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Sarasota | 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 Kiwanis 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
  • By World Class Dentistry
  • April 23, 2026
Rethinking the Dental Chair

For a lot of people, going to the dentist has always been pretty straightforward: fix the tooth, handle the issue, move on. And for some, that works just fine. But for others—especially those dealing with bigger health concerns—it can start to feel like something’s being missed.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Sixth grader Jaleeyah, seventh grader Arianny, Young Chefs Academy owner Dennis O'Sullivan, seventh grader Meadow, fifth grader Ryker, fourth grader Mia, and Bill Villafranco, a trustee of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, stand together as the group of Girls Inc. members graduates.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 22, 2026
Girls from Girls Inc. graduate Young Chefs Academy program

The girls received one-year scholarships to Young Chefs Academy from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Elizabeth Hall of Cypress Pillar Healing Arts teaches Liam Lopez, 6.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 19, 2026
YMCA Healthy Kids Day gives families ideas for an active summer break

The Sarasota City YMCA was one of the branches to host healthy kids day, which introduces kids to some activities they can enjoy during the summer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ron Cornella is among the longest-living transplant recipients in the United States, receiving his transplant at the age of 26 in 1980.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 16, 2026
After 45 years, liver transplant recipient is still grateful for a second chance

Ron Cornella is among the longest-living transplant recipients in the United States, receiving his transplant at the age of 26 in 1980.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and the Sarasota Police Department will take part in the 2026 Torch Run.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2026
Sheriff's Office leads off Sarasota Torch Run for Special Olympics

The city's police department will do its own run on April 24.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Sarasota group stands in front of the Great Wall of China during a 2016 trip to Taiwan and China.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 16, 2026
Friendship Force creates connections between people around the world

The club, part of an organization established in 1977, is focused on cultural exchange through home stays.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Za'Tajh Coach, 3, climbs over a barrier in the obstacle course.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 15, 2026
Sarasota Police Department opens up to the community at Spring Fest

The event allowed participants to enjoy demonstrations from the department, with some cuddly animals and activities as well.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The team aboard the "Triple Threat," captained by John Novak, rounds the first marker of the Bird Key Yacht Club's annual Sarasota Bay Cup regatta on April 11.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 13, 2026
Seasoned sailors take advantage of smooth seas at Sarasota Bay Cup Regatta

Teams raced under sunny skies and light winds as they vied for the top spot in Bird Key Yacht Club's 2026 sailing competition.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Conductor Glen Olsen introduces trumpet soloist Ricardo Chinchilla, who accompanied members of the Sarasota Bay Chamber Orchestra on April 10 for an end-of-season performance at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 13, 2026
Sarasota chamber group closes out season at St. Armands church

Musicians with the Sarasota Bay Chamber Orchestra serenaded residents of St. Armands Key with a special selection of string-based classics.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Overall female winner Vicky Romocki poses with Shelley.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 11, 2026
Over 1,000 turn out to Siesta Key Beach for Run for the Turtles

Held by Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, the 40th annual event raises funds for its Sea Turtle Conservation and Research program.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Eggs are droped from the helicopter.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 5, 2026
Good Friday at the Sarasota Fairgrounds draws thousands

The event featured about 50,000 Easter eggs, some of them falling from the sky through a helicopter drop, and other activities.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jack Dudonis, 3, and Maxwell Dudonis, 9 meet the Easter Bunny.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 4, 2026
Easter Bunny brings seasonal cheer to Siesta Key Village

Easter on Siesta invited the community to come meet the Easter Bunny, amid gifts and giveaways from local businesses.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Rev. Mason Waldhauser, associate rector for adult formation at Church of the Redeemer, leads the walk.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 3, 2026
Stations of the Cross draws 1,000 in worship down Main Street

The walk, a Good Friday tradition, features 14 stations, each representing a part of the story of Jesus’ crucifixion.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Steve Ross, his mother Irene Ross and sister Kimberly Ross
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 2, 2026
Passover holds powerful reminder for congregants at Temple Emanu-El

Family and freedom were some of the meanings that attendees described at the temple's Passover Seder meal, which drew about 310 people.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nate Gold stands with his horse Alonzo.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 2, 2026
The key to happiness? Rock climber-turned-horse trainer says it's all about flow

After years of competition and traveling the world chasing his dreams, Nate Gold has found the most contentment at his Sarasota home with his family.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Hall of fame coach Urban Meyer gets back to work in his new community
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • April 2, 2026
Hall of fame coach Urban Meyer gets back to work in his new community

College football coaching star Urban Meyer has traded the gridiron for the Gulf. His waterfront life is busy, yet with lots of time for boating, fishing and even golf with some powerful people.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
These dishes have delighted Sarasota-area barrier islands for decades.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • April 2, 2026
These one-of-a-kind dishes are signatures of the keys

The plates locals return for, visitors remember and kitchens have perfected for decades.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Aledia Tush, co-owner of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, has spent nearly five decades helping shape the business into a Siesta Key institution known for its welcoming spirit and family-first approach.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • April 2, 2026
After 50 years of change, the best things stay the same at this stalwart shop

A Siesta Key fixture for five decades, CB’s Saltwater Outfitters continues to thrive under the steady leadership of Aledia and Mason Tush.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The spacious living area features 16-foot-high ceilings and views out to a forest of palm trees.
  • By Robert Plunket
  • April 2, 2026
Lido Shores home pairs a modern aesthetic with splashes of personality

A Swiss architect's striking Lido Shores home blends clean lines, dramatic space and a deep connection to the tropical landscape.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Walkers head out on the walk in 2025.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • April 1, 2026
Teams prepare for April 11 Walk to Defeat ALS

Last year, the annual walk raised $92,318 in support of resources and research for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Hugh and Eliza Culverhouse donated $100,000 to Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Season of Sharing fund.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2026
Culverhouses prime Season of Sharing with $100,000 donation

Hugh and Eliza Culverhouse have donated $100,000 to the annual Season of Giving fund to directly aid households in need.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Judy Johnson has lived on Siesta Key since 2010 but grew up hanging out on the Key.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • March 31, 2026
Siesta Key resident helps others embrace their inner beach babe

Judy Johnson has the perfect antidote to a busy day: Putting her feet in the water. "I see sharks and dolphins on a regular basis. And a million sunsets."

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Gulf Coast Community Foundation
  • March 30, 2026
Navigating Philanthropy with Clarity & Confidence

You don’t need to be an expert to explore these options; your trusted advisor or Gulf Coast Community Foundation can help guide you through what makes the most sense for your situation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
Jeff Smith, president of the Landings Management Association, and Judi Smith, display two tanks into which they dumped phytoplankton, one with oysters and one without, to show the work the oysters do in keeping the water clean.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 30, 2026
The Landings neighborhood showcases its natural landscapes

Nature Day by the Bay allowed the public to explore the neighborhood's trails, which run through its 78 acres of mangroves.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kellen Dorsch and his wife Alanna Giuliani sit with Velly.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 29, 2026
6th annual Get Your Mutt Movin' helps get support moving for rescue animals

The annual event, a fundraiser for Satchel's Last Resort, raised about $45,000, according to the rescue.

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

1
Kelly Kirschner is the son of the late Kerry Kirschner, who led the Argus Foundation and also was mayor of Sarasota.
  • May 3, 2026
Sarasota's youngest mayor joins race to fill Buchanan's Congressional seat
2
Casey Gonzmart Jr. explains a PowerPoint slide to the club.
  • May 3, 2026
Fifth-generation Columbia owner discusses restaurant's endurance
3
Members of the community can obtain plots in the garden.
  • May 2, 2026
Limelight Community Garden hosts grand opening
4
Katie Kephart and Shawn Tritschler get into the 80's spirit.
  • May 2, 2026
Downtown Sarasota takes a turn back to the '80s
5
Sarasota Police arrests, fires probationary officer
  • May 1, 2026
Sarasota Police arrests, fires probationary officer

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