Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | 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.

Sarasota
Business

Ian Swaby
June 22, 2023

Three generations of jazz: The Bruno family loves to perform

A love of music has been passed down in the family for generations.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 20, 2023

Nonprofit helps those with disabilities dive into scuba

Diveheart hosts free scuba experience sessions in Sarasota twice a year, serving children and adults with disabilities.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 18, 2023

Juneteenth block party celebrates community and progress

Numerous vendors lined Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, connecting with others in the community.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 18, 2023

Animals and humans mingle at Big Cat Habitat's Liger Luau

The fundraising event showcased the many residents of Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary.

Sarasota
Neighbors

James Peter
June 15, 2023

Mote reminds Ocean Day visitors that water connects us all

Conservation organizations and environmental educators treated visitors to eye-opening facts and fun.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 15, 2023

Cat Depot seniors program helps provide age-appropriate companions

The program, sponsored by Pets for the Elderly, offers senior cats to senior individuals for one-third the cost of a regular adoption.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 14, 2023

Sunnyside Village couple celebrates their 75th wedding anniversary

In their 90s, George and Janice Johnson tell each other they love each other "many times each day."

Sarasota
Neighbors

Miri Hardy
June 12, 2023

Feeding squirrels or other wildlife never ends well

Squirrels support healthy ecosystems. We can help keep them and other wild animals healthy by never feeding wildlife.

East County
Neighbors

Sidra Wali
June 11, 2023

St. Armands craft fest combines fine art, artisanal foods, crafts and botanicals

Regional artists and artisans displayed and sold their work Saturday and Sunday.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 10, 2023

Inaugural Silver Pride event celebrates senior LGBTQ+ community

Senior Friendship Centers and Project Pride SRQ's event celebrated and offered a showcase of services to the local LGBTQ+ community ages 50 and up.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 8, 2023

Sarasota fishing guides reel in awards

Two fishing charter captains discuss the services that won them Angler's Choice Awards.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 7, 2023

Sea Turtle Conservancy covers costs of installing turtle-friendly lighting

The nonprofit wants to replace lights at homes, condos and businesses that can disorient sea turtles.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 4, 2023

Music and nature mingle at Music in the Gardens

The community turned out for an evening at the Sarasota Garden Club with music by The JAM.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 1, 2023

Marina Jack pianist Rock Lee celebrates 30 years of making music

The "piano man" at Marina Jack, beloved by patrons, celebrated his 30th anniversary with the bayfront restaurant in May.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Liz Ramos
May 30, 2023

Music Compound encourages reading with summer program

Children can earn prizes based on the number of books they read.

East County
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
May 29, 2023

Memorial Day parade celebrates those who gave all

The parade brought together numerous participants from across Sarasota.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
May 27, 2023

Memorial Day tribute at Sarasota National Cemetery honors the fallen

Held at the Sarasota National Cemetery following the Flags for Fallen Vets flag placement, the event honored service members who died in the line of duty and their families.