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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
Ken Rushing and Noel Ladd are co-owners of Couch LBK.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 1, 2026
Voices of America: In what era of American history would you have liked to have lived?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we explore our favorite periods of history.

  • Spirit of America
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 30, 2026
Voices of America: Who's your American hero, and why?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we dive into respondents' favorite Americans.

  • Spirit of America
Gary St. Clair, his wife Elizabeth St. Clair, granddaughter Avianna Pereira, 7, daughter Allison Pereira, and granddaughters Adley Pereira, 5, and Amelia Pereira, 6, enjoy Sarasota Key Quest Fest.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 29, 2026
Sarasota Key Quest Fest aims to provide the keys to well-being

The event, held at The Bay's Civic Green Lawns, invited attendees to discover resources in the community in a quest themed around keys representing knowledge.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Carla Paola Ventura, organizer of Sunday's aid drive to support Venezuelan earthquake survivors, and Noemi Ottenwalder, founder of the new Latinas Run Club that hosted the drive, load supplies into the truck after the morning run on Lido Key. Ventura said while the devastation is far-reaching, small contributions made by many people amount to a big difference.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • June 29, 2026
Run club organizes aid drive for Venezuelan earthquake survivors

Local change-makers are hoping many small contributions will make a big difference in response to the devastating earthquakes with an increasing death toll.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The historic Sarasota County Courthouse.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 29, 2026
Sarasota County offers primer program on workings of local government

Registration is open for Sarasota County's 12-week Civics 101 class.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 29, 2026
Voices of America: What's your favorite American invention?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we reflect on what was Made in the U.S.A.

  • Spirit of America
Tanjee Lane, Tyler Marion, Ning Tinsley, Jessica Johnston and Nickie Hartsock of SPARCC were an event finalist.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 28, 2026
Sarasota Business Awards honor innovation, entrepreneurship and the American spirit

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce recognized businesses in the community across 10 categories.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Freya from Low Rider Dachshund rescue soaked up the summer rays at Hamlet's and The Bazaar's annual Hot Dog Day event.
    By
  • Carlin Gillen
  • June 28, 2026
Hot Dog Day brings pups to downtown Sarasota

Hamlet's Eatery and The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime celebrated National Hot Dog Day with food, music and furry friends.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
The Denny's property at 3701 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota has sold.
  • August 9, 2026
'Good stuff' coming to site of Bee Ridge Denny's, developer says
2
Myracle Green, 13, her brother Prince Bell, 3, mother Chavon Williams and brother King Bell, 8, leave the tables with new backpacks.
  • August 8, 2026
Organizations team up to offer kids free backpacks ahead of school year
3
Mia Eylon, right, recently took the helm at the newly renamed St. Armands Jewelers. With input from Diane DelloRusso, manager of Jewelry by Cole, and other experts, the new shop hasn't skipped a beat in serving patrons on Boulevard of the Presidents.
  • August 8, 2026
New jeweler takes the helm on St. Armands Circle
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4
  • August 7, 2026
Bat Boy: The Musical
5
Sandra Johnson, Connie DiMaggio and Linda Theuer put finishing touches on the lunch they and fellow Longboat Island Chapel volunteers provided to Longboat Island Police officers on Thursday. It is Longboat Key Fire Rescue's turn on Wednesday.
  • August 7, 2026
Community lunch recognizes Longboat's first responders

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