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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
Ella Walker, 17, Abby Duplissey, 19, Patty Foley and Lauren Taylor Nock perform with the ballet team.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 18, 2025
Sarasota Ski-A-Rees host first show since hurricanes

Although waters were rough, the waterskiing nonprofit still braved the conditions to offer its first performance since hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A cardio dance routine requires students to move forward and back, side to side and remember specific steps, which helps improve memory.
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • February 17, 2025
Cardio dance: Healthy heart, healthy mind!

A cardio workout promotes heart health but also creates a disciplined routine that improves memory.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Case Taylor of makes a leap while practicing for the stunt show.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 16, 2025
Motorcyclists ride in for camaraderie and charity at Thunder by the Bay

The music and motorcycle festival, held from Feb. 14-16, brings bikers, stunts and entertainment and support for the community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Russ and Carol Hoffman of Osprey renew their vows. They have been married 33 years and have been coming to the cermony almost ever year since 1999.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 15, 2025
Couples head to Siesta Key Beach to renew vows

The Say "I Do" Again vow renewal ceremony, held at sunset on Siesta Beach, has continued to draw couples for over 35 years.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Bob Bunting, Tracie Troxler, Karen Holbrook, A.G. Lafley, David Kotok and Elizabeth Moore
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 15, 2025
Climate Adaptation Center honors resilience efforts in the community

The ceremony honored four individuals and their contributions to local resilience initiatives.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2025-26
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 13, 2025
Top nature photos from around Sarasota, Longboat Key, East County in 2025-26

Readers from across the region submit their photos to the Observer's 2025-26 Weather and Nature Photo Contest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Carmen Ciricillo performs at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 13, 2025
Nationally touring comedian finds a sweet spot in Sarasota

Carmen Ciricillo was always in search of positivity and laughter. After he visited Sarasota in 1992, it was the place he wanted to call home.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Tidewell Hospice
  • February 13, 2025
Why Supporting Tidewell Hospice Matters

No matter how deeply empathetic we may be when hearing about someone’s loved one nearing the end of life, we can never truly understand the weight of that loss until we experience it ourselves.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Enzo Frascone, 4, asks Debby Alexander to help him identify a shell.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 10, 2025
Shell show provides education and shell spectacle

The event, hosted by the Sarasota Shell Club, combined artistic and scientific displays.

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

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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