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Sarasota | Neighbors

Ella Walker, 17, Abby Duplissey, 19, Patty Foley and Lauren Taylor Nock perform with the ballet team.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 18, 2025
Sarasota Ski-A-Rees host first show since hurricanes

Although waters were rough, the waterskiing nonprofit still braved the conditions to offer its first performance since hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A cardio dance routine requires students to move forward and back, side to side and remember specific steps, which helps improve memory.
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • February 17, 2025
Cardio dance: Healthy heart, healthy mind!

A cardio workout promotes heart health but also creates a disciplined routine that improves memory.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Case Taylor of makes a leap while practicing for the stunt show.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 16, 2025
Motorcyclists ride in for camaraderie and charity at Thunder by the Bay

The music and motorcycle festival, held from Feb. 14-16, brings bikers, stunts and entertainment and support for the community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Russ and Carol Hoffman of Osprey renew their vows. They have been married 33 years and have been coming to the cermony almost ever year since 1999.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 15, 2025
Couples head to Siesta Key Beach to renew vows

The Say "I Do" Again vow renewal ceremony, held at sunset on Siesta Beach, has continued to draw couples for over 35 years.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Bob Bunting, Tracie Troxler, Karen Holbrook, A.G. Lafley, David Kotok and Elizabeth Moore
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 15, 2025
Climate Adaptation Center honors resilience efforts in the community

The ceremony honored four individuals and their contributions to local resilience initiatives.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2025-26
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 13, 2025
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2025-26

Readers from across the region submit their photos to the Observer's 2025-26 Weather and Nature Photo Contest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Carmen Ciricillo performs at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 13, 2025
Nationally touring comedian finds a sweet spot in Sarasota

Carmen Ciricillo was always in search of positivity and laughter. After he visited Sarasota in 1992, it was the place he wanted to call home.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Tidewell Hospice
  • February 13, 2025
Why Supporting Tidewell Hospice Matters

No matter how deeply empathetic we may be when hearing about someone’s loved one nearing the end of life, we can never truly understand the weight of that loss until we experience it ourselves.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Enzo Frascone, 4, asks Debby Alexander to help him identify a shell.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 10, 2025
Shell show provides education and shell spectacle

The event, hosted by the Sarasota Shell Club, combined artistic and scientific displays.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mark Sumegi, 4, sorts fish into different colored bowls, as Violet Moore, 3, watches.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 10, 2025
Storybook Street brings storybooks to life to encourage reading

Numerous organizations came together for the event, held by the Early Learning Coalition, to help provide experiences tying in with free books.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Paddi Juliano and Magda Shea
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 9, 2025
Heart & Soul on Palm lets the community celebrate Valentine's Day together

The event brought together a funk band, photo-ops, couples and friends and family.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A mobile of figures hangs above Main Street.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 9, 2025
Downtown Festival of the Arts turns Main Street into a fine art gallery

The juried art show, held Feb. 8-9, covers five blocks of Main Street with stations by over 200 artists.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Warm Sands Wellness
  • February 7, 2025
3 Non-Surgical Paths to Younger Skin

Plasma energy is a revolutionary way to maintain a youthful look with minimal downtime and none of the risks of traditional surgery.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Beach University 2025 sessions will be held each Thursday in March at Siesta Beach Pavillion.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 7, 2025
Beach University returns to Siesta Beach Pavillion

Free, one-hour educational sessions will be held every Thursday in March.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Mark Vengroff if finishing what his father started at One Stop Housing.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 6, 2025
Mark Vengroff finds his one last career stop the most rewarding

The managing partner of One Stop Housing came from Los Angeles to fulfill his father's legacy of providing affordable housing for the working class.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota School of Architecture member Carl Abbott and Pastor Ashley Nicolls
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 5, 2025
St. Paul Lutheran Church rededicates Victor Lundy education building

Created in 1962, the building saw a renovation costing about $756,000.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Baker Zovath, 4, had his face painted based on the film "Braveheart."
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 3, 2025
Highland Games & Celtic Festival honors Scottish culture

The second annual Suncoast Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Festival included games, dancing, music and animals.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Maria Cruz dances in the performance by Bomba Yemayá.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 3, 2025
NocheUnidos welcomes bomba group, Mardi Gras Indians to The Ringling

The event, celebrating Hispanic heritage and supporting UnidosNow, welcomed the groups Bomba Yemayá and The 79rs Gang from New Orleans to the Ringling Museum courtyard.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Eric Fleming, board chair of Siesta Key Chamber, presents a check to Lora Wey and Dana Dalpra for funds raised during the Siesta Key Crystal Classic.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 2, 2025
Siesta Key Chamber honors members at annual Awards Dinner

The event, held for chamber members, celebrated individuals within the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Rochelle S. asks a question.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 1, 2025
Pine View students speak with astronaut Sunita Williams via radio

Students had the chance to ask questions to astronaut Sunita Williams, one of the two astronauts currently stuck on the space station, via ham radio.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Vincent Foderingham, Sire Archon of the Gamma Xi Boule Fraternity of Sarasota and Manatee Counties, speaks during the Fraternity's 30th anniversary celebration on Jan. 30.
    By
  • Michael Harris
  • January 31, 2025
Gamma Xi Fraternity helps underserved students reach their goals

The local group's foundation has awarded scholarships and works with programs to provide internships to teens.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Scott Collins plays bass at a Timeless Tributes concert.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 30, 2025
Staff carry on tribute concerts amid Sarasota Classic Car Museum closure

A series of tribute concerts is now being held at Columbus Banquet Hall on Fruitville Road.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rod Hershberger says his success in life and business can be traced to faith, family and work.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • January 30, 2025
Friends and co-workers of Rod Hershberger shed light on his wisdom

When Rod Hershberger, founder and former CEO of PGT Innovations, speaks, people listen. With a genuine pay-it-forward philosophy, his north star is helping others — a testament to his reputation as a truly nice guy.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • January 30, 2025
Local restaurants dish up an assortment of international cuisine

Skip the hassle of airports and long flights. A culinary odyssey awaits in our area’s islands in the sun.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Kindergarteners Milan Brown and Calem Smith pose with their new shoes.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 29, 2025
Holiday House holds shoe drive at Alta Vista Elementary School

The nonprofit's shoe drive supplied every student in the school with a new pair of shoes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jessica Polk, Jake Hartvigsen, Colleen Thayer and Beth Walters of Nami prepare to accept the check from Sara Winer.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 28, 2025
Impact100 awards $876,000 in grants to local nonprofits

The women's giving circle offered grants of $109,500 each to eight local nonprofits.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Gallery Director Colin Thomsen and Regan Dunnick
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 27, 2025
Palm Avenue Fine Art unveils artwork formerly displayed in Sarasota airport

The gallery's exhibit "Echoes of Sarasota: A Historical Preservation" features the work of Frank Hopper and Regan Dunnick.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Judy Thomas has spent her career in the world of ice skating, on and off the ice.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • January 27, 2025
Hall-of-famer Judy Thomas reflects on a career spent on the ice

The celebrated ice skater and show recruiter looks back on five decades of career spins, flips and jumps. "It’s not designer brands or Olympic medals that define you," she says. "It’s your experiences, relationships and work ethic."

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Kristen Kruger and Shannon Hunt carry a vibroacoustic bed out of the space.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 26, 2025
Conscious Cause looks ahead amid closure of wellness lounge

The nonprofit looks to a supportive community as it seeks a new space for its wellness lounge and cacao cafe.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Eagle Scouts past and present gather together in front of the Don Collins Scout House.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 23, 2025
Boy Scouts Troop 50 celebrates 70 years

The troop, the oldest in Sarasota County, has been supported by Pine Shores Presbyterian Church since its inception.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 23, 2025
Transit expert kicks off 2025 Urban Studies Speaker Series

Jarrett Walker will discuss the critical role public transit plays in the lifestyle of developing urban areas.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Washington Hill, Mydahlia Glover, Brock Leach and Walter Gilbert
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 22, 2025
Leonard Reid House celebrates first anniversary

The historic home is now home to an African American arts, culture and history center.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The new Bridge includes Dan Sullivan, Domini Wood, Renee Nadiv, Lois McKenzie David Siesel, commander Barbara Warshaw, Dennis Holly, Sam Doak and Perry Page
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 21, 2025
Sarasota Power and Sail Squadron holds annual change of watch

The organization, which is dedicated to boating safety, welcomed its new officers including Commander Barbara Warshaw.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jennifer Walker
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 21, 2025
Sarasota resident discusses appearance on 'Wheel of Fortune'

Resident Jenn Walker, a lifelong viewer of "Wheel of Fortune," appeared on a Dec. 5 episode.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This year's honorees were Eula T. Bacon, program director of Bridges to Educational Excellence Learning Center; Dr. Vida Farhangi, medical director of Sarasota Memorial Internal Medicine in Newtown; Dannie Frazier Brown, retired educator and co-founder of the Sarasota MLK Celebration Committee; Mary Butler, president of the Amaryllis Park neighborhood association; and Thomas Fairley, executive director of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 20, 2025
Sarasota's community walks together on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The community celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with an awards ceremony, a unity march, and a music and food festival.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Chamber chair Joe Hembree, Observer Media Group president and CEO Matt Walsh and Sarasota Chamber president Heather Kasten.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 19, 2025
Sarasota Chamber honors Observer CEO, hosts Florida Chamber president

The New Year's Kickoff Brunch presented Observer Media Group CEO and founder Matt Walsh with the Spirit of Sarasota Award and featured Florida Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Mark Wilson.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Latest in Sarasota

1
District 5 representative Ron Cutsinger will be the 2026 chairman of the Sarasota County Commission.
  • December 19, 2025
Sarasota County commissioners pick chair, vice chair
2
Locations of the new St. Armands speed tables are marked in red.
  • December 19, 2025
St. Armands speed humps will be replaced with permanent speed tables
3
All games in the 2027 Sarasota College Softball Classic will be played on the championship field (lower left) at the new 17th Street Park Regional Sports Complex.
  • December 18, 2025
New north county park draws major collegiate softball tournament
4
Sarasota Police Department personnel monitor Sarasota's network of cameras, license plate readers, gunshot detectors and other devices in the nearly completed Real-Time Operations Center.
  • December 18, 2025
Police foil developing bank scam as it unfolds
5
The home at 2834 Browning Street featured countless decorations and animated figures.
  • December 18, 2025
Sarasota homes light up for the holidays

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