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Sarasota | Neighbors

Creative Liberties celebrates stainless steel artist
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 23, 2024
Creative Liberties celebrates stainless steel artist

Sarasota's Ralph Berger retires after 20 years of creating distinctive circular steel works of art.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ember Bly, 5, Avenn Zarchev-Miller, 7, and Brooklyn Koenreich, 5, prepare to blast off into space.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 22, 2024
Explorers of the Galaxy summer camp teaches drama and life skills

The Drama Kids theater program recently moved into a permanent space featuring a black box theater, on Interstate Boulevard.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Plants such as paspalum repens, a medium-protein aquatic grass native to Florida, provide manatees with ample, toxin-free food at Myakka.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • July 22, 2024
With rising water levels, manatees return to Myakka

Water quality and abundant food are key draws for these massive park regulars.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Alexia Swayka, 4, gets into the center of the action.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 21, 2024
Giant bubbles entertain kids and adults at Selby Gardens

Bubbles Under the Banyans welcomed former "America's Got Talent" contestant Blaise Ryndes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jackson Hostetler fishes with the camp the week of July 15.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 18, 2024
Fishing camp passes down knowledge and experience

"Paying attention to the smaller stuff is definitely what makes the biggest difference."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The courtyard of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 18, 2024
Looking for things to do in Sarasota? She wrote the bucket list.

Kelly Stilwell is the author of the recently released book “100 Things to Do in Sarasota Before You Die.”

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lola Bartolomeo, 10, learns the aerial silks.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 18, 2024
Circus Summer Camp teaches kids the art of performance

Circus Arts Conservatory offers the chance for children to discover new skills and grow confidence.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
County Commissioner Mark Smith cuts the ribbon.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 12, 2024
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce cuts ribbon on new office space

The new office, approximately three times larger than the previous space, was praised by attendees as a welcoming environment.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The interior of the Kreissle Forge
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 11, 2024
Kreissle Forge is a time capsule of a disappearing craft

The historic Kreissle blacksmith's forge, located near the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, provided metalwork for many of the community's landmarks and still has more to offer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Owen Peacock, 9 and Ellie Rodgers, 9, make hot dog buns.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 10, 2024
Kids work together to create tasty dishes at Young Chefs Academy

The company focuses on teaching kids the "joy and value" of cooking.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
These five books have been named as the finalists for the 2025 One Book, One Community event hosted by the Sarasota County Libraries.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 8, 2024
Finalists announced for annual One Book, One Community selection

Sarasota County residents can join the debate over the Sarasota County Libraries' selections on social media.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mike Ziebell and Bobbie Larsen
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 5, 2024
Sarasota residents clean up Siesta Beach after July 4 celebrations

Volunteers picked up firework remnants and other leftovers from the Fourth of July holiday.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The finale of the show arrives.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 5, 2024
Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular sets sky alight

The annual tradition once again brought a dazzling July 4 show to Sarasota's Bayfront Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mary Beth McLeod
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 4, 2024
Community members bring to life Revolutionary War-era fashion

Sarasota Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution explain what it takes to re-create the costumes of 18th-century patriots.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Former NFL and Florida State running back Warrick Dunn poses with a family and Sarasota Habitat for Humanity volunteers. Dunn's charitable organization furnished two Habitat homes.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2024
Former Bucs running back Warrick Dunn gives helping hand to single moms

New Habitat for Humanity homeowners in Sarasota are surprised with a full house and pantry.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Terry Shen at the American Legion's annual Boys State
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 3, 2024
Pine View student earns statewide leadership position

Terry Shen was elected governor by his peers at the American Legion's annual Boys State.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Aubree D., 9
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 2, 2024
Girls Inc. sows gardening skills in patriotic planting activity

Members of Girls Inc. of Sarasota County create their own patriotic flower pots with supplies from local businesses.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Abbey Tyrna of Suncoast Waterkeeper, Kirsten Russell of Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Matt Sauer of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, Amber Whittle of Southface Sarasota, Kameron Hodgens of Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Joyce Norris of Community Harvest SRQ and ______.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 2, 2024
11 nonprofits come together under one roof for new collaboration

The Resilience Incubator at SunCoast Blood Centers in Sarasota brings together several major environmental organizations.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Luna Cassandra and August Ray walk across the bridge.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 30, 2024
Project Pride marches 700-foot flag over Ringling Bridge

Project Pride described the event as an opportunity to "light the bridge our own way."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Josie Calderon, 9, removes some sand from a sculpture.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 27, 2024
Kids learn new way to make sand castles at sculpture camp

The camp, a partnership with Sarasota County and The Sand Lovers, has been running for 12 years.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
A painting by Frank Hopper.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 27, 2024
Palm Avenue gallery acquires Sarasota-centric artwork from airport

The paintings by local artists Regan Dunnick and Frank Hopper will eventually be displayed for the public.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Stacey Marks (left) and Kari Schroeter (middle) perform a dance workout.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 26, 2024
Chamber's small business awards highlight community of caring

More than 600 people gathered to celebrate 30 local businesses on June 21.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Will Westendorf, 8, of Cincinnati, who loves music, tries out a drum.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 26, 2024
Everyone moves to same beat at Siesta Key Drum Circle

The drum circle has been held for nearly three decades.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Natasha Clemons
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 22, 2024
Newtown Juneteenth Celebration celebrates progress

The event brought together local vendors in recognition of the holiday.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Molten bronze is poured from the crucible into a series of molds at Bronzart Foundry.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 20, 2024
Bronzart Foundry creates art for sites around the world

The Sarasota-based foundry crafted an award for the 14th Dalai Lama.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Brian Finnerty and Amanda Heisey spent more than a decade on stage with each other at area theaters before getting married in January.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • June 19, 2024
Newlyweds found love and theater in Sarasota

Brian Finnerty and Amanda Heisey have been sharing stages in the area for nearly a decade.

  • Arts + Culture
An athlete prepares to shoot a basketball, as a Cardinal Mooney student watches.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 18, 2024
Athletes with intellectual disabilities shine at Camp Shriver

Special Olympics Florida teamed up with Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School to bring the camp to Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Florida Power and Light Company (FPL)
  • June 17, 2024
Florida Power & Light enhances energy grid with planned upgrades in Sarasota County

FPL plans to make upgrades in Sarasota as part of its ongoing commitment to avoid outages and restore power faster following severe weather.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Rabbi Michael Shefrin meets Gracie, and Craig Serota.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 16, 2024
Temple Emanu-El celebrates pets with annual Blessing of the Animals

The event honored pets of all kinds, offering blessings to dogs, cats and even a leopard gecko.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Low water levels concentrate fish and other aquatic animals, sustaining migratory and native wading birds, including imperiled species like wood storks.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • June 15, 2024
Rainfall ends record low water levels at Myakka

Periodic dry conditions, resulting from extended drought, regulate and benefit plant and animal communities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Heidi Ayala and Nina Costa enter the circle of the roda.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 13, 2024
Centuries-old Afro-Brazilian martial art and dance thrives in Sarasota

Founded in 1996, Capoeira Volta Ao Mundo creates a place for people to learn the art of Capoeira.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By BayView Dental
  • June 12, 2024
4 Dental Truths for a Sparkling Smile

The Tooth, The Whole Tooth, and Nothing But the Tooth and Surprising Truths.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Love Gordon, Addison Riesen, Solomyn Hoinkas and Coco Claypoole show off their art made with recycled cardboard.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • June 10, 2024
Home-school students present projects on Ocean Day

Mote's Ocean Day celebration challenges local home-school students to learn about ways to take care of Florida's waters.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Robert Winkle, Lori Goldmeier and Geoff Martz
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 8, 2024
SRQCon hosts all things pop culture at Selby Library

Cosplayers flocked to the event, which featured vendors, crafts and an escape room.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Queen of the Night blooms for crowd at Selby Gardens
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 7, 2024
Queen of the Night blooms for crowd at Selby Gardens

The flowering cactus only shows its blossoms for one night each year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Celery Fields is a mecca for birders and other nature lovers.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 7, 2024
Sarasota Audubon Society announces incoming president

Longtime area resident Sara Reisinger started at the nonprofit as a volunteer.

  • Sarasota
  • News
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