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Neighbors

Five youth sailing teams raced against one another in the first Next Tack regatta on March 21 at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron headquarters. The program is a more advanced offshoot of the partnership between Spectrum Sailing and the Sarasota Youth Sailing Squadron that fosters inclusive, peer-based sailing instruction.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 25, 2026
New inclusive sailing program brings big smiles

Spectrum Sailing held its regatta race day March 21 with the Sarasota Youth Sailing, capping an eight-week program of youngsters teaching youngsters.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Silverwings Choir, a Lakewood Ranch club of 40 members, gather at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall every Saturday and sing in Mandarin.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 25, 2026
Silverwings Choir combines Chinese culture and music

The choir was founded in October and brings together singers of all abilities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch guitarist Chuck Black plays with the Silver Thunder band April 3 at Music on Main.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 25, 2026
A rock 'n' roll dream comes true in Lakewood Ranch

Summerfield guitarist lands his biggest gig at Music on Main 44 years after getting his first guitar.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Glenn and Linda Courtney and their daughter Chelsea Courtney look at seashells.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 24, 2026
Sarasota Farmers Market continues to create community

The downtown market, held every Saturday, features produce, foods, crafts and other products.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Wearing her mother's favorite color, Abby Ferreira, one of Cathy Ann "Cam" Maddox's children, raises a glass in memory of her mother on March 21 at Harry's Continental Kitchens with Brian Maddox. He said his late wife wanted a celebration of life that brought together loved ones and friends to smile, share fond memories and show their support for the Longboat Key Turtle Watch, a conservation program she passionately championed.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 24, 2026
Longboat volunteer supports conservation through celebration of life

Cathy Ann "Cam" Maddox, a passionate supporter of the Longboat Key Turtle Watch, spotlights conservation in her memory.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School fourth graders Leona Killion and Michael Chmielarski created business cards as a dancer and a soccer player for the Project T.E.A.C.H. activity on March 12.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 23, 2026
Project TEACH volunteers work to inspire young minds in Manatee County

Fourth grade classes all over the district were joined by local business people to talk about careers and dreams.

  • East County
  • Schools
Deborah DiCarlo and approximately 150 fellow celebrants raise a glass to toast Longboat Island Chapel's 70th anniversary. Attendees shared memories and cake at the festivities March 22 at Shook Hall.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 23, 2026
Longboat Island Chapel celebrates 70 years

Congregants who have been part of the church for decades and new members alike joined in the celebration of 70 years serving the community.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Tasha Robinson has played the harp for 35 years. On St. Patrick's Day, she performed with two of her instruments at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church before attendees enjoyed an Irish-themed holiday dinner.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 23, 2026
Tunes of the highlands come to Longboat Key

All Angels welcomes harp player Tasha Robinson for St. Patrick's Day celebration.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mike and Julie Paige, and Amber and Lenny Larson, pose by an "SRQ Wine" sign.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 22, 2026
Festival pours wines from around the world, all at Selby Five Points Park

This year, the Sarasota Wine Festival supported Operation Warrior Resolution, which offers holistic health care to veterans and their families at no cost.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota's Tracy Tutton and Tania Cook, sisters from Canada, enjoy drinks while listening to Sweet Fleet at My Hometown Fest on March 21.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 21, 2026
My Hometown Fest event raises funds for kids with speech needs

The fundraiser has been held 11 years and brings the community together through music, food, and beer,

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Kathleen Flesch, Sonia Levy, Jane Imperiale and Peri Ann Aptaker dress for the Palm Royale-themed Divas and Dogs fundraiser that will benefit The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 21, 2026
Divas and Dogs brings together fashion and animal lovers

Divas and Dogs is in its 16th year raising funds for The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mary Schultz shows off the latest Lilly Pulitzer style on the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Women's Guild spring fashion show March 16 at the Sarasota Yacht Club.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • March 20, 2026
Spring fashion comes to life on Women's Guild runway

Members of the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church Women's Guild walked the runway in Lilly Pulitzer's seasonal styles.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Crew's championship-winning Women's U16 Eight boat races past opponents at Nathan Benderson Park in June 2025. The USRowing Youth National Championships are one of the biggest events on the local sports calendar for 2026.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 20, 2026
Watersports events line up at Benderson Park in April

Swimming and rowing championships expected to attract more than 5,000 athletes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 20, 2026
Longboat Key's Cops, Cars & Coffee rescheduled

The event where residents can show off their cars and meet and greet with officers while having a coffee will now be held in April.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Storytelling is one of the events planned at the Enchanted Gardens Family Festival at Historic Spanish Point.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 19, 2026
Selby Gardens sets dates for Enchanted Garden Festival

The event is planned March 28-29 at Historic Spanish Point.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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1
Longboat Key firefighter paramedics used the Hurst Jaws of Life ram to push the dashboard of a Ford Focus away from the passenger seat.
  • April 12, 2026
Fire Department turns Ford Focus into convertible for training
2
County Administrator Charlie Bishop is typically seated at the dais with commissioners during meetings, but he was absent during the discussion about his contract April 7.
  • April 12, 2026
Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop's contract up for renewal
3
Overall female winner Vicky Romocki poses with Shelley.
  • April 11, 2026
Over 1,000 turn out to Siesta Key Beach for Run for the Turtles
4
The Ikea franchise system includes 58 retail locations in the United States. There are 412 Ikea stores worldwide in 32 countries.
  • April 11, 2026
Ikea to open at UTC in Sarasota
5
Amanda Parrish is serving as the EDC's interim CEO, and Elizabeth Cordes is the director of business recruitment and expansion.
  • April 10, 2026
Manatee County Commission changes course on Bradenton EDC

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