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Sarasota | Neighbors

Ana Salmon receives a demonstration from Elyse Falzone, an intuitive energy healer and spiritual mentor.
    By
  • 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
Jose Angel Figueroa Jr. makes music in the circle.
    By
  • 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
Corey Vandenhoe snorkeling during the Great Scallop Search
    By
  • 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
St. Lucie County's Sara Rosenzweig and Volusia County's Copper Reynolds share a moment of excitement as they complete their 100 meter race at the Special Olympics Florida 2025 State Stand Up Paddle Competititon on Aug. 16.
    By
  • 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
Paola Ramirez, Jairo Badilla and Anderson Pelaez
    By
  • 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
Amy Blair, the manager at the Old Salty Dog on City Island, said visitors often enjoy seeing dolphins, sharks, seabirds and other wildlife from the waterfront seating.
    By
  • 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
Andre Evans, 11, his mother Heather Abling, and cousin Nyomii Knight, 9, left with backpacks for the school year.
    By
  • 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
Evelyn Lucas, 5, and her friends Kevin McGuckin, 3, and his sister Kinsley McGuckin, 5 (front row) pose with Flight Nurse Pamela Young.
    By
  • 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
Betsy Friedman, interim executive director, and Andy Blanch, founder and director, of Sarasota Strong, and Sister Kristina Abernathy and her husband Father Paul Abernathy
    By
  • 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
Charles Moore, Mattie Mae and John Cox
    By
  • 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
Tennis for Fun has grown in size since it began hosting clinics at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex.
    By
  • 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
Marina Prybylski, 7, and her brother Tristan Prybylski, 5, prepare to head onto the course.
    By
  • 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
Heather Kasten is President and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
    By
  • 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
Parishioner's gift keeps Church of the Redeemer's music program going
    By
  • 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
Irene Hryniewicki plays Taps every night on her balcony.
    By
  • 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
Robbin Haynes and Tara Maffei of Family Promise of Sarasota-Manatee
    By
  • 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
Brendon Letarte, 8, writers on his project with a marker.
    By
  • 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
The official ribbon cutting: Victor Jacobs, Jamil Jacobs, Candi Jacobs, Shirley Jacobs, James Jacobs, Addison Jacobs, Colleen Thayer and Shayla Jacobs.
    By
  • 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
Surfer Santa and Debi Kleer
    By
  • 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
Sponsored Content
Barbara Briggs will be honored at a ceremony in Gainesville on July 31.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 24, 2025
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
Shayne Boyle dodges a projectile.
    By
  • 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.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Scooby Doo, a dog who belongs to Mike and Victoria Collins, who came from St. Pete to support the location, loves playing in the foam.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 20, 2025
Sarasota celebrates reopening of beloved dog bar

Dog Bar Sarasota, originally Boo’s Ice House and Dog Bar, had closed in January but now has reopened as a sister location to Dog Bar St. Pete.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Jessica Bank and Laura Murphy stand in front of the library.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 18, 2025
The Out-of-Door Academy holds on to a historic legacy as it moves forward

While a former dormitory building will have to be demolished due to last year’s hurricanes, the campus works out new plans for the space.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Killdeer are dedicated parents known for their 'broken-wing' display, feigning injury to lure intruders away from their chicks or nest.
  • By Miri Hardy
  • July 15, 2025
New life thrives in Myakka’s habitat restoration zone

Plants and animals continue to respond favorably to re-created floodplain marshes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Brooks DeLoach, 10, holds an albino Okeeteee corn snake.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 14, 2025
ReptiDay provides destination for reptile enthusiasts

The event also featured other unusual pets and exotic animals.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Owner Andrea Meythaler and employee Kiki Von Blumen are all good vibes at the Bambooty Bodygear bus.
    By
  • Carlin Gillen
  • July 14, 2025
Rain or shine, count on the Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market to be there

No matter the weather, the Sarasota Farmers Market is home to an array of unique finds and foods.

  • Sarasota
The two performances of "Alice in Boogie Wonderland" will take place on July 12 and 13.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 9, 2025
WBTT to conclude summer camp with 'Alice in Boogie Wonderland'

The performance combines "Alice in Wonderland" with music including pop, disco and R&B.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Visitors and volunteers alike took a moment to enjoy the view at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium before it closed to facilitate a move to East County.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 9, 2025
Mote's final public days bring forward warm memories

City Island's Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium officially held its final day of being open to the public on July 6 as it prepares for its move to the new Mote Science Education Aquarium facility.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Florida Power & Light Company
  • July 8, 2025
FPL Announces Planned Upgrades for Sarasota County to Continue Building a Stronger, Smarter Grid

Florida Power & Light’s smart grid technology prevented more than 800,000 outages during the active 2024 hurricane season.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Everyone is lined up for Hamlet's Eatery hot dogs, for their fifth annual Hot Dog Day.
    By
  • Carlin Gillen
  • July 6, 2025
Hamlet's Eatery celebrates Hot Dog Day with furry friends

The fifth annual Hot Dog Day was celebrated at Hamlet's Eatery with a hot dog topping bar, free beer samples and furry friends.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Gabriella Brinceanu, 14, and her sister Alaina Brinceanu, 3, work together to pop the bubbles.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 5, 2025
Community enjoys barbecue, bubbles at Selby Gardens' Fourth of July

Selby Gardens hosted its annual Fourth of July All-American Cookout.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Stephen Schlabach and his wife Jennifer Schlabach watch the grand finale of the fireworks.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 5, 2025
Fourth of July fireworks light up the Sarasota skies

The public once again had the chance to enjoy fireworks on Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Members of Church of the Redeemer all stand together to sing American Classics led by Choralmaster, Sam Nelson.
    By
  • Carlin Gillen
  • July 5, 2025
Sarasota church celebrates Fourth of July with special gathering

The Church of the Redeemer celebrates Independence Day with barbeque, music, prayer and fireworks.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Crossing team of Michael Barron, James Brearley, Travis Taaffe and Brandon Taaffe won its division during the competition from Bimini in The Bahamas to Lake Worth Beach.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • July 3, 2025
Sarasota brothers paddleboard from Bimini to Florida for cystic fibrosis

Two brothers and two friends take on and wi, an 80-mile Atlantic paddleboard challenge in an effort to provide support for individuals and families battling cystic fibrosis.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A group of pirates makes a split in "The Treasure Map," with performers including Sawyer Tillman, 9; Harper Olney, 10; Miriam Mohib, 12; Dylan Alan, 12; education intern Isaiah Ramsey, 21; education intern Nadya Smirnova, 19; Abigail Gastaldo, 11; Bliss Rippy, 13; Stefaniia Biedakurova 10; Reyna Kim, 9; and Nina Lockhart, 12.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • July 2, 2025
Sarasota Youth Opera campers perform scenes they produced

Kids created their own lyrics and choreography for four opera scenes, which they performed for their families on the last day of camp.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Latest in Sarasota

1
The building at the corner of N. Boulevard of the Presidents and Madison Drive may be the location of a revived Shore Restaurant on St. Armands Circle.
  • December 12, 2025
Shore Restaurant could return to St. Armands
2
Andy Harshman of Sarasota High School was named the 2026 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year.
  • December 12, 2025
Sarasota High science leader named 2026 Teacher of the Year
3
Part of the renovation of Fruitville Library is a new History Center, replacing a building in Osprey a document calls "aging and inadequate to house the county's collections of historic artifacts.''
  • December 12, 2025
Fruitville Library renovations begin with Dec. 18 closure
4
Cardinal Mooney football gathers at midfield and poses for a photo. The Cougars scored on every single one of their drives in the FHSAA Class 2A state championship, piling up 52 points against the Bulldogs.
  • December 11, 2025
Cardinal Mooney is state football champ again
5
Former Sarasota City Attorney Robert Fournier has drafted an updated noise ordinance for the city, which was approved by the City Commission on first reading.
  • December 11, 2025
City asks: How much noise is too much?

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