Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 6, 2025

Runners raise funds for sea turtle conservation

The annual Run for the Turtles by Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium supports its Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

By Palm One Group
April 4, 2025

The Gallery: Thoughtfully Designed, Distinctively Sarasota

This luxury condominium development features 60 exquisite residences across five levels, topped by a stunning sixth-floor rooftop.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Alta Vista Elementary wins STEM classroom makeover grant from FPL

The grant will provide new materials for a classroom while also supplementing specials at the school.

Sarasota
Schools

Ian Swaby
April 2, 2025

Daughters of the American Revolution chapter celebrates 100 years

The service organization, which is open to women who are descended from someone involved in aiding the American Revolution, hosted a celebration at Marina Jack.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 2, 2025

OLIN accepts Philip Hanson Hiss award at Selby Gardens

The award honored the firm's innovative design work, including its work on Selby Gardens' Master Plan.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 1, 2025

All Faiths Food Bank hosts Walk to End Summer Hunger

The annual walk kicked off the food bank's Campaign Against Summer Hunger.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 1, 2025

Embracing Our Differences hosts celebration of kindness at Bayfront Park

The celebration honored the organization's outdoor art exhibition at the park, and its message of inclusivity and understanding.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 1, 2025

Gillespie Park celebrates 100th anniversary

The neighborhood honored Sarasota's Scottish heritage as the park and neighborhood celebrated 100 years.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
April 1, 2025

Attendees enjoy the vibes at Sarasota Reggae & Food Festival

The event featured food vendors, live music and a vendor market.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Miri Hardy
March 29, 2025

Myakka Act protects wild and scenic river values

Upland river buffers help preserve and enhance this quintessential natural treasure.

East County
Neighbors

Eric Snider
March 28, 2025

Anne Essner works to preserve Sarasota’s notable buildings for all to enjoy

When she moved to Lido Shores, Anne Essner fell for the Sarasota School's aesthetic. Now, as board chair of Architecture Sarasota, she leads the preservation and celebration of mid-century design.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 27, 2025

Gulf Coast Community Foundation's 'You Matter' campaign gets underway

The "You Matter" cards are intended to inspire kindness in the community by showing appreciation for others.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 27, 2025

Balcony opera performances share the music form with the public

Apprentice artists have joined the lineup in the Sarasota Opera's weekly performance for the public, held each Saturday on the balcony.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Su Byron
March 27, 2025

These Key artists take inspiration from their surroundings

Local creators share how their home bases on Sarasota's barrier islands give them an artistic boost.

Arts + Culture

Ian Swaby
March 27, 2025

Ringling student sculpts facial reconstruction bust to help solve cold case

The Forensic Art of Facial Reconstruction Workshop led by Joe Mullins, at Ringling College of Art and Design, helped lead to the resolution of a case with the Medical Examiner's Office in Fort Myers.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Mark Gordon
March 27, 2025

The Morganroths use their involvement — not just their checks — to make an impact

It's hard to remain low-profile when you have donated more than $30 million to some of the region's iconic institutions: Selby, Ringling and SMH. Drs. Joel and Gail Morganroth have nearly pulled it off.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Robert Plunket
March 27, 2025

Memories and more fill a lavish Casey Key estate

This beachfront mansion, complete with guest suite, gives a nod to its origins as the house that pretzels built.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 26, 2025

Humanitarian recounts late 2024 trip to Ukraine, at Selby Library

Tania Vitvitsky shared her observations in the Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv and Lviv regions in August and September 2024.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 24, 2025

Historic Spanish Point becomes fairytale land in Enchanted Garden Family Festival

The event, held at Selby Gardens' Historic Spanish Point campus, features unicorn rides, a bubble show, crafts and activities, face painting and more.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 23, 2025

County to celebrate restoration of historic Keith Farmhouse

Sarasota County will mark the completion of the restoration of the historic Keith Farmhouse at Phillippi Estate Park with a ribbon-cutting on April 2.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 23, 2025

Sarasota Wine Festival brings wines from around the world

The event featured live music, seminars and mixology classes, a vendor market and more.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Sforzo • Dillingham • Stewart Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
March 21, 2025

From Pain to Purpose

Local orthopedic practice helps Sarasota woman reclaim her passion.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Art students spotlight service, guide dogs' relationships with handlers

Featuring graduates and service and guide dogs of Dogs Inc., the showcase by Ringling College of Art and Design students will be hosted at Discovery Day on the Dogs Inc. campus.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 19, 2025

Community finds a spotlight at Sarasota County Fair

Held from March 14-23, the fair features rides, food, livestock exhibits, entertainment and more, with chances for community members to showcase their own projects.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 19, 2025

Second Heart Homes' annual art auction brings support and surprises

The auction raised funds for the renovation of a duplex that will house 12 homeless women while featuring some familiar faces to the organization on canvas.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 18, 2025

'Remarkably Bright Creatures' author shares process of writing debut novel

Shelby Van Pelt's lecture at Selby Library was part of the One Book, One Community program, for which the bestselling novel was this year's selection.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 18, 2025

Shamrock Pub celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

The pub hosted a four-day party in honor of the holiday, featuring live music and dancers.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
March 17, 2025

Set the Bar cocktail contest returns to Ed Smith Stadium on April 13

This year's event features the addition of a Bar Bite Competition for attendees to vote on.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Mirabai Holland
March 16, 2025

March is an important month to eat, sleep and be healthy

All three subjects are a part of National awareness celebrations and aid in disease prevention.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Ian Swaby
March 14, 2025

Longboat Kiwanis presents check to Children's Guardian Fund

The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key has long supported the Children's Guardian Fund, a Sarasota nonprofit supporting children in the juvenile dependency care system.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
March 13, 2025

Endurance athlete runs for those who run toward danger

Sarasota accountant Nels Matson recently completed a run across America to honor a fallen Navy SEAL's last wish — and to try to set a new world record.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
March 12, 2025

New Gillespie Park historical marker honors Sarasota's first mayor

The new marker honors the contributions of John Hamilton Gillespie, the "father of Sarasota," in the park bearing his name.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
March 12, 2025

Restoration project to bring St. Armands statues back to life

Edward Pinto is leading a renewed effort to restore the damaged statues on St. Armands Circle to their former glory, calling on the public to show its support.