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Neighbors

Boston's JJ Maguire, 4, Ariel Maguire, 6, and their mom, Kasha Grabowski, wear funky hats while enjoying treats from Jeremiah's Italian Ice at the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 13, 2026
Despite the heat, the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch is still the place to be

In the midst of summer, the market at Waterside Place continues to be packed on Sundays.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Poppy Otte paddles through the water while Mote Education Specialist Morgan Swartz helps.
    By
  • Carlin Gillen
  • July 12, 2026
Campers make a splash with Mote Marine Laboratory

Campers are gaining a hands-on learning experience at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's summer camps at both of the organization's locations.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Alex Walker, 6, and Max Walker, 8, work on paintings at the America250 Celebration at Selby Library.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 11, 2026
America250 Celebration at Selby Library showcases local, national history

The event featured live music, a historical display, a community art project and presentations.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Keith Pandeloglou took over as the president of the board of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation in June.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 10, 2026
New leader set to guide the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation

Keith Pandeloglou became president of the board in June and his hope is to build on the nonprofit's success.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This painting by Frank Hopper can be seen in City Hall.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 10, 2026
Sarasota history on display for semiquincentennial

"Echoes of Sarasota" Cultural Heritage Exhibition is now on display at City Hall and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jing Herman stands amongst prints of her artwork.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 9, 2026
Sarasota artist plans to create series of 50 American flags

Jing Herman, born during China's one-child policy, came to the U.S. at age 10 and says she is now living her American dream as an artist.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Deborah Callahan-Stratton, Joy Stone, Barbara Najmy and Jennifer Alokeh are collecting sneakers for the fifth annual Sneakin Back to School Sneaker Drive to benefit The Twig.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 8, 2026
The Lake Club Women's Giving Circle transitions to a nonprofit

The official name now for the Lakewood Ranch group is The Lake Club Women's Charitable Foundation.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mahjong was the contest of choice for many attendees at the Go for the Cure games day.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 8, 2026
Mahjong tournament coming to Longboat Key

A new two-day mahjong tournament is coming to Longboat Key this July.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Strings Con Brio is slated to perform on July 16 at Temple Beth Israel. The group's repertoire spans the early 18th century to today.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 7, 2026
Classical string group to make Longboat Key performance debut

Temple Beth Israel will host a show by Strings Con Brio that spans three centuries of musical innovation.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Scholarship recipient Julianne Teague celebrates with her mother, Trudy Teague, at The Exchange’s 2026 Grants and Scholarship Awards event.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 7, 2026
Proceeds from The Exchange sales aid 50 groups, students

An overall total of $500,000 was distributed in grants and scholarships.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Harper Fraser, 7, Jack Fraser, 5, and their mom, Melissa Fraser, test out the Royally Cosmic photo booth at the Star-Spangled Spectacular at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 5, 2026
Star-Spangled Spectacular lights up Lakewood Ranch

The Waterside Place event attracted thousands to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sam and Ileana Galati bring some starfish and star-spangled attire.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 5, 2026
All-American Cookout dazzles with bubbles and food

The Fourth of July All-American Cookout brought back Blaise Ryndes of Spheres Bubble Show as attendees enjoyed a patriotic celebration.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Eric Ribeiro and his son, Luke Ribeiro, 17; watch the fireworks from the VIP and sponsors area.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 5, 2026
Siesta Key Fourth of July Fireworks celebrates local and national milestones

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce hosted the fireworks while honoring Craig Merrill, who retired as the event's pyrotechnician after 23 years.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Jonathan Hande, senior avian hospital technician with Save Our Seabirds, demonstrates how NOT to hold a brown pelican when bringing it in for assessment at the bird rescue organization. Anyone handling an injured pelican should keep an ideally gloved finger between the bird's beak to keep the bird restrained without inhibiting its ability to breathe.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 5, 2026
What you need to know for fledgling season

Save Our Seabirds offered tips on how to tell when a bird might need help and when it's best to leave them be, especially during fledgling season.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Frankie Del Rosario of The ProMedia Group, which assisted with the projectors for the display, shows that he's "awesome" at setting off the fireworks.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 4, 2026
Fireworks go virtual in interactive art display at Spirit of '76 block party

The Fresh Fridays event featured the "Light up the Sky" display by LightMural.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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1
Sarasota Military Academy is at 801 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota.
  • August 5, 2026
Sarasota Military Academy's downtown campus listed for sale
2
Country Club East's Mark Allen Baker shows off his newest book, "Willian A. Brady — The Life of a Boxing and Broadway Impresario."
  • August 5, 2026
Classroom assignment can launch a career
3
The $2.6 million tax refund to the School District of Manatee County was voted by the county commissioners on July 28.
  • August 5, 2026
County sends $2.6 million back to Manatee schools
4
The Hermitage Artist Retreat programming includes free sunset concerts on the beach at its Manasota Key campus.
  • August 5, 2026
Arts incubator receives $450,000 in grants
5
Kids arrive by bus at Southside Elementary. School begins Monday in Sarasota County.
  • August 5, 2026
School zones will be active as kids return to school on Monday

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