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Sarasota | Neighbors

Renée James Gilmore and Helen James visit the Betty J. Johnson Public Library in honor of Juneteenth, June 19, with Dr. Edward James II's library cards.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 13, 2023
Family of local activist recalls how he desegregated Sarasota's library

Edward James II refused to back down, fighting for his and others' right to access all Sarasota County libraries.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman addresses congregation members at the Temple Emanu-El on Monday.
    By
  • James Peter
  • July 12, 2023
Temple Emanu-El receives $3.2M donation from anonymous donor

The synagogue member’s gift will be used to lower dues for members with school-age children and grow the congregation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jennifer Arevalo tries out a new dress with assistance from Erika Alarcon.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 11, 2023
Barbie's Boutique began with a dream, grew into a one-stop shop for all

Founded to serve the local Latino community, the Sarasota boutique has expanded its clientele and recently opened an additional location.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Grace Barger, 7-year-old Allison Silveira, and Shannon Carrasco get their groove on.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 8, 2023
Fun in the Sun Back to School Bash merges health and fun

The event brought together community partners for a morning that included free school supplies, music and dancing.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
DAR members Shawna Smith, Gina Wilcox, Bonnie Calliotte, Sue Asony, Barbara Wilkes Asony, and Sara De Soto regent Pat Rook.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 6, 2023
Daughters of the American Revolution group keeps history present in Sarasota

Community members with ancestral ties to the American Revolution support local causes helping students and veterans.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Colton Lawson rides his four wheeler on his family's property.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 6, 2023
Four-wheeler rider wins championship despite past limb injury

Seven-year-old Colton Lawson never lost the need for speed after losing the lower part of both legs in 2018.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Visitors were impressed with the many fireworks at the event.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 5, 2023
Sarasota community gathers for July 4 fireworks spectacle

Bayfront Park became a prime viewing location for the fireworks in Sarasota Bay on July 4.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Gladiator Canados boat piloted by Ervin Grant of Massachusetts and Michel Karsenti of Miami Beach, Florida races against the the Waves and Wheels / Doug Wright boat piloted by Logan Adan of Melbourne, Florida and Ricky Maldonado of Palmetto, Florida.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 3, 2023
Boat racers power through big waves and summer heat at Grand Prix

The 39th annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix drew 60 teams of racers to the waters off Lido Beach on July 1 and 2.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Carolyn Angiolillo is in uniform as an urban park ranger.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 30, 2023
Sarasota resident recalls her time shaping America’s favorite city park

Carolyn Angiolillo formerly served as an urban park ranger in Central Park as well as other New York City parks.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota Ballet is just one of the region’s fine arts groups.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • June 29, 2023
Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch indeed lands of opportunity

While Sarasota built its arts reputation to separate from other beach communities, Lakewood Ranch carved paradise out of the wild.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Irene and Lewis Colson; John Schroeder; Bertha Palmer
    By
  • 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
Manager Grace Quattro, Director of Operations Rich Iven, and Assistant Manager Alison Frate.
    By
  • 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
Alejandro Peralta holds a letter of acceptance from Johns Hopkins University.
    By
  • 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
Larysa Switlyk of "Larysa Unleashed"
    By
  • 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
John O'Keefe, brand ambassador Julianne Gentile, and Debbie O'Keefe
    By
  • 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
Sarasota PD grants 4-year-old's wish, swears in youngest officer
    By
  • 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
Alex Ortega started building a career for himself at Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay when he was 16 years old and new to the country.
    By
  • 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
Stefan Campagna volunteers as a Teen Court of Sarasota County judge in addition to serving as a board member.
    By
  • 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
Harvest House CEO Erin Minor embraces a Freedom client after she receives her graduation certificate.
    By
  • 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
Workforce Development & Innovation award with PGT Innovation staff Rob Moulds, Debbie LaPinska, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center chief operating officer Diego Perilla, and PGT Innovation staff Jeff Jackson, Don Vichitvongsa, and Stephanie Cz.
    By
  • 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
Joe Bruno Sr.
    By
  • 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
31-year-old Eric Garoutte and Diveheart employee Tom Trinch.
    By
  • 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
12-year-old Malcolm Gaudin, 13-year-old Mac Gaudin, 9-year-old Malik Gaudin, and Mac Gaudin celebrated Juneteenth at Newtown, including with their attire.
    By
  • 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
Big Cat Habitat founder Kay Rosaire and employee Nancy Nallin allow one of the resident lemurs to show its appreciation.
    By
  • 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
Volunteer scuba diver Mark Fishman at Mote Laboratory and Aquarium's Ocean Day event.
    By
  • 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
Susan Hanus, executive director of Cat Depot, pets Rascal.
    By
  • 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
Janice and George Johnson celebrated their 75th anniversary on June 5.
    By
  • 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
Squirrels are expert foragers; wild mushrooms are an important part of their natural diet, providing the nutrients they need to survive and thrive.
    By
  • 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
Inna Schoeler, fiber artist
    By
  • 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
Chris Covelli, Don Daly and his husband Eddy Zappacosta, and Davi Elder
    By
  • 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
A client and Steven Herich catch a snook.
    By
  • 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
The conservancy replaces standard lights with amber, orange, or red lights that use long wavelengths of 560 nanometers or more.
    By
  • 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
Mary Jo Zaksas, Joe Zaksas, Christy May, Glenn Carraher, Cate Stanczyk, and Joe Stanczyk.
    By
  • 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
Rock Lee plays the keyboard during his 30th anniversary party.
    By
  • 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
Eyla Grayce Jackson, Jewel Love Jackson and Skylar Rae Jackson receive prizes for reading books as part of Music Compound's Rock Your Summer Reading program.
    By
  • 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
David Bonci and Commander Ron Evans of Veterans of Foreign Wars Sunshine Post 3233 greet the crowds lining Main Street on May 29, 2023, during the Memorial Day parade.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 29, 2023
Memorial Day parade celebrates those who gave all

The parade brought together numerous participants from across Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Emerson Lepper greets Principal Ben Hopper.
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