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Sarasota | Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 1, 2025

The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for July 3-9

Don't miss these arts and entertainment events around Sarasota and Manatee counties this week.

Arts + Entertainment
Things To Do

Madison Bierl
June 30, 2025

Manatee, Sarasota experts share 'lessons from the eye of the storm'

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance partnered with Florida Power & Light to shed some light on how best to prepare for hurricane season.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
June 26, 2025

Fourth of July 2025 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch

From parades to the classic fireworks, check out these events to help you celebrate Independence Day right.

Arts + Entertainment
Things To Do

Ian Swaby
June 26, 2025

Kids Summer Beach Runs continue to draw crowds

The event takes place every Tuesday at Siesta Beach through July.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 25, 2025

Kids come together to plant butterfly garden at Leonard Reid House

Three different educational organizations in Sarasota came together to help plant the garden.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
June 25, 2025

Visitors begin bidding farewell to Sarasota's City Island arm of Mote exhibits

After generations of visitors have enjoyed being entertained and educated at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, many took the opportunity to say farewell before operations shift to the new facility near University Town Center.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 25, 2025

Sarasota Chamber of Commerce honors local businesses with spectacle

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce honored winners in 10 categories.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 24, 2025

Former Rays pitcher is behind new Raining Berries location in Sarasota

The new Raining Berries location is co-owned by former MLB player and World Series Champion Edwin Jackson and Super Bowl champion star Kenneth Gainwell.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Observer Staff
June 23, 2025

Tickets now available for 2025 Siesta Key Crystal Classic

Early-purchase ticket, parking and sponsorship opportunities for the annual Siesta Beach sandsculpting event are now available.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Eric Garwood
June 21, 2025

Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry stop in Sarasota for lunch

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and Longboat Key condo owner Joe Perry stopped in last week for lunch at Morton's Gourmet Market.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
June 20, 2025

Former Rays pitcher to appear at Southside coffee shop opening

Meet MLB legend and World Series winner Edwin Jackson at new business grand opening.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 19, 2025

Local library volunteer showcases collection of dolls from around the world

Jennifer Joseph has collected what she estimates at around 80 dolls from 40 different countries.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
June 18, 2025

Sarasota church The Harvest encourages community unity at Diverse Fest

Residents of all ages turned out for the third annual Diverse Fest at The Harvest Sarasota, which aims to uplift community members from all walks of life.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
June 17, 2025

Juneteenth celebration brings together entrepreneurs

The sixth annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way street fair celebrated some of Newton's best food and craft pop-ups.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
June 17, 2025

The Bay Sarasota celebrates Father's Day

Families packed The Oval for a special Father's Day edition of Sundays at The Bay last weekend.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Carlin Gillen
June 16, 2025

All smiles no trash at Mote's Sea to Shore: Clean and Explore Event

Volunteers of all different ages and organizations came together to celebrate World Ocean Week 2025 and learn more from Mote's Homeschool Students Program.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

By Manasota Flooring
June 12, 2025

Rising Together When Storms Strike

When disaster strikes, families often focus on roofing, windows, and structural repairs—but flooring plays a major role in recovery too.

Hurricane Season

Sponsored Content

Dana Kampa
June 11, 2025

Years of hard work pay off for local high school graduate

Despite dealing with the hurricanes, Sarasota High School graduate Jacob Kalua of Lido Key celebrates his consistent academic record as a scholarship recipient.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
June 10, 2025

Sarasota seniors ring in Pride Month

Project Pride SRQ recognized long-term couples and newlyweds at Silver Pride this year, among other activities celebrating Pride Month.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Carlin Gillen
June 10, 2025

Heroes, villains and cartoon characters come to life at SRQCon 2025

People of all ages were in their best dressed armor, swords and masks for the pop culture convention hosted at the Selby Library.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
June 9, 2025

Keeping 'America's best beach' sharp for World Ocean Day

Representatives from Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and Sarasota County are collaborating for an expanded celebration of World Ocean Week, which kicked off with a cleanup at Siesta Key Beach.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
June 9, 2025

From aluminum to acrylic, St. Armands gets crafty

Local craftspeople showcased their work at last weekend's annual St. Armands Circle Craft Festival.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 9, 2025

Run club at local craft beer bar grows to hundreds in size

99 Bottles' Run Club has become a fitness and social hangout for the local community.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Eric Garwood
June 9, 2025

Maryland Girl Scout donates to Sarasota hurricane relief

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently received a handwritten letter from the fifth-grader, and $77.04. She sold lemonade and hot chocolate to raise the money from last fall until April.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 4, 2025

Sarasota City YMCA branch kicks off summer camp with pancake breakfast

The breakfast for families preceded the start of the traditional and aquatics summer camps.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Miri Hardy
June 2, 2025

Myakka River thrives with restored floodplain

New life embraces Myakka’s habitat restoration zone.

East County
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
May 29, 2025

Sarasota hobbyist used recycled parts to rebuild Volkswagen Beetle

Jae Honda has been working with cars his whole life, from the time he was a child driving them on the beach in Hawaii.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
May 29, 2025

St. Armands Circle aims for readers' choice award

Sarasota's St. Armands Circle hopes to take the title of USA Today's top shopping center.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Tidewell Foundation
May 29, 2025

Empath LIFE: Empowering Seniors to Live Safely at Home

Empath LIFE empowers adults aged 55+ to continue living at home while receiving extra care during the day.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

By REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM)
May 29, 2025

The Advocacy Down Payment: How Your REALTORS® Are Investing in Our Region’s Future.

The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) plays a critical role in shaping policy and protecting the foundations of homeownership and quality of life in the community.

East County
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

By Catherine Avery, Founder
May 29, 2025

From Wall Street to Longboat Key: How CAIM Built a Top-Tier Investment Firm with a Personal Touch

Catherine Avery, owner of Catherine Avery Investment Management (CAIM), began her investment journey as an 18 year old New York University finance student while working at Oppenheimer Funds.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Sponsored Content

Eric Garwood
May 28, 2025

Sarasota County lifeguard received Medal of Valor for 2024 rescue

Mariano Martinez was also named the state's Lifeguard of the Year.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Latham Pools
May 27, 2025

Pool Perfection - Get out of the Stone Age with the Latham advantage

Built to last, easy to maintain, with options for your needs - Latham fiberglass pools are crafted to turn any outdoor space into the ultimate retreat.