Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 16, 2026

After 45 years, liver transplant recipient is still grateful for a second chance

Ron Cornella is among the longest-living transplant recipients in the United States, receiving his transplant at the age of 26 in 1980.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 16, 2026

Sheriff's Office leads off Sarasota Torch Run for Special Olympics

The city's police department will do its own run on April 24.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 16, 2026

Friendship Force creates connections between people around the world

The club, part of an organization established in 1977, is focused on cultural exchange through home stays.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 15, 2026

Sarasota Police Department opens up to the community at Spring Fest

The event allowed participants to enjoy demonstrations from the department, with some cuddly animals and activities as well.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
April 13, 2026

Seasoned sailors take advantage of smooth seas at Sarasota Bay Cup Regatta

Teams raced under sunny skies and light winds as they vied for the top spot in Bird Key Yacht Club's 2026 sailing competition.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
April 13, 2026

Sarasota chamber group closes out season at St. Armands church

Musicians with the Sarasota Bay Chamber Orchestra serenaded residents of St. Armands Key with a special selection of string-based classics.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 11, 2026

Over 1,000 turn out to Siesta Key Beach for Run for the Turtles

Held by Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, the 40th annual event raises funds for its Sea Turtle Conservation and Research program.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 5, 2026

Good Friday at the Sarasota Fairgrounds draws thousands

The event featured about 50,000 Easter eggs, some of them falling from the sky through a helicopter drop, and other activities.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 4, 2026

Easter Bunny brings seasonal cheer to Siesta Key Village

Easter on Siesta invited the community to come meet the Easter Bunny, amid gifts and giveaways from local businesses.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 3, 2026

Stations of the Cross draws 1,000 in worship down Main Street

The walk, a Good Friday tradition, features 14 stations, each representing a part of the story of Jesus’ crucifixion.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 2, 2026

Passover holds powerful reminder for congregants at Temple Emanu-El

Family and freedom were some of the meanings that attendees described at the temple's Passover Seder meal, which drew about 310 people.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 2, 2026

The key to happiness? Rock climber-turned-horse trainer says it's all about flow

After years of competition and traveling the world chasing his dreams, Nate Gold has found the most contentment at his Sarasota home with his family.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Mark Gordon
April 2, 2026

Hall of fame coach Urban Meyer gets back to work in his new community

College football coaching star Urban Meyer has traded the gridiron for the Gulf. His waterfront life is busy, yet with lots of time for boating, fishing and even golf with some powerful people.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Su Byron
April 2, 2026

These one-of-a-kind dishes are signatures of the keys

The plates locals return for, visitors remember and kitchens have perfected for decades.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Eric Snider
April 2, 2026

After 50 years of change, the best things stay the same at this stalwart shop

A Siesta Key fixture for five decades, CB’s Saltwater Outfitters continues to thrive under the steady leadership of Aledia and Mason Tush.

Sarasota
Business

By Robert Plunket
April 2, 2026

Lido Shores home pairs a modern aesthetic with splashes of personality

A Swiss architect's striking Lido Shores home blends clean lines, dramatic space and a deep connection to the tropical landscape.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 1, 2026

Teams prepare for April 11 Walk to Defeat ALS

Last year, the annual walk raised $92,318 in support of resources and research for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 1, 2026

Culverhouses prime Season of Sharing with $100,000 donation

Hugh and Eliza Culverhouse have donated $100,000 to the annual Season of Giving fund to directly aid households in need.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Eric Snider
March 31, 2026

Siesta Key resident helps others embrace their inner beach babe

Judy Johnson has the perfect antidote to a busy day: Putting her feet in the water. "I see sharks and dolphins on a regular basis. And a million sunsets."

Siesta Key
Neighbors

By Gulf Coast Community Foundation
March 30, 2026

Navigating Philanthropy with Clarity & Confidence

You don’t need to be an expert to explore these options; your trusted advisor or Gulf Coast Community Foundation can help guide you through what makes the most sense for your situation.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

Ian Swaby
March 30, 2026

The Landings neighborhood showcases its natural landscapes

Nature Day by the Bay allowed the public to explore the neighborhood's trails, which run through its 78 acres of mangroves.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 29, 2026

6th annual Get Your Mutt Movin' helps get support moving for rescue animals

The annual event, a fundraiser for Satchel's Last Resort, raised about $45,000, according to the rescue.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 28, 2026

Kids make a splash for Easter egg hunt at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex

The Aqua Egg Hunt provided a refreshing twist on a typical Easter egg hunt.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Emily Leinfuss
March 28, 2026

St. Boniface's new leader starts on a high note

Organist and educator Steven Ball takes the helm of one of Southwest Florida’s most respected church music programs.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Marty Fugate
March 27, 2026

An architectural landmark receives recognition

The World Monuments Fund honored Anne and Bob Essner with its inaugural Stewardship Award for Modernist Homes, recognizing a restoration that helped preserve a Sarasota icon.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
March 26, 2026

David Lough seeks to matter in local government involvement

Long-time DSCA president and Rosemary District advocate David Lough is a regular fixture at city hall and the commission chambers, and he brings the receipts to back his positions.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 26, 2026

Local artist makes larger-than-life versions of nostalgic objects

After a career in construction, Joel Benham, known as "GWAK," decided to make a living full-time with his detailed, large-scale re-creations of familiar products.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By JL Bainbridge
March 26, 2026

Many High Earners Risk Overpaying Taxes Every Year - Are You One of Them?

It’s not just what you earn. It’s what you keep.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

By World Class Dentistry
March 26, 2026

Change the Story of Your Smile with Dr. Jill Morris of World Class Dentistry

For many people, an aging smile tells an unwelcome story of worn-down teeth, mismatched crowns from years of piecemeal dentistry, yellowing enamel, and bites that no longer align properly.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

Ian Swaby
March 25, 2026

Shred Stock recycling event collects 5 tons of paper, 3,364 pounds of electronics

This year, the drive-thru shredding event added electronics recycling while continuing to raise awareness of identity theft and fraud.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 24, 2026

Sarasota Farmers Market continues to create community

The downtown market, held every Saturday, features produce, foods, crafts and other products.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 22, 2026

Festival pours wines from around the world, all at Selby Five Points Park

This year, the Sarasota Wine Festival supported Operation Warrior Resolution, which offers holistic health care to veterans and their families at no cost.