Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Neighbors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eric Garwood
July 13, 2026

Executive director to leave Library Foundation

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

Sarasota
Neighbors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Observer Staff
July 2, 2026

Voices of America: What do you like best about America?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we ask respondents what they like best about America.

Spirit of America

Observer Staff
July 1, 2026

Voices of America: In what era of American history would you have liked to have lived?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we explore our favorite periods of history.

Spirit of America

Observer Staff
June 30, 2026

Voices of America: Who's your American hero, and why?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we dive into respondents' favorite Americans.

Spirit of America

Ian Swaby
June 29, 2026

Sarasota Key Quest Fest aims to provide the keys to well-being

The event, held at The Bay's Civic Green Lawns, invited attendees to discover resources in the community in a quest themed around keys representing knowledge.