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Neighbors

Frank Biondello, Jr. has been overseeing the transformation of The Dock on the Bay's hurricane-damaged marina as the marina manager for the past year.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 25, 2026
Dock on the Bay makes progress on 'long road to recovery'

The small condominium facility has operated on Longboat Key for 46 years, and this year is one of significant transformation at its marina and beyond.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Riders set out on the ride.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 22, 2026
Ride of Silence honors cyclists injured or killed while the community mourns recent losses

The silent procession, held May 20, drew a record turnout of about 130 people for the 7-mile loop through downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Zach Zeller co-owns three restaurants in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 22, 2026
A high-flying spirit has led Lakewood Rancher to adventure, in business and life

Lakewood Ranch restaurant owner Zach Zeller, be it on the ground or in the sky, emphasizes hard work — and helping others.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
From left: Katelyn Diaz serves up smiles at Sip n Brew, the coffee trailer she launched with her parents shortly after graduating from Lakewood Ranch High. Partners Scott Wacha, left, and Brandon Whitman hold their Moo-Jitsu spice blends, a backyard-idea-turned-growing-business rooted in family, flavor and a bit of humor. Jason Huh, founder of STEEL Supplements, showcases Sodi Pop and Omni — two of the company’s expanding beverage lines aimed at a broader audience.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 22, 2026
These entrepreneurial families launched their new ventures right here at home

In Lakewood Ranch, ideas sparked at kitchen tables and backyard gatherings are taking root — and growing into something more.

  • East County
  • Business
A visitor points in wonder inside Mote SEA’s expansive habitat, where sharks, rays and reef life glide through a luminous underwater world.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • May 22, 2026
Summer's hot. Here's a list of activities that don't require SPF.

Lakewood Ranch and its surroundings offer plenty of ways to step inside, cool down and make the most of the season.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The home’s exterior is a carefully balanced geometric composition.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • May 22, 2026
The Florida lifestyle is glorified in a lavish new home in Waterside

A showstopping model home in Waterside marks a milestone: Modern has arrived at The Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Nevriye Yesil, the founder of the Lakewood Ranch Happiness Circle, is glad to share her wisdom with friends and strangers alike, including Lisa Lieberman-Wang.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • May 21, 2026
Happiness Circle helps find light at the end of the tunnel

The newly formed club is led by Nevriye Yesil, who has a Master's degree in happiness studies. It is meant to help members embrace what life has to offer every day.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
A black skimmer incubates its eggs.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 21, 2026
Colony of black skimmers continues to thrive on Lido Key; here's how to respect their space

Averaging around 1,100 adults as of May 15, the colony is nesting on a spot along North Lido Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Zoë Buller began pole vaulting as a sixth grader. One year later, she's a regional and district champion, ultimately placing eighth at the FHSAA Class 1A track and field state championship.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 21, 2026
These Longboat Key family members have spring in their step

ODA pole vaulter Zoe Buller looks to follow in the footsteps of her parents, who were accomplished track and field athletes.

  • East County
  • Sports
Robyn Modly, sponsor of the USS Cleveland, takes in the Navy band’s performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” aside Bruce Hallet, left, commander of the USS Cleveland, and Hung Cao, acting secretary of the Navy.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 20, 2026
Forging a legacy with the Navy's newest ship

With Siesta Key’s Robyn Modly as ship sponsor, the Thomas Modly family officially commissioned the USS Cleveland, the Navy’s new combat ship.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Karen and Gregg Sweeney, Chris and Cathy Goglia, and Debbie McPeak socialize at the Longboat Key Club's farewell lawn party on May 15.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 20, 2026
Longboaters jam with Big Z Band to close out season

The Longboat Key Club held one of its final farewell events of the season with a music-centered lawn party.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
In a room packed with family members — adjacent to another room with several times as many additional friends — longtime Longboat Key resident Harold Goldstein celebrated his 100th birthday on May 11 at Rosemary and Thyme.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 19, 2026
100 years young takes on new meaning for mold-breaker Harold Goldstein

At a lively party with nearly as many guests as his age, the longtime Longboat Key resident celebrated his centennial birthday.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Photographer Rick Waid looks on as curator Anita Pihl affixes a blue ribbon to his piece, "Wild Mare with Foal," at the May 12 reception for a gallery by local photographers up now at Plymouth Harbor.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 18, 2026
Local photographers get exposure at new Plymouth Harbor showcase

From the rolling hills of Washington state to the close-up gaze of a cheetah, images captured by this group of photographers impressed viewers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Author Susan Hanafee speaks to the evolution of the character Leslie Elliott, who goes on a truth-seeking adventure set in Sarasota in the murder mystery "Scavenger Tides." Bird Key Women's Association members read the book before hearing from the author at their May 13 meeting.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 18, 2026
Local murder-mystery author shares insights with Bird Key group

Bird Key Women's Association members heard from Susan Hanafee at their latest meet-up.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Manatee River Youth Sailing Program serves kids ages 6 to 16.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • May 18, 2026
Kids learn lessons on and off the water at Manatee River Youth Sailing Program

The Manatee River Youth Sailing Program is rebuilding — focused on access, community and the future of youth sailing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
« 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 »
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Latest News

1
The USF Sarasota-Manatee campus has steadily grown over the past 20 years on Tamiami Trail.
  • July 21, 2026
USF names new Sarasota-Manatee leader for New College transition
2
Multiple species of starfish have found a home on the "Living Wall" at Longboat Key's Bayfront Park. The innovative project uses 3D-printed concrete slabs modeled after mangrove roots to provide better habitat for aquatic animals.
  • July 21, 2026
Longboat's living seawall recognized for creativity
3
Tania Vergara Dance Theater will stage a free performance of "HuMangrove" on Saturday, July 25, at Selby LIbrary.
  • July 21, 2026
The best things to do this weekend in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat
4
Bob Bowling (left) chews out his son, Matt Bowling (right), while coaching football at Palmetto High. Before Braden River, he worked at Palmetto from 1993-2004.
  • July 21, 2026
Family, friends remember longtime coach, athletic director Bob Bowling
5
Melinda Zarzycki-Harris, founder and executive director of Bring on the Ministry, and Pastor Julia Wharff Piermont of Christ Church of Longboat Key are all smiles with their new ministry partnership.
  • July 21, 2026
Christ Church gets new charitable partner

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