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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
ThunderBug amps up the crowd just before the first puck drop between the Lightning and Devils at a watch party held on Lakewood Ranch Main Street on Saturday, Jan. 11.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • January 12, 2025
Lakewood Ranch shows its hockey pride at Tampa Bay Lightning Watch Party

People of all ages enjoyed a ball hockey tournament and a Lightning vs. Devils game.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Katherine Ceaser, Lydia Chapdelain and Jessica Armstrong
  • March 22, 2026
Art Center Sarasota brings Beaux Arts Ball back to celebrate centennial
2
Mike and Julie Paige, and Amber and Lenny Larson, pose by an "SRQ Wine" sign.
  • March 22, 2026
Festival pours wines from around the world, all at Selby Five Points Park
3
Sarasota's Tracy Tutton and Tania Cook, sisters from Canada, enjoy drinks while listening to Sweet Fleet at My Hometown Fest on March 21.
  • March 21, 2026
My Hometown Fest event raises funds for kids with speech needs
4
Lakewood Ranch's Kathleen Flesch, Sonia Levy, Jane Imperiale and Peri Ann Aptaker dress for the Palm Royale-themed Divas and Dogs fundraiser that will benefit The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.
  • March 21, 2026
Divas and Dogs brings together fashion and animal lovers
5
Sarasota Crew's championship-winning Women's U16 Eight boat races past opponents at Nathan Benderson Park in June 2025. The USRowing Youth National Championships are one of the biggest events on the local sports calendar for 2026.
  • March 20, 2026
Watersports events line up at Benderson Park in April

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