Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Neighbors

Ian Swaby
November 9, 2023

Impact100 SRQ awards $763,000 to local nonprofits

The organization selected seven out of 10 finalists to receive $109,000 grants.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jay Heater
November 8, 2023

Austria photo wins Observer's It's Read Everywhere contest

Pam and Russell Hyatt have won the It's Read Everywhere contest for 2023 and will be going on a seven-day Celebrity Cruise to be booked by Marc Bokoff of Cruise Planners.

East County
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
November 4, 2023

Ice cream eating championship helps support Rise Up Cafe

The competition helped support Rise Up Cafe, a nonprofit-run coffee and ice cream shop in downtown Sarasota operated by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Robert Plunket
November 3, 2023

Architecture meets art in $12M Gulf-front home on Casey Key

This exquisite home on Casey Key, designed by Carl Abbott, takes its inspiration from cutting-edge modernism and ancient Mayan pyramids.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
November 2, 2023

The must-try yoga options in Sarasota

Sarasota offers many yoga opportunities, including ones involving goats, lemurs and floating in the air.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
November 1, 2023

Attendees dress in costumes to impress for Fright Night on St. Armands Circle

Friends and families put in a group effort with their Halloween costumes for the trick-or-treating event.

Sarasota
Neighbors

James Peter
October 29, 2023

Sarasota students sell friendship bracelets to support Israel

Eloise Friedman and Naomi Hinckley have raised more than $1,400 for relief efforts.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
October 26, 2023

Where to find the ghosts in Sarasota

Theatrical specters, drink-pouring apparitions, a ghost dog and more are said to haunt these historic Sarasota sites.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
October 26, 2023

Music Compound rocks out with tribute to 'The Dark Side of the Moon'

A performance by students and instructors covered the Pink Floyd album from start to finish.

Sarasota
Neighbors

James Peter
October 24, 2023

Charity auction raises money to support at-risk Sarasota youth

The Sheriff’s Activities League mentors Sarasota County youth and enables them to explore careers in law enforcement.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
October 24, 2023

Sarasota community helps provide the 'bear' necessities at fashion show

The annual luncheon for Baby Basics of Sarasota County helped provide essentials to families in need.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
October 22, 2023

Sarasota Pride Festival celebrates diversity with colorful array of activities

The event brought together a concert, a "RuPaul's Drag Race" performer, pets in costume, a vendor marketplace and more.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
October 21, 2023

Arlington Park gets spooky with Halloween Trail Carnival

The event brought together local vendors to provide a trick-or-treat experience for kids.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
October 19, 2023

Sarasota Music Archive offers a journey through music history

The archive houses media from the 1850s, Jimi Hendrix records, jazz collections and classic comedy albums while preserving the sounds of the past for the future.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Petra Rivera
October 17, 2023

Grammy-winning artist talks fantasy surrealism at live art show

Jim Warren, who painted the cover for Bob Seger's "Against the Wind," was at Wyland Galleries on St. Armands Circle to meet fans and show his artwork.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Carter Weinhofer
October 17, 2023

Fire departments bring heat to chili cook-off with unique recipes, booths

The Morton’s Firehouse Chili Cook-Off gave local fire departments the opportunity to showcase chili recipes and creativity.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Miri Hardy
October 16, 2023

Pine lilies thrive thanks to fire

These imperiled flowers are important indicators of health for Florida habitats.

East County
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
October 16, 2023

Manatee County nonprofit teaches students skills to succeed in school and life

Truly Valued will host its annual fundraising event, Taste of New Orleans, on Oct. 28 at Selby Gardens.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
October 13, 2023

Selby brings Halloween to Little Sarasota Bay with Lights at Spooky Point

Spooky scenes are all around at Selby Gardens' Historic Spanish Point campus.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
October 12, 2023

Eat, drink, dance at The Bay's upcoming anniversary party

The park's five-day lineup includes former Journey lead singer Steve Augeri and cuisine from premier Sarasota restaurants.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
October 11, 2023

Firefighters prepare for chili cook-off

The 23rd annual Morton’s Firehouse Chili Cook-Off will be held Oct. 15.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties
October 10, 2023

Great Futures KAPOW Here!

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has been shaping superheroes for over 50 years.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Southeastern Guide Dogs' animated film promotes companion program

The short film "Lucy" tells the story of a Skilled Companion dog finding her forever companion.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
October 8, 2023

Annual Pumpkin Festival celebrates fall and supports the community

The festival entertained families with activities and a menagerie of animals, all while supporting local vendors.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
October 7, 2023

Fresh Fridays makes a comeback with 'Paint the Town Fresh'

The event kicked off its third season with an event featuring The Brett Foreman Band.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
October 6, 2023

Sarasota beach lifeguards require special set of skills

Sarasota County lifeguards performed 100 rescues this year. A lifeguard shares what it takes to be an open-water first responder.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
October 5, 2023

Bookstore1Sarasota creates frightful auditory experience for Halloween

For the month of October, the downtown store will offer a radio-style dramatization of Bram Stoker’s "Dracula."

Sarasota
Neighbors

James Peter
October 5, 2023

Selby Library celebrates its 25th anniversary

The Selby Library offers space for community, tools for creators and a large collection of materials.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Petra Rivera
October 2, 2023

St. Armands Art Festival features accomplished artists from around the world

Tourists, visitors and locals admired the wide variety of art on display Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Observer Staff
October 2, 2023

Unity of Sarasota celebrates the unconditional love of pets

The church's annual pet blessing brought together a variety of dog breeds.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
September 28, 2023

Project 180 turns life around for formerly incarcerated individuals

The nonprofit offers support to people starting over after serving a prison sentence.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
September 26, 2023

Temple Emanu-El celebrates High Holy Days with food drive

All Faiths Food Bank honored the drive as its most successful fundraiser and food drive for the past six years, say temple staff.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By FPL Energy Expert Isaiah Kelley
September 26, 2023

Beat the Heat with FPL’s Virtual House of Savings While Helping Neighbors in Need

Summer heat has reached its peak, and Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) revamped augmented reality experience can help customers save during the record-breaking heat.