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Neighbors

An infrared image transforms the familiar boardwalk at Myakka River State Park into an otherworldly landscape, underscoring the parks mysterious beauty and eerie folklore.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 20, 2026
The swamp has always been a spooky place. Explore the lore behind the reputation.

Our intrepid reporter explores the legends, lore and little-known wonders of Myakka River State Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jazzercise includes lot of movement. At left is the author, Mark Gordon.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 20, 2026
Jazzercise: Hit music, fun classes and a serious sweat. But first forget what you think you know.

Forget the legwarmers and the leotards. Today’s Jazzercise, at least in the high-energy, community-focused studio in Lakewood Ranch, is all about smiling and sweating.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The ornate mantel is a nod to the home’s original character while adding a distinctive focal point to its refreshed design.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • August 20, 2026
A classic home in the Ranch gets a new look to rival its setting

A Country Club classic gets an update up while preserving the views, character and easy Florida lifestyle that made it a standout home.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Longboat Key resident Leighton Allenby starts off his morning with a set of pushups on Whitney Beach. By piling on the pushups, always with the goal of reaching 1,000 in a day, he hopes to inspire others while investing in his health.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 19, 2026
Pushup pro aims to inspire lifelong fitness via 'Leighton's Longboat Legends'

By sharing his journey of working to do 1,000 pushups every day, Longboat Key resident Leighton Allenby hopes to motivate others.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Amber Nelson created the story of "Amberica" based on her real life experience of growing up in a Muslim household and losing her mother.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 19, 2026
Screenwriter uses real-life events, trauma to create 'self-deprecating comedic piece'

Lakewood Ranch's Amber Nelson co-wrote the fictional screenplay "Amberica" with pieces of her own life. It brought her an opportunity to get it produced as a table read in Los Angeles.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sue Davidson of the Sarasota Sailing Squadron crews with friend John Twomey aboard the 'Shillelagh,' securing several wins at Cork Week 2026.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 19, 2026
Local sailing squadron members sail to victory at Irish regatta

Sarasota Sailing Squadron members Sue Davidson and Clay Smith sailed in a race at the world's oldest yacht club, securing a win aboard the Shillelagh vessel.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Pavina family visits Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii. From left to right: Sydney, Isabella, Jordan and Steven, who is holding Giulietta.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 19, 2026
Make-A-Wish's mission is 'nice and necessary'

Multiple studies show that children who are granted wishes have better health outcomes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Courtrooms come with ample anxiety. These friendly pooches help ease the pain.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • August 19, 2026
Courtrooms come with ample anxiety. These friendly pooches help ease the pain.

Specially trained therapy dogs help ease anxiety and bring moments of comfort to the courtrooms in the 12th Judicial Circuit.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lee and Maudy Paden show off their "I Voted" stickers after coming out of Beneva Christian Church after early morning voting.
    By
  • Carlin Gillen
  • August 18, 2026
Primary elections brought the heat and the votes

Voters showed up to cast their ballots on Tuesday while campaigners continued to show their dedication no matter the temperature.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Annis joined Barancik Foundation in 2017 as senior vice president of collaboration and impact.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 18, 2026
Annis named CEO of Barancik Foundation

Longtime community leader John Annis served on an interim basis with the Sarasota nonprofit since March.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Joan Brown, recently named 'Caregiver of the Year' in a competition among healthcare professionals across four states, makes her morning rounds at Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 18, 2026
What does it take for Plymouth Harbor's 'Caregiver of the Year' to go above and beyond?

Joan Brown, who has worked with Plymouth Harbor for almost 37 years, won Caregiver of the Year from a four-state pool of candidates.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
As Lakewood Ranch High’s football coach, Scott Paravicini aims to develop his players on and off the field.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • August 17, 2026
Cancer diagnosis strengthened LRHS coach's determination to win on and off field

Scott Paravicini, with a well-earned reputation as a high-character, high-integrity leader, entered his 30s with a high-profile job and two young kids. Then came cancer. The diagnosis dented his body — not his resolve.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch 18-year-old Elena Skretas and Bradenton 13-year-old Audrey Behring perform in the 21st Century Indie Rock Concert put on by School of Rock Lakewood Ranch at Joyland.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 16, 2026
Lakewood Ranch music school rocks when it comes to building confidence

At the 21st Century Indie Rock Concert by School of Rock, 65 musicians between 8 and 72 performed at Joyland.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
It's all hands on deck for the upcoming two-day Great Scallop Search, which takes place Aug. 22 and 23 this year.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 16, 2026
New two-day Great Scallop Search needs extra citizen scientists

Organizers with Sarasota Bay Watch are seeking boat captains and helpers to count bivalves at this interactive survey of bay scallops.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Alice Barr’s sensory room led to her receiving a Girl Scout Gold Award — the organization’s highest honor.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • August 16, 2026
High schooler helps fellow students cope with a common ailment

Lakewood Ranch Prep student Alice Barr addresses a need for her peers — and perhaps finds her calling in the process.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 »
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Latest News

1
Junior running back Antonio Jackson (center) of Braden River finds a gap in Lakewood Ranch's defense. The Pirates won this year's rivalry game.
  • September 5, 2026
High school football results from Week 3
2
Sarasota Chief Transportation Planner Corinne Arriaga makes opening remarks at the May 21 Main Street complete street public meeting.
  • September 5, 2026
Sarasota transportation planner elected to trade association leadership role
3
The intersection of Broadway Street and Gulf of Mexico Drive can get busy with traffic coming from multiple directions. A roundabout is planned at that location, but was pushed back at least a year.
  • September 5, 2026
Broadway roundabout delayed despite finalized design
4
The property at 1475 John Ringling Parkway features more than 140 feet of waterfront.
  • September 5, 2026
Waterfront home on John Ringling Parkway listed for nearly $8M
5
The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and town of Longboat Key joined forces to organize the first Let’s Talk Longboat business roundtable June 17 at Christ Church of Longboat Key.
  • September 4, 2026
Registration open for local business forum

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