Home & Real Estate

Suncoast Searchlight

Developers Push Massive Data Center Complex in DeSoto County Amid Backlash

Florida-based DCIP Group has already secured rezoning approval for an initial 34-acre site at a decommissioned power plant near Arcadia, but company executives say the project could eventually expand to roughly 1,300 acres.

05/28/2026 By Alice Herman/Suncoast Searchlight

Suncoast Searchlight

Sarasota Fight to Save Century-Old Downtown Building Pits History Versus Development

The fate of a more than century-old downtown Sarasota building could be headed to court following a last-ditch effort from a preservation group trying to stop it from being razed for luxury condos.

05/26/2026 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight

Real Estate Report

Sarasota-Manatee Home Sales Rise as Inventory Tightens and Median Prices Hold Steady

April data shows stronger buyer activity across single-family homes and condos in both counties, with Sarasota’s condo market posting the sharpest jump in sales.

05/19/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Walker Run

Sarasota School Icon Paul Rudolph’s Walker Guest House Is for Sale for $2 Million in L.A.

The original Sanibel retreat, designed by Rudolph in 1952, has resurfaced in Los Angeles, reopening memories of Rudolph's timeless design as well as a beloved replica that once stood on The Ringling Museum grounds.

05/19/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Red Red Rose

Want a Rose Garden Like Mable Ringling's? We Asked The Ringling's Landscape Pros for Tips.

It's not the easiest plant to grow in Florida, but care and attention will result in fragrant flushes of flowers for years to come.

05/15/2026 By Megan McDonald

Complete Streets

What Should the Future of Downtown Sarasota’s Main Street Look Like?

The downtown corridor’s long-range makeover is moving into its next phase, and the city wants the public’s input May 21.

05/14/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Palm Reading

Sarasota Commissioners Reject Controversial Palm Avenue Tower Again

City commissioners voted 4-1 to reject a mediated settlement for the 1260 N. Palm Residences, keeping alive a fight over height, compatibility and the future of Palm Avenue.

05/05/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Taking the Keys

Mark Vengroff Builds on His Father’s Ambitious Affordable Housing Mission

From One Stop Housing’s headquarters inside its University Row apartments near Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, the company now operates more than 4,000 affordable rental units across multiple states with additional developments in the pipeline.

05/04/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Still Laughing

Remembering Samuel Ray, the Neighbor Behind Central Cocoanut’s Laughing Buddha

After Ray’s unexpected death, Sarasota’s Laughing Buddha stands as a reminder of the Central Cocoanut neighbor who gave the landmark its watchful place in the community.

04/27/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Market Report

March's Real Estate Data Shows Sarasota Prices Are up for the First Time This Year

March median sale prices reached $485,000 for Sarasota single-family homes and $494,205 for Manatee County single-family homes.

04/21/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Gillespie Park Neighborhood

A Proposed 324-Unit Apartment Development Raises Questions in Gillespie Park

At a Gillespie Neighborhood Association meeting last night, residents and business owners pressed developers for answers about timing, traffic and the future of a longtime cluster of small businesses near downtown Sarasota.

04/15/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Suncoast Searchlight

Sarasota County Blocks ‘Live Local’ Law, Risking Clash With Developers

Commissioners said they were reacting to a steady barrage of concerns from residents over the impact of the proposed developments.

04/13/2026 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight and Michael Barfield/Florida Trident

Old Soul

Sarasota’s Historic Pearsall House Lists for Just Under $4 Million

In Avondale, the century-old Pearsall House blends historic detail, a sympathetic expansion and thoughtful updates that allow a 1920s home function in the present.

04/10/2026 By Kim Doleatto

April Fools' Day

A Global Developer Wants to Take Luxury Living Underwater

Poseidon’s Retreat: An Underwater Condominium Enclave would bring eight luxury condos to the floor of Sarasota Bay thanks to new amendments in the Live Local Act.

04/01/2026 By Kim Doleatto

A Native Worth Noticing

The Passionflower, Sarasota’s Most Striking Plant, Is More Than Just a Pretty Face

Florida is home to approximately seven native passionflower species with the maypop passionvine, Passiflora incarnata, by far the most striking and prevalent.

04/01/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Historic House, Held

Peek Inside a 1925 Mediterranean Revival Home in Sapphire Shores

Now on the market for $2.7 million, the historic Brody-Murrell House at 547 N. Shore Drive has been updated with care, not stripped of character.

03/30/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Mira Mar Recast

Plans for Luxury Condos Behind the Historic Mira Mar Plaza Move Ahead

After years of debate over demolition, preservation and height, the Palm Avenue project is now entering its sales phase with plans for two 18-story towers behind the restored historic structure. Prices will start in the high $3 millions.

03/24/2026 By Kim Doleatto

New Development

New Development Bringing Attainable Housing to Sarasota-Manatee Border

Milhaus plans 231 apartments near SRQ Airport, including 92 workforce units, thanks to the state's Live Local Act.

03/18/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Real Estate Report

A Split Market Emerges in Sarasota and Manatee

February home sales data showed Manatee’s single-family market rose, Sarasota’s condo market surged, prices softened in most segments and buyers gained more room to negotiate.

03/17/2026 By Kim Doleatto