Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

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.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Eric Garwood
March 20, 2026

Watersports events line up at Benderson Park in April

Swimming and rowing championships expected to attract more than 5,000 athletes.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 19, 2026

Selby Gardens sets dates for Enchanted Garden Festival

The event is planned March 28-29 at Historic Spanish Point.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 19, 2026

Local nonprofit repairs over 25,000 laptops to help community members in need

The Sarasota Technology Users Group hopes to bridge the digital divide with its initiative to repair laptops for those in need.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Devaney Iglesias, Manager of External Affairs for West-Central Florida, Florida Power & Light Company
March 19, 2026

Why year-round volunteer support matters for southwest Florida’s nonprofits

According to the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, about 40% of nonprofit organizations say they need more volunteers to meet current demand.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

By Pendry Residences Tampa
March 19, 2026

2026 Brings Exciting Progress at Pendry Residences Tampa

Pendry Residences Tampa's impressive tower is taking shape as one of Downtown's most anticipated residences.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

Ian Swaby
March 17, 2026

Revelers head to Shamrock Pub to uphold their St. Patrick's Day tradition

The location remains a hot spot for celebrating the occasion.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 17, 2026

Historic Leonard Reid House hosts parrots in honor of family pets

Sarasota Jungle Gardens brought some feathered friends to the Leonard Reid House in an event that hosted kids from local schools.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 15, 2026

Kids showcase agricultural skills amid carnival fun at Sarasota County Fair

Community members managed to enjoy some rides and roller coasters, while students from local groups showcased their hard work.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 13, 2026

New market in Newtown offers grocery-style shopping at no cost for those in need

The new space operated by All Faiths Food Bank was created at the Goodwill Manasota's Job Connection Center through a longstanding partnership.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 12, 2026

A community helps find family history at Genealogical Society of Sarasota

The society now hosts its monthly meetings, held the second Saturday of each month at Gulf Gate Library.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Rudy Dudon Group
March 12, 2026

Legacy Is Forever

Why So Many Siesta Key Families Trust the Same Realtor for Decades

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

Ian Swaby
March 8, 2026

Notre-Dame organist offers concert dedicating pipe organ at SAKLC

Olivier Latry visited Sarasota to provide the concert that dedicated the St. Armands Lutheran Church's Schantz pipe organ installed in 2025.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 7, 2026

Teen Court of Sarasota gives out record scholarship dollar amount

The organization issued $40,000 worth of scholarships to 20 students at its annual dinner March 4.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 7, 2026

Attendees discover the 'wonders of water' at Bay Fest

Now in its third year, the event brought together various conservation organizations to showcase the life found in Sarasota's local waterways.

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.