Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Neighbors

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

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.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Ian Swaby
August 11, 2025

Church of the Redeemer prepares Alta Vista students with Back-to-School Bash

The event offered supplies and services before the start of school including shoes and clothing items, backpacks and vision and dental exams.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 10, 2025

Fire department open house showcases Bayflite medical helicopter

The open house events allow community members to visit fire stations and meet local firefighters and community partners.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 9, 2025

Pastor leads trauma-informed community development workshop

A workshop hosted by SRQ Strong is part of a project to build community resources from within the community.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 7, 2025

Former Sarasota deputy goes global in providing wheelchairs to animals

When John Cox founded Ruck9, he was hoping to help a few dogs to walk again, but his mission has encompassed animals around the world, from geese to skunks.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 6, 2025

Tennis for Fun helps develop the skills of athletes with disabilities

The program has helped advance local players to the State Summer Games of the Special Olympics.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 3, 2025

Bike Rodeo event highlights bike safety as school year approaches

The event, held at the Sarasota City YMCA, donated 32 bikes and some 40 helmets.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 1, 2025

Sarasota chamber leader wins global recognition

Heather Kasten, president and CEO of Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, has earned the highest certification of the chamber profession.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 1, 2025

Parishioner's gift keeps Church of the Redeemer's music program going

The Sarasota church is known for its commitment to music.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 31, 2025

Siesta Key resident turns 100 as she carries on decadeslong tradition

Irene Hryniewicki carries on the tradition of playing Taps on the balcony of her residence at Casa Blanca Vacation Rentals, which she started with her late husband, Buster.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 30, 2025

Legal Aid of Manasota aims to equip the community at hurricane expo

The event in Newtown offered information on how to prepare for a storm and brought together local vendors offering services.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 29, 2025

Kids learn how to build home decor at Nailed It DIY Studio summer camp

The camp teaches kids skills that center on making objects out of wood.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Carlin Gillen
July 28, 2025

Resident's legacy is remembered at the NAMI YANA Sarasota

The NAMI YANA center host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Janice Marie Chestnut Memorial Garden and inspires son to launch a foundation in her honor.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 27, 2025

The Bazaar celebrates Christmas in July and Jimmy Buffett's birthday

Christmas in the Caribbean celebrated the birthday of the musician, who was born on Christmas, as well as Christmas in July.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce
July 24, 2025

Siesta Classics

If you're seeking a getaway with a dash of adventure and local charm within driving distance, this list is for you.

Arts + Entertainment
Things To Do

Sarasota County judge among those honored at 4-H awards

Longtime Sarasota County 4-H volunteer Barbara Briggs has been selected for induction to the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 21, 2025

Bedrock Church hosts world record-breaker for marshmallows caught in mouth

The church's Family Night at Payne Park invited Shayne Boyle of Cincinatti, who during the event broke what he said was a new world record, catching 60 marshmallows in 60 seconds.