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Neighbors

Elena Cassella worked in the Manatee County School District for 17 years before taking a job in fundraising with Foundation for Dreams in 2010.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 20, 2025
Camp is a dream come true for individuals with disabilities

With some help from (lots of) friends, an east Manatee County organization aims to grow its unique camp that supports individuals with special needs and their families.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rita Lewis, owner of Linger Lodge, has worked nearly every role in the house. Today, she's the heart and soul of the operation.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 20, 2025
Linger Lodge serves up a heaping portion of Old Florida

Rita Lewis shares the magic behind one of Florida's most storied and beloved riverfront restaurants.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
A gopher tortoise emerges from the grasses of Heritage Ranch Preserve. More than 350 animal species rely on abandoned burrows like this one for shelter, nesting and survival.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • August 20, 2025
These conservationists of a threatened species may just surprise you

The Heritage Ranch Gopher Tortoise Preserve offers a long-term refuge for slow movers with a big ecological role.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ana Salmon receives a demonstration from Elyse Falzone, an intuitive energy healer and spiritual mentor.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 19, 2025
Bee Ridge Florist welcomes community inside for Feel Good Fair

The family-owned flower shop, which recently changed ownership to sisters Alex Wise-Brewer and Devyn Wise, hosted the Feel Good Fair.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sara Stone has worked at the Market Street Lakewood Ranch Publix for 18 years.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 19, 2025
This Publix bakery staple has been creating confectionary delights for 20 years

Sara Stone is nearing her 20-year anniversary of doing some edible, yet mostly behind the scenes, work: creating and baking some of Lakewood Ranch's tastiest cakes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Three Island Monkeys owner Brigette Kubin greets visitors at the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce's "Networking at Noon" event on Aug. 15. The boutique co-hosted the event with the neighboring restaurant Lo' Key Island Grille.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 19, 2025
Longboat community connects at networking doubleheader

Three Island Monkeys and Lo' Key Island Grille combined their efforts to co-host the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce's latest networking event.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jose Angel Figueroa Jr. makes music in the circle.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 18, 2025
Attendees live their best life in the Siesta Key Drum Circle

The event, held since about 1996, takes place every Sunday in Siesta Key, rain or shine.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Corey Vandenhoe snorkeling during the Great Scallop Search
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 18, 2025
Help scientists while enjoying a day on Sarasota Bay

Sarasota Bay Watch is hosting its annual citizen science-led survey of scallops in Sarasota Bay.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
St. Lucie County's Sara Rosenzweig and Volusia County's Copper Reynolds share a moment of excitement as they complete their 100 meter race at the Special Olympics Florida 2025 State Stand Up Paddle Competititon on Aug. 16.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 17, 2025
Special Olympics athletes stand up to the challenge at Sarasota paddling event

The Stand Up Paddle event drew 155 athletes to Nathan Benderson Park.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Klassika Ensemble is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. on Aug. 19 at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church as part of the free Midsummer Concert Series. Members include Chris Romeo, Stephanie McCranie, Jolanda Nel and Derek Roura.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 16, 2025
Catch free summer concert nights on St. Armands Key

The four-part, free concert series aims to promote activity on St. Armands Circle while offering enlightening tunes for the public.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Punta Gorda's Zarita Dixon sings with the Suncoast Swing Band.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • August 15, 2025
Waterside Place sways to the Suncoast Swing Band

The band performed hits from Glenn Miller to Kool & the Gang.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jack and Rose, the pair of Aldabra tortoises at The St. Regis Longboat Key, celebrate their first anniversary at the resort on Aug. 14 in the enclosure near the Under the Sea Lagoon.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 15, 2025
Beloved tortoise pair at The St. Regis celebrates one year

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort rang in the first anniversary of Rose and Jack, the pair of Aldabra tortoises, moving to the resort on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Erin Hogan Jones, her daughter Madeline Jones and their 5-year-old pup Arlee joined the second meeting of a brand new running club started at Sips coffee shop. The group meets at 7 a.m. Saturdays.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 13, 2025
New running club launches on Longboat Key's north end

Community members of all activity levels are invited to get moving Saturday mornings with the new running club at Sips coffee shop.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Paola Ramirez, Jairo Badilla and Anderson Pelaez
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 12, 2025
Sarasota's CreArte Latino celebrates its birthday with fundraiser

The nonprofit held a fundraiser celebration for its eighth birthday and first birthday in its new space, inviting the local community to join.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Amy Blair, the manager at the Old Salty Dog on City Island, said visitors often enjoy seeing dolphins, sharks, seabirds and other wildlife from the waterfront seating.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 12, 2025
Old Salty Dog celebrates post-recovery recognition

Not long after reopening from a five-month closure caused by hurricane damage, the longstanding Sarasota bar is celebrating a new national commendation.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
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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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