• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Valentine's Day Gift Guide
  • 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
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • 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
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Valentine's Day Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Sarasota | Neighbors

Sandra LaFlamme uses a wheelchair to demonstrate the abilities of Cowgirl, a service dog.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 27, 2023
Family of veterans and canine companions forms in Sarasota

IslandWalk Veterans will ceremonially present a check to Canines 4 Heroes on May 29.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The walk proceeds alongside Cattlemen Road.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 26, 2023
Campaign gets moving at Walk to End Summer Hunger

The walk kicked off the Campaign Against Summer Hunger, which addresses hunger among schoolchildren during the summer months and this year includes a $900,000 matching challenge.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
AARP volunteers provide assistance at Fruitville Public Library.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 26, 2023
Sarasota Library service offers free tax help for those in need

The programs, which are funded by the AARP and certified by the IRS, accept users from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Keisha Boyd of Armed Forces Brewing Co. offers a brew to Sarasota's Pam Hogan.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 25, 2023
My Hometown Fest supports Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota

The festival raised funds in support of children and adults with speech, language and hearing challenges.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
10-year-old Kylie Ung, 12-year-old Isaiah Edwards, 11-year-old Isariah Edwards and 13-year-old Isaialyah Edwards at the 2023 Sarasota County Fair.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 23, 2023
Community is part of the show at Sarasota County Fair

Attendees praised the fair’s atmosphere and local youths' livestock exhibits.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Valorant team member Ana "POWER" Payro, Super Smash Bros. team super captain Hanz “RawSauce” Ago, Recreation & Wellness Coordinator E Ramey, Super Smash Bros team member Jaehee “AsianShack” Kim, Overwatch team member Bennett “BlitzStorm” Hanus, and Super Smash Bros. team member Viktor “Tachio” Niksdorf.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 23, 2023
Ringling College embraces growth of esports

The Ringling Rollers esports team will receive a dedicated gaming arena.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
6-year-old Emilia Kalev reads to Olive, a pug who arrived with Joanne Long, a volunteer with The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 20, 2023
Cuteness, cuddliness encourages reading at Read with the Dogs

Families keep returning to the program, which is held at multiple Sarasota County libraries and features certified pet therapy dogs.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dick Hyman performs.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 18, 2023
Jazz legend highlights six-day festival in Sarasota

Pianist Dick Hyman, 96, thrilled the crowd inside the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Executive Director Sherika Evans drives the Suncoast School for Innovative Studies school bus every day.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • March 18, 2023
School leader goes extra mile to ensure student success

Sherika Evans believes giving kids a better life doesn't end with them — it involves the whole family.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
The Morrissey and McCarthy families were having a blast at the event.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 18, 2023
Attendees find greater than gold at Shamrock Pub block party

Loyal patrons and newcomers both enjoyed the festive scene on St. Patrick's Day.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Attendees collaborated with local artist Brandon Thrift to create a community art piece.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 17, 2023
Community Foundation honors partners, community at Better Together

For the first time, Gulf Coast Community Foundation's Better Together event was opened to the general public in a downtown block party.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast
  • March 16, 2023
Think Everything's Good?

For 36 years, JFCS has been empowering individuals and families of all faiths and backgrounds.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Shirley Goodman tap dances at her 100th birthday party at the Senior Friendship Center dance floor.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • March 14, 2023
The Dancing Nana celebrates her 100th birthday

Shirley Goodman embraced her birthday with tap dance at Senior Friendship Centers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Head of Dreamers Academy Cathy Rodriguez addresses the crowd
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • March 13, 2023
Dreamers Academy hosts first gala

The school's fundraiser supported the new construction of its outdoor learning area.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jubilee Arts Baltimore Program Director Ashley "Ms. Black" Yates.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • March 13, 2023
Orioles athletes join music artists for a good cause

Baseball lovers and music enthusiasts got together for the sixth annual Athletes and Artists Play for Kids charity event at Ed Smith Stadium.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarp Kaya and Carol Danisi
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • March 10, 2023
Sarasota Chamber hosts its 2023 annual breakfast

Chamber members met March 10 to hear entrepreneurship lessons from the founder of Boom Chicka Pop.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Floodplain marsh restoration creates important habitat for native plant and wildlife species, including threatened and endangered birds such as roseate spoonbills, resulting in enhanced wildlife viewing opportunities.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • March 10, 2023
Healthy floodplain marshes benefit natural and human communities

By removing invasive plants and restoring natural hydrology, ongoing habitat restoration efforts at Myakka River State Park are protecting this important natural community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Chef Christopher Covelli has been honored by La Chaîne des Rotisseurs of Sarasota with its Briallat Award.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 8, 2023
Chef wins gastro society's top award

Christopher Covelli, an executive chef and partner in two Sarasota restaurants, was honored by the local chapter of a global organization of food and wine enthusiasts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Josette Carter and Diane Kaslow.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • March 7, 2023
St. Armands residents gather for annual dinner

St. Armands residents association hosts their annual dinner at Sarasota Yacht Club on March 7.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jay with Gabriella Hart and Andrea Begley listen to some Blues at the Downtown Sarasota Blues Festival.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • March 5, 2023
Downtown Sarasota gets in the groove for the blues

The Downtown Sarasota Blues Festival took over JD Hamel Park on March 3-5.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rab'Bee' Shefrin with Savannah Hart and Jacob Shefrin
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • March 5, 2023
Temple Emanu-El gets into character for Purim

The temple hosted its annual Purim Carnival on March 5.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Haven’s Development Director Hallie Peilet Young held a book signing for her newly published book, “My Disability Is My Superpower: Seeing The Ability In Disability” at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • March 5, 2023
A book signing that embraces the ability in disability

The Haven's Development Director Hallie Young held her first book signing for her newly published book, "My Disability Is My Superpower: Seeing the Ability in Disability."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center Communication Specialist Amanda Just leads the group of walkers.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • March 2, 2023
Lighthouse takes steps toward a brighter future

Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center continues helping those with vision loss as it works on repairing its home.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Child Protection Center
  • March 2, 2023
10th Anniversary Celebration Blue Ties and Butterflies on March 29

Child Protection Center invites you to bring transformational healing for victims of abuse at the 10th anniversary celebration of Blue Ties and Butterflies.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2023-24
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 1, 2023
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2023-24

Readers from across the region submit their photos to the Observer's 2023-24 Weather and Nature Photo Contest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Junior League of Sarasota Committee Chairs Caroleen Brej and Kari-Jo Koshes end the 46th Annual Tour of Homes with a celebratory happy hour at CinéBistro on Feb. 25.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • February 27, 2023
Junior League of Sarasota celebrates Tour of Homes

The nonprofit's 46th Annual Tour of Homes returned in-person and ended with happy hour at CinéBistro.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ariel Rischer sells her handmade bracelets at the Young Entrepreneur Market at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • February 26, 2023
Young CEOs set up shop at The Bazaar

The fourth annual Young Entrepreneur Market brings young CEOs to sell their creations at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 24, 2023
Beach University returns Thursdays in March

Sarasota County's free coastal education program is back for its 17th year with five one-hour sessions at Siesta Beach starting March 2.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Gulf Coast Lions' on their last day of training camp at Newtown Estates Gym.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • February 23, 2023
Athletes leap for their dreams with Newtown basketball team

The Gulf Coast Lions are in their fourth year operating and plan to keep giving basketball athletes a second chance to go professional.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Downtown Sarasota Alliance Erin Silk and Justin Tobiasz
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • February 22, 2023
Downtown Sarasota Alliance doles out awards

The alliance hosted its third annual awards ceremony to recognize those making an impact in the downtown community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cat Depot Humane Educator Ellie Levine brings Winney to kids to be petted.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • February 21, 2023
Cat University teaches kids lessons on all things cat

Cat Depot Community Center held Cat University to teach students the basics of cat caretaking while having fun.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Volunteer BJ Branson, Volunteer Coordinator Shirley Perdisatt, and Volunteer Joanne Terwilliger get crafty with project for the residents.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • February 16, 2023
Empath Health asks for a helping hand

Empath Health is in need of volunteers who want to help patients, families and the community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Robins are one of several migratory birds that rely on resources locally during their winter journeys.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • February 16, 2023
Local nature key in hospitality for real-life snowbirds

In both public and private lands, native plants are critical for supporting these important winter visitors.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Child Protection Center
  • February 16, 2023
Child Protection Center Expanding in North Port for Child Abuse Victims

In 2021, CPC purchased a large property in North Port, to meet the growing need of child abuse services post COVID pandemic. Recently, North Port was ranked the 2nd fastest growing city in the United States.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
The annual Say 'I Do' Again vow renewal ceremony returns to Siesta Key on Valentine's Day.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • February 14, 2023
Married couples profess their love all over again on Siesta Key

Siesta Key's annual vow renewal ceremony gathers married couples to say "I Do" again.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Isha Pramudyasworo picks up her book from the Sarasota Ballet booth.
    By
  • Dariela Delgado
  • February 13, 2023
Storybook Street brings literacy to life

Early Learning Coalition give families and their children books to grow their libraries.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
« 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 »
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
Sarasota nonprofit Casting For The Kids helps children with cancer and their families breathe a little easier.
  • February 6, 2026
Annual fishing tournament casts for a cause
2
Jennifer Rominiecki brought the living museum concept to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens when she was named president and CEO in 2015.
  • February 5, 2026
Botanical gardens' potential lured Rominiecki family to Sarasota
3
Capt. A.J. Grande operates a "six pack" fishing charter business who often picks up and drops off customers at Nora Patterson Park.
  • February 5, 2026
Permits will be required for charter boat operators using county parks
4
The home at 3851 Tangier Terrace was built in 2024 and has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,379 square feet of living area.
  • February 5, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 19-23 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis
5
Sarasota residents Erma and Dave Miller were drawn into the world of bicycle motocross because of their son, Doug Miller, and have spent decades in the sport.
  • February 5, 2026
Sarasota couple stand side by side with BMX

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.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now