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Siesta Key | Neighbors

Don and Tammie Gursky prepare to renew their vows.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 14, 2026
Couples renew vows on Siesta Beach on Valentine's Day

The Say "I Do" Again vow renewal ceremony was hosted on Siesta Beach each year by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and officiated by Judge Stephen Walker.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota nonprofit Casting For The Kids helps children with cancer and their families breathe a little easier.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • February 6, 2026
Annual fishing tournament casts for a cause

Ben Shroyer has turned a parent's nightmare — childhood cancer — into a cause for good, helping families in the same boat as his was a few years ago. The waters off Siesta help fund the work the organization does.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Thomas Modly adjusts the flagpoles as the sun sets.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 5, 2026
Patriots Pier in Siesta Key receives new flagpoles

A group of residents that stewards the nightly ceremony honoring the U.S. military have replaced the rebar for its flagpoles, ensuring the tradition continues.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Sarah Firstenberger was named CEO of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce in June.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • February 4, 2026
Siesta Key Chamber’s new leader takes the helm

Homegrown CEO Sarah Firstenberger brings fresh ideas and steady leadership to the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Steven Mark plays the drums.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 14, 2026
Local drum circle members join musicians on stage during Meetup gathering

The monthly gathering of the Over 50 meetup group, held at Casey Key Resort in Osprey, aimed for a percussion energy.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Mark Garland, Theresa Andrews, Ann Palmer and Denise Costa prepare for the race.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 11, 2026
Runners turn out on Siesta Key Beach to keep Andrew Monroe's legacy alive

Held in honor of the late Riverview High senior, the 13th annual Andrew Monroe Memorial Run/Walk helps provide scholarships to Riverview seniors who are soccer players, JROTC Cadets and track athletes.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Cynthia Jordan poses by the "No. 1 Beach in the USA" sign.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 8, 2026
Parrish resident writes musical about a spiritual awakening on Siesta Key

Inspired by the beauty of Siesta Key, musician Cynthia Jordan has penned a musical set on the island.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Angese Rudzite Kirillova works on "Playground" during the 2025 Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sandsculpting Festival.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 8, 2026
Mark your calendars for these Sarasota events in 2026

Whether you love collecting stamps or petting reptiles, there's something for just about everyone in Sarasota's event offerings in this coming year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Gabriella Brinceanu, 14, and her sister, Alaina Brinceanu, 3, work together to pop the bubbles at the Fourth of July All-American Cookout at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Attendees enjoyed the bubble show by Blaise Ryndes, who has appeared on “America’s Got Talent.”
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 1, 2026
Sarasota's top moments of the year, in pictures

There were plenty of ups and downs in the past 12 months, and the Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer was there to capture it all. Here are some of our favorite moments of 2025.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
All sidewalk murals at Avenue of Art in Burns Court have been removed per order of the Florida Department of Transportation, including this one by artist Beck Lane.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 28, 2025
YourObserver.com's most-read stories of 2025 typically connected with deeper issues

Big-picture issues, such as new trash cans and disappearing art, strike a chord with readers. But there were exceptions in this year's top headlines.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Joni Hill, Cate Douglas and Gaby Hayashi make their way across the beach.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 14, 2025
Holiday spirit gets moving at Sandy Claws Beach Run

The annual Sandy Claws Beach Run, which is held on Siesta Key Beach and brings a festive spin to running events, is now in its 49th year.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Florida Power & Light (FPL)
  • December 11, 2025
Florida Families Can Help Neighbors and Celebrate an Energy-Efficient Holiday

Tips to Save Energy All Season Long and a Chance to Win Holiday Energy-Efficiency Kits for 80 Floridians

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Siesta Key Oyster Bar co-founder Geno Pedigo, and Zach Steffen, prepare to ride out.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 30, 2025
Kids and families find cheer at Siesta Key Holiday Parade

The parade, which welcomed Santa Claus to Siesta Key, was preceded by a meet-and-greet with the big guy himself.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Tim Norwood
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 27, 2025
Entrepreneur harvests sea salt from local barrier islands

Tim Norwood created his own company, Sea Salt Florida, using sea water off the islands of Siesta, Longboat and Lido Key, among others.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mary Bensel, the executive director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, displays her award alongside John LaCivita, chief executive officer of Willis A. Smith Construction; Virginia Haley, the retired president and CEO of Visit Sarasota County and Erin Duggan, Visit Sarasota County's president and CEO.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 25, 2025
Seven honored for contributions to Sarasota's tourism industry

Visit Sarasota County's Haley Hall of Fame adds inductees from field of 40 nominees.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
1 2 3 4 5 »
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