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Sarasota | Neighbors

St. Pete aerialist, fire performer and artist Mala Vavourakis prepares to light up the canvas as violinist Candice Anderson performs behind her.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 9, 2026
Art comes to life at fourth anniversary celebration for ArtLab

ArtLab: In Motion celebrated four years of the ArtLab events by Grae Productions.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Myracle Green, 13, her brother Prince Bell, 3, mother Chavon Williams and brother King Bell, 8, leave the tables with new backpacks.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 8, 2026
Organizations team up to offer kids free backpacks ahead of school year

The first Badges and Backpacks event included free backpacks, lessons in bike safety, and other offerings for kids as they begin the school year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota runner Vinny O'Shaughnessy completed his goal of running a marathon in every state. Since then, the runner hasn't slowed down, starting on a new mission to do the same with a half marathon in every state.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 6, 2026
Marathon man accomplishes goal of racing in every state

Lifelong runner Vinny O'Shaughnessy has overcome weather, health challenges and more in his quest to run a marathon in every state, and he's not stopping.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
World Cup watch parties were among the recent events at The Bay park.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 6, 2026
Challenge match launched for signature Sarasota park

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation is seeding a challenge match of $2 million to help fund completion of The Bay park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Hermitage Artist Retreat programming includes free sunset concerts on the beach at its Manasota Key campus.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 5, 2026
Arts incubator receives $450,000 in grants

The Hermitage Artist Retreat has received $450,000 in grants from several benefactor organizations to support its arts incubation campus programming.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sally Lippert and Mark Shrosbree are preparing to sail to The Bahamas together.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 30, 2026
Couple prepares for Bahamas voyage as they work together on junk rig

Sarasota’s Sally Lippert was looking for the next adventure. Mark Shrosbree was already in the process of circling the globe.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By JL Bainbridge
  • July 30, 2026
Your Money Deserves a Second Opinion Too

If your health deserves a second opinion, why not your financial plan?

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Tanya Waxler and Eddie Balen enjoy Christmas in July in celebration of her book signing for "Santa's Extreme Dream Team and the Hospital Mission."
    By
  • Carlin Gillen
  • July 29, 2026
Local children's author celebrates Christmas early with new book

Tanya Waxler held a book signing "Santa's Extreme Dream Team, and the Hospital Mission" with a Christmas in July book signing at 1 Hot Cookie & Ice Cream.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Brooks Peirce, 6, holds the epic fossilized megalodon tooth off Lido Beach that Garrett Peirce found while freediving.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 28, 2026
Vacationing family uncovers a 'Jaws'-dropping Lido treasure

With a keen eye and a bit of luck, a free diver found a fossilized megalodon tooth of epic proportions.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Avi Sigal-Verier,10; Rachel Moulton, associate artist and director of education; and Joah Sigal-Verier and Sterling Saiger, both 8, pose together.
    By
  • Carlin Gillen
  • July 27, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre brings old memories and new beginnings

FST Summer Camp educators recently discovered FST is keeping its mission alive through generations.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jared Thomas, 8; Penelope Brouillette, 7; and Sebastian Meehan, 8, chalk the trail together.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 24, 2026
Kids use sidewalk chalk to decorate the trail at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex

The city of Sarasota hosted its first "Chalk the Trail" event at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cindy and Chris Common
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 23, 2026
Final Manasota Track Club beach run to memorialize late members

A costume contest honors Chris and Cindy Common's legacy of wearing impressive costumes to local charity runs.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Helen Hreen, Alliance Française de Sarasota president; Catherine White Barbara Frey and Maggie Edwy stand beside a replica of the Eiffel Tower at Bastille Day.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 23, 2026
Alliance Française de Sarasota forges ahead with educational offerings

The local organization, which promotes the French language and culture, is branching out through a new partnership.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kyle McCreight participates in the Eastern Regional Qualifiers in 2026.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 22, 2026
4-time 'American Ninja Warrior' contestant isn't done trying to reach national finals

Sarasota’s Kyle McCreight hopes his performances on the show can inspire others, including the kids he works with as an occupational therapist.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Toby reaches up to greet a new helping of foam.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 18, 2026
Dog Bar Sarasota celebrates one-year anniversary

The beloved dog bar celebrated its one-year anniversary after reopening with a foam party benefiting Donte's Den.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Amanda Eyer, internal communications and community relations director at Boar’s Head and Amber Lee, senior director of programs at All Faiths Food Bank, stand in front of one of the new vans.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 18, 2026
Boar's Head gifts two refrigerated vans to All Faiths Food Bank

The organization raised over $100,000 for the food bank through its annual Circle of Friends fundraising campaign.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Visit Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Duggan (left), past President Virginia Haley (center), and Board Chair John LaCivita (second from left) recognize representatives of Watershed Hospitality Concepts with the 2026 Business Excellence Haley Award.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 17, 2026
Visitors bureau opens nominations for annual Haley honors

Visit Sarasota County will accept tourism industry nominations for the annual Haley Hall of Fame Awards through Aug. 28.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ginger Kreithen works on "The Legacy," amid other artists at the wall.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 16, 2026
Local artists create mural in contest by Sarasota business

The wall of Epic Rockworks became a canvas for four local artists, who each produced a piece of art featuring rocks.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Photo Credit: John Revisky
  • By Adnan Dedic
  • July 16, 2026
Adnan Dedic: Sarasota’s Go-To Power Real Estate Advisor for Luxury Real Estate

In Sarasota’s hyper-competitive market, Adnan Dedic doesn’t just participate—he leads.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Frank Kelleher stands with former Rotary Club of Sarasota president Lee-En Chung and president Bob Stobaugh.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 14, 2026
Daytona International Speedway president visits Sarasota Rotary Club

Frank Kelleher shared what the Daytona International Speedway offers with club members and also responded to their questions.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alisa Mitchell helped guide the organization to record-breaking successes in fundraising with its sell-out annual author luncheon, the group said in a release, adding that she played a significant role in growing the donor base and more.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 13, 2026
Executive director to leave Library Foundation

The Sarasota County organization raises private funding to augment tax dollars.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Poppy Otte paddles through the water while Mote Education Specialist Morgan Swartz helps.
    By
  • Carlin Gillen
  • July 12, 2026
Campers make a splash with Mote Marine Laboratory

Campers are gaining a hands-on learning experience at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's summer camps at both of the organization's locations.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Alex Walker, 6, and Max Walker, 8, work on paintings at the America250 Celebration at Selby Library.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 11, 2026
America250 Celebration at Selby Library showcases local, national history

The event featured live music, a historical display, a community art project and presentations.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This painting by Frank Hopper can be seen in City Hall.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 10, 2026
Sarasota history on display for semiquincentennial

"Echoes of Sarasota" Cultural Heritage Exhibition is now on display at City Hall and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jing Herman stands amongst prints of her artwork.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 9, 2026
Sarasota artist plans to create series of 50 American flags

Jing Herman, born during China's one-child policy, came to the U.S. at age 10 and says she is now living her American dream as an artist.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Scholarship recipient Julianne Teague celebrates with her mother, Trudy Teague, at The Exchange’s 2026 Grants and Scholarship Awards event.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 7, 2026
Proceeds from The Exchange sales aid 50 groups, students

An overall total of $500,000 was distributed in grants and scholarships.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sam and Ileana Galati bring some starfish and star-spangled attire.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 5, 2026
All-American Cookout dazzles with bubbles and food

The Fourth of July All-American Cookout brought back Blaise Ryndes of Spheres Bubble Show as attendees enjoyed a patriotic celebration.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Eric Ribeiro and his son, Luke Ribeiro, 17; watch the fireworks from the VIP and sponsors area.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 5, 2026
Siesta Key Fourth of July Fireworks celebrates local and national milestones

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce hosted the fireworks while honoring Craig Merrill, who retired as the event's pyrotechnician after 23 years.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Frankie Del Rosario of The ProMedia Group, which assisted with the projectors for the display, shows that he's "awesome" at setting off the fireworks.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 4, 2026
Fireworks go virtual in interactive art display at Spirit of '76 block party

The Fresh Fridays event featured the "Light up the Sky" display by LightMural.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Pops Orchestra of Sarasota and Bradenton performs on the second stage.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • July 4, 2026
Nathan Benderson Park goes big for Fireworks on the Lake

The lineup included a band, a pops concert, a waterskiing show and an apple pie eating contest.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2026
Voices of America: What will America look like in another 250 years?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we explore the future of the U.S.

  • Spirit of America
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • July 2, 2026
So, you want to be a citizen?

Thousands of people are naturalized as Americans every year. But how?

  • Spirit of America
Kids share their perspectives on the Fourth of July
    By
  • Ian Swaby, Madison Bierl
  • July 2, 2026
Kids share their perspectives on the Fourth of July

Kids say the darndest things — especially when you ask them about Independence Day, U.S. History and what it means to be a good citizen.

  • Spirit of America
Sarasota History Center Manager Josh Goodman is an avid historian who loves checking out maps of the region in the 1700s.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 2, 2026
The land almost no one wanted

Historians say few braved the brutal Sarasota environment when our forefathers were signing the Declaration of Independence.

  • Spirit of America
Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche presents Officer William "Tripp" Schwenk with his framed badge during his June 26 retirement ceremony.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 2, 2026
Retired Sarasota police officer enjoyed a medal-worthy career

Thirty years after winning gold in the 1996 Summer Olympics, Officer Tripp Schwenk hangs up his badge next to his goggles to mark the end of a 26-year career with the Sarasota Police Department.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Glenridge resident Sylvia Waller's 105th birthday is coming up on July 10.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 2, 2026
Sarasota resident prepares to turn 105

Sylvia Waller, a resident of The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch, approaches her 105th birthday, which she will celebrate with four generations of family members.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
1 2 3 4 5 »
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Latest in Sarasota

1
Late-night fight night in downtown Sarasota
  • August 12, 2026
Late-night fight night in downtown Sarasota
2
At the 2025 FHSAA Class 4A boys swimming state championship, then-junior Andrew Malaj earned silver in the 400-yard freestyle relay and bronze in the 200-yard freestyle as the Sailors won the team title. He recently competed for the Sarasota Tsunami at the USA Swimming Futures Championships in Knoxville, Tennessee.
  • August 11, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Andrew Malaj
3
Karen Rushing is the Sarasota Clerk of Circuit Court and County Comptroller.
  • August 11, 2026
Sarasota County rushes to get records storage project underway
4
Official kindergartner Avalyn Chavez, 5, hugs Ruby Chavez at the gate of Alta Vista Elementary School on Aug. 10. In an interview, Avalyn said she was excited to meet her teacher and wear her new sparkling shoes for the first day of school.
  • August 10, 2026
Families look forward to the future as kids return to school
5
City names new human resources director
  • August 10, 2026
City names new human resources director

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