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Sarasota | 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
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
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