 18.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lisa Baskfield and Julia Yesler
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 4, 2022
Longboat Key full-timers look forward to slower season

Although season gets longer every year, full-time residents look forward to less traffic and a lighter calendar.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Board chair Kathie Roberts, Marc and Ruthellen Rubin and chamber of commerce ambassador Kellie Spring hold the ribbon while interim CEO Nelle Miller prepares to cut it.
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • May 2, 2022
Jewish Family and Children's Services celebrates opening Longboat Key facility

The chamber of commerce hosted a ribbon cutting and representatives from JFCS spoke about the work on the island.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Harry Sayer
  • May 2, 2022
Devereaux-Kaiser Collector Car Show benefits Sarasota firefighters

The annual car show was held May 1.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Second grader Abel Hilliard and his mother, Megan Hilliard, try to score as many balls in the net as possible during a game of hockey. "Maybe I should try out for the (Tampa Bay) Lightning," Megan Hilliard says.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2022
East Bradenton mothers and sons compete for gold at Freedom Elementary School Olympics

The Freedom Elementary School PTO hosts mother-and-son Olympics with eight events.

  • East County
  • Schools
First graders Kingston Miller, Reghen Miller and Tomas Norwood strike a superhero pose.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • April 29, 2022
Superheroes take over Braden River Elementary in Lakewood Ranch

Students, teachers and parents dress as superheroes, and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention team visits for Superhero Day.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Nat Kaemmerer
  • April 29, 2022
Longboat Key Garden Club hosts Arbor Day picnic

The club took the time to honor their scholarship and grant recipients from the past year.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Patti Smith sang and read from her poetry and shared remembrances of Robert Mapplethorpe during her February appearance. (Photo: Spencer Fordin)
    By
  • Spencer Fordin
  • April 29, 2022
Selby Gardens tabs Patti Smith as Artist in Residence

Patti Smith was moved by the Selby Gardens exhibit featuring her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe — so much so that she'll come back again and again.

  • Arts + Culture
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 28, 2022
East County weather page photo: April 28

Darlene Edelman took this photo while kayaking on the Braden River.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 28, 2022
Sarasota weather page photo: April 28

MaryAnn Parks captured this dragonfly taking a rest in Myakka River State Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 28, 2022
Longboat Key weather page photo: April 28

Gary Wise took this photo of the surf on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Carroll the bear will be doing a paw painting demonstration during the Teddy Bear Tea Party May 7 at Bearadise Ranch in Myakka City.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 28, 2022
It's tea time with mama bear at Myakka ranch

Conservation habitat facility Bearadise Ranch in Myakka City is hosting education and demonstration events with its bears.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Andrew Carrillo poses for a photo on Dec. 16 at Out-of-Door Academy. He's been the go-to guy on attack for the Thunder throughout their 2025-26 season.
  • December 22, 2025
East County Athlete of the Week: Andrew Carrillo
2
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
  • December 21, 2025
Letters to Santa carry Christmas wishes and love
3
Sue Wertman has rung the bell outside the Publix on Longboat Key on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key since 2013.
  • December 21, 2025
Longest-serving Longboat bellringer attributes motivation to family
4
Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute.
  • December 21, 2025
SMH participates in global bladder cancer treatment clinical trial
5
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids

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