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Sarasota | Neighbors

Scott Cassell encounters a bull shark.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 26, 2026
Marine explorer and conservationist has led a life of daring

Osprey explorer Scott Cassell has done it all, from being attacked by Humboldt squid to breaking world records, but he does it for the ocean.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Olivia Haynes is the historian of the Sarasota Garden Club.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 26, 2026
How the Sarasota Garden Club discovered Ringling's Secret Garden

The Sarasota Garden Club rediscovered Mable Ringling's pride and joy on the Cà d’Zan campus and now works regularly to maintain it.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ryley Hoaglin, 10, looks at birds from the gazebo.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 22, 2026
Sarasota Audubon welcomes the public to its nature center with Fly Wild

The community event, held at the Sarasota Audubon Society, raised awareness of the organization's activities, offering free exhibitions, presentations and tours.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By JL Bainbridge
  • February 19, 2026
Worried Sick About Your Retirement? You’re Not Alone.

Nearly 64% of Americans worry more about running out of money than death.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Fourth grader A’Nylah Johnson and third grader Dariana Mills head down the slide.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 17, 2026
A snow day comes to the Star Lab school in Newtown

The private school for elementary-aged children held a "snow day" along with help from the Sarasota Police Department's Sarasota Learning Center.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Christine Cassanelli stands with her friend Miles Christian-Hart, founder of Paradise Riders.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 15, 2026
Thunder by the Bay raises funds for children, teens and adults with special needs

The event brought together offerings like live music, car and bike shows, a biker rodeo, and a charity car and motorcycle dice run in support of its cause.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Don and Tammie Gursky prepare to renew their vows.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 14, 2026
Couples renew vows on Siesta Beach on Valentine's Day

The Say "I Do" Again vow renewal ceremony was hosted on Siesta Beach each year by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and officiated by Judge Stephen Walker.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Up to four boxes of documents will be accepted at the city of Sarasota's ShredStock event.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 14, 2026
Sarasota schedules tax-season shredding event in March

Residents can bring four boxes of documents and electronic gear and catch the music of The Garbage Men.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
3 Sarasota couples share what brought and what keeps them together
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 13, 2026
3 Sarasota couples share what brought and what keeps them together

Every couple has their own journey to finding love. Members of Sarasota's community share what brought them together and sparked romance.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Norma Fox shows her enthusiasm.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 12, 2026
Aerialist and trapeze artist La Norma celebrates 100th birthday

Visitors gather at Showfolks of Sarasota to celebrate the 100th birthday of Norma Fox, whose career includes performing with Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus and in the film "The Greatest Show on Earth."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By World Class Dentistry
  • February 12, 2026
Inside a Family Dental Practice Built on Integrative, Whole-Body Care

A baby gurgles in the background as Dr. Jill Morris confirms that her dental practice of 38 years, World Class Dentistry, is truly a family affair. “We live together and we work together,” she says, laughing with her grandchild.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
A motorcycle and car show is part of the planned activities at the 2026 installment of Thunder by the Bay.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2026
Sarasota's Thunder by the Bay features music, motors and more

The 28th annual event on Feb. 13-15 benefits Suncoast Charities for Children.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota County Operations Center (East County) was honored with a plaque.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 10, 2026
Sarasota Garden Club hosts Civic Beautification Awards

The awards celebrated the properties deemed by the club as exemplifying the attempt to beautify the community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
There was some tough competition in this year's Superb Owl "Most Valuable Predator" contest. Wanda, one of the bird rescue's resident barred owls, won the title of "Best Defense."
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 10, 2026
Whoooo is the MVP of Save Our Seabirds' owlery?

City Island's bird rescue center called on community members to help decide which of its feathered friends would take the title.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Old Salty Dog welcomes surprise Olympian guest
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 9, 2026
Old Salty Dog welcomes surprise Olympian guest

Pommel horse gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik, who competed for the United States in the Olympic Games in Paris, recently stopped by the City Island spot.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sue Hobbs holds the iridescent shell of the green turban sea snail to the light.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 7, 2026
Sarasota Shell and Marine Life Festival showcases the science and art of seashells

Held at Robarts Arena this year, the event featured a larger space, with more room for artists and collectors to showcase their work.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota nonprofit Casting For The Kids helps children with cancer and their families breathe a little easier.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 6, 2026
Annual fishing tournament casts for a cause

Ben Shroyer has turned a parent's nightmare — childhood cancer — into a cause for good, helping families in the same boat as his was a few years ago. The waters off Siesta help fund the work the organization does.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jennifer Rominiecki brought the living museum concept to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens when she was named president and CEO in 2015.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 5, 2026
Botanical gardens' potential lured Rominiecki family to Sarasota

Before Marie Selby Botanical Gardens came calling, Jennifer Rominiecki never considered uprooting her family from New York City. A decade later, she says it was all worth it.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Thomas Modly adjusts the flagpoles as the sun sets.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 5, 2026
Patriots Pier in Siesta Key receives new flagpoles

A group of residents that stewards the nightly ceremony honoring the U.S. military have replaced the rebar for its flagpoles, ensuring the tradition continues.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Perfectly in sync, Ski-A-Rees skiers Natalie Brannon, Debbie Brannon, Ella Walker and Steph Ouellette skim across Sarasota Bay, blending athleticism and grace.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 5, 2026
From flips to ballet, Ski-A-Rees have done it all on the water since 1957

For nearly 70 years, Sarasota's iconic Ski-A-Rees has blended athleticism, showmanship and community spirit in a tradition that draws hundreds to their beloved Sunday performances.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Chamber launches summertime internship program
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2026
Chamber launches summertime internship program

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is connecting students with businesses through InternConnect, a paid summer internship.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Local artist Joan Love points out "Tiny Door" installation hidden in plain sight outside the former Apricot Lane Boutique on St. Armands Circle. Her most recent installation can be found outside Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 4, 2026
St. Armands Circle gets new element of whimsy with Tiny Door installation

Local artist Joan Love, creator of Sarasota's iconic Tiny Doors, added her latest creation to a St. Armands salon.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarah Firstenberger was named CEO of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce in June.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • February 4, 2026
Siesta Key Chamber’s new leader takes the helm

Homegrown CEO Sarah Firstenberger brings fresh ideas and steady leadership to the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 3, 2026
Sarasota veteran helps Marines, Sailors honor those who fought in Operation Swift

Capt. George Phillips told his story to a group of young Marines and Sailors as they visited the site of the military engagement in the Vietnam War.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Officer Michael Skinner (representing honoree Ron Dixon) of the Sarasota Police Department; Rotary Club president Pam Akins; Lieutenant Bruce King of the Sarasota Police Department; and honoree Gabe Gadah of Sarasota County Fire Department gather together.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 3, 2026
Rotary Club of Sarasota hosts first awards ceremony for first responders

The club honored two individuals from the Sarasota Police Department and one from the Sarasota County Fire Department for their service to the community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ethan Freeman, 14, Skate Segal, 14, Jett Segal, 12, Florey Miller and her husband TJ Miller were among those serving foods baked by members.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 1, 2026
Temple Sinai hosts Sarasota Jewish Food Festival

The festival, presented in partnership with The Original Wolfie's Restaurant, featured traditional Jewish baked goods and other offerings.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ethan Kuhn of Suncoast United Pipes and Drums performs in the ceremony.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 31, 2026
Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Festival showcases a wee bit of Scotland

The event featured Highland games, lots of bagpipes, dancing, kilts and even a taste of the weather from across the pond.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Privada Homes
  • January 29, 2026
Discover Gracewater at Sarasota: A New Standard for Modern Florida Living

Live the resort life, just minutes from Downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Commander David Siesel; Assistant Administrative Officer, 1st Lt. Perry Page; Assistant Administrative Officer, 1st Lt. Lois McKenzie; Secretary, Lt. Commander Domini Wood; Executive Officer; Lt. Commander Samuel Doak; and District 22 Comander Ron Jones.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 27, 2026
Sarasota Power and Sail Squadron completes 74th Change of Watch

David Siesel replaced Barbara Warshaw as commander of the Sarasota Power and Sail Squadron as the organization held its annual Change of Watch ceremony.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jay Poon holds a container of takoyaki, with his wife, Sadie Poon.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 26, 2026
Saigon Night Market brings a taste of Asia to Sarasota

Held at J.D. Hamel Park, the festival drew a large turnout with a Pan-Asian selection of street foods.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By The Sarasota Ballet
  • January 23, 2026
Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

The Sarasota Ballet presents the world premiere of "The Waiting Room" January 30 to February 2 at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Brent Jephson and Chef Instructor Benjamin Burnside celebrate a job well done.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 22, 2026
Academy at Glengary offers a bridge for those recovering from mental illnesses

Members of the Sarasota nonprofit gain experience with career skills through options that include cooking meals, designing content and practicing phone reception skills.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alaina Loyal and Gia Sammelman demonstrate concepts including push, pull, kinetic energy, friction.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 22, 2026
STEAM education and circus arts combine with Marvelous, Miraculous Circus Machine

The show, held for local students by the Circus Arts Conservatory, centered on using the circus to represent STEAM concepts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By GSP Development
  • January 22, 2026
Downtown’s first new luxury high-rise residences with three-day minimum rental freedom.

Saravela looks to revitalize downtown living in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
  • By The Edge Sarasota
  • January 22, 2026
The Edge Sarasota: Created for a Select Few

Ten stories. Just 27 Residences. Over 10,000 square feet of curated amenities.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
The new display highlights the history of the visual arts in Sarasota along about 200 feet of Orange Avenue, just off Main Street.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 21, 2026
Michael Saunders & Co.'s new display highlights area's arts history

The new display, running alongside Orange Avenue behind the glass wall of the real estate firm's main office, shares the history of the visual arts colony in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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From left, Drew Ferguson, Jason Creasy, Noah Green, Benjamin Newman, Olivia Ledwith and Eric Coley are the newest sworn officers of the Sarasota Police Department.
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