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Sarasota | Neighbors

By Aqua Plumbing & Air
September 12, 2025

Storm Ready, Comfort Steady Aqua Plumbing & Air does it all, and has since 1974

“It’s called preparedness for a reason,” says Stephens. “We want to make sure families are ready before the storm and taken care of after.”

Hurricane Season

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Dana Kampa
September 12, 2025

Great Scallop Search yields 20 sightings in Sarasota Bay

Despite spotting plenty of healthy seagrass habitat, volunteer snorkelers said scallops remain fairly scarce in Sarasota Bay.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
September 11, 2025

USF Sarasota-Manatee hosts 9/11 remembrance ceremony

The ceremony, where featured speakers included Edward Grayson, 9/11 responder and former commissioner of the NYC Department of Sanitation, urged attendees to "Never Forget."

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
September 11, 2025

Sarasota police officers recount their role in Sept. 11 attacks

Capt. Demetri Konstantopoulos, Capt. John Todd and Detective Maria Llovio were cast into protecting President George W. Bush, who was speaking at Booker Elementary on Sept. 11, 2001.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Encompass Health
September 11, 2025

Judy’s Recovery Story: Finding Strength After Stroke through Support and Determination

One woman's story of rehabilitation, thanks to Encompass Health.

Sarasota
Neighbors

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Ian Swaby
September 7, 2025

Boys & Girls Clubs honor Ringling College, chamber leaders

Heather Kasten and Larry Thompson were honored during the 19th Annual IPG Leadership Breakfast by Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
September 7, 2025

Shelter rolls out red carpet for pups at Oscars-themed fundraiser

Satchel's Last Resort brought a "Pawscars" theme to its annual fundraiser, held at Big Top Brewing.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Lesley Dwyer
September 5, 2025

Sarasota meet-up group finds its groove at UTC

Live on the Green is a music series every first Thursday of the month.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
September 5, 2025

Classic sounds headline 2026 Thunder by the Bay

Night Ranger and .38 Special top the music acts for the February fundraiser at Sarasota County Fairgrounds.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
September 4, 2025

Singer takes a long musical path to be a Siesta Key mainstay

Casey on the Key recounts her journey from an "American Idol" contestant to singing music in paradise.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
September 4, 2025

Rev your engines for exotic cars on St. Armands

The Exotic Car Show On The Circle takes place Saturday on St. Armands Circle.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Ellenton Landings
September 4, 2025

The Rise of Niche Active Adult Living

The unique needs of the Baby Boomer generation reveal a new trend in real estate.

Sarasota
Neighbors

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Observer Staff
September 3, 2025

Sarasota's Bay Park plans dozens of free events for anniversary

More than 80 shows, concerts or celebrations are at the attraction that opened in 2022.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
September 3, 2025

Sarasota County hosts poultry workshop at The Farm

The McIntosh Middle School facility hosted a workshop to teach kids poultry husbandry and prepare them for the Sarasota County Fair in March.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 29, 2025

Business casual: Sarasota Chamber holds its grand expo

The eevent allowed the general public and business owners to browse Robarts Arena to see what the local area has to offer.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 29, 2025

Church hits the high note to wrap up its midsummer series

Part of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church's Midsummer Music Festival, the event focused on lesser-known pieces.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 28, 2025

Remodeled and ready: St. Armands gallery hosts Longboat chamber

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce's Off the Clock Networking at Wyland Gallery allowed attendees to connect in a new space.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

By Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida
August 28, 2025

Girl Scouts is where girls grow and families connect within our communities.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is helping the next generation of changemakers thrive.

Sarasota
Neighbors

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Ian Swaby
August 28, 2025

Dogs Inc. service dogs get a day of training at Van Wezel

Guide dogs in training for Dogs Inc. had the chance to learn how to enter a theater, practice different walking surfaces and avoid distractions like food being served in the Grand Foyer.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 28, 2025

Key Chorale serves seniors with health challenges through choir sessions

The Sarasota organization offers Local Come Together Choir for senior enrichment at Town Square Sarasota and Where Are My Keys? Chorale at Senior Friendship Centers.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By The Tidewell Foundation Inc.
August 28, 2025

A Wish Fulfilled: Geno’s Story

The Tidewell Foundation’s Wishes Fund fulfills a last wish for Tidewell Hospice patients and their families.

Sarasota
Neighbors

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Ian Swaby
August 27, 2025

Newtown residents find a place for unwanted items at cleanup

The Newtown Community Cleanup event removed 23.99 tons of debris, according to Sarasota County.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 25, 2025

Music Compound marks a year in new Sarasota location

The music school invited the community inside for performances by students, sample lessons, local vendors and other offerings.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 21, 2025

See how a renowned sculptor creates plaster casts of community members

Sculptor Rigoberto Torres is bringing his community lifecasting to The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art for its upcoming exhibition "Nuestro Vaivén (Our Sway)."

Sarasota
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
August 21, 2025

Access to golf in Sarasota is no longer a black and white matter

Longtime Bobby Jones golfer Ken Spaulding recalls when available tee times often depended upon color.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 20, 2025

Jazz Jam SRQ lets the community play together

The free-to-attend, improvised performances, held at Selby Public Library, are being paired with education in the fundamentals of jazz.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
August 20, 2025

Summer snapshot on St. Armands Circle

St. Armands Circle falls into an easy-going summertime pace in August, when visitors and residents take their time exploring the restaurants and shops in the area.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 19, 2025

Bee Ridge Florist welcomes community inside for Feel Good Fair

The family-owned flower shop, which recently changed ownership to sisters Alex Wise-Brewer and Devyn Wise, hosted the Feel Good Fair.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 18, 2025

Attendees live their best life in the Siesta Key Drum Circle

The event, held since about 1996, takes place every Sunday in Siesta Key, rain or shine.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
August 18, 2025

Help scientists while enjoying a day on Sarasota Bay

Sarasota Bay Watch is hosting its annual citizen science-led survey of scallops in Sarasota Bay.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Madison Bierl
August 17, 2025

Special Olympics athletes stand up to the challenge at Sarasota paddling event

The Stand Up Paddle event drew 155 athletes to Nathan Benderson Park.

East County
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 12, 2025

Sarasota's CreArte Latino celebrates its birthday with fundraiser

The nonprofit held a fundraiser celebration for its eighth birthday and first birthday in its new space, inviting the local community to join.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
August 12, 2025

Old Salty Dog celebrates post-recovery recognition

Not long after reopening from a five-month closure caused by hurricane damage, the longstanding Sarasota bar is celebrating a new national commendation.