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Sarasota | Neighbors

St. Armands Circle is one of this year's nominees for USA Today's Top 10 best shopping centers.
    By
  • 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
Mariano Martinez rescued seven people from a rip current at Lido Beach in 2024.
    By
  • 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
Pool Perfection - Get out of the Stone Age with the Latham advantage
  • 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.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
David Quintano
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 27, 2025
Army vet receives refurbished car through NABC Recycled Ride program

David Quintano says the vehicle, refurbished by Crash Champions Sarasota, will shorten his two-hour commute to work, to 10 minutes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Military Academy students Skyler Selby, Nathan New, Aiden Blair, Benson Van and Desmond Hunter walk in the procession.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 26, 2025
Memorial Day Parade carries on a tradition of remembrance

The parade brought together local law enforcement agencies, first responders, organizations and government officials.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Gemma Briggs plays the bagpipes while accompanied by Rear Commodore Saul Landesberg, Jay Plager and Vice Commodore Tony Britt during Bird Key Yacht Club's tribute to the fallen for Memorial Day.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 26, 2025
Bird Key honors fallen heroes Memorial Day weekend

Bagpipe instrumentalist Gemma Briggs offers special tribute with patriotic songs, remembering her family members who served.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Tommy Madi of Slim Chickens, which provided food at the event, and his friend Maria Guardado, walk over the Ringling Bridge.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 25, 2025
Memorial Day hike crosses Ringling Bridge in honor of the fallen

Hosted by SRQ Vets, the event also featured a giveaway of two vehicles to military veterans in need.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The ride proceeds along Ringling Boulevard.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 23, 2025
Bikers ride through downtown to honor cyclist victims of roadway accidents

The annual Ride of Silence is held by Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club and the Village Idiots Cycling Club.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The flag flies over the pier on Siesta Key Beach.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 22, 2025
Siesta Key resident honors military service members with flag ceremony

Every day, rain or shine, except Sundays, Wayne Bundy raises and lowers the flag at Beach Access 2 at Siesta Key Beach.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Tim Solomon, Jan Solomon, Lindy Hipsher, Cindy Peachey, Lois Kain and Cynthia Frank
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 21, 2025
Key Sailing offers free charters to fellow 1975 Sarasota High graduates

Jan and Tim Solomon, graduates of the Sarasota High School class of 1975, invited their fellow sailors along for boat charters.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jackson Foscolos, 12, poses with his mother Jennifer Foscolos, brother Mason Foscolos, 9, and grandparents Hans and Leslie Rode.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 20, 2025
Fire department open house showcases the tools behind rescues

The open house a Station 4 on Old Bradenton Road followed the fire department's receipt of international recognition for its cardiac care.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nate Jacobs and members of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will host the third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival on June 22.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2025
WBTT to host third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival

The festival takes place June 22 at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's campus.

  • Arts + Culture
  • By Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
  • May 19, 2025
Steffany’s story: Finding Purpose in Rehabilitation

“I was living a completely normal life. I worked full time, went to school full time and was always on the go,” she said.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Shanaia Nadesu, a fourth grader at Innovation Academy, provided an illustration.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 15, 2025
Sarasota students write letters about Florida for Virginia third grader

A letter from a Virginia third grader's class asked what life is like in Florida. Sarasota students provide answers.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Kevin Spencer performs in a Fruitville Elementary classroom.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 14, 2025
Magician known for therapeutic applications of magic tours Sarasota

Kevin Spencer visited various locations in the community during a week as the Artist in Residence with the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kava bed is crafted with purpose.
  • By Copenhagen Imports
  • May 13, 2025
5 Hot Furniture Trends Elevating Modern Living

Discover the sleek, smart, and stylish furniture trends transforming today’s homes into havens of modern design and intentional living.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Sponsored Content
Bryan Shuerger of the 501st Legion's Tampa Bay Squad came dressed as Darth Vader
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 12, 2025
Siesta Con brings together characters and community members

The event, now in its second year, featured costumes, celebrity guests, vehicles, vendors and other offerings.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
David Curran and Shannon Fortner of MeteorEYES
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 12, 2025
Be Fabulous Music & Arts Pride Fest celebrates LGBTQ+ community

The event, which celebrated 15 years, found a renewed visibility as it returned to the location of Selby Five Points Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Felicia Donson and her dog, Jasper, sit surrounded by donated books.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 8, 2025
In honor of her mom, daughter founds nonprofit to gift books to kids

The recently-founded Mom's Book Nook aims to provide books for children through various community organizations.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
David Baber presents an award to Dorothy Korwek.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 7, 2025
Heritage Awards honor history preservation efforts in the community

The awards honor outstanding efforts towards preservation and understanding of Sarasota's history.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota friends Veronica Muñoz, Maria Veronica Guillen Vasquez and Benito Enriquez, who are from Mexico, and Maria Stephens, who is from Venezuela, dressed up to represent their home countries. "I love Mexicans and I think they're my brothers and my sisters," Stephens said.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 6, 2025
El Melvin hosts Cinco de Mayo Block Party

The event still featured an elevated VIP deck, outdoor vendors, costume performers and live music by the Bri Rivera Band.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Karen Hall and her partner Paul Voloshen watch the musical performance.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 5, 2025
Art Ovation Hotel celebrates Kentucky Derby with Derby Day

With live music and elegant hats, the event combined the sporting event with the arts.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The archry show concludes, with Attila Toth at the center of the group.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 4, 2025
Hungarian festival connects people of different nationalities

The event, now in its 18th year, features archery, falconry shows, live music and dance, and other offerings.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Artist April Davis puts finishing touches on a painting.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 4, 2025
Downtown Sarasota hosts Spring Craft Fair

The event showcased works by artisans such as jewelry, photography, painting.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ecological connectivity is critical for imperiled native species such as Florida scrub jays, who were last observed at Myakka in 2005.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • May 4, 2025
Connectivity key to healthy habitats

Wildlife corridors help maintain natural processes that support clean air, rich soil and freshwater.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Maria Swirczyuski, 10 showcases her artwork from Lina Rincon Art Studio. She also created the painting of the heron to the left.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 30, 2025
Creative Kids SRQ hosts first block party event with Youth Art Fest

The nonprofit, which aims to empower young artists, expanded its Youth Art Fest into the streets.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mason Manahan, 5, and Juniper Hassler, 6, dig in a compost pile.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 29, 2025
Families celebrate Earth Day outdoors at The Bay

The event brought together various community organizations, and was hosted alongside a city tree giveaway.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A series of Thunderbirds line the car show.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 28, 2025
Car enthusiasts gather for Devereaux-Kaiser Collector Car Show

The annual show, which drew about 400 cars, is held by the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Diego Chappa, 6, and his brother Tadeo Chappa, 8, showcase their medals.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 28, 2025
Education Foundation Ringling Bridge Run returns for second year

The run over the John Ringling Causeway supported student and teacher programming in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Eva Bennett, 6, and her mom Kelly Bennett
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 27, 2025
City of Sarasota celebrates Take Your Child to Work Day

The city's Bring Your Kids to Work Day offered a glimpse into the workings of the local government and its police department.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The weekend-long event takes place at three beaches in south Sarasota County and three in north Sarasota County – explaining the trifecta portion of the event title.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 24, 2025
Sarasota County Beach cleanup days set for six sites in May

Three beaches in south Sarasota and three in north Sarasota form the basis for the fifth annual Beach Blast Trifecta.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Betty J. Johnson (center) stand with Blake Erquiaga and Kelly Larkin of the Pop-Up Library.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 23, 2025
Betty J. Johnson Library celebrates 20th anniversary

The library, founded in 2003, is located in the predominantly Black community of Newtown.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Stellan Salander, 5, holds a bunny.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 19, 2025
Easter eggs and animals feature in Siesta Key's Easter Egg Hunt

The annual event, held by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce on the grounds of Siesta Key Chapel, involved different community organizations.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
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Latest in Sarasota

1
District 5 representative Ron Cutsinger will be the 2026 chairman of the Sarasota County Commission.
  • December 19, 2025
Sarasota County commissioners pick chair, vice chair
2
Locations of the new St. Armands speed tables are marked in red.
  • December 19, 2025
St. Armands speed humps will be replaced with permanent speed tables
3
All games in the 2027 Sarasota College Softball Classic will be played on the championship field (lower left) at the new 17th Street Park Regional Sports Complex.
  • December 18, 2025
New north county park draws major collegiate softball tournament
4
Sarasota Police Department personnel monitor Sarasota's network of cameras, license plate readers, gunshot detectors and other devices in the nearly completed Real-Time Operations Center.
  • December 18, 2025
Police foil developing bank scam as it unfolds
5
The home at 2834 Browning Street featured countless decorations and animated figures.
  • December 18, 2025
Sarasota homes light up for the holidays

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