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Sarasota | Neighbors

The flooding extended to the lifeguard tower on Siesta Key Beach.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 30, 2023
Hurricana Idalia leaves flooded roads, properties on Siesta Key

The intermittent rain and wind, as well as the difficulty of traveling, on Wednesday kept most of the public indoors throughout the island.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Staff member Dezirae Walls holds Clairee.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 30, 2023
Humane Society of Sarasota County provides storm shelter for dogs and cats

The shelter is hosting a group of 15 dogs from Dixie County and 20-30 cats from Highlands County in Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
O'Leary's picnic area at Sarasota's Bayfront Park was flooded at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 30, 2023
See Hurricane Idalia damage in Sarasota

Bayfront Park and areas of downtown Sarasota are flooded.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Eric LoStorto and Justine Holcomb
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 30, 2023
Tuttle Elementary teachers write children’s books

Science teacher Justine Holcomb and math teacher Eric LoStorto self-published children’s books to educate and inspire students.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Bayfront Park on TuesdayCaptain Bobby Chiodini ties down the historic tour boat the Carefree Learner, also known as Sarasota High School’s “floating classroom,” at Bayfront Park on Tuesday.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 29, 2023
Sarasota area prepares for the impact of Hurricane Idalia

Residents filled sandbags and secured their boats in anticipation of the storm’s impacts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Martina Belanch
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 27, 2023
Sarasota Bay Watch hosts first scallop search since COVID

Volunteers met on Aug. 26 at Sarasota Sailing Squadron to collect data on scallops, wildlife and seagrass in Sarasota Bay.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Liz Cantwell and Ron Longhurst dance together.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 26, 2023
Fundraiser at Senior Friendship Centers supports the hungry

The End-of-Summer Bash brought Hawaiian flavor to the fundraiser, which also raised money for Mayors Feed The Hungry, a partner of the organization.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alyssa Lopez and Alyssa Snider
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 24, 2023
Sarasota and Siesta Key natives team up on 'The Challenge'

Alyssa Lopez from Sarasota and Alyssa Snider from Siesta Key formed a close bond while filming the reality TV series' current season.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Eric Troyer of Kerkering, Barberio & Co. presents the award to Evan Samson.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 21, 2023
Sarasota Chamber honors area young professionals at summit event

Tiona Settles of CenterPlace Health and Evan Samson of DMSI International both received the Young Professional of the Year Award.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
3-year-old Cameron Benfer relaxes with a guitar.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 20, 2023
Music Compound SRQ puts students center stage at Back to School Bash

The event offered the public an opportunity to enjoy music from the studio’s student performers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Julie Martin pours SALT Tequila.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 20, 2023
Rotary Club of Sarasota hosts first Toast Local charity event

The event, which featured tastings of craft cocktails and local beers, benefited charities in the area.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Fairy Village, like the group's other work, is created from a wide variety of repurposed materials.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 17, 2023
The Artful Codgers find beauty in unwanted materials

The crafting class, held for residents of the Sunnyside Village retirement community, transforms recycled materials into art.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Almost all Florida manatees have propeller scars from past collisions with boats. Complying with “Idle Speed No Wake” speed limits for boats helps protect manatees from harm.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • August 14, 2023
Florida manatees find food and shelter at Myakka

Efforts to protect these imperiled mammals at the state park include removing dams that can leave them stranded and increasing awareness about boat speed limits.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lori Goldmeier, dressed as Harley Quinn from DC Comics, and Ryan Jacobson
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 13, 2023
SarasotaCon showcases comics and local community of enthusiasts

The experience hosted memorabilia, legendary comic book artists and cosplay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 11, 2023
Self-help author, age 94, encourages seniors to embrace their stage of life

Author and former University of Maryland professor Nancy Schlossberg's most recent book was published in May.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nine-year-old Estella Stroth reaches great heights.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 4, 2023
Circus Summer Camp lets kids enter the big-top spotlight

The camp, which teaches circus acts, allows kids to perform for their families at the end of each session.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jan and Tim Solmon sail onwards.
    By
  • 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
Randy and Martha Wells
    By
  • 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
Illusionist Marshall Chandler entertains Lynn Hagan and Mary Frances Mondo.
    By
  • 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
Eleven-year-old Henry Greenwell, 12-year-old Max Dinetz and Mike Donnerstag make banana bread together.
    By
  • 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
Mural Organizer Walter Gilbert, Colson family member Sonja McCoy Harvey and Mayor Kyle Battie
    By
  • 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
9th grade student Alex Lieberman and Evan Heck program the robot.
    By
  • 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
Ronnique Hawkins stands at the road named in her mother's honor while holding an award received by Veronica Allen.
    By
  • 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
White-tailed deer often travel in groups. If you see a deer crossing a road or on a road's shoulder, please slow down as more deer are bound to follow.
    By
  • 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
Chief Medical Officer Jennifer Bocker, Skipper and Chief Operations Officer Kelly Malloy
    By
  • 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
A Men's Open division team in the July Independence Volleyball Tournament on Lido Key Beach.
    By
  • 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
Renée James Gilmore and Helen James visit the Betty J. Johnson Public Library in honor of Juneteenth, June 19, with Dr. Edward James II's library cards.
    By
  • 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
Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman addresses congregation members at the Temple Emanu-El on Monday.
    By
  • 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
Jennifer Arevalo tries out a new dress with assistance from Erika Alarcon.
    By
  • 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
Grace Barger, 7-year-old Allison Silveira, and Shannon Carrasco get their groove on.
    By
  • 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
DAR members Shawna Smith, Gina Wilcox, Bonnie Calliotte, Sue Asony, Barbara Wilkes Asony, and Sara De Soto regent Pat Rook.
    By
  • 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
Colton Lawson rides his four wheeler on his family's property.
    By
  • 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
Visitors were impressed with the many fireworks at the event.
    By
  • 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
The Gladiator Canados boat piloted by Ervin Grant of Massachusetts and Michel Karsenti of Miami Beach, Florida races against the the Waves and Wheels / Doug Wright boat piloted by Logan Adan of Melbourne, Florida and Ricky Maldonado of Palmetto, Florida.
    By
  • 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
Carolyn Angiolillo is in uniform as an urban park ranger.
    By
  • 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
The Sarasota Ballet is just one of the region’s fine arts groups.
    By
  • 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
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