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Neighbors

Garden Party to support UF/IFAS Extension sensory garden
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 19, 2025
Garden Party to support UF/IFAS Extension sensory garden

A 1960s-themed garden party to support UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County's sensory garden will be held March 29, rain or shine.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This year's Best in Show award for adult artwork submitted for "Embracing Our Differences," went to Amanda Marie of Manchester, Connecticut, for “Through Your Story."
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 17, 2025
Embracing Our Differences cancels Jan. 19 opening day party

The organizers decided to nix the celebration due to forecasts of extreme weather.

  • Arts + Culture
At 9 years old, Ella Ben-Ami is the youngest baker in the crowd. She also volunteered to help set up with her mom Celeste.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 17, 2025
Mega Challah Bake draws hundreds to Lakewood Ranch

Nearly 350 women gathered to knead bread at The Grove.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dr. Dan Deems, right, and Tidewell Foundation President Delesa Morris speak to the benefits of balance training and other longevity practices.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 17, 2025
Expert offers advice on balancing act of aging

The Paradise Center's latest speaker highlights importance of long-term health practices.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Guests dine under a tent in Ken Thompson Park for the Lawn Party during the 2022 event.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 17, 2025
Longboat Lawn Party, delayed until March, now canceled

The Kiwanis event, usually held in December, was delayed because of the hurricanes and is now pushed until its traditional date.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
At Myakka River State Park, imperiled native species like black skimmers find undisturbed habitats and abundant food.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • January 16, 2025
Myakka counts record black skimmers

Clean water and undisturbed natural habitats attract and sustain imperiled native bird species.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Longboat Island Chapel
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 16, 2025
Donation warehouse to reopen Feb. 1

The Lord's Warehouse on Longboat Key plans to reopen its doors for the season Feb. 1.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Braden River High student Dallace Ryan poses with her steer, Sterling, during after-school work at Braden River High School ahead of the Manatee County Fair.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • January 15, 2025
East County students ready to compete for ribbons at Manatee County Fair

Future Farmers of America students put in months of work to show animals to judges.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nolan Middle School student Danni Hammond poses with her cow ahead of the Manatee County Fair.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • January 15, 2025
Don't miss these events at the Manatee County Fair

Key information as the Manatee County Fair begins its 2025 run in Palmetto.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Instructor Terri Noyes talks with Pete Clausen about the basics of scoring in pickleball.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 14, 2025
Pickleball clinic teaches newcomers basics of the growing sport

The Jan. 13 clinic hosted at The Paradise Center on Longboat Key gave people the opportunity to learn from two certified instructors.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Shannon Hunt
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 14, 2025
Wellness lounge, cacao cafe opens in Rosemary District

The space, established by nonprofits Conscious Cause and Streets of Paradise Inc., is intended to foster contributions from the community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Town staffer finds balance with tiring work and passion for weightlifting
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 14, 2025
Town staffer finds balance with tiring work and passion for weightlifting

Matthew Ballew's busy days working for Longboat Key Public Works are paired with a lifestyle of weightlifting and bodybuilding, which has taught him important life lessons.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Weston Schurr, 8, and his brother Parker Schurr, 6, build a snowman.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 13, 2025
Snow comes to First Sarasota

The church's third annual "Snow Day" drew many attendees from outside the church for snowball fights, snow slides and more.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota's Zack and Greta Hamric sit in their 1956 Jaguar XK 140MC Roadster formerly owned by Hollywood star Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 13, 2025
Jaguar Festival d’Elegance brings luxury vehicles to St. Armands Circle

The free-to-the-public event showcased Jaguar sports cars from across Florida.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
While Birdie McClaine plays his accordion, his companion Lady Haha sits and waits to perform tricks.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 13, 2025
An old clown and his clever dog steal the show on St. Armands Circle

The afternoon of Dec. 14 was busy on the circle, but a random street performer with a Ringling Bros. history stood out the most.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
A Goodwill bookstore and donation center will occupy the new outparcel building at 3160 Gulf of Mexico Drive by the end of the year.
  • December 16, 2025
Goodwill to open Dec. 18 on Longboat Key
2
Sixth grader Stella Schechter holds up a finished craft for David Stone.
  • December 16, 2025
Emanu-El students celebrate Hanukkah with Aviva Senior Living residents
3
Bo O'Daniel poses for a photo on Dec. 15 at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School. The senior had three touchdown catches for the Cougars in the Dec. 10 FHSAA Class 2A state championship.
  • December 16, 2025
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Bo O'Daniel
4
Richard Thomas stars in "Mark Twain Tonight!" at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Dec. 19-20.
  • December 16, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Dec. 18-24
5
Kindergartener Santiago Perez checks out the crochet items.
  • December 16, 2025
Holiday House SRQ now serves a fifth school, but holiday shopping costs rise

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