Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 27, 2025

Former Sarasota mayor recalls family's history of military service

Willie Shaw's father, Wade C. Shaw, was a World War II veteran, and the history goes back further.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
February 26, 2025

Sarasota Pen Women to launch art treasure hunt

As a way to bring a little extra joy to the community, the Sarasota chapter of the National League of American Pen Women is coordinating a surprise art giveaway.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
February 26, 2025

Save Our Seabirds casts net for new bird-trapping volunteers

The City Island organization needs the help of others in saving the lives of injured birds.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 25, 2025

Embracing Our Differences luncheon highlights educational initiatives

The event, held Feb. 21, invited district students and a teacher to discuss the impact of the nonprofit.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 23, 2025

Support gets moving at Get Your Mutt Movin' 5K Run and Walk

The event, held by Satchel's Last Resort, brought together fun offerings, from a race to a costume contest, while also supporting the rescue.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Miri Hardy
February 23, 2025

Myakka marks backcountry with numbered posts

New trail markers will enhance wayfinding and help rangers locate park visitors in need.

East County
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
February 22, 2025

Harvest House bids goodbye to longtime executive at annual luncheon

Dan Minor prepared to take the reins from his sister Erin Minor, longtime CEO and executive director of the nonprofit, during the 2025 Home Again Luncheon.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By JL Bainbridge
February 20, 2025

JL Bainbridge: We believe in being Stewards of Family Prosperity

"We’ve spent over 40 years building a Sarasota-based family wealth management firm that truly loves helping clients take control of their financial well-being before and throughout retirement,” says JL Bainbridge president John Leeming.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

By Beginning to End Interiors | B2End
February 20, 2025

Are You Truly Ready for Your Remodeling Project?

“We’re here to help our clients navigate the often overwhelming maze of design and renovation decisions,” says Alan Gravley. “There are more misconceptions out there than you might think.”

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

Ian Swaby
February 19, 2025

Fire department open house showcases special operations division

The Sarasota County Fire Department held an open house for Station 8 at 840 Apex Road, part of a series of events held one Saturday of each month.

Sarasota
Neighbors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.