Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 6, 2025

Tennis for Fun helps develop the skills of athletes with disabilities

The program has helped advance local players to the State Summer Games of the Special Olympics.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
August 3, 2025

Bike Rodeo event highlights bike safety as school year approaches

The event, held at the Sarasota City YMCA, donated 32 bikes and some 40 helmets.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 1, 2025

Sarasota chamber leader wins global recognition

Heather Kasten, president and CEO of Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, has earned the highest certification of the chamber profession.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
August 1, 2025

Parishioner's gift keeps Church of the Redeemer's music program going

The Sarasota church is known for its commitment to music.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 31, 2025

Siesta Key resident turns 100 as she carries on decadeslong tradition

Irene Hryniewicki carries on the tradition of playing Taps on the balcony of her residence at Casa Blanca Vacation Rentals, which she started with her late husband, Buster, in 2003.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 30, 2025

Legal Aid of Manasota aims to equip the community at hurricane expo

The event in Newtown offered information on how to prepare for a storm and brought together local vendors offering services.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 29, 2025

Kids learn how to build home decor at Nailed It DIY Studio summer camp

The camp teaches kids skills that center on making objects out of wood.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Carlin Gillen
July 28, 2025

Resident's legacy is remembered at the NAMI YANA Sarasota

The NAMI YANA center host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Janice Marie Chestnut Memorial Garden and inspires son to launch a foundation in her honor.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 27, 2025

The Bazaar celebrates Christmas in July and Jimmy Buffett's birthday

Christmas in the Caribbean celebrated the birthday of the musician, who was born on Christmas, as well as Christmas in July.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce
July 24, 2025

Siesta Classics

If you're seeking a getaway with a dash of adventure and local charm within driving distance, this list is for you.

Arts + Entertainment
Things To Do

Sarasota County judge among those honored at 4-H awards

Longtime Sarasota County 4-H volunteer Barbara Briggs has been selected for induction to the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 21, 2025

Bedrock Church hosts world record-breaker for marshmallows caught in mouth

The church's Family Night at Payne Park invited Shayne Boyle of Cincinatti, who during the event broke what he said was a new world record, catching 60 marshmallows in 60 seconds.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 20, 2025

Sarasota celebrates reopening of beloved dog bar

Dog Bar Sarasota, originally Boo’s Ice House and Dog Bar, had closed in January but now has reopened as a sister location to Dog Bar St. Pete.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Ian Swaby
July 18, 2025

The Out-of-Door Academy holds on to a historic legacy as it moves forward

While a former dormitory building will have to be demolished due to last year’s hurricanes, the campus works out new plans for the space.

Sarasota
Neighbors

By Miri Hardy
July 15, 2025

New life thrives in Myakka’s habitat restoration zone

Plants and animals continue to respond favorably to re-created floodplain marshes.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 14, 2025

ReptiDay provides destination for reptile enthusiasts

The event also featured other unusual pets and exotic animals.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Carlin Gillen
July 14, 2025

Rain or shine, count on the Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market to be there

No matter the weather, the Sarasota Farmers Market is home to an array of unique finds and foods.

Sarasota

Ian Swaby
July 9, 2025

WBTT to conclude summer camp with 'Alice in Boogie Wonderland'

The performance combines "Alice in Wonderland" with music including pop, disco and R&B.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
July 9, 2025

Mote's final public days bring forward warm memories

City Island's Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium officially held its final day of being open to the public on July 6 as it prepares for its move to the new Mote Science Education Aquarium facility.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

By Florida Power & Light Company
July 8, 2025

FPL Announces Planned Upgrades for Sarasota County to Continue Building a Stronger, Smarter Grid

Florida Power & Light’s smart grid technology prevented more than 800,000 outages during the active 2024 hurricane season.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Hamlet's Eatery celebrates Hot Dog Day with furry friends

The fifth annual Hot Dog Day was celebrated at Hamlet's Eatery with a hot dog topping bar, free beer samples and furry friends.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 5, 2025

Community enjoys barbecue, bubbles at Selby Gardens' Fourth of July

Selby Gardens hosted its annual Fourth of July All-American Cookout.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 5, 2025

Fourth of July fireworks light up the Sarasota skies

The public once again had the chance to enjoy fireworks on Sarasota Bay.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Carlin Gillen
July 5, 2025

Sarasota church celebrates Fourth of July with special gathering

The Church of the Redeemer celebrates Independence Day with barbeque, music, prayer and fireworks.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Andrew Warfield
July 3, 2025

Sarasota brothers paddleboard from Bimini to Florida for cystic fibrosis

Two brothers and two friends take on and wi, an 80-mile Atlantic paddleboard challenge in an effort to provide support for individuals and families battling cystic fibrosis.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
July 2, 2025

Sarasota Youth Opera campers perform scenes they produced

Kids created their own lyrics and choreography for four opera scenes, which they performed for their families on the last day of camp.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 1, 2025

The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for July 3-9

Don't miss these arts and entertainment events around Sarasota and Manatee counties this week.

Arts + Entertainment
Things To Do

Madison Bierl
June 30, 2025

Manatee, Sarasota experts share 'lessons from the eye of the storm'

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance partnered with Florida Power & Light to shed some light on how best to prepare for hurricane season.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
June 26, 2025

Fourth of July 2025 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch

From parades to the classic fireworks, check out these events to help you celebrate Independence Day right.

Arts + Entertainment
Things To Do

Ian Swaby
June 26, 2025

Kids Summer Beach Runs continue to draw crowds

The event takes place every Tuesday at Siesta Beach through July.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 25, 2025

Kids come together to plant butterfly garden at Leonard Reid House

Three different educational organizations in Sarasota came together to help plant the garden.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Dana Kampa
June 25, 2025

Visitors begin bidding farewell to Sarasota's City Island arm of Mote exhibits

After generations of visitors have enjoyed being entertained and educated at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, many took the opportunity to say farewell before operations shift to the new facility near University Town Center.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 25, 2025

Sarasota Chamber of Commerce honors local businesses with spectacle

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce honored winners in 10 categories.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ian Swaby
June 24, 2025

Former Rays pitcher is behind new Raining Berries location in Sarasota

The new Raining Berries location is co-owned by former MLB player and World Series Champion Edwin Jackson and Super Bowl champion star Kenneth Gainwell.