• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Sarasota | Neighbors

Photographs by Karen Arango adorn the walls.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 21, 2023
Library exhibition celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

The exhibition showcased a diverse range of styles, mediums and subject matter.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Greeting cards featuring art created by the seniors are set out on display at the entrance to Town Center Sarasota.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 20, 2023
Seniors with dementia create art for fundraiser

The handmade greeting cards raise funds for Alzheimer’s Association in recognition of World Alzheimer’s Month.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The esports arena features state-of-the-art equipment.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 19, 2023
Ringling College esports arena opens to empower student gamers

Ringling College gamers have leveled up with a new space tailored to on-screen competition.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The eFoil is growing in popularity in Sarasota.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 14, 2023
Ready for a real-life 'magic carpet' ride? Hop on an eFoil.

Learning to fly on a surfboard isn't easy, but the "unreal feeling" is worth it, Sarasota eFoil owners say.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Analise Gallant, 6, Yonatan Rachmin, 7; Isaiah Gallant, 2; Maya Moronta, 9; Jacob Shefrin, 7; Mia Sinanian, 7; Ari Sinanian, 10,
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 12, 2023
Community Shofar Factory attendees make ram's horn trumpets

The event offered the chance to craft shofars, a traditional Jewish musical instrument.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Members of the Sarasota Police Department and others line up for the wreath placement ceremony.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 11, 2023
NYC firefighter describes experience of 9/11 at Sarasota remembrance

USF Sarasota-Manatee hosted the annual memorial event at the Sarasota National Cemetery.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
7-year-old Pyper Hutchinson and 4-year-old Griffin Hutchinson run along the bridge with 4-year-old Rory Hutchinson and Heather Hutchinson in back.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 10, 2023
Blaze of Hope walk raises money for families of children with cancer

The event lit up Ringling Bridge and grew in attendance from last year’s walk.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Stevenson Tose’-Rigell
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 7, 2023
Former Booker student remembers Bush’s 9/11 visit

At 10 years old, Stevenson Tose’-Rigell stood on the school stage with President Bush at a turning point in U.S. history.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tristan Lovell (Optimist RWB — Blue) of Davis Island Race Team, Piper Roberts (Optimist RWB — White) of Sarasota Yacht Club and Ryan Rossignol (Optimist RWB — Red of Sarasota Youth Sailing) emerge from a bend in the course.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 3, 2023
75th Annual Labor Day Regatta keeps another generation sailing

The event drew young sailors, as well as experienced racers, from near and far.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The 75th Annual Labor Day Regatta will be held Sep. 2 and 3.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 31, 2023
Labor Day Regatta celebrates its 75th year under sail

The Sarasota Sailing Squadron event is the oldest of its type in the region, according to organizers.

  • 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
« 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest in Sarasota

1
Rising senior quarterback Louisen Desinor will start under center for Braden River High football in the fall. This spring was his opportunity to strengthen bonds with the playmakers around him.
  • May 25, 2026
High school coaches defend relevancy of spring football in Florida
2
Emerson Lepper greets Principal Ben Hopper.
  • May 23, 2026
Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School celebrates graduates' new horizons
3
School safety patrol supervisor Justine Holcomb, Noah Moise and Principal Patti Folino stand together.
  • May 22, 2026
Tuttle Elementary fifth grader named AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year
4
Riders set out on the ride.
  • May 22, 2026
Ride of Silence honors cyclists injured or killed while the community mourns recent losses
5
The expansion of McCown Towers would surround the parking structure that would include 160 public parking spaces owned by the city.
  • May 22, 2026
Senior affordable housing project funding remains one step short

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free