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Neighbors

Lauren and Kim Smith, visitors from Pennsylvania, pose for a selfie in front of the tree.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 8, 2024
Downtown Sarasota lights new Christmas tree

The "Light Up The Night" Fresh Fridays event offered live music, a giant snow globe and more, but the focus was the new, larger Christmas tree at Selby Five Points Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Commissioner Kyle Battie, Santa Claus, Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch and the Marketing and Events Director for the St. Armands Circle Association Rachel Burns counted down together to light the St. Armands tree.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 8, 2024
St. Armands Circle hosts annual holiday tree lighting

Santa Claus counted down locals and visitors to light the 60-foot Christmas tree in honor of the end of hurricane season and the start to the holidays.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jerry Downs ran his 5K with a Santa hat on during a brisk Saturday morning at The Haven of Sarasota.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 8, 2024
Local runners show their holiday spirit at the Jingle Jog 5K in Sarasota

The 27th annual event supports The Haven and is presented by the Manasota Track Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Katherine Pike and Rosemarie Tamunday attend the Palm Aire Women's Club luncheon at the Palm Aire Country Club Dec. 5.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • December 6, 2024
Palm Aire club hosts a merry luncheon

Members of the women's club donated toys to Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center and enjoyed a holiday choir performance.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The parade helped usher in the holiday season.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 6, 2024
The best holiday events in Sarasota and Siesta Key

Here are events to help you enjoy a merry holiday season.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lights in Bloom features over two million lights.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 5, 2024
See the displays at this year's Lights in Bloom

The holiday display across Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Downtown Sarasota Campus opens Dec. 6.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Barbara Koetsier browsing the various tree displays at Christmas in the Garden.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 5, 2024
Where to celebrate the holidays on Longboat Key

Longboat Key brings you festive musical performances, homemade goodies and island cheer for the holidays this year.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A decoration hangs in Siesta Key Village.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 5, 2024
Siesta Key enters the holiday season as it recovers from hurricane devastation

Island residents gradually return to normalcy as the last round of businesses in Siesta Key reopens in time for the holidays.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The Circus Ring of Fame at St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 4, 2024
Circus Ring of Fame Awards postponed until 2026

Storm surge damage to the bronze plaques at St. Armands Circle forces cancellation of the 2025 Circus Ring of Fame Awards ceremony.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kandi Kerekes's original logo for Three Island Monkeys.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 4, 2024
Anna Maria Gift Boutique reopens on Longboat Key

Brigette Kubin brings whimsical art and gifts to lighten up Longboaters as they recover after hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Jon Mongeau, Lita and John Brannan are the owners of Le Gardenia Bleu.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 3, 2024
New flower shop opens before hurricanes on Longboat Key

Le Gardenia Bleu aims to bring hope to Longboat Key with its unique trinkets from local artists and accessible flowers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Ursula Abplanalp and Kelly Shrout place a white ornament on the Community tree.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 3, 2024
Longboat Island Chapel kicks off Christmas in the Garden

As the island recovers from the hurricane season, the chapel hopes to provide holiday cheer and strength through its holiday display in December.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sharon Meier, Melanie Dale, Susan Loprete and Debra Sauers welcome back Longboat Key Garden Club at its annual welcome back party.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 3, 2024
Longboat Garden Club releases cookbook to fund environmental recovery

As it welcomes back members, the club plans to focus on the re-beautification of Longboat Key after the impact of hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mary Lou Davidson's dog Lyra is blessed by Prayer Chaplain Jacqueline Fitzgerald.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 2, 2024
Holiday Pet Blessing at Unity of Sarasota celebrates the joy of pets

Moving to December this year, the annual event welcomed pets for blessings by the church's prayer chaplains.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Staff from Michael Saunders & Company gather at their float.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 2, 2024
Siesta Key parade kicks off the holiday season

The annual event, hosted by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, helped support the community and its businesses.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
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