• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Holiday 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
  • LWR 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
  • LWR 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
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Sarasota | Neighbors

Jordan Sacks, Brooke Strickland, and Coast hang out at the event.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 27, 2025
Two Pride groups merge to create Gulfcoast Pride Festival

Held Oct. 26, the festival was Sarasota's largest Pride event and featured headlining musical act Zee Machine.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mushu and Emmett dressed as Kermit and Fozzie, while Teagan Nickols dressed as Miss Piggy, claiming eighth place.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 26, 2025
Dogs and humans get into costume at Dog-A-Ween

Costumers went all-out for the contest, held at the Sarasota Farmer's Market by the Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Heather Kasten stands with incoming board chair Jennifer Rominkiecki.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 26, 2025
Chamber welcomes Selby Gardens president as board chair

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting welcomed board chair Jennifer Rominiecki, as well as keynote speaker Jim Knight, a Hard Rock International executive.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
MJ Price competed in the Face of Halloween contest, which involves fans of the holiday from across North America.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 23, 2025
Laurel Park resident places in national Halloween contest

MJ Price competed in the Face of Halloween contest, which involves fans of the holiday from across North America.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
There were pumpkins aplenty at the festival.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 23, 2025
Get ready to trick or treat on the Circle

St. Armands Circle will soon be making a haunting transformation into a family-friendly Halloween venue.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jim Stanard
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 23, 2025
Bird Key resident finds post-retirement success as folk musician

Trading in numbers for notes, Sarasota's Jim Stanard released his album "Magical" in January of this year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By World Class Dentistry
  • October 23, 2025
World Class Dentistry: Four Decades of Innovation. One Family. One Mission.

In a world of corporate dentistry, World Class Dentistry stands apart as a family-owned, patient-focused practice guided by decades of excellence. Discover how one Sarasota family is redefining what it means to care for a smile.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Despite choppy conditions, the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees finished last Sunday's show with a grand finale three-tier pyramid.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 22, 2025
Catch the Ski-A-Rees before winter break

The family tradition continues with third-generation performers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Dave Tomasko, outgoing executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, has always appreciated maintaining a close connection with the area's waterways. Now, he is returning to the private sector.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 22, 2025
Outgoing estuary program director proud of work on waterways

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director Dave Tomasko is proud of how he's helped improve local waterways and now looks to make broader systemic changes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tara Piedra, and Ariel Betancourt and Michael Matheis of Station 9, prepare chili.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 20, 2025
Firefighters turn up the heat at chili cook-off

The 25th annual Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off brought together various fire departments for chili-making competition and camaraderie.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Leisa Wilhelm leads her boyfriend Austin Bronkhorst across the park.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 20, 2025
Families enjoy a fun Sarasota evening at Boo! at The Bay

The park became a festive Halloween scene with a spooky trail, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting and other activities.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Noah Roman, 5, his mother Kiersten Perez, Salem Friday, 4, her mother Tabitha Lenz, and brother Teddy Friday, 2, came dressed for the season.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 20, 2025
Sarasota community enjoys the beat at Rocktoberfest

The event featured live music, Oktoberfest cuisine, crafts and other offerings.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Patron Disha Webb tries on a ring crafted by artist Julia Bernadsky at last weekend's fine art festival on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 20, 2025
Fine art festival showcases unique media

From resin-coated metalwork to wearable art clothing, the artists at this weekend's art festival on St. Armands Circle offered interesting finds for connoisseurs.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Englewood firefighters Mason Adkins and James Farley prepare cups of chili in 2024.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 17, 2025
Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off still going strong in 25th year

The event features over a dozen fire stations from Sarasota and beyond, competing for the awards for best chili and best booth.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lois Saupe of the Humane Society of Sarasota County, who handled Sirius, meets Avery Peterson, 7.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 16, 2025
Kids enjoy therapy dogs at Gulf Gate Library

Captured moments of talk and "aww" as Sarasota children read aloud to some furry pals on a weekly basis.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Matthew Hardee, 11, changes a tire.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 16, 2025
Scout troops learn automotive skills with Suncoast Technical College

Local Scouting America groups are in a partnership with the Sarasota college to teach the youth skills in technical trades.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nancy Manosh welcomes home her husband, Korean War veteran Carl Manosh, of Punta Gorda, whose guardian was Mike Semones, a Southwest Florida Honor Flight board member who lives in Sarasota.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 15, 2025
Community welcomes veterans home from Washington, D.C., trip

The community welcomed veterans home at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, after their one-day trip to Washington, D.C. with Southwest Florida Honor Flight.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jonny Chartrand of Tunaskin Aquatic Apparel poses with the shop's scarecrow.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 15, 2025
Scarecrows come to Siesta Key businesses

The Scarecrow Stroll was organized by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and takes place Oct. 1-31.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Mote's 'The Shark Lady' subject of new musical tribute
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 15, 2025
Mote's 'The Shark Lady' subject of new musical tribute

Artist Christina Meiping Chen recently penned a musical production about the life of research icon Eugenie Clark, set to debut in early December.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Col. Ben Knisely, who served 28 years in the U.S. Army and was honored as Veteran of the Year, interacts with the public during the 2024 Veterans Day parade.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 14, 2025
Veterans Day parade set for Nov. 11 in downtown Sarasota

The city's annual Veterans Day parade will begin at 10 a.m. Nov. 11, culminating in a ceremony at J.D. Hamel Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
TD Bank is opening a treat-dispensing ATM for dogs on Oct. 17 at its branch on Clark Road.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • October 13, 2025
Bank branch caters to canine clientele on Clark Road

TD Bank rolls out an automated treat machine in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Steinholding contest winner Susie Jacobbi faces off against the last other remaining contestant, John Roeleveld.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 13, 2025
Attendees get into Oktoberfest spirit during Park-toberfest

The event at The Bay in Sarasota featured live music, German food and beers, and a stein holding contest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Orchid Show 2025: Rebecca Louise Law is on view Oct. 11 to Dec. 7.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 10, 2025
Selby Gardens' orchid show to feature indoor botanical art

The Orchid Show 2025: Rebecca Louise Law incorporates an art installation using preserved plants, created by a Wales-based artist.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Early attendees beat the heat at last weekend's St. Armands Circle Craft Festival, which featured artisans in a variety of specialties.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 9, 2025
Get ready for a free art fest on St. Armands Circle

St. Armands Circle is set to host a free fine art festival this October.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sue McGregor
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 9, 2025
Local octogenarian prepares for Athens marathon

Sue McGregor has been running for about 30 years and has competed in races around the globe. Now she sets her sights on Greece.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Privada Homes
  • October 9, 2025
Modern Coastal Living Comes to Sarasota with Privada Homes

Privada Homes is bringing fresh design and vision to Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Anthony Baffo celebrates his win in the stein-holding competition at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime's inaugural Oktoberfest on Oct. 4.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 8, 2025
Oktoberfest in Sarasota tests strength and food temptations

Attendees at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime's festivities joined in stein-holding and yodeling competitions, among other themed activities.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Talia Casey and Alex Perez brought their cat, Mister Figment Spirit Wink, to the Oct. 4 pet blessing at St. Boniface Episcopal Church.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 8, 2025
St. Boniface hosts paw-inspiring event for pet owners

Rev. Nikki Seger led the Siesta Key church's annual pet blessing on Saturday.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Helios, a Bare-Eyed Cockatoo at Save Our Seabirds, quite literally dives headfirst into enjoying the new enrichment toy he received through the avian rescue center's new Beaks and Boxes campaign.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 8, 2025
New donation program keeps birds engaged at Save Our Seabirds

With its new Beaks and Boxes program, Save Our Seabirds invites fans near and far to give enrichment toys to feathered friends.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Mike Wagner, Andy Demartini and Gretchen Demartini walked at the 5th annual NAMIWalks Sarasota and Manatee fundraiser on Oct. 4 at Payne Park in memory of Jennifer Demartini.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 7, 2025
Mental health spotlighted at Payne Park fundraiser walk

Sarasota and Manatee community members raised nearly $90,000 to support NAMI's mental health services.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Instructors Juan Uribe and Miranda Vidro from Fred Astaire Dance Studios demonstrate some salsa dance moves at The Bay's third anniversary celebration.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 7, 2025
The Bay nears a million visits on its third anniversary

Sarasota celebrants practiced their salsa moves and raised their glasses to mark three years of community activities at the park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A conceptual rendering of the mural planned for Arlington Park Aquatic Center.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 7, 2025
Community painting day will highlight mural in Arlington Park

The Arlington Park Aquatic Complex will serve as the canvas for a large-scale mural with the public invited to participate in the painting.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
To recognize Domestic Violence Awareness month, GFWC's Woman's Club of Sarasota, including members Diana Freidinger, center, and Sharlene Cox, right, presented victim advocate Talia Casey with $1,400 and donated items to support Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center's mission.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 3, 2025
Woman's club raises $1,400 for domestic violence victims

The GFWC's Woman's Club of Sarasota raised $1,400 and collected donated items to support survivors of domestic violence for its Day of Service.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Stan Ambro adjusts the animatronic of the bartender.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 2, 2025
Local haunted house is the vision of one individual

Hollowgraves Haunted Manor, part of the Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival, belonged to amusement parks on the Jersey Shore before arriving in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota resident Jordan Wenck created Beanie Bites.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 1, 2025
Sarasota resident creates bean-based dessert mixes

Jordan Wenck will be bringing her Beanie Bites products, which are gluten and dairy free, to the Sarasota Farmers Market on Oct. 4.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Wess, 8, Samantha, Everette, 5, and Dan Becker try out their favorite flavors of ice cream at the grand reopening of the Kilwins sweet shop on St. Armands Circle on Sept. 27.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • September 30, 2025
Confectionary delights abound as Kilwins reopens on St. Armands

Families enjoy handmade fudge, ice cream and other sweet treats at the grand reopening of Kilwins a year after hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 »
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
All games in the 2027 Sarasota College Softball Classic will be played on the championship field (lower left) at the new 17th Street Park Regional Sports Complex.
  • December 18, 2025
New north county park draws major collegiate softball tournament
2
Sarasota Police Department personnel monitor Sarasota's network of cameras, license plate readers, gunshot detectors and other devices in the nearly completed Real-Time Operations Center.
  • December 18, 2025
Police foil developing bank scam as it unfolds
3
The home at 2834 Browning Street featured countless decorations and animated figures.
  • December 18, 2025
Sarasota homes light up for the holidays
4
In new year, Sarasota parents may have 3 days to excuse absence
  • December 18, 2025
In new year, Sarasota parents may have 3 days to excuse absence
5
Osprey play an important role in local ecosystems, and they seek out high perches on either designated nesting perches or, as in this case, power poles.
  • December 18, 2025
Ospreys get a home renovation

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 © 2025 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