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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
Sarasota-Manatee Originals' Set the Bar cocktail competition returns to the Ed Smith Stadium April 13.
    By
  • 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
There are factors that come into play when it comes to getting a good night's sleep. But its important to get a usual seven to nine hours every night.
    By
  • 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
Club members and individuals from the Children's Guardian Fund gather with the check. Left to right: Svetlana Ivashchenko, Andrew Chiang, Chris Sachs, Marlis Carter, Jim Larson, Lynn Larson, Bob Gault, Cynthia Craig and Michael Garey
    By
  • 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
Nels Matson runs in solitude on a country road during his run across America to honor Navy Seal Chris Campbell and raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.
    By
  • 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
A new historical marker was dedicated at Gillespie Park.
    By
  • 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
Edward Pinto, one of the minds behind the development of St. Armands Circle's attention-grabbing sculptures, says there is a renewed effort underway to restore some of the damaged pieces.
    By
  • 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.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Back row: Seniors Baron Dennis, Amari Lopez, Elias Juckett-Malone, Marisa VonBender, Matthew Crawford, Parker Wilding and Shen Miller. Front Row: Seniors Ella Collier, Emma Grimes, and Alexa Smith, junior Camila Diaz and senior Chase Wanless
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 12, 2025
Teen Court of Sarasota honors largest group of scholarship recipients

The annual awards dinner celebrated 18 young members of the organization, who received scholarships.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kim Hinkle and Erin Guzzo
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • March 11, 2025
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto celebrates 2025 Youth of the Year

The nonprofit highlighted the achievements of all of its Youth of the Year finalists at the event March 7.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alie Jefferson, left, playing the part of King Achashverosh, and Naomi Hinckley, as the advisor perform during the Purim play Sunday at Temple Emanu-El.
    By
  • Michael Harris
  • March 9, 2025
Pure delight at Sarasota's Temple Emanu-El Purim Carnival

The ancient holiday of celebration event boasts costumes, revelry and, of course, cookies and cupcakes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dana Heppe of Dana Heppe bags displays her items at Le Marche Marketplace Saturday at Selby Five Points Park.
    By
  • Michael Harris
  • March 8, 2025
Le Marche Marketplace in downtown Sarasota draws shoppers and songs

Artists from the Sarasota Opera House give a Saturday morning performance to attendees at the twice-a-year Parisian-style market.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Members of Sarasota's Petticoat Painters whose works will be exhibited at Sarasota City Hall.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 7, 2025
Petticoat Painters exhibit debuts March 17

Works of the all-female group of artists will be on display at the Sarasota City Hall atrium.

  • Arts + Culture
Brad Schalk is the owner of Vinyl Vault
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 5, 2025
Record collector turns passion into retail with Vinyl Vault

The vintage record store held its grand opening March 2, inviting The Garbage-Men band for a performance.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Mikhail Tolstov, 13, sold items he printed using his 3D printer. His models come from a site called MakerWorld, where they are authorized for sale, and he uses them to model his own, or sell them as they are.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 4, 2025
Children’s Business Fair teaches kids entrepreneurial skills

The fair, hosted through a partnership between Nailed It DIY Studio and Girls, Inc., offered kids a chance to built their entrepreneurial skills.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lauren Blomster and Montana Taplinger
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 2, 2025
Community serves up support for Southside Elementary School at Cooking for the Arts

Held by Southside School Foundation for the Arts, the event raised over $100,000.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sean Patton of Stocking Savvy holds a Florida gar specimen.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 2, 2025
Bay Fest invites the community to the coast to learn about conservation efforts

Held at The Bay, the event showcased local environmental organizations working to improve the health of the Sarasota Bay area.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Mustang, the Ram, Shelley, Mote's Dr. Jake Lasala, Gilly, Morris the Explorasaurus, Petunia, Super Tooth and Floody the Frog prepare to race.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 28, 2025
Local mascots come together in race to promote Run for the Turtles

The short race, held on Siesta Key Beach, brought together mascots, from a cat to a dinosaur, in support of Mote Marin Laboratory & Aquarium's event.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Emma Burke Jolly
  • February 28, 2025
Sand Bucket List: Must-Try Adventures for a Sun-Soaked Summer

Here are the absolute must-do activities, must-visit spots and must-see sights to make this summer in Sarasota and Manatee counties unforgettable!

  • Sarasota
Sponsored Content
Willie Shaw
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 27, 2025
Former Sarasota mayor recalls family's history of military service

Willie Shaw's father, Wade C. Shaw, was a World War II veteran, and the history goes back further.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Wilma Davidson, president of the Sarasota branch of the National League of American Pen Women, showcases some examples of the to-be-hidden art.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 26, 2025
Sarasota Pen Women to launch art treasure hunt

As a way to bring a little extra joy to the community, the Sarasota chapter of the National League of American Pen Women is coordinating a surprise art giveaway.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jonathan Hande, senior avian hospital technician, demonstrates the "hamburger hold" on Wilma the lesser scaup duck.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 26, 2025
Save Our Seabirds casts net for new bird-trapping volunteers

The City Island organization needs the help of others in saving the lives of injured birds.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Judge Charles Williams, Sarah Wertheimer, Isabella Cicala and Bryson Day
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 25, 2025
Embracing Our Differences luncheon highlights educational initiatives

The event, held Feb. 21, invited district students and a teacher to discuss the impact of the nonprofit.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lennox Abell, 5, her parents Logan and Lakesha Abell, and their dog Netalya, make their way along the walk.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 23, 2025
Support gets moving at Get Your Mutt Movin' 5K Run and Walk

The event, held by Satchel's Last Resort, brought together fun offerings, from a race to a costume contest, while also supporting the rescue.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Myakka's trail marking was made possible thanks to Friends of Myakka River volunteers and a generous grant from Athletic Brewing.
    By
  • Miri Hardy
  • February 23, 2025
Myakka marks backcountry with numbered posts

New trail markers will enhance wayfinding and help rangers locate park visitors in need.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Dan Minor accepts the key from Erin Minor.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 22, 2025
Harvest House bids goodbye to longtime executive at annual luncheon

Dan Minor prepared to take the reins from his sister Erin Minor, longtime CEO and executive director of the nonprofit, during the 2025 Home Again Luncheon.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By JL Bainbridge
  • February 20, 2025
JL Bainbridge: We believe in being Stewards of Family Prosperity

"We’ve spent over 40 years building a Sarasota-based family wealth management firm that truly loves helping clients take control of their financial well-being before and throughout retirement,” says JL Bainbridge president John Leeming.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
  • By Beginning to End Interiors | B2End
  • February 20, 2025
Are You Truly Ready for Your Remodeling Project?

“We’re here to help our clients navigate the often overwhelming maze of design and renovation decisions,” says Alan Gravley. “There are more misconceptions out there than you might think.”

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Sarasota's Clayton Lambert, 6, tries on a fire helmet with the help of his mother Megan Lambert.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 19, 2025
Fire department open house showcases special operations division

The Sarasota County Fire Department held an open house for Station 8 at 840 Apex Road, part of a series of events held one Saturday of each month.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
« 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 »
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Latest in Sarasota

1
District 5 representative Ron Cutsinger will be the 2026 chairman of the Sarasota County Commission.
  • December 19, 2025
Sarasota County commissioners pick chair, vice chair
2
Locations of the new St. Armands speed tables are marked in red.
  • December 19, 2025
St. Armands speed humps will be replaced with permanent speed tables
3
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.
  • December 18, 2025
New north county park draws major collegiate softball tournament
4
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.
  • December 18, 2025
Police foil developing bank scam as it unfolds
5
The home at 2834 Browning Street featured countless decorations and animated figures.
  • December 18, 2025
Sarasota homes light up for the holidays

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