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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
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
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