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Sarasota | Neighbors

Julia King pours Patrón Tequila for Cedric Sullivan, Kyle Wilkinson, and Eduardo Stefonias on May 5, 2023, at Circo's street fest.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 6, 2023
Celebrations take to the streets on Cinco de Mayo

Multiple block parties were held in the downtown Sarasota area on May 5.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mangrove forests are one of the most threatened tropical ecosystems in the world. Florida’s estimated 600,000 acres of mangroves contribute to the overall health of the state’s coastal zone in addition to providing some of the best kayaking experiences.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 5, 2023
An exploration of Lido’s mangrove tunnels reveals heart of our coastal ecosystem

Key Life’s intrepid reporter encounters Florida’s unique ecosystem on a kayak tour through Lido Key’s magical mangrove tunnels.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
An aerial shot of The Bay shows its position alongside Sarasota’s iconic bayfront.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 5, 2023
The Bay Park begins to take shape — and it’s just getting started

A core group of business, civic and philanthropic leaders in Sarasota came together over the past decade for one common cause: to turn a parking lot into a world-class park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
As much as SOS is an inviting place for people to behold birds — from pelicans to parakeets — the facility’s primary business is helping to revive ailing ones.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • May 3, 2023
Save Our Seabirds takes off on expansion plans for the nonprofit

Aaron Virgin, the new CEO of Save our Seabirds, has big plans for the avian sanctuary.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Irene Chang-Britt’s story is one of personal growth and reinvention.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 3, 2023
Former Pepperidge Farm CEO is living her dream life on Bird Key

Irene Chang-Britt, the former CEO of Pepperidge Farm, shares her tales of success — and why retiring on Bird Key is the sweetest part.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
11th grader Evanah Torres, 10th grader Izzy Martinez, and 11th grader Paul Cloutier work on Torres' section of the mural.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 3, 2023
Riverview High students express their artistic side with community mural

Students are expressing themselves artistically as they create a mural for a nearby homeowner that celebrates living in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Florida Department of Health employee Quiana Tolbert helps 11-year-old Beckett Hill into the Sarasota Aging Sensitivity Suit, alongside Aging System Policy Coordinator Susan Berger.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 2, 2023
Sarasota event on aging shows young attendees a new point of view

Participants at the International Intergenerational Event tried on the Sarasota Aging Sensitivity Suit, which simulates being in your late 70s or early 80s.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ringling College President Larry Thompson and Veterans Club president Marcus Adkins unveil the monument.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 2, 2023
Newly donated monument at Ringling College honors veterans

The monument, called Testimonies (Resilience), was formerly displayed in Patriot Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Andrea O'Brien learns about "The Extraordinary UnOrdinary You" from its author, Simone Knego.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 1, 2023
Bookstore1Sarasota book fair spotlights community of local authors

The two-day downtown Sarasota event brought together 28 local authors.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Bernie Phillips is in the process of offering the lecture series "Fulfilling Our Infinite Potentials: Solving the World's Problems."
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 30, 2023
For Sarasota man, empowerment comes one mind (and heart) at a time

Bernie Philips, who holds a doctorate in sociology from Cornell University, wants to lead a revolution in the social sciences through his lecture series.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jinnie Rice and Kimber Skowronski. Rice is Skowronski's mother. Skowronski needs 400 volunteer hours before moving in, but family members can help.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 27, 2023
Habitat for Humanity Sarasota holds its first Women Build

The nationwide events started in 1991, but this is the first for the Sarasota chapter.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Ty Knight
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 26, 2023
Local Navy seaman uses military training to aid gunshot victim

Old Miakka native Ty Knight was presented with the USO Sailor of the Year award in Washington, D.C.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Becki Creighton and Ian Bland look over photos from the church's past.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 23, 2023
Trinity United church members celebrate 75 years of community

Parishioners said a sense of family at the church has led to its enduring presence.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
2-year-old Zakylee Elliott, 3-year-old Zynylah Elliott, 5-year-old Nikolas Cotirla, 8-year-old Ava Colindres, and 5-year-old Nikolas Cotirla learn about composting at the Sunshine Community Compost station.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 23, 2023
Third rock is the star at Earth Day celebration at Sarasota's Bay Park

Family activities and tables on the bay were designed to encourage appreciation of the environment.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
7-year-old Jett Claymore, Kristen Shepherd, and 5-year-old Bodhi Claymore
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 23, 2023
Attendees climb aboard for Suncoast Boat Show

The event at Marina Jack returned with more boats and gear than previous years.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kids can sit in the driver's seat of big tractors and trucks at the 27th annual Big Truck Day.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 21, 2023
Big trucks on display at CoolToday Park

Get behind the wheel of some big rigs at the 27th Annual Big Truck Day.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Elizabeth Moore, Climate Adaptation Center director; Robert Bunting, Climate Adaptation Center CEO and chair; Jon Thaxton, Gulf Coast Community Foundation senior vice president for community leadership; Jennifer Compton, Bay Park Conservancy board secretary; Amy Grossman, Climate Adaptation Center chief operating officer; Ed Chiles, All Clams on Deck founding board member; and Charles Reith, Sarasota Urban Reforesters.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 20, 2023
Environmental leaders honored at inaugural climate awards

Sarasota-based Climate Adaptation Center's Champions Award Ceremony showcased individuals' potential to drive climate action.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jim Lamb holds a Toys for Tots backpack.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 20, 2023
Toys for Tots coordinator looks back at growth of community giving

Since 2006, the nonprofit has increased its output from an estimated 8,000 toys to 28,000.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Helsin Pujols experiments with his orange.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 19, 2023
Attendees discover the joys of juggling at Ringling Museum

Filmmaker and juggler Paprika Leaverton hosted a juggling workshop at Ringling Museum alongside the premiere of her film “The Queen’s Influence – The Vanishing Culture of Hiko in Tonga.”

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Larry Frankel strikes his jumping pose.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 18, 2023
Siesta Photo Bomber hopes to keep beachgoers smiling

“It’s refreshing," Larry Frankel says. "I'm passing on good vibes. I just want to see people happy.”

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
SWAT officer Ben Smith keeps up with runners with three-year-old daughter Bryleigh in a stroller.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 17, 2023
SPD takes the torch for Special Olympics run

The run to benefit Special Olympics athletes will pass through Sarasota on April 21.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dr. Stacie Herrera, owner of Herrera Psychology, speaks with photographer Karen Arango.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 17, 2023
Art Center Sarasota addresses mental health in Latino community

A panel discussion on mental health issues impacting the local community accompanied Karen Arango’s photography exhibition "Rearview Mirror"/"El Retrovisor."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
If you encounter American alligators on the move, please give them plenty of space and allow them proceed at their own pace.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • April 14, 2023
Alligators are on the move, in search of wet habitats

Staying a safe distance from these vital members of Florida’s wetland ecosystems will help keep all involved out of harm's way.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Items from Daiquiri Deck are displayed at the expo.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 8, 2023
Businesses come together at Sarasota Chamber Grand Expo

A chamber executive staff member said the turnout at the event saw a significant increase over previous years.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
6-year-old George Barnet, Mark Salander, Kiersten Barnet, 2-year-old Elin Barnet, Minda Salander, and Alex Barnet
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 8, 2023
Siesta Key Easter Egg Hunt entertains kids, brings families together

The hunt, previously held on Turtle Beach, moved to Siesta Key Chapel this year.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
6-year-old Brentley Green, Sue Hill, 9-year-old Mikiah Savens, and 5-year-old Sofia Green.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 7, 2023
Disabilities education fair offers resources and networking opportunities

The event brought together numerous local agencies and drew about 200 families.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The walk begins with Rev. David Svihel, priest associate for Christian formation and outreach at Church of the Redeemer, carrying the cross, with County Commissioner Joe Neunder (left) also participating.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 7, 2023
Hundreds of believers walk Main Street for Stations of the Cross on Good Friday

The annual event drew attendees from across the local church community to downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Class members practice at The Glenridge Fitness Center and Spa on March 29.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 6, 2023
Zumba class at The Glenridge keeps senior residents moving

Attendees said the physical fitness, friendships and sense of engagement they find in the experience keep them returning.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rev. Chris Wood holds the cross during the Good Friday walk down Main Street.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 5, 2023
Stations of the Cross walk welcomes all denominations

The event is expected to draw 1,000 attendees from across the community and is led by area churches of different denominations.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Eliana Lasko-Scott, Eva Hakim, Colton Zukas, Nora Chapman, Nathaniel Geffre, and Alana DeRowe
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 2, 2023
Temple Emanu-El educates through community as Passover approaches

An All School Passover Celebration on Sunday taught children the traditions of the Seder.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The 1-mile fun run begins.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 1, 2023
Runners on Siesta Key raise funds for turtle conservation

The 37th annual Run for the Turtles raised more than $55,000.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A car makes the journey over a pink jellyfish.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 1, 2023
Racetrack puts kids’ imagination to the test at Fab Lab competition

A competition allowed over 160 elementary and middle school students to race their own custom-designed remote-controlled cars.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Maya Biter, age 6, takes in a view of the sky through a telescope set up by the Sidewalk Science Center.
    By
  • James Peter
  • March 31, 2023
Southside Elementary STEAM Night entertains with science and art

Over 300 Sarasota children explored exhibits including telescopes, meteorites and robots.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota County Transit Operations Manager Benjamin Pearl with the 2023 Rodeo plaque.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 30, 2023
SCAT drivers top rodeo competitors

Two Sarasota County Transit drivers advance to this weekend's Florida Triple Crown Bus Roadeo after winning the local Interagency Bus Rodeo.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Phipps Home Design
  • March 30, 2023
Today’s Homes Are Sophisticated, Yet Casual Entertaining Spaces

“What we’ve seen, especially here in Florida, is the gravitating toward a more casual, open great room style,” says Brian Phipps of Phipps Home Design.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
  • By One Park Sarasota
  • March 29, 2023
SPONSORED CONTENT One Park Sarasota: Driven by Quality and Mindful Design

One Park is committed to delivering a best-in-class lifestyle to Downtown Sarasota.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
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