Neighbors | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Neighbors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.