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Sarasota | Neighbors

Greg Corban and his wife Katy Corban clean up trash.
    By
  • Ian Swaby, Dana Kampa
  • April 12, 2025
Volunteers implement massive countywide cleanup

Trash collection efforts took place Saturday throughout Sarasota County, contributing to the "Greatest American Cleanup."

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Shannon Elyse Curry speaks at the reception
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 10, 2025
Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative hosts exhibition at Van Wezel

The exhibit, “Tradition and the Abstract: Improvisations and the Norm,” is part of the “Beyond Regional Boundaries” initiative.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By JL Bainbridge
  • April 10, 2025
Navigating Tax Changes in 2025 and 2026

How J.L. Bainbridge Helps Secure Your Financial Future

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Lannie Fineman, 17, and Sophie Huralde, 17, created Positively Sweet.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 9, 2025
Young entrepreneurs sell their creations at The Bazaar

The Young Entrepreneur Market highlighted the creativity of some of the community's entrepreneurs ages 8 to 17.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lido Beach welcomes plenty of visitors near the end of the busy season despite challenges posed by the hurricanes six months ago.
    By
  • Dana Kampa, Ian Swaby
  • April 9, 2025
Moving forward from hurricanes takes united community effort

Leaders in the tourism industry celebrate successes in recovery and encourage both visitors and residents to support local businesses along the road to full recovery.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Commissioner Joe Neunder cuts the ribbon.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 9, 2025
Sarasota County cuts ribbon on Historic Keith Farmhouse restoration

The farmhouse, built in 1916, is considered one of Sarasota County's most significant historic structures.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Fifth graders Jaleeyah and Journee mix the coffee cake.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 8, 2025
Girls Inc. girls bake coffee cakes in honor of Virginia B. Toulmin

Girls Inc. members cooked the dessert, a favorite of philanthropist Virginia Toulmin, in honor of their one-year scholarships to Young Chefs Academy.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jack Brill, chair of the Republican Party of Sarasota County, Sen. Joe Gruters, Sen. Jim Boyd, Graci McGillicuddy, Rep. Fiona McFarland, Rep. James Buchanan and Rep. Will Robinson.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 8, 2025
Graci McGillicuddy presented with Lifetime Achievement Award

Republican Party of Sarasota County recognizes her work on behalf of abused children, including through her co-founding of All Star Children's Foundation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Children wait to dive for eggs during a previous Aqua Egg Hunt at Arlington Park pool.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 8, 2025
Aqua Egg Hunt set for April 12

The annual event will be held at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Carey Beychok, Lorrie Muldowney, Jake Lasala, staff scientist and program manager with Mote, Sandy Moutoux and Tina Williams
    By
  • 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
Sponsored Content
Students Cameron Ogilvie and Faith Bright helped unwrap and present a symbolic check.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 2, 2025
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
Members dressed in attire from across decades to celebrate the anniversary, including Mary Beth McLeod and Shawna Smith (1920s) Mary Lou McFate (circa 1920s) Diane Kingery Gentsch, Angela DeForest and Cynthia Flynn (1920s), Ronelle Ashby (1930s), Peggy Torgerson (1940s), State Registrar Jennifer Lawton Marks (1950s) and Clarissa Thomasson (1990s).
    By
  • 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
Architecture Sarasota President Marty Hylton, and Project Manager Marni Burns and Chief Purpose Officer Richard Roark of OLIN pose as Roark holds the award.
    By
  • 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
Participants in the walk head down the path at Nathan Benderson Park.
    By
  • 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
Allen Brown of Embracing Our Differences, Chantima Kaewvichian of Bangok, Thailand, the painter of "Hide or Shine," and its sponsors Tobi Leanna Schneider and Steven Neumeister, gather in front of the art piece. The quote by Kim Howard of Bloomington, Indiana, reads, "Choosing to speak when others are silent is an act of bravery this world needs." "My inspiration for this painting is so simple. It's the feeling to be ourselves, like everybody deserves to be themselves, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone," Kaewvichian said. "I'm very happy, and I'm honored to be the part of this amazing exhibition," she also said.
    By
  • 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
12th grader Gregory Pech, of the Riverview High School Kiltie Band, plays the bagpipes.
    By
  • 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
Darlene Quiala enjoyed the experience with her friend Areana Thompson.
    By
  • 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
State and local commitments help preserve the timeless beauty and ecological integrity of the only Florida State-designated Wild and Scenic River.
    By
  • 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
Anne Essner, board chair of Architecture Sarasota, is a passionate advocate for the preservation of mid-century architecture.
    By
  • 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
Cards are set out for pickup at the Sarasota Philanthropy Center.
    By
  • 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
Michael Deshield sings on the balcony.
    By
  • 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
Cheryl Taub has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a crayon.
    By
  • 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
Noah Shadowens
    By
  • 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
Joel and Gail Morganroth have lived on Siesta Key for about 12 years.
    By
  • 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
A beach cabana provides the perfect spot for lazy afternoons on the sand.
  • 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
Anisa Mycak, Tania Vitvitsky and Christine Mariconda
    By
  • 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
Rachelle Lambert, Solan Jones, 4, and Solan's mother Maia Jaroszewski
    By
  • 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
The historic Keith Farmhouse at Phillippi Estate Park has been fully restored.
    By
  • 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
Laura George pours wine for Jason Campbell and his mother Colleen Campbell.
    By
  • 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
Sponsored Content
Junie and skilled companion dog Merlot by artist Hunter X. Huang
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 20, 2025
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
Fifth grader Grace Welden (front), won the grand champion dairy goat award. She is pictured here with her goat Paddy Whack and three generations of family members involved in agriculture: her grandfather Chuck Johnston, aunt Sarah Herlihy, brother Eli Welden, 5, mother Katie Johnston, father JR Welden, grandmother Peggy Johnston and aunt Jessica Duncan.
    By
  • 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
Paul Sykes presents a framed photo print of Li Jian Volk painting Megan Howell.
    By
  • 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
Shelby Van Pelt gives her speech.
    By
  • 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
Jack Corcoran, his cousin Leo Martinez, and Jas Sawyer and Luci Duke, fellow New College students of Corcoran. "We love this bar. It's one of our favorites," Corcoran said.
    By
  • 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
« 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 »
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1
The building at the corner of N. Boulevard of the Presidents and Madison Drive may be the location of a revived Shore Restaurant on St. Armands Circle.
  • December 12, 2025
Shore Restaurant could return to St. Armands
2
Andy Harshman of Sarasota High School was named the 2026 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year.
  • December 12, 2025
Sarasota High science leader named 2026 Teacher of the Year
3
Part of the renovation of Fruitville Library is a new History Center, replacing a building in Osprey a document calls "aging and inadequate to house the county's collections of historic artifacts.''
  • December 12, 2025
Fruitville Library renovations begin with Dec. 18 closure
4
Cardinal Mooney football gathers at midfield and poses for a photo. The Cougars scored on every single one of their drives in the FHSAA Class 2A state championship, piling up 52 points against the Bulldogs.
  • December 11, 2025
Cardinal Mooney is state football champ again
5
Former Sarasota City Attorney Robert Fournier has drafted an updated noise ordinance for the city, which was approved by the City Commission on first reading.
  • December 11, 2025
City asks: How much noise is too much?

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