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Sarasota | Neighbors

Tim Tebow speaks at the event.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 19, 2025
Former Gator Tim Tebow headlines Good Friday event at Payne Park

Good Friday at Payne Park, held by First Sarasota, also featured activities including an egg hunt.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rev. David Svihel stands before the crowd.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 18, 2025
Big gathering heads down Main Street for stations of the cross

The annual walk invited all denominations to celebrate a Good Friday tradition, with 14 stations representing the story of Jesus' crucifixion.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Impact100 SRQ held its fundraising reveal event on April 16 at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 17, 2025
Impact100 SRQ raises $864,000 for grants to nonprofits

Grants of $108,000 will be awarded later in 2025 to nonprofits working in five areas of philanthropy.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cynthia Paris
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 17, 2025
Community members laugh together at laughter yoga event

The Florida Day of Laughter was held the weekend of April 5, spanning the Hyatt Place Sarasota Airport and the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
An illustration by E. H. Shepard from "Winnie-the-Pooh"
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 17, 2025
Bookstore1Sarasota to host Winnie the Pooh live radio-style performance

The Gothic Library's adaptation of "The House on Pooh Corner" will be performed April 17 and 18.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Fifth graders Charlie Cavallaro and Guadalupe Jaraz created a Medieval-themed car, although some of its components were lost during the races.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 16, 2025
Students race remote-controlled cars of their own design at Faulhaber Fab Lab

Students created vehicles themed after different time periods for the 10th Annual Remote Control Car Competition.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lynn Christensen says she's grateful her family and staff have been able to rebuild from the storms as well as they have.
    By
  • Dana Kampa, Ian Swaby
  • April 16, 2025
Residents learn from hurricane damage

After facing widespread infrastructure damage, local business owners and residents are finishing the last of their rebuilding and looking ahead to next season.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Ryan Yonker, 13, Rabbi Michael Shefrin, Yonker's cousin Mila Gordon, 4, and Snait Ben-Herut gather together.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 14, 2025
Families celebrate Passover at Temple Emanu-El dinner

The Annual Family Seder allowed all ages to enjoy a Seder meal together.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Clark Horton, 5, finds an egg.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 13, 2025
Kids head into the swimming pool to hunt for Easter eggs

The Aqua Egg Hunt at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex took Easter egg hunting to the water.

  • 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
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1
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.
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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.
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The home at 2834 Browning Street featured countless decorations and animated figures.
  • December 18, 2025
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In new year, Sarasota parents may have 3 days to excuse absence
  • December 18, 2025
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Osprey play an important role in local ecosystems, and they seek out high perches on either designated nesting perches or, as in this case, power poles.
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