Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 2, 2023

Key Sailing wants to change the world one voyage at a time

The Sarasota sailing charter supports local charities while its owners offer a message of hope.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Petra Rivera
August 2, 2023

Husband and wife dolphin researchers balance each other's strengths

Randy and Martha Wells met through the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program and have complemented each other’s strengths ever since.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 31, 2023

Magic & Mystery Night Faire offers Sarasota a new experience

The event was the first of four that will be held by art studio Creative Liberties.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 28, 2023

Kids choose their own culinary adventures at Chef Mike’s Catering camp

The camp helped children prepare an entire buffet with a wide variety of dishes.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 27, 2023

New mural in Rosemary District celebrates local Black history icons

The mural on the Planned Parenthood health center features Lewis and Irene Colson.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 26, 2023

Local partnership gives students hands-on robotics experience

The collaboration began with RND Automation lending a robotic arm to the Faulhaber Fab Lab.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 25, 2023

Newtown nonprofit leader remembers her police volunteer mother

Veronica Allen cared for the Newtown community as an SPD volunteer, while daughter Ronnique Hawkins took up the torch with a documentary about Emmett Till and the nonprofit Learn My History Foundation.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Miri Hardy
July 19, 2023

Even in protected habitats, roads put wildlife at risk

Help protect wildlife by slowing down and being attentive, especially when passing yellow animal-crossing signs, which indicate you're driving through wildlife habitats.

East County
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 18, 2023

Guide dog-in-training brings joy to Sarasota Doctors Hospital

Skipper, a black Labrador retriever from Southeastern Guide Dogs, is being raised by the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer Jennifer Bocker and Chief Operations Officer Kelly Malloy.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Petra Rivera
July 17, 2023

Lido Key hosts pro beach volleyball players from around the state

The July Independence Tournament was held July 15-17 on Lido Key Beach.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 13, 2023

Family of local activist recalls how he desegregated Sarasota's library

Edward James II refused to back down, fighting for his and others' right to access all Sarasota County libraries.

Sarasota
Neighbors

James Peter
July 12, 2023

Temple Emanu-El receives $3.2M donation from anonymous donor

The synagogue member’s gift will be used to lower dues for members with school-age children and grow the congregation.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 11, 2023

Barbie's Boutique began with a dream, grew into a one-stop shop for all

Founded to serve the local Latino community, the Sarasota boutique has expanded its clientele and recently opened an additional location.

Sarasota
Business

Ian Swaby
July 8, 2023

Fun in the Sun Back to School Bash merges health and fun

The event brought together community partners for a morning that included free school supplies, music and dancing.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 6, 2023

Daughters of the American Revolution group keeps history present in Sarasota

Community members with ancestral ties to the American Revolution support local causes helping students and veterans.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 6, 2023

Four-wheeler rider wins championship despite past limb injury

Seven-year-old Colton Lawson never lost the need for speed after losing the lower part of both legs in 2018.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 5, 2023

Sarasota community gathers for July 4 fireworks spectacle

Bayfront Park became a prime viewing location for the fireworks in Sarasota Bay on July 4.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 3, 2023

Boat racers power through big waves and summer heat at Grand Prix

The 39th annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix drew 60 teams of racers to the waters off Lido Beach on July 1 and 2.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 30, 2023

Sarasota resident recalls her time shaping America’s favorite city park

Carolyn Angiolillo formerly served as an urban park ranger in Central Park as well as other New York City parks.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jay Heater
June 29, 2023

Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch indeed lands of opportunity

While Sarasota built its arts reputation to separate from other beach communities, Lakewood Ranch carved paradise out of the wild.

East County
Neighbors

Monica Roman Gagnier
June 29, 2023

Three pioneers who changed the face of Sarasota and Manatee counties

Lewis Colson, John Schroeder and Bertha Palmer were trailblazers in frontier Florida.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 29, 2023

Locals team up to clean up July 4 litter left on beaches

A local sports store is partnering with AT&T to clean up litter on Siesta Key beaches from Fourth of July festivities and to show some love for the area’s beauty.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 28, 2023

Sarasota High School graduate carries on family's dreams

Alejandro Peralta, whose parents came from Ecuador to pursue their dreams, carries on their story in America.

Sarasota
Neighbors

James Peter
June 28, 2023

Hunter aims to teach the importance of conservation

Sarasota's Larysa Switlyk has taken a path less traveled to make her mark as an adventure TV host. Now she’s launching a nonprofit to get more people outdoors and educate on hunting and conservation.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 28, 2023

Sarasota boaters create watercraft management app

The YachtWave app is intended to be a one-stop shop for all needs related to boat care, maintenance and use.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
June 28, 2023

Sarasota PD grants 4-year-old's wish, swears in youngest officer

At age 4, cancer patient Andrew Pickart's beach trip wish was enhanced as he became an honorary officer of the Sarasota Police Department.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Lesley Dwyer
June 27, 2023

Alex Ortega built an American dream at Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay

Now 50 years old and the general manager, Ortega started working at the Siesta Key restaurant when he was only 16 and didn't speak English.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
June 27, 2023

Sarasota attorney gives back to court program that saved him

Stefan Campagna used his second chance to become an attorney and champion Teen Court of Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ryan Kohn
June 27, 2023

Sarasota, Manatee nonprofits push their clients' lives forward

Support for clients comes in the form of financial assistance, education, creative outlets and more.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 25, 2023

2023 Small Business Awards reveal a caring community

The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's awards highlighted area businesses that are positioned for continued success and have provided opportunities for the community.