Review

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Is Back Onstage (Virtually)

The company's An Evening with Sheldon Rhoden & Friends is a fund raiser, and a glimpse into how the show can go on.

05/22/2020 By Kay Kipling

Good Deeds

The DeMarcay Donates Meals to Feed First Responders

Over eight events in April and May, the DeMarcay team donated more than 450 meals as part of its First Responder Friday program.

05/21/2020 By Staff

Coronavirus

Sarasota County Receives Approval to Resume Vacation Rentals

All local and municipal ordinances for vacation rentals apply.

05/21/2020 By Staff

Good Things Are Afoot at the Circle K

Circle K’s 'Fueling Food Banks' Program Provides Meals in Sarasota

Circle K has donated nearly 1 million meals to All Faiths Food Bank and Feeding Tampa Bay—and more than 40 million meals nationwide.

05/21/2020 By Staff

Love in the time of COVID

Professor Offers Tips on Dealing With Relationship Conflict During the Pandemic

Dr. Joanna DeValia recently shared her program "Romantic Competence" through Lakewood Ranch's Brain Health Initiative.

05/21/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Real Estate

Local Housing Market Activity Significantly Decreased in April

The Realtor Association of Sarasota-Manatee says a pause in the housing market was expected as a result of COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders.

05/21/2020 By Staff

Coronavirus

Another 2.4 Million People Filed for Unemployment Last Week

Even as all 50 states begin to reopen, most experts say recovery from the COVID-19 shutdown will take at least a few years.

05/21/2020 By Megan McDonald

Fantastic Voyage

Drive-By Graduation Celebration Will Honor Teen Health Educators

The Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County is celebrating student volunteers next week.

05/21/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Fizzling Out

Sarasota Bayfront, Siesta Key July 4 Fireworks Cancelled

Organizers say public safety, social distancing guidelines and crowd management in the face of COVID-19 played a major role in the decision.

05/21/2020 By Megan McDonald

Signal boost

School Buses Are Providing Internet Access to Students Who Don't Have It at Home

The School District of Manatee County has converted 25 of its buses into Wi-Fi hotspots that park at community centers and churches.

05/21/2020 By Jessika Ward

Grants

Community Foundation of Sarasota County Issues Nearly $4.5 Million in Grants in Two Months

Funds provide nonprofit organizations support to address immediate needs in response to COVID-19 pandemic, plus evolving short-term and longer-term initiatives.

05/20/2020 By Staff

Due for a 'Do

How Two Local Hair Salons Are Adjusting to Reopening

Not sure if you're ready to venture out for a haircut? Here's what two local salons are doing to keep customers safe.

05/20/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Coronavirus

Bird Key Park Parking Lot Reopens

Open spaces at the park have remained available throughout the COVID-19 local health emergency for walking, jogging, exercise and outdoor relaxation for people and pets.

05/19/2020 By Staff

The Reopening

Photos: Scenes From Sarasota's Reopening Week

As Sarasota County begins reopening, we're sharing a snapshot of what it's like for residents and businesses.

05/19/2020 Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Coronavirus

City Commission Votes to Reopen Lido Beach

The beach, which is under the jurisdiction of the city, had previously been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic even while other county beaches reopened.

05/19/2020 Photography by Staff

Mental Health

A Sarasota Social Worker Is Offering Free Virtual Therapy for Essential Workers

Jeffery Frank is one of several therapists who have started a new nonprofit that provides free or reduced-cost therapy sessions to essential workers nationwide.

05/19/2020 By Allison Forsyth