• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • 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
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • 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
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Sarasota | Neighbors

Ethan Kuhn of Suncoast United Pipes and Drums performs in the ceremony.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 31, 2026
Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Festival showcases a wee bit of Scotland

The event featured Highland games, lots of bagpipes, dancing, kilts and even a taste of the weather from across the pond.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Privada Homes
  • January 29, 2026
Discover Gracewater at Sarasota: A New Standard for Modern Florida Living

Live the resort life, just minutes from Downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Commander David Siesel; Assistant Administrative Officer, 1st Lt. Perry Page; Assistant Administrative Officer, 1st Lt. Lois McKenzie; Secretary, Lt. Commander Domini Wood; Executive Officer; Lt. Commander Samuel Doak; and District 22 Comander Ron Jones.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 27, 2026
Sarasota Power and Sail Squadron completes 74th Change of Watch

David Siesel replaced Barbara Warshaw as commander of the Sarasota Power and Sail Squadron as the organization held its annual Change of Watch ceremony.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jay Poon holds a container of takoyaki, with his wife, Sadie Poon.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 26, 2026
Saigon Night Market brings a taste of Asia to Sarasota

Held at J.D. Hamel Park, the festival drew a large turnout with a Pan-Asian selection of street foods.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By The Sarasota Ballet
  • January 23, 2026
Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

The Sarasota Ballet presents the world premiere of "The Waiting Room" January 30 to February 2 at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Brent Jephson and Chef Instructor Benjamin Burnside celebrate a job well done.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 22, 2026
Academy at Glengary offers a bridge for those recovering from mental illnesses

Members of the Sarasota nonprofit gain experience with career skills through options that include cooking meals, designing content and practicing phone reception skills.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alaina Loyal and Gia Sammelman demonstrate concepts including push, pull, kinetic energy, friction.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 22, 2026
STEAM education and circus arts combine with Marvelous, Miraculous Circus Machine

The show, held for local students by the Circus Arts Conservatory, centered on using the circus to represent STEAM concepts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By GSP Development
  • January 22, 2026
Downtown’s first new luxury high-rise residences with three-day minimum rental freedom.

Saravela looks to revitalize downtown living in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
  • By The Edge Sarasota
  • January 22, 2026
The Edge Sarasota: Created for a Select Few

Ten stories. Just 27 Residences. Over 10,000 square feet of curated amenities.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
The new display highlights the history of the visual arts in Sarasota along about 200 feet of Orange Avenue, just off Main Street.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 21, 2026
Michael Saunders & Co.'s new display highlights area's arts history

The new display, running alongside Orange Avenue behind the glass wall of the real estate firm's main office, shares the history of the visual arts colony in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Malia Price, co-owner of The Sarasota Style, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 14 with the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 21, 2026
Lifestyle, clothing brand officially opens on St. Armands Circle

The Sarasota Style, the latest addition to St. Armands Circle's business community, recently opened.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Don Katz, founder of the audiobook company Audible, reminisced with Bird Key Yacht Club members about the company's beginnings just following its 30th anniversary. Katz joined members for this season's lecture series on Jan. 9 at The Ora. Richard Besser, CEO and president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, moderated.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 20, 2026
Audible founder Don Katz reminisces with Bird Key Yacht Club members

Just after the audiobook company celebrated its 30th anniversary, the founder had a blast from the past meeting one guest.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A registrant receives a gift card from volunteer Moana Dooley (right).
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 19, 2026
Grant helps St. Jude Catholic Church serve those in need during the holidays

St. Jude Catholic Church was awarded a $10,000 grant on Aug. 22, 2025 from the Kathleen K. Catlin Foundation of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota MLK Celebration Committee Chair Jetson Grimes, awardees Joseph Mack, Susan Imperato, Valerie Buchand, Meadow Lark Walker, Monica Donley and David Morse, and former mayor Willie Shaw, gather on stage.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 19, 2026
Sarasota's community celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day

An awards ceremony and parade preceded the MLK Music Festival and Medical/Wellness Fair.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Artists from Embracing Our Differences line up to be recognized alongside President and CEO Sarah Wertheimer (right).
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 18, 2026
Embracing Our Differences opens grandly on Sarasota bayfront

The annual exhibition at Bayfront Park features displays of 50 works of art paired with quotes, chosen from 14,904 submissions across 125 countries.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Tom Watson showcases his 1929 Ford Model A.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 17, 2026
Sarasota Yacht Club, St. Armands commemorate anniversary with century of cars

A parade and a car show featured machines that span the same time period as the two organizations.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
An aerial view of the Steans/Morrison property donated to Hermitage Artist Retreat.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • January 17, 2026
Manasota Key artist retreat receives $12 million gift of land, homes

A family donation of five buildings on 6.5 acres will allow Hermitage Artist Retreat to double its residency program.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Attendees celebrate the opening of "Embracing Our Differences" at the 2024 exhibition.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 16, 2026
Embracing our Differences exhibit opens Saturday

Artwork from adults and students will be on display through mid-April in Sarasota's Bayfront Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dennis Brock works on a Magiscope in his workshop.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 15, 2026
Local creator of children's microscope works to make science more accessible

Since 1987, Sarasota's Dennis Brock has been producing the Brock Magiscope, which draws from ambient light and minimizes breakable components.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Anti Aging & Ketamine Center
  • January 15, 2026
What a Perimenopausal Woman and a Former Athlete Learned About Weight Loss

Why Personalization Changes Everything.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Steven Mark plays the drums.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 14, 2026
Local drum circle members join musicians on stage during Meetup gathering

The monthly gathering of the Over 50 meetup group, held at Casey Key Resort in Osprey, aimed for a percussion energy.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Mark Garland, Theresa Andrews, Ann Palmer and Denise Costa prepare for the race.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 11, 2026
Runners turn out on Siesta Key Beach to keep Andrew Monroe's legacy alive

Held in honor of the late Riverview High senior, the 13th annual Andrew Monroe Memorial Run/Walk helps provide scholarships to Riverview seniors who are soccer players, JROTC Cadets and track athletes.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota's Hasan Tezduyar gives a pat of appreciation to Rachel Apple, a wellness associate with Qualliv, at the Health and Wellness Expo at The Mall at University Town Center.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 10, 2026
New Year, New You expo provides health resources at The Mall at UTC

The event, hosted by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and presented by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, brought together 60 vendors revolving around health and wellness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Cynthia Jordan poses by the "No. 1 Beach in the USA" sign.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 8, 2026
Parrish resident writes musical about a spiritual awakening on Siesta Key

Inspired by the beauty of Siesta Key, musician Cynthia Jordan has penned a musical set on the island.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Angese Rudzite Kirillova works on "Playground" during the 2025 Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sandsculpting Festival.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 8, 2026
Mark your calendars for these Sarasota events in 2026

Whether you love collecting stamps or petting reptiles, there's something for just about everyone in Sarasota's event offerings in this coming year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Officer Danny Robbins of the Patrol Division, Community Relations Unit with a recipient of a gift during the Sarasota Police Department's Three Kings Day event.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 6, 2026
Sarasota police cap holiday giving with toy distribution event

Community children receive toys from SPD personnel during annual Three Kings Day celebration.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Shayne McKinney, Jenifer McKinney, Heather Travers and Mark Thursby enjoy the vibes together.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 4, 2026
Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival draws large turnout

Community members started the new year with seafood cuisine and live music.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
On vacation from chilly Pittsburgh are the Matt family: Joe, 6-year old Everly, Brionna and 3-year old Ada.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • January 2, 2026
Pineapple Drop ushers out a 'perfect square year'

Sarasota's 26th annual New Year's Eve celebration drew about 40,000 downtown to welcome in 2026 with its time-honored tradition.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Bay Haven School of Basics Plus was designed in 1926 by architect M. Leo Elliott. Sweet Sparkman completed a restoration that preserves the school’s architectural integrity while supporting continued modern educational use.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 2, 2026
Heritage Awards celebrate Sarasota County's connection to the past

Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation will honor 11 at a ceremony in April.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dr. Wilhelmine Wiese-Rometsch (center), received the 2025 Outstanding Contributions to Advancing the Careers of Women in Medicine Award, resented by Florida American College of Physicians Chapter Governors Dr. Elisa Sottile, and Dr. Ankush Bansalat the chapter’s annual scientific meeting in Orlando.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 2, 2026
SMH physician earns statewide award for women's career advancement

Sarasota Memorial's Dr. Wilhelmine Wiese‑Rometsch was honored with the Outstanding Contributions to Advancing the Careers of Women in Medicine Award by the American College of Physicians.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Left: Austin Gordon Jr., known as “AJ,” was born at 1:25 a.m. to first-time parents Isabel Castillo and Austin Gordon. Right: Corey Gifford and William Zimmerman welcomed their son, Zaiden Amaris Zimmerman, affectionately known as “Zaz,” at 12:50 a.m.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 1, 2026
SMH's first babies arrive early in 2026

Zaz and AJ were born at the health system's Venice and Sarasota hospitals.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Gabriella Brinceanu, 14, and her sister, Alaina Brinceanu, 3, work together to pop the bubbles at the Fourth of July All-American Cookout at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Attendees enjoyed the bubble show by Blaise Ryndes, who has appeared on “America’s Got Talent.”
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 1, 2026
Sarasota's top moments of the year, in pictures

There were plenty of ups and downs in the past 12 months, and the Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer was there to capture it all. Here are some of our favorite moments of 2025.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alexis LaRocca and Ken Jokisch
  • By Downtown Sarasota Alliance
  • January 1, 2026
How Two Local Leaders Are Strengthening Community in Downtown Sarasota

Executive Director Ken Jokisch and Secretary Alexis LaRocca are dedicated to building a more vibrant Downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
All sidewalk murals at Avenue of Art in Burns Court have been removed per order of the Florida Department of Transportation, including this one by artist Beck Lane.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 28, 2025
YourObserver.com's most-read stories of 2025 typically connected with deeper issues

Big-picture issues, such as new trash cans and disappearing art, strike a chord with readers. But there were exceptions in this year's top headlines.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A group from Wilkinson Elementary gathers that includes Quinn Doan, 8, Elise Aponte, Jody Osceola, Jayden Doan, 4, Maya Perez, 12, Nikolas Perez, 8, Lucas Perez, 14, and Jennifer Perez.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 24, 2025
Nonprofit provides Christmas trees to those in need

The emerging nonprofit Thanks for Giving Trees, which honors the legacy of Joshua Morris, gave away its 1,000th tree on Dec. 6.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Staff at the 12th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem program sort through the delivery of presents for children up to 18 years of age.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2025
Gift donations break record at Sarasota Sheriff's Office

Nearly 3,000 toys and gift cards were delivered to agencies for distribution.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 »
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
School safety patrol supervisor Justine Holcomb, Noah Moise and Principal Patti Folino stand together.
  • May 22, 2026
Tuttle Elementary fifth grader named AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year
2
Riders set out on the ride.
  • May 22, 2026
Ride of Silence honors cyclists injured or killed while the community mourns recent losses
3
The expansion of McCown Towers would surround the parking structure that would include 160 public parking spaces owned by the city.
  • May 22, 2026
Senior affordable housing project funding remains one step short
4
  • May 21, 2026
Sarasota gunfire remains under investigation
5
A massing model of The Bay phases 3A and 3B show a parnking deck to the right, to the left the Sarasota Performing Arts Center location flanked by two restaurant spaces and the current parking lot converted to green space. The Van Wezel is at the bottom left corner.
  • May 21, 2026
Bay Park Conservancy reveals final phase concepts for The Bay park

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.

Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free