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Neighbors

Kay Thayer receives recognition for her 25 years of service organizing the annual Observer Challenge tennis tournament.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 20, 2025
Observer Challenge coordinator credited for invaluable 25 years

Tennis Center Manager Kay Thayer has coordinated the annual Observer Challenge tennis tournament annually since it began 25 years ago, and she recently received her flowers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Guest speaker Walter Gilbert extolls the perseverance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Friday Shabbat service at Temple Beth Israel.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 20, 2025
Shabbat service recognizes optimism of Martin Luther King Jr.

Walter Gilbert offered his interpretation of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "How Long? Not Long" speech at a Friday Shabbat service.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Claw was one of the most popular rides at the Manatee County Fair Saturday.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • January 19, 2025
Manatee County Fair begins with nonstop entertainment

The fair continues its run in Palmetto through Jan. 26.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Chamber chair Joe Hembree, Observer Media Group president and CEO Matt Walsh and Sarasota Chamber president Heather Kasten.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 19, 2025
Sarasota Chamber honors Observer CEO, hosts Florida Chamber president

The New Year's Kickoff Brunch presented Observer Media Group CEO and founder Matt Walsh with the Spirit of Sarasota Award and featured Florida Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Mark Wilson.

  • Sarasota
  • 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
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Latest News

1
Herb Methodology co-owner Tryla Brown Larson celebrates the launch of her line of locally made products at Longboat Key's Design 2000 Salon on Jan. 29.
  • February 4, 2026
Herb Methodology launches at Design 2000
2
Davin Davidson reeled in 20 offers from NCAA Division I FBS programs from Jan. 20 through 31.
  • February 4, 2026
Cardinal Mooney quarterback's recruitment takes off
3
Golf pro Stephen Arnold succeeded in his goal of playing 100 holes of golf in a single day to benefit families involved with First 1,000 Days Suncoast.
  • February 4, 2026
Golfing feat makes a difference for area families
4
The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club Butterfly Symposium will take place at 9 a.m. on Feb. 7 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
  • February 4, 2026
Butterfly symposium lands at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall
5
Chamber launches summertime internship program
  • February 4, 2026
Chamber launches summertime internship program

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