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Neighbors

Lucy Clark and Carlin and Ellie Mackintosh, granddaughters of Longboat Key artist May Lou Johnson, help release the first of 250 butterflies at Freedom Fest. The Fourth of July festivities also included a parade, canine costume contest, rededication of Bicentennial Park and family activities.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 4, 2026
Longboat Key pulls all the stops for special Freedom Fest

The town, after being rained out last year, came back big with its parade, butterfly release and park rededication.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Pops Orchestra of Sarasota and Bradenton performs on the second stage.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 4, 2026
Nathan Benderson Park goes big for Fireworks on the Lake

The lineup included a band, a pops concert, a waterskiing show and an apple pie eating contest.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Emersyn Baker, 3, woke up Thursday morning eager to ride in the bike parade at the Kiddie Academy.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 3, 2026
Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch kicks off Independence Day weekend

Children created hats, decorated bikes and rode in style to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2026
Voices of America: What will America look like in another 250 years?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we explore the future of the U.S.

  • Spirit of America
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 2, 2026
So, you want to be a citizen?

Thousands of people are naturalized as Americans every year. But how?

  • Spirit of America
Kids share their perspectives on the Fourth of July
    By
  • Ian Swaby, Madison Bierl
  • July 2, 2026
Kids share their perspectives on the Fourth of July

Kids say the darndest things — especially when you ask them about Independence Day, U.S. History and what it means to be a good citizen.

  • Spirit of America
Sarasota History Center Manager Josh Goodman is an avid historian who loves checking out maps of the region in the 1700s.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 2, 2026
The land almost no one wanted

Historians say few braved the brutal Sarasota environment when our forefathers were signing the Declaration of Independence.

  • Spirit of America
Volunteers with the Longboat Key Turtle Watch discovered the first hatched nest of the season on Longboat Key while out patrolling in the early morning hours.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 2, 2026
First turtle nest hatches on Longboat

Volunteers spotted the first hatched nest of the turtle nesting season this week.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche presents Officer William "Tripp" Schwenk with his framed badge during his June 26 retirement ceremony.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 2, 2026
Retired Sarasota police officer enjoyed a medal-worthy career

Thirty years after winning gold in the 1996 Summer Olympics, Officer Tripp Schwenk hangs up his badge next to his goggles to mark the end of a 26-year career with the Sarasota Police Department.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Glenridge resident Sylvia Waller's 105th birthday is coming up on July 10.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 2, 2026
Sarasota resident prepares to turn 105

Sylvia Waller, a resident of The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch, approaches her 105th birthday, which she will celebrate with four generations of family members.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 2, 2026
Voices of America: What do you like best about America?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we ask respondents what they like best about America.

  • Spirit of America
Gregg Vesta became the round one winner at the introduction of "singo" on June 29 at The Paradise Center. The game is a musical twist on bingo, prompting players to listen to a song snippet and mark its title on the card. The evening was a fundraiser to support the center's summer programs.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 1, 2026
A musical twist on classic bingo draws praise from Longboaters

The Paradise Center introduced "singo" this summer as part of a summer fundraising drive to support its community programming.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Travis and Martha Barfield took over what had been a small neighborhood fireworks show in Myakka City and turned it into something thousands could enjoy.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 1, 2026
This July 4 celebration pops in Myakka City

Myakka Skyworks' free show will include a 37-minute fireworks spectacular.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Barbara Joseph, Marylee Danahy, Kristin Sciuto, Andrea Burr and Barbara Thornton embrace the motto of fun, friendship and community service through the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 1, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Women's Club provides friendship and community service

The Lakewood Ranch Women's Club hosts a variety of opportunities for local women including luncheons, meetings and special interest groups.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Paradise Pilates owner Julia Yesler, left, and Paulina Peralta, a certified personal trainer and Pilates instructor, demonstrate one of the stretches possible on the studio's new Cadillac reformer. Yesler recently opened the studio at The Centre Shops.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 1, 2026
Returning Longboater opens new Pilates studio

Julia Yesler recently opened Paradise Pilates with the aim of helping people achieve their lifelong health and fitness goals.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
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Latest News

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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