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Neighbors

Lakewood Ranch resident Arelis Calkins sees life as a beautiful thing despite traumatic experiences in her life. She shares stories and advice in her book "Rising Above Adversity: Healing and Nurturing your Inner Child."
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 6, 2025
Lakewood Ranch author writes about blazing path through childhood trauma

"Rising Above Adversity: Healing and Nurturing your Inner Child” documents Arelis Calkins' personal struggles and how she overcame them.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Coco Claypoole, who recently founded the Florida branch of the youth environmental group Bubbles of Hope, prepares for a Sunday morning dive in Venice.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 6, 2025
Teen diver takes initiative cleaning up local waters

Inspired by her watery surroundings on Longboat Key, 15-year-old Coco Claypoole recently started her own scuba-certified youth cleanup crew in Florida.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Workers with Kearns Construction Company, who have been leading the charge installing the new "living wall" at Bayfront Park on Longboat Key, said plenty of parkgoers have been curiously inquiring about the project.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 6, 2025
Living wall comes to life on Longboat Key

A project to improve water quality at Longboat Key's Bayfront Park is only a few weeks from completion and already starting to meet its goal.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Chef Fred Lugano dishes up pulled pork at Christ Church of Longboat Key's Aug. 3 fundraiser to support those recovering from severe flooding in Texas.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 5, 2025
Texas flood survivors gain support from Longboat Key church

Congregation members raised more than $21,000 to support the recovering community, inspired by familial connections.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bradenton residents Sandjina Alexis, 5 and Berline Valcius were thrilled to receive backpacks.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 5, 2025
Stillpoint Mission distributes 810 backpacks for students in need

Each backpack includes school supplies and a $35 gift card to use at Bealls.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota resident Dana Crispin and her 4-year-old son Zayden are eager to pose with Dora from "Dora the Explorer" and Valerie Frizzle from "The Magic School Bus."
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 3, 2025
Back to School Bash at The Mall at UTC in Sarasota builds excitement

A scavenger hunt for school supplies, dance performances, face painting and more made for an eventful day at the mall.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Marina Prybylski, 7, and her brother Tristan Prybylski, 5, prepare to head onto the course.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 3, 2025
Bike Rodeo event highlights bike safety as school year approaches

The event, held at the Sarasota City YMCA, donated 32 bikes and some 40 helmets.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Brandy Britton is a member of the Bradenton Woman's Club. She was recruited at a Music on Main event last year.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 2, 2025
Music on Main is a place to connect in Lakewood Ranch

The monthly event features music, vendors and information about clubs and activities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Heather Kasten is President and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 1, 2025
Sarasota chamber leader wins global recognition

Heather Kasten, president and CEO of Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, has earned the highest certification of the chamber profession.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Parishioner's gift keeps Church of the Redeemer's music program going
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 1, 2025
Parishioner's gift keeps Church of the Redeemer's music program going

The Sarasota church is known for its commitment to music.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Christ Church of Longboat Key is set to host a fundraiser lunch on Aug. 3 at 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 31, 2025
Christ Church of Longboat Key to host flooding fundraiser

Christ Church of Longboat Key is assisting Texas flood survivors with a community buffet fundraiser.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Irene Hryniewicki plays Taps every night on her balcony.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 31, 2025
Siesta Key resident turns 100 as she carries on decadeslong tradition

Irene Hryniewicki carries on the tradition of playing Taps on the balcony of her residence at Casa Blanca Vacation Rentals, which she started with her late husband, Buster.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Robbin Haynes and Tara Maffei of Family Promise of Sarasota-Manatee
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 30, 2025
Legal Aid of Manasota aims to equip the community at hurricane expo

The event in Newtown offered information on how to prepare for a storm and brought together local vendors offering services.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Yacht Club Executive Chef Bruce Bailey adds the finishing touches to his signature steak dish.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 30, 2025
Leaders at Sarasota Yacht Club share insight into 100 years of success

Get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating a menu at this club that has served the community for 100 years.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Curtis Marxen drives a disc down Hole 3 at Bob Gardner Community Park July 21.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 30, 2025
Lakewood Ranch nonprofit promotes disc golf

The East Manatee Disc Golf Club plays Monday nights at Bob Gardner Community Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Britnie Sutika, CEO Kristie Skoglund, Kimberly Treharne, Paola Pinillos and Kate Reed
  • December 7, 2025
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Students from Sarasota High School's marching band walk in the parade.
  • December 7, 2025
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Debi and Mike O'Leary take a look at the tree.
  • December 6, 2025
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Devin Mignery (center) prepares to take the snap during the FHSAA Class 2A state semifinal between Cardinal Mooney and Cocoa. The senior quarterback was inserted for junior Davin Davidson and helped usher the Cougars into the state championship.
  • December 6, 2025
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Florida Studio Theatre receives anonymous $1 million gift

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