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Neighbors

Jeff Toale stands inside the Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center in Lakewood Ranch, where light-filled spaces and a contemporary design reflect a shift toward more personalized, meaningful memorial experiences.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 17, 2026
Jeff Toale looks to deepen and double impact at helm of the LWRCF

Jeff Toale carries forward a family legacy while helping shape a more connected, compassionate Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Brittany Lamont and Nicole Hackel congratulate Jacob Kinsel of the Manatee Community Foundation as he is announced as the winner of the "Next Gen" award at University Park Country Club May 13.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 16, 2026
Young Leaders Alliance presents its top award in Lakewood Ranch

The top "Next Gen" award goes to Jacob Kinsel, who was honored for his commitment to the Manatee Community Foundation and the community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Kayla Taylor
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 15, 2026
Sarasota researcher wins international STEM award

The impact of a Sarasota woman's research has gained attention beyond the United States.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Holiday House SRQ's Megan Micale, executive director, and Sepi Ackerman, co-founder and executive president, say a grant would allow for 350 Title I students to receive school uniforms, shoes and a holiday experience.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 14, 2026
Sisterhood for Good hosts annual Grant Expo in Lakewood Ranch

Of the 129 applicants who applied for grants this year, 23 were represented at the Grant Expo May 11.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Instructor Suzy Brenner leads her "Stretch and Strengthen" class for the first official activity following The Paradise Center reopening on Sept. 29 at Longboat Island Chapel.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 14, 2026
The Paradise Center expands digital classes

New livestreams of movement classes will be available online to members of the community center.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Dan Moriarty, community liaison and board member of the Tree Foundation, and Community Relations Co-Chair Janie Pratt stand on the campus.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 14, 2026
Siesta Key Chapel welcomes community to help in unique forest restoration

A multiorganizational partnership is aiming to bring new life to the church's campus, which was damaged during hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 13, 2026
Monopoly to make special Sarasota County edition

Monopoly: Sarasota County Edition is tipping its top hat to favorite county locations by seeking nominations of established businesses, nonprofits and landmarks.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kananga and Dominic spend time in Kananga's pool.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 13, 2026
Sarasota Jungle Gardens has big hopes for its cohabitating crocodiles

Dominic and Kananga, the resident American crocodiles at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, have the potential to produce offspring, according to staff.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Gary Hagen, owner of Elegant Lady Cheesecake Parlor, recently published his first book, "Romancing Hollywood."
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 13, 2026
Longboat sweets shop owner pens Hollywood-centric book

Gary Hagen, owner of Elegant Lady Cheesecake Parlor, has brought his love for Hollywood from the shop to the written page with his first book.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Carol Erker and Terri and Jeff Driver, board members with the Rotary Club of Longboat Key, gave an overview of the leadership positions they hope to fill next year at the May 5 meeting.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 12, 2026
Longboat Rotary welcomes new board members

The community service organization is welcoming back its president and hopes to involve new board members.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Team members at Longboat Harbour Condominiums and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program are working together to show how residents and researchers can all contribute to building a stronger ecosystem. Coordinators recently put up new signs recognizing the work volunteers are doing to remove invasive plants and add Florida-friendly flora. Pictured are Mary and Rob Dice, Kakali Banerjee and Ken Stewart.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 12, 2026
Sarasota Bay Estuary works with residents on native planting projects

Longboat Harbour Condominiums residents and volunteers celebrated receiving a grant to remove invasive plants on the property.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ed Hill (left) receives the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Professional of the Year Award from Noel Martinez of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 12, 2026
Chamber executive wins top statewide professional award

Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ed Hill was honored with the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Professional of the Year Award.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Bradenton's Trey Johnson finishes his swing during the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament, which raises funds for local nonprofits.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 11, 2026
Lakewood Ranch rallies to support golf tournament fundraiser

Eighty-three golfers entered the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Golf Tournament at Colusa Country Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Michael Garey, owner of the Lazy Lobster restaurant, greets a table full of attendees on their second stop for the first Longboat Key Turtle Crawl fundraiser on May 7. The foodie fundraiser benefits sea turtle research being done this nesting season by Longboat Key Turtle Watch and Mote Marine.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 11, 2026
Debut Turtle Crawl fundraiser sees strong turnout

Centered around a trio of Longboat restaurants, the fundraiser will support sea turtle research heading into a new nesting season.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Bonnie Schneider, a longtime member of St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, bestows a flower crown upon the statue of Mary as this year's honoree for the Mother's Day ceremony.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 10, 2026
May crowning honoree celebrated for generosity

The Mother's Day ceremony at St. Mary church recognized longtime member Bonnie Schneider.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

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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