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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.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
June 29, 2026

Sarasota County offers primer program on workings of local government

Registration is open for Sarasota County's 12-week Civics 101 class.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
June 29, 2026

Voices of America: What's your favorite American invention?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we reflect on what was Made in the U.S.A.

Spirit of America

Ian Swaby
June 28, 2026

Sarasota Business Awards honor innovation, entrepreneurship and the American spirit

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce recognized businesses in the community across 10 categories.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Carlin Gillen
June 28, 2026

Hot Dog Day brings pups to downtown Sarasota

Hamlet's Eatery and The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime celebrated National Hot Dog Day with food, music and furry friends.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
June 28, 2026

Voices of America: What's your favorite American tradition?

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

Spirit of America

Observer Staff
June 27, 2026

Voices of America: What do you think you have in common with someone living in this country 250 years ago?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we explore how we compare to those before us.

Spirit of America

Ian Swaby
June 26, 2026

Music Salon of Sarasota seeks to make music a community experience

The European-style salons, held by cellist Steve Kramer, invites attendees to enjoy music including classical and jazz.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
June 26, 2026

Voices of America: How do you reflect your patriotism?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of our country's 250th birthday, we explore the idea of modern-day patriotism.

Spirit of America

Observer Staff
June 25, 2026

Voices of America: What is a patriot today?

In our series of questions for Americans in honor of the country's 250th birthday, we explore the idea of modern-day patriotism.

Spirit of America

By Florida Power & Light Company
June 25, 2026

Florida Power & Light brings 2026 infrastructure upgrades to Sarasota County, Manatee County and Longboat Key

Planned upgrades focus on reducing outages, strengthening critical infrastructure and restoring service faster after severe weather.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Is It Time to Take a Look Under the Hood of Your Financial Plan?

You wouldn’t drive for years without checking your engine - so why do it with your wealth?

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sarasota duo drives 1,250 through Italy in 1000 Miglia event

Michael Moss and John Cutrone represented Sarasota by riding the Spirit of Zora, a 1957 fuel-injected Corvette, across a route they found exhilarating and sometimes dangerous.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 23, 2026

Newtown celebrates Juneteenth holiday

The event, featuring a market with businesses from throughout the Newtown community, celebrated the holiday on June 19 commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
June 19, 2026

Fourth of July 2026 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch

From parades to the classic fireworks, check out these events to help you celebrate Independence Day right.

Arts + Entertainment
Things To Do

Andrew Warfield
June 18, 2026

Arts organization leader's emphasis on inclusiveness forged in resilience

Tania Castroverde Moskalenko is focusing the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation on growing access to the arts.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 18, 2026

Volunteers work together to create the first floral carpet by a Sarasota team

The standalone project, led by the Sarasota Int'l Chalk Festival organization, could become the first in a series of such projects.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Adnan Dedic
June 18, 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

Attendees get into costume as Mrs. Roper at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime

Attendees showed their best look as the character from the sitcom 'Three's Company,' during the event at The Bazaar.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 15, 2026

Hundreds of attendees gather for FIFA World Cup watch party at The Bay

The event featured former FIFA competitor Trevor Sinclair as well as a community soccer tournament.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
June 13, 2026

Architect wins industry award for Selby Gardens design work

Architecture firm Overland Partners was honored with the American Institute of Architects' Committee on the Environment award for its work on Selby Gardens Master Plan Phase 1.

Sarasota
Neighbors

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