Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | 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.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 7, 2024

One Book author Ed Yong shares how animals experience the world

The One Book speaker explained the different senses of animals and how this matters to humans.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

By Sarasota Art Museum
March 7, 2024

Two New Exhibitions Come To Sarasota Art Museum

To learn more about and see these two new exhibitions, visit Sarasota Art Museum, located at the old Sarasota High School.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

Observer Staff
March 5, 2024

Glasser/Schoenbaum honors three emerging leaders at annual celebration

The Feb. 29 event celebrated individuals to watch in Sarasota's human services community.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 5, 2024

Teen Court grants juvenile offenders a trial by their peers

The nonprofit offers young offenders second chances, with fellow teens serving as the attorneys, jury, bailiff and clerk.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Modern Smile Design
March 4, 2024

Modern Smile Design Is The Best Office To Get Teeth Straightening Invisalign

Do you want to know why Modern Smile Design is the best in Sarasota, FL?

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.