• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Sarasota | Neighbors

Joni Adno performs at Fogartyville.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 4, 2024
Joni Mitchell tribute artist celebrates music icon's legacy

Sarasota musician Joni Adno had long been passionate about the work of Joni Mitchell before founding a tribute band in 2021.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Meals on Wheels Sarasota
  • February 29, 2024
Delivering More Than a Meal

Each weekday morning, up to 40 volunteers arrive at the small facility, and within a couple of hours, 700 meals are being distributed throughout northern Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
  • By The Goddard School
  • February 29, 2024
The Goddard School The Premier Early Childhood Center

The school is conveniently located at 3000 University Parkway in Sarasota. It’s open year ’round except for major holidays.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Jack Berry plays at The Bay Park in December 2023.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 28, 2024
Sarasota rock band creates music out of trash

The Garbage-Men promote sustainability and recycling through musical instruments of their own creation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2024-25
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 28, 2024
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2024-25

Readers from across the region submit their photos to the Observer's 2024-25 Weather and Nature Photo Contest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jordan Bullard, 16, performs at the event.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 25, 2024
Reggae Block Party honors legacy of a music icon

The eighth annual Osfest honored Oswald Caines of Democracy Reggae Band amid the upbeat music.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Anwar Desvignes of Succulantes
    By
  • James Peter
  • February 24, 2024
Farmers Market fills downtown with artisanal goods and produce

Pepós Shoes brings handmade shoes from Colombia to Sarasota shoppers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
John Kenyon speaks about Cringer the alligator to an audience at Fruitville Library.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 22, 2024
Sarasota libraries explore world of wildlife with free events

Libraries are offering programming to tie in with One Book selection “An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us” by Ed Yong.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Brian McCabe gets help from Connie McCabe with choosing a headwrap, at Headwraps by Connie
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 18, 2024
Motorcycles, charity roll into town with Thunder By the Bay

The event offered a place for bikers and community to gather while supporting organizations that help local children.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Elizabeth Moore and Bob Bunting with their climate umbrella
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 18, 2024
Climate Adaption Center honors five nominees with Beacon Awards

The organization spotlighted the efforts of individuals in the community for their work in addressing climate change issues.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Patti Smith performs.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 16, 2024
Patti Smith plays iconic hits during Selby Gardens performance

The event celebrated the exhibition "Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe" with its own tribute to the artist.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Vice President Char DeMoss accepts a delivery from the bay, from Scott Matthews.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 15, 2024
Scuba divers remove hidden hazards from Sarasota Bay

Suncoast Reef Rovers has found benches, weapons and traffic cones in local waters.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nora Patterson in 2015
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 15, 2024
Sarasota remembers Nora Patterson, former mayor and commissioner

Nora Patterson embodied the ideals of a true public servant, living a life dedicated to public service and leaving a lasting impression on Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
American bumblebees are important pollinators for food crops. Light pollution disrupts their day and night cycle, which affects reproduction.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • February 13, 2024
Light pollution disrupts lives of plants and animals

Excessive artificial light at night changes wildlife behaviors, alters ecosystems and damages natural communities.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Susan Redgrave's dog Molly with a "Kiss Me" shirt
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 11, 2024
Pups and people celebrate Valentine’s Day at Boo’s

The Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar Valentine’s Day Celebration featured vendors, raffles, live music and drinks, and plenty of wagging tails and affection.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By JFCS of the Suncoast
  • February 8, 2024
Building Strong Families for All Faiths

With a goal to empower individuals toward self-sufficiency and stability, JFCS services offer comprehensive care to community members in need.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Melissa Douberly searches for weeds in the dirt.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 8, 2024
Junior League refreshes butterfly garden at Child Protection Center

The butterfly garden is a reminder of the CPC's mission, which encourages children to spread their wings.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Vennie Hotchkiss sews a boot.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 6, 2024
Take a trip to the 1800s at Myakka River Rendezvous

The pre-1840s living history event showcases Florida’s history through exhibitors dedicated to the process of reenacting the past.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Bequest
  • February 5, 2024
Bequest Platinum Event: How To Solve Your Income Challenge in 2024

Join us at Art Ovation Hotel on Feb 22nd 2024, 6-8pm EST, Live Event

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Although they did not arrive in time for the costume contest, Noel, Misty, Olivia and Tico, who belong to Flora Rodriguez of Tampa, drew attention from guests.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 4, 2024
Costume contest raises awareness for pet charities

"My Furry Valentine" brought together the community for a showcase of local pet rescues and vendors.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
17-month-old Jayvyn DeVore, while visiting Sarasota from New Jersey, had the chance to enjoy playing with the streams of water on the splash pad.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 1, 2024
Bayfront Park's new splash pad and playground officially open

The new and improved playground and splash pad at Bayfront Park held its grand opening ceremony on Feb. 1.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Fred Rogers
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 1, 2024
Authors document method behind Mister Rogers' magic

Greg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, the authors of book "When You Wonder, You're Learning," were the special guests of a Sarasota book circle event.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
In this art piece, multiple shells are used to create a wave design.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 1, 2024
Sarasota Shell Show will combine arts, crafts and science

The event will showcase rare shells and artisanal creations by members of the Sarasota Shell Club.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Gary Kompothecras and his family live in one of the largest houses on Siesta Key — a three-story, 13,560-square-foot estate on Point of Rocks Road.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 1, 2024
Gary Kompothecras may be larger than life, but he’s also down to earth

Siesta Key resident and entrepreneur Gary Kompothecras has been called many things. “Creator” is his favorite.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Located on the edge of Sarasota Bay, Plymouth Harbor offers stunning water and city views.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 1, 2024
Plymouth Harbor’s remarkable residents reflect the community's long legacy

Plymouth Harbor is home to people who have enjoyed distinguished careers in business, medicine, law, academia and, especially, the arts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ben Baldwin was part architect, part decorator, part horticulturalist — an elegant gentleman whose goal in life was to create beauty to live in.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • February 1, 2024
Owners of Siesta Key home preserve its modern lineage

Designer Ben Baldwin had a vision for his Siesta Key home that remains safe with its current owners — down to every detail.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Tidewell Foundation
  • January 30, 2024
Tidewell 15th Annual Signature Luncheon Features Marilu Henner

The Tidewell Foundation’s crystal anniversary of the Signature Luncheon will take place on March 1, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Janet Minker’s love of architecture is rooted in her career as a graphic designer.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • January 29, 2024
Sarasota architecture inspires graphic designer to preserve its legacy

Lido Shores resident Janet Minker is a tireless advocate for preserving Sarasota’s historical buildings — and, by association, the city’s character and charm.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A guide to the birds to spot each month in Sarasota
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 25, 2024
A guide to the birds to spot each month in Sarasota

When and where to find the bird of the month (and how to identify them), according to local experts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mashara Mirtolooi performs "To Error is Human."
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 24, 2024
Music Compound songwriters showcase original compositions

Songwriters Showcase allowed students of all ages to perform their own compositions.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Historical frame worth $1.4 million going to auction in Sarasota
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 24, 2024
Historical frame worth $1.4 million going to auction in Sarasota

The world’s most expensive period frame, designed by architect Stanford White, will be auctioned by Sarasota's Helmuth Stone Gallery.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Paella cooking at the Seafood Market food truck at St. Armands Food Truck Rally and Music Festival.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 22, 2024
St. Armands Food Truck fest brings cuisine from around the country

The weekend-long festival drew a restaurant-turned-food truck featured on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives."

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jessie Ochsendorf, a 7th grader at Pine View School and winner of Best In Show Quotation, and artist Michael White
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 22, 2024
Sarasota welcomes Embracing Our Differences art exhibit

There were more than 16,000 submissions this year. Judges' selections are on display through April 14 at Bayfront Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rylen Gibbs, Dylan Luper and Owen Nystrand help spread mulch around the tree.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 21, 2024
Garden Club, Oak Park School plant 'tourist tree' on Florida Arbor Day

Students from the school, which serves children with disabilities, helped carry out the project.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Clayton Rosaire greets a black jaguar April 21, 2023.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 18, 2024
Big Cat Habitat operator bonds with exotic animals through trust and love

Clayton Rosaire specializes in big cats and has spent a large portion of his life working with them on an everyday basis.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Unconditional Surrender statue is cleaned.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 18, 2024
Meet the 'invisible' team cleaning Sarasota's sidewalks and statues

Gorilla Kleen staff describe the thankless task of cleaning landmark locations while the city sleeps.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
« 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest in Sarasota

1
Sarasota City Attorney Joe Polzak and City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs during a meeting of the Sarasota City Commission.
  • December 5, 2025
Sarasota charter official evaluations begin this month
2
You'd better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
  • December 4, 2025
You'd better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
3
The moon shines between a pair of "Florida Reindeer."
  • December 4, 2025
Holiday display at Selby Gardens boasts over 2 million lights
4
A satellite image of Hurricane Irma.
  • December 4, 2025
Hurricane season ends without Florida landfall
5
Shane Rawley poses for a photo on Dec. 2 at Shaner's Pizzeria with his three published books. From left: "A February Thaw: A Peter Cobb Adventure," "January Freeze: A Peter Cobb Adventure" and "Peter Cobb: Three Strikes You're Out."
  • December 4, 2025
Former MLB pitcher and local pizzeria owner is an author

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2025 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now