Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 11, 2024

Sarasota mechanic helps YouTuber test Tesla's bulletproofing

Mike Masse modifies vehicles in order to test what-if scenarios.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 10, 2024

The Bay Park celebrates Giving Challenge with two-day event series

The series of events allowed the public to engage with eight area nonprofits over music, games and fun activities.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 9, 2024

Elizabethan-era stage adds authentic touch to 'Romeo and Juliet'

FSU/Asolo Conservatory's production of the beloved Shakespeare play makes the audience part of the action with a set based on a historic stage.

Arts + Culture

Ian Swaby
April 8, 2024

RC Custom Car Open combines teamwork and carnival fun

The event empowered 175 students as they controlled vehicles around a carnival-themed race track.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 8, 2024

Daughters of the American Revolution chapter showcases history

The Sara De Soto Daughters of the American Revolution Centennial Open House Extravaganza featured a genealogy workshop, local authors, cemetery tours and more.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 6, 2024

Better Together Block Party celebrates the community in style

The event offered butterflies, bubbles, fun activities and more.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 4, 2024

Partnership supports new shelter for homeless teens

A $500,000 gift match challenge helps accelerate progress on a new Safe Children Coalition shelter.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
April 1, 2024

The Observer plays dirty for April Fools’ Day

Our annual April Fools’ Day edition was published on March 28.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Florida Power & Light Company
April 1, 2024

FPL Accepting Applications for FPL Robotics Scholarship — High School Seniors Invited to Apply

Ahum Dhruv with FPL employees after receiving the $20,000 FPL Robotics Scholarship in 2023.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

Carter Weinhofer
March 31, 2024

Sarasota gallery spotlights Ukraine portraits from local photographer

Now at the Lexow Gallery, Allan Mestel’s “Portrait Ukraine” project aims to create a connection between viewer and subject.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 30, 2024

Good Friday at Payne Park takes celebration to the skies

The free event featured circus entertainers, free food, inflatables and face painting.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 29, 2024

Believers walk the Stations of the Cross along Main Street

The annual walk, a Good Friday tradition that recognizes Jesus’ crucifixion and death through 14 stations, once again drew hundreds to downtown Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 28, 2024

Ringling Museum restores mysterious painting from 1700s

“Watermelon Regatta,” an 18th-century painting by the artist known only as the “Master of the Fertility of the Egg,” is on display at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 28, 2024

Community Harvest SRQ rescues produce for food banks

Community Harvest SRQ helps prevent unwanted produce from going to waste, offering the items they collect to local food banks.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 28, 2024

Good Friday pilgrimage on Main Street grows in size

The annual walk, held along Main Street in Sarasota, is anticipated to draw over 1,000 participants this year.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 27, 2024

Nik Wallenda wants to inspire with Good Friday tightrope walk

Wallenda will perform for his hometown of Sarasota during Good Friday in Payne Park.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Eric Snider
March 27, 2024

Lido Shores activist has created art with purpose all her life

Artist Miriam Cassell doesn’t just dare to be different. She knows no other way.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ryan Kohn
March 26, 2024

Siesta Key gymnast sets his sights on a national championship

Eighteen-year-old Benjamin Aguilar will compete for the U.S. Military Academy next season. Before he goes, he wants one more crack at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in May.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 22, 2024

Sarasota chamber welcomes bestselling author at annual breakfast

As the community gathered for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's annual breakfast, they heard from Kyle McDowell, a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 21, 2024

Sarasota blacksmith keeps ancient traditions alive

Thomas Littrell handcrafts metal items, teaches the blacksmith's craft and shares his love for history at Renaissance fairs.

Sarasota
Neighbors

James Peter
March 21, 2024

After Everest, life in Sarasota looks different

Robert Sherman, 63, hiked 95 miles to Everest Base Camp, but it's what happened along the way and the people he met that gave him new perspective.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Miri Hardy
March 19, 2024

Prairie iris blooms herald spring at Myakka

Though highly attractive to pollinators, these striking native wildflowers utilize toxic compounds to repel herbivores.

East County
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 19, 2024

Cows get into costume at Sarasota County Fair

4-H students showcased their livestock in a series of self-made costumes.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 18, 2024

Jazz in the Park brings 'people's music' into open air

Held at the Civic Green beside Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, the event contributes to the legacy of jazz in Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 18, 2024

Sarasota County Fair thrills audiences with circus acts

The attractions at the 100th anniversary event ranged from those involving towering heights to ground-based agricultural activities.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 18, 2024

St. Patrick’s Day block party fills downtown streets with green

The Gator Club's festivities marked the holiday with live music and food trucks.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 14, 2024

Barbecue food trucks in Sarasota thrive on roads less traveled

A short drive from the bustling streets of downtown, you can find the smoky flavors of fresh barbecue.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Observer Staff
March 14, 2024

Siesta Kiwanis Club nurtures early reading

The Read Learn Dream program places books and other literacy-enhancing materials in the hands of preschoolers in select city schools.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Petra Rivera
March 13, 2024

Sarasota, Longboat women bond over shared name: Barbara

Barbaras from around Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and the Keys meet up every month to network and help the community.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

By Jessica Muroff, United Way Suncoast CEO
March 12, 2024

County Commission decision will bring end to 211 for Sarasota County residents

The commission's Sept. 11 decision will eliminate a service that hundreds of thousands of Sarasota residents have come to rely on for more than 40 years.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

James Peter
March 12, 2024

Service dog and owner forge special friendship

Beth Usher endured brain surgery, befriended Mr. Rogers, spreads humor and now spends time on Siesta Key with her best friend and service dog, Gromit.