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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
  • Neighbors
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
Carole J. Bufford stars in "Too Darn Hot: Songs for a Summer Night," which runs at Florida Studio Theatre through Sept. 14.
    By
  • 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
The panelists at the June 25 luncheon were David St Pierre, SeaPort Manatee's senior director of public safety and security; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Sarasota County's chief of emergency management; Abby Elliot, Oysters Rock Hospitality's senior director of operations; and Jodie Fiske, Manatee County's director of public safety. The moderator was Devaney Iglesias, the area manager of Florida Power & Light.
    By
  • 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
Fourth of July 2025 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch
    By
  • 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
The run begins during the June 3 beach run.
    By
  • 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
Jason Guillama, 4, prepares to place a plant into the garden.
    By
  • 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
Visitors to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium began packing the house this week to pay their final visits before the City Island facility closes to the public, making way for expanded operations in East County.
    By
  • 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
Heather Kasten and Daniel DeLeo at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick address attendees.
    By
  • 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
Edwin Jackson hands an autographed baseball to Luke Holcomb, a friend of Raining Berries Founder Bimal Bhojani.
    By
  • 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
Joaquin Cortez and Craig Mutch won first place in the people's choice awards, doubles, for "Be the Change" at the 2024 Siesta Key Crystal Classic.
    By
  • 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
Aerosmith rockers Steven Tyler and Joe Perry stopped into Morton's Gormet Market last week.
    By
  • 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
Raining Berries will be at 1935 S. Osprey Ave. in Sarasota.
    By
  • 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
Jennifer Joseph has collected approximately 80 dolls from about 40 countries.
    By
  • 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
Members of the Indian Association of Manasota, led by president Megha Vaid, dance at this year's Diverse Fest at The Harvest Sarasota on June 14.
    By
  • 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
Eboni Rome and owner Natasha Milhouse run the NHome Taste of Soul booth at a Juneteenth festival on June 14.
    By
  • 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
Jonathan Farthing and his daughter, Julianna, turn the top deck of The Oval into a dance floor as they celebrate Father's Day with a special Sundays at the Bay show.
    By
  • 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
From left to right: Nick Williams, Donna Portaro and Nicole Bocdin are keeping volunteers energized with healthy snacks.
    By
  • 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
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Latest in Sarasota

1
Jennifer Rominiecki brought the living museum concept to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens when she was named president and CEO in 2015.
  • February 5, 2026
Botanical gardens' potential lured Rominiecki family to Sarasota
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Capt. A.J. Grande operates a "six pack" fishing charter business who often picks up and drops off customers at Nora Patterson Park.
  • February 5, 2026
Permits will be required for charter boat operators using county parks
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The home at 3851 Tangier Terrace was built in 2024 and has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,379 square feet of living area.
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Top residential real estate sales for Jan. 19-23 in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis
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Sarasota residents Erma and Dave Miller were drawn into the world of bicycle motocross because of their son, Doug Miller, and have spent decades in the sport.
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Sarasota couple stand side by side with BMX
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Thomas Modly adjusts the flagpoles as the sun sets.
  • February 5, 2026
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