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Neighbors

Trey Bowlin, Zach Schield, Tyler Brunton and Jamison Urch hoist the 25th Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off trophy high as they take home first place for the Longboat Fire Rescue team.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 21, 2025
Longboat Fire smokes competition in chili cook-off

At the 25th annual Morton's Chili Cook-Off with other local first responders, Longboat Fire Rescue took home the top prize.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Joe Rendace and Amber Nelson are eager to read and critique each other's work through the Novel and Screenplay Critique Group in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • October 21, 2025
Lakewood Ranch writers come together to critique one another's work

The Novel and Screenplay Critique Group is led by Joe Rendace, who says feedback is important to create successful stories.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Choir member Nick Masiello brings congregants to tears with his rendition of "Bring Him Home" from "Les Misérables" at a special Shabbat service on Oct. 17, recognizing hostages of the Gaza-Israel conflict.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 20, 2025
Longboat temple lights candles for war hostages

Members of Temple Beth Israel offered a musical tribute to the survivors and victims of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Tara Piedra, and Ariel Betancourt and Michael Matheis of Station 9, prepare chili.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 20, 2025
Firefighters turn up the heat at chili cook-off

The 25th annual Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off brought together various fire departments for chili-making competition and camaraderie.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch Prep Band Director Jay Belmont has not only given the new Big Band a place to play, but he has joined the band as well.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 20, 2025
Those who want to join the Lakewood Ranch Big Band need to sound off

Polo Run's Chuck Huffine is seeking interested musicians.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Leisa Wilhelm leads her boyfriend Austin Bronkhorst across the park.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 20, 2025
Families enjoy a fun Sarasota evening at Boo! at The Bay

The park became a festive Halloween scene with a spooky trail, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting and other activities.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Noah Roman, 5, his mother Kiersten Perez, Salem Friday, 4, her mother Tabitha Lenz, and brother Teddy Friday, 2, came dressed for the season.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 20, 2025
Sarasota community enjoys the beat at Rocktoberfest

The event featured live music, Oktoberfest cuisine, crafts and other offerings.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Patron Disha Webb tries on a ring crafted by artist Julia Bernadsky at last weekend's fine art festival on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 20, 2025
Fine art festival showcases unique media

From resin-coated metalwork to wearable art clothing, the artists at this weekend's art festival on St. Armands Circle offered interesting finds for connoisseurs.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mike McCullough at the Christ Church hurricane relief food drive.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 20, 2025
Christ Church to host welcome-back food drive

The church invites community members to help make its annual food drive for Our Daily Bread of Bradenton a success.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Asolo Rep on Tour performs an adaptation of Alice in Wonderland at Waterside Place Oct. 17.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 18, 2025
Asolo Rep turns Waterside Place into a Wonderland

An adaptation of "Alice in Wonderland" was the latest offering from Lakewood Ranch's Sights and Sounds series.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Englewood firefighters Mason Adkins and James Farley prepare cups of chili in 2024.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 17, 2025
Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off still going strong in 25th year

The event features over a dozen fire stations from Sarasota and beyond, competing for the awards for best chili and best booth.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Shih tzu father and son Mushu and Emmett dressed as the scarecrow and tin man from the "Wizard of Oz" with Sarasota's Teagan Nickols as Dorothy.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • October 16, 2025
It's happy Howl-o-ween at The Green at UTC in Sarasota

This month's Barks and Brews, which benefits Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center, had dogs of all shapes and sizes in different costumes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Former Lakewood Ranch barbershop owner Barry Rainwater has launched his career as an author with "2025: Gardens and Creeks."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 16, 2025
Former Lakewood Ranch barbershop owner writes a new life chapter

Barry Rainwater's science fiction thriller "2525: Gardens and Creeks" is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Lois Saupe of the Humane Society of Sarasota County, who handled Sirius, meets Avery Peterson, 7.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 16, 2025
Kids enjoy therapy dogs at Gulf Gate Library

Captured moments of talk and "aww" as Sarasota children read aloud to some furry pals on a weekly basis.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Matthew Hardee, 11, changes a tire.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 16, 2025
Scout troops learn automotive skills with Suncoast Technical College

Local Scouting America groups are in a partnership with the Sarasota college to teach the youth skills in technical trades.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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1
St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry has been recommended by Howard Tipton to replace him as town manager as Tipton prepares to retire.
  • June 19, 2026
New town manager recommended for Longboat Key
2
Attendees were impressed by the fireworks across Sarasota Bay.
  • June 19, 2026
Fourth of July 2026 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch
3
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
  • June 18, 2026
Woman charged in three high-profile Sarasota burglaries
4
Tony Barrett speaks at a candidate forum in April at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
  • June 18, 2026
Manatee County Commission candidate charged with domestic battery
5
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
  • June 18, 2026
Driver dies of injuries in blowout-triggered crash in Sarasota

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