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Neighbors

County Commissioner Mark Smith cuts the ribbon.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 12, 2024
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce cuts ribbon on new office space

The new office, approximately three times larger than the previous space, was praised by attendees as a welcoming environment.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Amanda Closser, the business manager of Steel Ring Academy, yells as she puts all her energy into going after Jason Callis, the owner and founder, with a viking sword and shield.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 12, 2024
Steel Ring Academy proves its point at Braden River Library

The Bradenton company demonstrates sword fighting during a special event at the library.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The interior of the Kreissle Forge
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 11, 2024
Kreissle Forge is a time capsule of a disappearing craft

The historic Kreissle blacksmith's forge, located near the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, provided metalwork for many of the community's landmarks and still has more to offer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
LWRBA volunteers Patrick Larivaud, Cooper Hodgson, Ali Marks, Jenna Nelson, Duette Hart and Annemarie Graff work a shift at Meals on Wheels Plus on Oct. 7, 2022.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 10, 2024
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance gives back year-round

The nonprofit offers a variety of benefits to assist local businesses and nonprofits.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Lakewood Ranch Library offers more than just books, such as puzzles.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 10, 2024
Observer editor spends a day exploring the Lakewood Ranch Library

The new facility offers opportunities for people of all ages to gather and participate in a variety of activities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Owen Peacock, 9 and Ellie Rodgers, 9, make hot dog buns.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 10, 2024
Kids work together to create tasty dishes at Young Chefs Academy

The company focuses on teaching kids the "joy and value" of cooking.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mahjong at The Paradise Center
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 10, 2024
Mahjong at The Paradise Center improves cognitive skills, builds community

Carol Peschel mastered the art of mahjong and now breaks down the challenging game for Longboaters.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
These five books have been named as the finalists for the 2025 One Book, One Community event hosted by the Sarasota County Libraries.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 8, 2024
Finalists announced for annual One Book, One Community selection

Sarasota County residents can join the debate over the Sarasota County Libraries' selections on social media.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Robert Romanski, Alexa Lowrey, Julia Piermont and Chris Westfall
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 7, 2024
Christ Church of Longboat Key honors America through worship music

The Rev. Julia Piermont curated a music program of American hymns for the Sunday service after July 4.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Scott Matthews pulls the lever for the cars to go while JJ Johnson races his potato car.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 7, 2024
Bird Key Yacht Club races potatoes for July 4

A decade-old tradition has club members building and racing potato cars while waiting for the fireworks show on Independence Day.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mike Ziebell and Bobbie Larsen
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 5, 2024
Sarasota residents clean up Siesta Beach after July 4 celebrations

Volunteers picked up firework remnants and other leftovers from the Fourth of July holiday.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Dogs Bisou and Tinkerbell got married at the Longboat Key Chamber's Freedom Fest
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • July 5, 2024
Longboat dogs 'married' at Freedom Fest

The annual Fourth of July event had a litter of firsts this year: new leadership, new children's games and a dog wedding.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The finale of the show arrives.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 5, 2024
Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular sets sky alight

The annual tradition once again brought a dazzling July 4 show to Sarasota's Bayfront Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Merica Ange and Hunter Chrisman are neighbors in Summerfield who are enjoying Fireworks on the Lake.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 4, 2024
Rain can't dampen the fun at Fireworks on the Lake

The pre-July 4 celebration at Nathan Benderson Park drew thousands of spectators.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Mary Beth McLeod
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 4, 2024
Community members bring to life Revolutionary War-era fashion

Sarasota Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution explain what it takes to re-create the costumes of 18th-century patriots.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Latest News

1
Jennifer Rominiecki brought the living museum concept to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens when she was named president and CEO in 2015.
  • February 5, 2026
Botanical gardens' potential lured Rominiecki family to Sarasota
2
Capt. A.J. Grande operates a "six pack" fishing charter business who often picks up and drops off customers at Nora Patterson Park.
  • February 5, 2026
Permits will be required for charter boat operators using county parks
3
The home at 3851 Tangier Terrace was built in 2024 and has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,379 square feet of living area.
  • February 5, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 19-23 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis
4
District 2 Commissioner Penny Gold walks in a parade in 2021.
  • February 5, 2026
Longboat commissioner appointed to National League of Cities committee
5
Sarasota residents Erma and Dave Miller were drawn into the world of bicycle motocross because of their son, Doug Miller, and have spent decades in the sport.
  • February 5, 2026
Sarasota couple stand side by side with BMX

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