Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 5, 2026

Test your knowledge of native plants

These are some of the plants adapted to Florida's soil conditions and environment.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's
March 5, 2026

For People with Parkinson's, Movement Is Medicine - And Community Is Everything

Neuro Challenge Foundation offers support and therapeutic programs for those navigating Parkinson's Disease.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

Ian Swaby
March 4, 2026

Dog from Satchel's Last Resort in training to search out sea turtle nests

Magpie will be one of only three dogs in the country trained to search out sea turtle nests for conservation purposes, according to Satchel's Last Resort.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 4, 2026

Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2026-27

Readers from across the region submit their photos to the Observer's 2026-27 Weather and Nature Photo Contest.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 1, 2026

Church of the Redeemer volunteers work together to build beds for kids in need

Church members worked together to provide beds, with everything included down to handmade quilts, for children in need.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 28, 2026

Sarasota Festival of the Arts serves up variety for attendees to browse

Held at J.D. Hamel Park, the event showcases work by artists from across the state and country, including Sarasota's community.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
February 28, 2026

Sarasota church makes beds, quilts for Alta Vista children

Church of the Redeemer volunteers work on projects in support of the Title I school.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Observer Advertising Content Staff
February 27, 2026

Sand Bucket List: Your Guide to the Ultimate Summer Under the Sun

Explore a curated collection of experiences, destinations and sights for an unforgettable summer in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Sarasota
News

Sponsored Content

Ian Swaby
February 26, 2026

Marine explorer and conservationist has led a life of daring

Osprey explorer Scott Cassell has done it all, from being attacked by Humboldt squid to breaking world records, but he does it for the ocean.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 26, 2026

How the Sarasota Garden Club discovered Ringling's Secret Garden

The Sarasota Garden Club rediscovered Mable Ringling's pride and joy on the Cà d’Zan campus and now works regularly to maintain it.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 22, 2026

Sarasota Audubon welcomes the public to its nature center with Fly Wild

The community event, held at the Sarasota Audubon Society, raised awareness of the organization's activities, offering free exhibitions, presentations and tours.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By JL Bainbridge
February 19, 2026

Worried Sick About Your Retirement? You’re Not Alone.

Nearly 64% of Americans worry more about running out of money than death.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

Ian Swaby
February 17, 2026

A snow day comes to the Star Lab school in Newtown

The private school for elementary-aged children held a "snow day" along with help from the Sarasota Police Department's Sarasota Learning Center.

Sarasota
Schools

Ian Swaby
February 15, 2026

Thunder by the Bay raises funds for children, teens and adults with special needs

The event brought together offerings like live music, car and bike shows, a biker rodeo, and a charity car and motorcycle dice run in support of its cause.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 14, 2026

Couples renew vows on Siesta Beach on Valentine's Day

The Say "I Do" Again vow renewal ceremony was hosted on Siesta Beach each year by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and officiated by Judge Stephen Walker.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Eric Garwood
February 14, 2026

Sarasota schedules tax-season shredding event in March

Residents can bring four boxes of documents and electronic gear and catch the music of The Garbage Men.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 13, 2026

3 Sarasota couples share what brought and what keeps them together

Every couple has their own journey to finding love. Members of Sarasota's community share what brought them together and sparked romance.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 12, 2026

Aerialist and trapeze artist La Norma celebrates 100th birthday

Visitors gather at Showfolks of Sarasota to celebrate the 100th birthday of Norma Fox, whose career includes performing with Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus and in the film "The Greatest Show on Earth."

Sarasota
Neighbors

By World Class Dentistry
February 12, 2026

Inside a Family Dental Practice Built on Integrative, Whole-Body Care

A baby gurgles in the background as Dr. Jill Morris confirms that her dental practice of 38 years, World Class Dentistry, is truly a family affair. “We live together and we work together,” she says, laughing with her grandchild.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

Observer Staff
February 11, 2026

Sarasota's Thunder by the Bay features music, motors and more

The 28th annual event on Feb. 13-15 benefits Suncoast Charities for Children.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 10, 2026

Sarasota Garden Club hosts Civic Beautification Awards

The awards celebrated the properties deemed by the club as exemplifying the attempt to beautify the community.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
February 10, 2026

Whoooo is the MVP of Save Our Seabirds' owlery?

City Island's bird rescue center called on community members to help decide which of its feathered friends would take the title.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
February 9, 2026

Old Salty Dog welcomes surprise Olympian guest

Pommel horse gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik, who competed for the United States in the Olympic Games in Paris, recently stopped by the City Island spot.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 7, 2026

Sarasota Shell and Marine Life Festival showcases the science and art of seashells

Held at Robarts Arena this year, the event featured a larger space, with more room for artists and collectors to showcase their work.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Eric Snider
February 6, 2026

Annual fishing tournament casts for a cause

Ben Shroyer has turned a parent's nightmare — childhood cancer — into a cause for good, helping families in the same boat as his was a few years ago. The waters off Siesta help fund the work the organization does.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
February 5, 2026

Botanical gardens' potential lured Rominiecki family to Sarasota

Before Marie Selby Botanical Gardens came calling, Jennifer Rominiecki never considered uprooting her family from New York City. A decade later, she says it was all worth it.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 5, 2026

Patriots Pier in Siesta Key receives new flagpoles

A group of residents that stewards the nightly ceremony honoring the U.S. military have replaced the rebar for its flagpoles, ensuring the tradition continues.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Eric Snider
February 5, 2026

From flips to ballet, Ski-A-Rees have done it all on the water since 1957

For nearly 70 years, Sarasota's iconic Ski-A-Rees has blended athleticism, showmanship and community spirit in a tradition that draws hundreds to their beloved Sunday performances.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
February 4, 2026

Chamber launches summertime internship program

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is connecting students with businesses through InternConnect, a paid summer internship.

Sarasota
Business

Dana Kampa
February 4, 2026

St. Armands Circle gets new element of whimsy with Tiny Door installation

Local artist Joan Love, creator of Sarasota's iconic Tiny Doors, added her latest creation to a St. Armands salon.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Emily Leinfuss
February 4, 2026

Siesta Key Chamber’s new leader takes the helm

Homegrown CEO Sarah Firstenberger brings fresh ideas and steady leadership to the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 3, 2026

Sarasota veteran helps Marines, Sailors honor those who fought in Operation Swift

Capt. George Phillips told his story to a group of young Marines and Sailors as they visited the site of the military engagement in the Vietnam War.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 3, 2026

Rotary Club of Sarasota hosts first awards ceremony for first responders

The club honored two individuals from the Sarasota Police Department and one from the Sarasota County Fire Department for their service to the community.