Ian Swaby

1 day ago | yourobserver.com | Ian Swaby

In the time period from 2017 to 2024, the United States has experienced as many landfalls of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes as it has from 1960 to 2016, according to Jennifer Hubbard of the National Weather Service’s Tampa office. However, Sarasota County shared some advice to help residents be prepared for hurricane season, which begins June 1, during its community conversation on hurricane preparedness, held May 8 in the auditorium of Riverview High School.

2 days ago | yourobserver.com | Ian Swaby

Branan Jacobs and his friend Tony Vongsakhamphouy grew up at a time when the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers were a cultural phenomenon. Like the other kindergarteners, they owned merchandise, including shirts and toys, and acted out the show. Yet when they visited the second annual Siesta Con on May 10, they finally had the chance to meet Walter Emanul Jones, who played Zack Taylor, the first Black Ranger. "It's fun to finally get to meet him — he did not disappoint," said Vongsakhamphouy.

2 days ago | yourobserver.com | Ian Swaby

Having attended the Be Fabulous Music & Arts Pride Fest for three years, Matthew Isoldi called this year's event the best experience yet. On May 10, the festival made its return to Selby Five Points Park, while marking 15 years in the community. Shannon Fortner, president and executive director of the Fabulous Arts Foundation, said the location means that "folks can...

1 week ago | yourobserver.com | Ian Swaby

Felicia Donson saw her mother, Elaine Rothberg, every day. She ate breakfast with her and volunteered in the community with her, and they both lived about five minutes away from one another. Yet after the loss of Rothberg to cancer in February, this year marks Donson's Mother's Day without Rothberg. Donson said while looking for somewhere positive to direct her sadness, she came up with an initiative, Mom's Book Nook, which she founded in early 2025.

1 week ago | yourobserver.com | Ian Swaby

When Denise Kowal purchased the Herald Square Building in 1986, Burns Court and Downtown Sarasota weren't the same as they are today, she said. "It didn't have one tree around it," she said of the structure. "There was no park in front of it. It was pretty different."Her restoration work was among the efforts recognized by the 2025 Sarasota County Heritage Awards, hosted by the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation.