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Sarasota | Neighbors

Valerie DiLorenzo, Janice Boring and Silvia Flores perform a book signing.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 6, 2025
Group of seniors becomes first-time authors with memoir writing program

The new Gussin Center for Creative Writing at Senior Friendship Centers helped to publish the work of memoirists in "Joyful Journeys, Vol. 1."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cindy Mastrin browses the items on display.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 4, 2025
Market brings local businesses to downtown Sarasota

Eat, Drink, & Shop by the Bay brought local vendors to the street beside J.D. Hamel Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kathy Lozano and Reuben Rivera check out the 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia that first-time registrant Jim Friedman brought to Ferraris on the Circle on Nov. 1.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • November 3, 2025
Ferraris turn out for final Flight to the North Pole major fundraiser

St. Armands Circle showcased interesting models from fans of the Italian sports car brand at Ferraris on the Circle.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tiffany Ranieri and 10-month-old Eli White patrol for mischief-makers during his first time trick-or-treating on Halloween at Fright Night on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • November 2, 2025
Fright Night makes robust return to St. Armands

Trick-or-treaters said they were overjoyed to see Fright Night on St. Armands make a triumphant return.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Edgar Villegas and his wife Norma Perez
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 2, 2025
Sarasota block party combines Day of the Dead and Halloween

Clasico hosted a downtown the Day of the Dead and Halloween Block Party.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Andre Herke, Thomas Herke, 3, and Jennifer Herke dressed as pumpkins.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 2, 2025
Families head to Sarasota's Cherokee Park for trick-or-treating

The neigborhood is one of Sarasota's most popular locations on Halloween night.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Registered Nurse Clara Rock started at Sarasota Memorial Hospital as an assistant in high school. She poses with her Labor and Delivery team at the celebration.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 31, 2025
SMH celebrates 100 years of service

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System recalls its humble beginnings and looks to the future.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
At one of two "Jurassic Park" trunks, Ayla Puccio, 8, helped offer the chance to pet a dinosaur using puppets.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 30, 2025
Sarasota church, elementary school team up for trunk-or-treat

Church of the Redeemer volunteers brought to life places from "Jurassic Park" to the Hundred Acre Wood during trunk-or-treat at Alta Vista Elementary.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A seaside table set with Siesta Summer's signature style — effortless elegance with a touch of coastal whimsy.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • October 30, 2025
Enjoy a quintessential Florida al fresco experience with tips from top planners

Creating the perfect picnic isn’t rocket science. But it is an art.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Carol Siegler sits with her great-grandson Miles Dadosky, 4.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 30, 2025
Plymouth Harbor resident reflects on a life filled with philanthropy

Carol Siegler celebrated her 100th birthday on Oct. 23.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
From his Plymouth Harbor condo, Newman enjoys a sweeping view of Sarasota Bay — and a life rich in stories, family and photography.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • October 30, 2025
Photography has done more than keep Lou Newman busy. It's kept him young.

From polar bears in the Arctic to pelicans on Lido Beach, Lou Newman has spent the last two decades capturing the world through his lens.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This Lido Shores home was once the center of Sarasota's social scene — and scandal
  • By Robert Plunket
  • October 30, 2025
This Lido Shores home was once the center of Sarasota's social scene — and scandal

Once the stage for Sarasota's most dazzling dramas, this spectacular Lido Shores estate is back in the spotlight.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Lobster Dutchess features a whole Maine lobster stuffed with shrimp, scallops, crab and lobster meat, baked in buttery stuffing with Parmesan and a splash of sherry. Seafood Portugal combines lobster, clams, mussels, shrimp and sausage over pasta.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • October 30, 2025
Lobster Pot infuses New England tradition with Portuguese pizazz

The Medeiros family blends their Massachusetts past and Portuguese ancestry at the Siesta Key Village restaurant.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
  • By JL Bainbridge
  • October 30, 2025
Apples to Apples: How to Fairly Compare Financial Advisors

What Does Your Investment Firm Actually Give You?

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Gisele Pintchuck leads a Q&A session with Omer Shem Tov.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 29, 2025
Former Israeli hostage meets Sarasota supporter, recounts experiences

Omer Shem Tov, captured by Hamas during the Nova music festival in 2023 before he was freed this year, found a "second mother" who lives in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Wilma Davidson at home on Longboat Key, where she and her husband have lived full time for 20 years.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • October 29, 2025
Curiosity and a zest for life drive Longboat woman's storied career

Writer, educator, pilot and lifelong learner Wilma Davidson has built a career — and a life — defined by curiosity, achievement and purpose.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Siesta Key Kiwanis Club members Shawna Smith, incoming president Mary-Lynn Desjarlais, Joy Horne Jones, Candace Anderson, Kimberley Amos and Steve Stonecipher (front). The club meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at Gecko's on Clark Road in Sarasota. (Photo taken at Hub Baja Grille on Siesta Key.)
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • October 29, 2025
'Mighty' Siesta Key Kiwanis Club helps children, one community at a time

Poverty can happen anywhere. The Siesta Key Kiwanis Club is working to insulate Sarasota kids from its effects.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Casino Craft
  • October 28, 2025
Add Excitement to Your Holiday Party! Casino Craft Deals in Risk-free Fun and Games

Casino Craft has four standard games – blackjack, craps, roulette and poker – but customers aren’t limited to those.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Jordan Sacks, Brooke Strickland, and Coast hang out at the event.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 27, 2025
Two Pride groups merge to create Gulfcoast Pride Festival

Held Oct. 26, the festival was Sarasota's largest Pride event and featured headlining musical act Zee Machine.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mushu and Emmett dressed as Kermit and Fozzie, while Teagan Nickols dressed as Miss Piggy, claiming eighth place.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 26, 2025
Dogs and humans get into costume at Dog-A-Ween

Costumers went all-out for the contest, held at the Sarasota Farmer's Market by the Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Heather Kasten stands with incoming board chair Jennifer Rominkiecki.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 26, 2025
Chamber welcomes Selby Gardens president as board chair

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting welcomed board chair Jennifer Rominiecki, as well as keynote speaker Jim Knight, a Hard Rock International executive.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
MJ Price competed in the Face of Halloween contest, which involves fans of the holiday from across North America.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 23, 2025
Laurel Park resident places in national Halloween contest

MJ Price competed in the Face of Halloween contest, which involves fans of the holiday from across North America.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
There were pumpkins aplenty at the festival.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 23, 2025
Get ready to trick or treat on the Circle

St. Armands Circle will soon be making a haunting transformation into a family-friendly Halloween venue.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jim Stanard
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 23, 2025
Bird Key resident finds post-retirement success as folk musician

Trading in numbers for notes, Sarasota's Jim Stanard released his album "Magical" in January of this year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By World Class Dentistry
  • October 23, 2025
World Class Dentistry: Four Decades of Innovation. One Family. One Mission.

In a world of corporate dentistry, World Class Dentistry stands apart as a family-owned, patient-focused practice guided by decades of excellence. Discover how one Sarasota family is redefining what it means to care for a smile.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Despite choppy conditions, the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees finished last Sunday's show with a grand finale three-tier pyramid.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 22, 2025
Catch the Ski-A-Rees before winter break

The family tradition continues with third-generation performers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Dave Tomasko, outgoing executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, has always appreciated maintaining a close connection with the area's waterways. Now, he is returning to the private sector.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 22, 2025
Outgoing estuary program director proud of work on waterways

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director Dave Tomasko is proud of how he's helped improve local waterways and now looks to make broader systemic changes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tara Piedra, and Ariel Betancourt and Michael Matheis of Station 9, prepare chili.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 20, 2025
Firefighters turn up the heat at chili cook-off

The 25th annual Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off brought together various fire departments for chili-making competition and camaraderie.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Leisa Wilhelm leads her boyfriend Austin Bronkhorst across the park.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 20, 2025
Families enjoy a fun Sarasota evening at Boo! at The Bay

The park became a festive Halloween scene with a spooky trail, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting and other activities.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Noah Roman, 5, his mother Kiersten Perez, Salem Friday, 4, her mother Tabitha Lenz, and brother Teddy Friday, 2, came dressed for the season.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 20, 2025
Sarasota community enjoys the beat at Rocktoberfest

The event featured live music, Oktoberfest cuisine, crafts and other offerings.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Patron Disha Webb tries on a ring crafted by artist Julia Bernadsky at last weekend's fine art festival on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 20, 2025
Fine art festival showcases unique media

From resin-coated metalwork to wearable art clothing, the artists at this weekend's art festival on St. Armands Circle offered interesting finds for connoisseurs.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Englewood firefighters Mason Adkins and James Farley prepare cups of chili in 2024.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 17, 2025
Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off still going strong in 25th year

The event features over a dozen fire stations from Sarasota and beyond, competing for the awards for best chili and best booth.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lois Saupe of the Humane Society of Sarasota County, who handled Sirius, meets Avery Peterson, 7.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 16, 2025
Kids enjoy therapy dogs at Gulf Gate Library

Captured moments of talk and "aww" as Sarasota children read aloud to some furry pals on a weekly basis.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Matthew Hardee, 11, changes a tire.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 16, 2025
Scout troops learn automotive skills with Suncoast Technical College

Local Scouting America groups are in a partnership with the Sarasota college to teach the youth skills in technical trades.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nancy Manosh welcomes home her husband, Korean War veteran Carl Manosh, of Punta Gorda, whose guardian was Mike Semones, a Southwest Florida Honor Flight board member who lives in Sarasota.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 15, 2025
Community welcomes veterans home from Washington, D.C., trip

The community welcomed veterans home at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, after their one-day trip to Washington, D.C. with Southwest Florida Honor Flight.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jonny Chartrand of Tunaskin Aquatic Apparel poses with the shop's scarecrow.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 15, 2025
Scarecrows come to Siesta Key businesses

The Scarecrow Stroll was organized by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and takes place Oct. 1-31.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
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