Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

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.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 1, 2026

Temple Sinai hosts Sarasota Jewish Food Festival

The festival, presented in partnership with The Original Wolfie's Restaurant, featured traditional Jewish baked goods and other offerings.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
January 31, 2026

Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Festival showcases a wee bit of Scotland

The event featured Highland games, lots of bagpipes, dancing, kilts and even a taste of the weather from across the pond.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Privada Homes
January 29, 2026

Discover Gracewater at Sarasota: Where Everyday Feels Extraordinary

Live the resort life, just minutes from Downtown Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

Ian Swaby
January 27, 2026

Sarasota Power and Sail Squadron completes 74th Change of Watch

David Siesel replaced Barbara Warshaw as commander of the Sarasota Power and Sail Squadron as the organization held its annual Change of Watch ceremony.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
January 26, 2026

Saigon Night Market brings a taste of Asia to Sarasota

Held at J.D. Hamel Park, the festival drew a large turnout with a Pan-Asian selection of street foods.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By The Sarasota Ballet
January 23, 2026

Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

The Sarasota Ballet presents the world premiere of "The Waiting Room" January 30 to February 2 at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

Ian Swaby
January 22, 2026

Academy at Glengary offers a bridge for those recovering from mental illnesses

Members of the Sarasota nonprofit gain experience with career skills through options that include cooking meals, designing content and practicing phone reception skills.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
January 22, 2026

STEAM education and circus arts combine with Marvelous, Miraculous Circus Machine

The show, held for local students by the Circus Arts Conservatory, centered on using the circus to represent STEAM concepts.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By GSP Development
January 22, 2026

Downtown’s first new luxury high-rise residences with three-day minimum rental freedom.

Saravela looks to revitalize downtown living in Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

By The Edge Sarasota
January 22, 2026

The Edge Sarasota: Created for a Select Few

Ten stories. Just 27 Residences. Over 10,000 square feet of curated amenities.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

Ian Swaby
January 21, 2026

Michael Saunders & Co.'s new display highlights area's arts history

The new display, running alongside Orange Avenue behind the glass wall of the real estate firm's main office, shares the history of the visual arts colony in Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
January 21, 2026

Lifestyle, clothing brand officially opens on St. Armands Circle

The Sarasota Style, the latest addition to St. Armands Circle's business community, recently opened.

Sarasota
Business

Dana Kampa
January 20, 2026

Audible founder Don Katz reminisces with Bird Key Yacht Club members

Just after the audiobook company celebrated its 30th anniversary, the founder had a blast from the past meeting one guest.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
January 19, 2026

Grant helps St. Jude Catholic Church serve those in need during the holidays

St. Jude Catholic Church was awarded a $10,000 grant on Aug. 22, 2025 from the Kathleen K. Catlin Foundation of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
January 19, 2026

Sarasota's community celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day

An awards ceremony and parade preceded the MLK Music Festival and Medical/Wellness Fair.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
January 18, 2026

Embracing Our Differences opens grandly on Sarasota bayfront

The annual exhibition at Bayfront Park features displays of 50 works of art paired with quotes, chosen from 14,904 submissions across 125 countries.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
January 17, 2026

Sarasota Yacht Club, St. Armands commemorate anniversary with century of cars

A parade and a car show featured machines that span the same time period as the two organizations.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
January 17, 2026

Manasota Key artist retreat receives $12 million gift of land, homes

A family donation of five buildings on 6.5 acres will allow Hermitage Artist Retreat to double its residency program.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
January 16, 2026

Embracing our Differences exhibit opens Saturday

Artwork from adults and students will be on display through mid-April in Sarasota's Bayfront Park.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
January 15, 2026

Local creator of children's microscope works to make science more accessible

Since 1987, Sarasota's Dennis Brock has been producing the Brock Magiscope, which draws from ambient light and minimizes breakable components.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Anti Aging & Ketamine Center
January 15, 2026

What a Perimenopausal Woman and a Former Athlete Learned About Weight Loss

Why Personalization Changes Everything.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

Ian Swaby
January 14, 2026

Local drum circle members join musicians on stage during Meetup gathering

The monthly gathering of the Over 50 meetup group, held at Casey Key Resort in Osprey, aimed for a percussion energy.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
January 11, 2026

Runners turn out on Siesta Key Beach to keep Andrew Monroe's legacy alive

Held in honor of the late Riverview High senior, the 13th annual Andrew Monroe Memorial Run/Walk helps provide scholarships to Riverview seniors who are soccer players, JROTC Cadets and track athletes.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Madison Bierl
January 10, 2026

New Year, New You expo provides health resources at The Mall at UTC

The event, hosted by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and presented by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, brought together 60 vendors revolving around health and wellness.