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Sarasota | Neighbors

Sam Shapiro receives an award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County in 2015. File photo.
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 21, 2018
Sam Shapiro leaves philanthropic legacy

From The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee to The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center, Sam Shapiro dedicated much of his time to giving back. He died Feb. 15.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Kevin Cooper, Ernest F. DuBose II, Terrill Salem, John Annis, Steve Seidensticker and Commissioner Willie Shaw participate in the groundbreaking ceremony of Miss Susie's Newtown Kitchen.
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • February 20, 2018
Groundbreaking for Miss Susie’s Newtown Kitchen marks a new day for neighborhood

The restaurant is a community-based project that will provide hospitality training and jobs to the Newtown neighborhood.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rose Chapman has retired from her year-and-a-half stint as CEO emerita for the JFCS after 23 years as CEO.
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • February 20, 2018
Rose Chapman reflects back on her 25-year career with JFCS of the Suncoast

As Chapman transitions to retirement from her tenure as CEO emerita, she leaves behind a legacy of commitment and service to the community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • February 16, 2018
Class shows the art of yoga at The Ringling

Art and wellness come together to offer museum-goers a new way to nourish the mind, body and soul.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Oak Park School student Aaron Howell gives a high-five to The Oriole Bird during a special workout with the Orioles Friday.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • February 16, 2018
Orioles hit a home run with Oak Park School students

Former and current players played alongside students with special needs in Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • February 16, 2018
JFCS honors Rose Chapman at retirement kick-off breakfast

Community leaders praise Rose Chapman’s commitment to providing for the community

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 16, 2018
Sarasota Chamber of Commerce hosts 98th annual breakfast

Former President and CEO of Siemens USA Eric Spiegel spoke about the nation’s skills gap at the chamber’s once-a-year event.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Arts philanthropist Herta Klauser Cuneo gifted the Van Wezel Foundation with its largest single donation.
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • February 15, 2018
The Van Wezel Foundation receives largest single donation

Circus legend and Sarasota arts supporter Herta Klauser Cuneo gifted $10 million to the Foundation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 15, 2018
Sarasota weather page photo: Feb. 15

Veronika Bajtala photographed treasures found on the sand bar at Big Pass.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 15, 2018
Scroll through your monthly weather and nature photo contest winners for Winter

See your January through March winners here!

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • February 14, 2018
Lovebirds gather at Siesta Key Beach to say “I Do” again

Hundreds of couples from all walks of life converged at Siesta Key Beach to renew their wedding vows.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Shane Donglasan
  • February 14, 2018
Preschoolers share the love with their families on Valentine’s Day

At First Presbyterian, you’re never too young to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Mayor Shelli Freeland Eddie and Arts and Cultural Alliance Executive Director Jim Shirley
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 12, 2018
Sarasota County Schools and the Arts and Culture Alliance mingle

The groups held a reception on Feb. 12 at the Sarasota Opera House.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 12, 2018
Pulitzer Prize winner inspires audience to help national leaders get it right

Historian Jon Meacham was the second speaker in the Ringling College Library Association’s Town Hall Lecture Series on the 2018 calendar.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 10, 2018
Art lovers enjoy Sarasota's downtown festival

Warm, sunny day brings out crowds.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 9, 2018
St. Martha dads and daughters dance it out

About 375 St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy fathers and daughters walked the red carpet at the annual Father Daughter Dance on Feb. 9.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
In addition to the Benjamin Gilkey Fund for Innovation and Pediatric Research, Micael and Laura Gilkey focus on the future and their 13-year-old son, Banyan.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 9, 2018
After loss, Arlington Park family moves forward

A year after losing their son to leukemia, the Gilkey family finds solace in memories - and a fund for future research.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 9, 2018
Garden Club travels to Cuba in style

The club hosted "Shivoo Havana" on Feb. 9 at the Hyatt Regency.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 8, 2018
People and pooches mingle at unique happy hour

The Humane Society of Sarasota County's Smoochy Poochy Yappy Hour is back for the second year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
PE teachers Jeff Horr and Mike Young, along with Jessica Banks, assistant head of the lower school and Tanna Horne, head of the lower school, swallowed their pride and a insect.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 8, 2018
ODA kids succeed, so school leaders snack on bugs

Rope jumping challenge exceeds fundraising goal.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • February 7, 2018
Survivors graduate from Selah Freedom programs

The nonprofit helped five more women get back on their feet after surviving sex trafficking.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • February 4, 2018
Sellout crowd hits Sarasota streets for Sarasota Music Half Marathon

Runners took off on 13.1 mile and 10K races before sunrise.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • February 3, 2018
The Classical Academy blossoms at gala

The fourth annual gala, which took place at Laurel Oak Country Club, benefits the school.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 1, 2018
Sarasota weather page photo: Feb. 1

Heather Dees photographed a dove family that built a nest near her window in Greenbrook Chase neighborhood in south Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • January 31, 2018
Picture of health: Lori Jaress and Kenneth Rainey

In uniform or off duty, Sarasota police officers say fitness helps them physically and mentally.

  • Health
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • January 31, 2018
Fish vending machine removed from mall at PETA's request

No fish, no foul.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • January 29, 2018
Jewish Food Festival brings Israeli heritage to Sarasota

Everything from kugel to matzo ball soup was available at the festival on Jan. 28.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • January 29, 2018
Growing pup: Guide dogs and handlers graduate from training

Class no. 262 celebrated the end of their training at the Southeastern Guide Dogs campus.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Orioles are partnering with Sarasota County libraries to offer a free game ticket to young readers.
    By
  • Ryan Butler
  • January 29, 2018
Libraries, Orioles team up to promote reading

The Big League Reader program offers game tickets for students.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • January 28, 2018
Fundraiser benefits Healthy Start Coalition

Jan. 25 saw food, music and fun at Sarasota Architectural Salvage.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 27, 2018
Healthy crowd attends grand opening

Earth Fare bags big crowd in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • January 25, 2018
Families feast on food grown at Southside Elementary

Southside Elementary students grew the food in their garden, then helped serve their families and friends.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 25, 2018
Sarasota weather page photo: Jan. 25

Thomas Fox captured this photograph at a Turtle Beach access point.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Faith Holliday constructed this agility course for dogs at Donte's Den over the summer of 2017.
    By
  • Cassidy Alexander
  • January 25, 2018
Girl Scout goes for the gold

Cardinal Mooney’s Faith Holliday built an agility course for dogs at Donte’s Den.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The home at 763 Freeling Drive recently sold for $1.7 million.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 25, 2018
Bay Island Shoes home sells for $1.7 million

Residential real estate transactions for Jan. 8-12.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Katie Johns
  • January 24, 2018
Sarasota schools thank first responders

Students from Sarasota Military Academy and Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences presented gifts to local police officers and firefighters Jan. 24.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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