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Sarasota | Neighbors

Riders set out on the ride.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 22, 2026
Ride of Silence honors cyclists injured or killed while the community mourns recent losses

The silent procession, held May 20, drew a record turnout of about 130 people for the 7-mile loop through downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A black skimmer incubates its eggs.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 21, 2026
Colony of black skimmers continues to thrive on Lido Key; here's how to respect their space

Averaging around 1,100 adults as of May 15, the colony is nesting on a spot along North Lido Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Robyn Modly, sponsor of the USS Cleveland, takes in the Navy band’s performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” aside Bruce Hallet, left, commander of the USS Cleveland, and Hung Cao, acting secretary of the Navy.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 20, 2026
Forging a legacy with the Navy's newest ship

With Siesta Key’s Robyn Modly as ship sponsor, the Thomas Modly family officially commissioned the USS Cleveland, the Navy’s new combat ship.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kayla Taylor
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 15, 2026
Sarasota researcher wins international STEM award

The impact of a Sarasota woman's research has gained attention beyond the United States.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dan Moriarty, community liaison and board member of the Tree Foundation, and Community Relations Co-Chair Janie Pratt stand on the campus.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 14, 2026
Siesta Key Chapel welcomes community to help in unique forest restoration

A multiorganizational partnership is aiming to bring new life to the church's campus, which was damaged during hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Sertoma Club of Sarasota
  • May 14, 2026
The Moments We Take for Granted—Until They’re Out of Reach

Helping children and families overcome speech, language, and hearing challenges.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 13, 2026
Monopoly to make special Sarasota County edition

Monopoly: Sarasota County Edition is tipping its top hat to favorite county locations by seeking nominations of established businesses, nonprofits and landmarks.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kananga and Dominic spend time in Kananga's pool.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 13, 2026
Sarasota Jungle Gardens has big hopes for its cohabitating crocodiles

Dominic and Kananga, the resident American crocodiles at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, have the potential to produce offspring, according to staff.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ed Hill (left) receives the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Professional of the Year Award from Noel Martinez of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 12, 2026
Chamber executive wins top statewide professional award

Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ed Hill was honored with the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Professional of the Year Award.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
William Gensmer and Zaeta, of The Tilt, perform on stage.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 10, 2026
Be Fabulous Music & Arts Pride Fest held at Selby Five Points Park

The event hosted by the Fabulous Arts Foundation showcased LGBTQ+ artists and connected community members downtown after making its return there last year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Joseph Sprouse created costumes based on "Tron" that he and his sister Isabel Sprouse wore to the event.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 10, 2026
SiestaCon continues to bring a comic con experience to Sarasota

The event, held at Robarts Arena, returned for its third year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Wendy Feinstein now divides her time between Longboat Key and Carbondale, Colorado.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 8, 2026
American Jewish Committee names new regional president

Wendy Feinstein, a Longboat Key resident, previously served the AJC as regional vice president.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Photo Credit: John Revisky
  • By Adnan Dedic
  • May 7, 2026
Where Prestige Meets Performance: Redefining Real Estate Excellence

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

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
At his first time participating in Corevettes on the Circle, newcomer Bob Hanstra took home the award for Best in Show. Car enthusiasts brought 150 Corvettes of all sorts of years, models and colors for the May 2 car show on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 4, 2026
Corvettes on the Circle welcomes 150 vehicles to showcase

The annual exhibition of new and classic cars supports honor flights for veterans in Southwest Florida.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Casey Gonzmart Jr. explains a PowerPoint slide to the club.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 3, 2026
Fifth-generation Columbia owner discusses restaurant's endurance

The Rotary Club of Sarasota, which just celebrated its 100th anniversary, learned about the roots of the centenarian restaurant business.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Members of the community can obtain plots in the garden.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 2, 2026
Limelight Community Garden hosts grand opening

The new garden in the Limelight District is intended to provide a space for residents to learn and connect.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Katie Kephart and Shawn Tritschler get into the 80's spirit.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 2, 2026
Downtown Sarasota takes a turn back to the '80s

The Back to the '80s block party, part of Fresh Fridays, brought back some of the decade's hits and fashion.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Hugh Culverhouse Jr.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 1, 2026
Philanthropist seeds matching fund with $250,000 promise

Hugh Culverhouse Jr. has initiated a campaign to raise a half-million dollars with a $250,000 matching grant to assist those facing financial hardship.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jean Craig Flynn prepares to swim laps.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 30, 2026
Soon-to-be centenarian just keeps swimming

Gulf & Bay Club resident Jean Craig Flynn has earned the nickname "Jingle Jean the Swimming Queen."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By JL Bainbridge
  • April 30, 2026
Think 3% Inflation Isn’t a Big Deal? Think Again.

Over the next decade, that ‘small’ number could raise your cost of living by 34%. The question is – is your financial plan prepared for the long-term effects of inflation?

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
  • By Anti-Aging & Ketamine Center
  • April 30, 2026
Rewriting the Mental Health Journey—One Patient at a Time

A personalized, science-backed approach offering real relief for depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
A vehicle representing the Historic Aircraft Society arrives at the Main Street and Orange Avenue roundabout during the Memorial Day parade in 2024.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 28, 2026
Memorial Day Parade set for May 25

Sarasota's annual Memorial Day Parade will will be held May 25, concluding with a ceremony at J.D. Hamel Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rebecca Resinski and Amy Stevens show their support.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 26, 2026
Runners cross Ringling Bridge to raise support for students and teachers

The third annual Education Foundation's Ringling Bridge Run drew around 1,300 participants.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Molly Biter, Winfred Van Workum and Katie Moulton get the meal sizzling.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 25, 2026
Parents and staff cook up meals in support of arts education

The fourth annual Cooking for the Arts supported the Southside School Foundation for the Arts, which funds various arts initiatives at the elementary school.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A crowd gathers outside as the Driveway Drifters perform. The members pictured include Angie Eason, Gary Bowen, Debbie and Ron Fellman, Bill Green, Gary Eason, Lynn Cassell, Mike Lawless and Michael Cohen. One band member, Eugene Moleiro, was not in attendance.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 23, 2026
Driveway band brings neighbors together through music

The Driveway Drifters started gathering to perform during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not stopped since.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By World Class Dentistry
  • April 23, 2026
Rethinking the Dental Chair

For a lot of people, going to the dentist has always been pretty straightforward: fix the tooth, handle the issue, move on. And for some, that works just fine. But for others—especially those dealing with bigger health concerns—it can start to feel like something’s being missed.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Sixth grader Jaleeyah, seventh grader Arianny, Young Chefs Academy owner Dennis O'Sullivan, seventh grader Meadow, fifth grader Ryker, fourth grader Mia, and Bill Villafranco, a trustee of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, stand together as the group of Girls Inc. members graduates.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 22, 2026
Girls from Girls Inc. graduate Young Chefs Academy program

The girls received one-year scholarships to Young Chefs Academy from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Elizabeth Hall of Cypress Pillar Healing Arts teaches Liam Lopez, 6.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 19, 2026
YMCA Healthy Kids Day gives families ideas for an active summer break

The Sarasota City YMCA was one of the branches to host healthy kids day, which introduces kids to some activities they can enjoy during the summer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ron Cornella is among the longest-living transplant recipients in the United States, receiving his transplant at the age of 26 in 1980.
    By
  • 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
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and the Sarasota Police Department will take part in the 2026 Torch Run.
    By
  • 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
The Sarasota group stands in front of the Great Wall of China during a 2016 trip to Taiwan and China.
    By
  • 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
Za'Tajh Coach, 3, climbs over a barrier in the obstacle course.
    By
  • 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
The team aboard the "Triple Threat," captained by John Novak, rounds the first marker of the Bird Key Yacht Club's annual Sarasota Bay Cup regatta on April 11.
    By
  • 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
Conductor Glen Olsen introduces trumpet soloist Ricardo Chinchilla, who accompanied members of the Sarasota Bay Chamber Orchestra on April 10 for an end-of-season performance at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church.
    By
  • 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
Overall female winner Vicky Romocki poses with Shelley.
    By
  • 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
Eggs are droped from the helicopter.
    By
  • 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
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Latest in Sarasota

1
School safety patrol supervisor Justine Holcomb, Noah Moise and Principal Patti Folino stand together.
  • May 22, 2026
Tuttle Elementary fifth grader named AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year
2
Riders set out on the ride.
  • May 22, 2026
Ride of Silence honors cyclists injured or killed while the community mourns recent losses
3
The expansion of McCown Towers would surround the parking structure that would include 160 public parking spaces owned by the city.
  • May 22, 2026
Senior affordable housing project funding remains one step short
4
  • May 21, 2026
Sarasota gunfire remains under investigation
5
A massing model of The Bay phases 3A and 3B show a parnking deck to the right, to the left the Sarasota Performing Arts Center location flanked by two restaurant spaces and the current parking lot converted to green space. The Van Wezel is at the bottom left corner.
  • May 21, 2026
Bay Park Conservancy reveals final phase concepts for The Bay park

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