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Sarasota | Neighbors

Daniel Bitter, 7, tosses the lasso.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 7, 2026
Campers at Sarasota City YMCA try their hand at throwing a lasso

Local rancher Robbie Martin visited the summer camp to help kids gain an understanding of agricultural careers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cole Ralston and Aether Baskin enjoy the con experience.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 7, 2026
SRQCon brings pop culture fans together at Selby Library

The annual event allowed attendees to connect through cosplay and activities.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Brody Floyd, 6, his mom Sara Floyd, and brothers Jacob Floyd, 9, and Benjamin Floyd, 6, prepare for the run.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 6, 2026
Kids Summer Beach Runs kick off for the year

The beach runs are held every week through July 29.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County's Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund is meant to pay for immediate relief and long-term resilience efforts in the four-county area.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 5, 2026
Patterson Foundation donates $500,000 for storm relief

The Patterson Foundation has donated $500,000 to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund, which meets immediate and longer-term needs following natural disasters.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Silas and Josh Stacy stand amid their collection.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 4, 2026
Father and 7-year-old son get into the business of trading Pokémon cards

Josh Stacy turned part of his used car dealership into a shop for a different asset, Pokémon cards, after his son Silas helped inspire his interest.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Selby Gardens’ Selenicereus cactus blooms for one night only.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 3, 2026
Selby's 'Queen of the Night' blooms tonight only

Guests are invited to see the once-a-year event.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rabbi Michael Shefrin meets Colby.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 30, 2026
Temple Emanu-El celebrates the joy of pets with Blessing of the Animals

The event celebrated four-legged friends and the joy they bring to their human companions.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Boards Brock Leach sat on in the Sarasota area include, with the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition and Children First.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 29, 2026
Prominent Sarasota philanthropist, former Tropicana CEO dies at 67

Brock Leach reached the pinnacle of Corporate America. Then, right before he turned 50, he switched for a career in the ministry.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Among her many years of service for numerous organizations, Isabel Norton served as president of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County.
    By
  • Kat Wingert
  • May 28, 2026
Isabel Scott Norton remembered as formative force for Sarasota

Through over 50 years of her gentle leadership, Norton shaped everything from public meeting civility to libraries in the community.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By JL Bainbridge
  • May 28, 2026
Are You Crystal Clear on Your Investment Performance?

Many investors aren’t and it can quietly lead to uncertainty, missed opportunities, and unknown fees.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Darrell Butler, the chief veterans service officer with Sarasota County, serves as emcee.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 25, 2026
Sarasota residents honor sacrifices at Memorial Day Parade

The parade, held May 25, headed through downtown Sarasota and was followed by a ceremony at J.D. Hamel Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Riders set out on the ride.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 22, 2026
Ride of Silence honors cyclists injured or killed while the community mourns recent losses

The silent procession, held May 20, drew a record turnout of about 130 people for the 7-mile loop through downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A black skimmer incubates its eggs.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 21, 2026
Colony of black skimmers continues to thrive on Lido Key; here's how to respect their space

Averaging around 1,100 adults as of May 15, the colony is nesting on a spot along North Lido Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Robyn Modly, sponsor of the USS Cleveland, takes in the Navy band’s performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” aside Bruce Hallet, left, commander of the USS Cleveland, and Hung Cao, acting secretary of the Navy.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 20, 2026
Forging a legacy with the Navy's newest ship

With Siesta Key’s Robyn Modly as ship sponsor, the Thomas Modly family officially commissioned the USS Cleveland, the Navy’s new combat ship.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kayla Taylor
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 15, 2026
Sarasota researcher wins international STEM award

The impact of a Sarasota woman's research has gained attention beyond the United States.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dan Moriarty, community liaison and board member of the Tree Foundation, and Community Relations Co-Chair Janie Pratt stand on the campus.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 14, 2026
Siesta Key Chapel welcomes community to help in unique forest restoration

A multiorganizational partnership is aiming to bring new life to the church's campus, which was damaged during hurricanes Helene and Milton.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Sertoma Club of Sarasota
  • May 14, 2026
The Moments We Take for Granted—Until They’re Out of Reach

Helping children and families overcome speech, language, and hearing challenges.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 13, 2026
Monopoly to make special Sarasota County edition

Monopoly: Sarasota County Edition is tipping its top hat to favorite county locations by seeking nominations of established businesses, nonprofits and landmarks.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kananga and Dominic spend time in Kananga's pool.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 13, 2026
Sarasota Jungle Gardens has big hopes for its cohabitating crocodiles

Dominic and Kananga, the resident American crocodiles at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, have the potential to produce offspring, according to staff.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ed Hill (left) receives the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Professional of the Year Award from Noel Martinez of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 12, 2026
Chamber executive wins top statewide professional award

Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ed Hill was honored with the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Professional of the Year Award.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
William Gensmer and Zaeta, of The Tilt, perform on stage.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 10, 2026
Be Fabulous Music & Arts Pride Fest held at Selby Five Points Park

The event hosted by the Fabulous Arts Foundation showcased LGBTQ+ artists and connected community members downtown after making its return there last year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Joseph Sprouse created costumes based on "Tron" that he and his sister Isabel Sprouse wore to the event.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 10, 2026
SiestaCon continues to bring a comic con experience to Sarasota

The event, held at Robarts Arena, returned for its third year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Wendy Feinstein now divides her time between Longboat Key and Carbondale, Colorado.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 8, 2026
American Jewish Committee names new regional president

Wendy Feinstein, a Longboat Key resident, previously served the AJC as regional vice president.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Photo Credit: John Revisky
  • By Adnan Dedic
  • May 7, 2026
Where Prestige Meets Performance: Redefining Real Estate Excellence

In Sarasota’s hyper-competitive market, Adnan Dedic doesn’t just participate—he leads.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
At his first time participating in Corevettes on the Circle, newcomer Bob Hanstra took home the award for Best in Show. Car enthusiasts brought 150 Corvettes of all sorts of years, models and colors for the May 2 car show on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 4, 2026
Corvettes on the Circle welcomes 150 vehicles to showcase

The annual exhibition of new and classic cars supports honor flights for veterans in Southwest Florida.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Casey Gonzmart Jr. explains a PowerPoint slide to the club.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 3, 2026
Fifth-generation Columbia owner discusses restaurant's endurance

The Rotary Club of Sarasota, which just celebrated its 100th anniversary, learned about the roots of the centenarian restaurant business.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Members of the community can obtain plots in the garden.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 2, 2026
Limelight Community Garden hosts grand opening

The new garden in the Limelight District is intended to provide a space for residents to learn and connect.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Katie Kephart and Shawn Tritschler get into the 80's spirit.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 2, 2026
Downtown Sarasota takes a turn back to the '80s

The Back to the '80s block party, part of Fresh Fridays, brought back some of the decade's hits and fashion.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Hugh Culverhouse Jr.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 1, 2026
Philanthropist seeds matching fund with $250,000 promise

Hugh Culverhouse Jr. has initiated a campaign to raise a half-million dollars with a $250,000 matching grant to assist those facing financial hardship.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jean Craig Flynn prepares to swim laps.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 30, 2026
Soon-to-be centenarian just keeps swimming

Gulf & Bay Club resident Jean Craig Flynn has earned the nickname "Jingle Jean the Swimming Queen."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By JL Bainbridge
  • April 30, 2026
Think 3% Inflation Isn’t a Big Deal? Think Again.

Over the next decade, that ‘small’ number could raise your cost of living by 34%. The question is – is your financial plan prepared for the long-term effects of inflation?

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
  • By Anti-Aging & Ketamine Center
  • April 30, 2026
Rewriting the Mental Health Journey—One Patient at a Time

A personalized, science-backed approach offering real relief for depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
A vehicle representing the Historic Aircraft Society arrives at the Main Street and Orange Avenue roundabout during the Memorial Day parade in 2024.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 28, 2026
Memorial Day Parade set for May 25

Sarasota's annual Memorial Day Parade will will be held May 25, concluding with a ceremony at J.D. Hamel Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rebecca Resinski and Amy Stevens show their support.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 26, 2026
Runners cross Ringling Bridge to raise support for students and teachers

The third annual Education Foundation's Ringling Bridge Run drew around 1,300 participants.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Molly Biter, Winfred Van Workum and Katie Moulton get the meal sizzling.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 25, 2026
Parents and staff cook up meals in support of arts education

The fourth annual Cooking for the Arts supported the Southside School Foundation for the Arts, which funds various arts initiatives at the elementary school.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A crowd gathers outside as the Driveway Drifters perform. The members pictured include Angie Eason, Gary Bowen, Debbie and Ron Fellman, Bill Green, Gary Eason, Lynn Cassell, Mike Lawless and Michael Cohen. One band member, Eugene Moleiro, was not in attendance.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 23, 2026
Driveway band brings neighbors together through music

The Driveway Drifters started gathering to perform during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not stopped since.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
1 2 3 4 5 »
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Latest in Sarasota

1
Daniel Bitter, 7, tosses the lasso.
  • June 7, 2026
Campers at Sarasota City YMCA try their hand at throwing a lasso
2
Cole Ralston and Aether Baskin enjoy the con experience.
  • June 7, 2026
SRQCon brings pop culture fans together at Selby Library
3
Brody Floyd, 6, his mom Sara Floyd, and brothers Jacob Floyd, 9, and Benjamin Floyd, 6, prepare for the run.
  • June 6, 2026
Kids Summer Beach Runs kick off for the year
4
Steven High is retiring as executive director of The Ringling, a position he has held since 2011.
  • June 5, 2026
Steven High to retire as executive director of The Ringling
5
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County's Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund is meant to pay for immediate relief and long-term resilience efforts in the four-county area.
  • June 5, 2026
Patterson Foundation donates $500,000 for storm relief

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