Guide to Giving

How a new wave of wealth, younger philanthropists and rising needs are transforming the future of giving. Plus: Meet the winners of our 2026 Unity Awards!

In this issue:

Arts & Entertainment

Young at Heart

Manatee Performing Arts Center Focuses on Youth and Education

The Manatee Performing Arts Center and its resident community theater, the long-running Manatee Players, are breaking new ground this season, in more ways than one.

10/01/2026 By Kay Kipling

Branded Content

BRANDED CONTENT

Nonprofits in Bloom 2026

Planting Seeds of Generosity Across our Community

09/01/2026

Eat & Drink

Foodologist

Sarasota-Based Petrichor Is Expanding Into Mushroom-Infused Drinks

Micheal Shea and Howard Schmidt sold homegrown fungi at local farmers markets before expanding into a shipping-container mushroom farm and an in-house beverage production facility.

09/04/2026 By kendall southworth

A Feast Before the Fiesta

Late-Night Spot Latin Quarters Offers Good Food, Karaoke and Dancing

Owner Rafael Arguelles wanted a place where diners could enjoy authentic Latin cuisine.

09/02/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Toast Your Morning

Toastique’s Avocado Smash Is as Beautiful as It Is Healthy

It's one of the café's prettiest dishes.

09/02/2026 By Jules Telfort

Restaurant Review

At Alma de España, Bring Friends and Share Everything

The lively tapas spot is best enjoyed family-style.

09/02/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Fashion & Shopping

Petal Pusher

Florist Ian Prosser Has Designed for Elton John, Tom Cruise and Two U.S. Presidents

He's got tales and tips to share.

09/01/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Personal Playbook

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Kevin Cooper Shares His Everyday Essentials

Cooper is vice president for communications and strategic initiatives at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. These are a few of his favorite things.

09/01/2026 By Susan Burrns

Home & Real Estate

Key Retreat

After More Than Two Decades on Jewfish Key, Stephen Ellis Is Ready to Pass Along His Island Getaway

“It’s for people who love Old Florida,” he says.

09/15/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Homes in a Box

Do Kit Homes Still Exist in Sarasota?

The mail-order dream house was an American marvel starting in the early 1900s, including in our region. Most have been lost to time and taste, but we found three that fit the profile.

09/01/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Homes in a Box

Is Your Kit House a Copycat or the Real Thing?

The widespread stealing of designs by both lumberyards and kit home manufacturers means that even if a house looks nearly identical to one in a kit home catalog, it might not be.

09/01/2026 By Kendall Southworth

News & City Life

Dig This

For 50 Years, Archaeologist Marion Almy Has Uncovered and Protected Florida’s Buried History

Now her daughter, Maranda Almy Kles, has joined her.

09/04/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Guide to Giving

What's Next in Philanthropy?

The CEOs of our local foundations tell us what's on their radar.

09/01/2026

Guide to Giving

Inside Philanthropy Founder David Callahan on the Future of Giving

Callahan gave us the 30,000-foot view of philanthropy in America.

09/01/2026 By Susan Burns

Flashback

Photo: The Steamboat Manatee, 1910

The "Manatee"—Terra Ceia’s main freight and passenger service—was part of H. Walter Fuller Investment Company’s three-steamboat fleet.

09/01/2026 By Megan McDonald

Wacky Headlines

Recent You-Can’t-Make-Them-Up Headlines From Sarasota and Beyond

An accidental shooting at Walmart, the anniversary of a dolphin Speedo saga, a Wawa winner and more.

09/01/2026

Guide to Giving

The Names Behind Sarasota's Most Recognizable Buildings

Many of Sarasota’s most recognizable buildings were spearheaded by our town’s philanthropists and activists. Who were the community leaders whose names adorn our buildings?

09/01/2026 By Lauren Jackson

In Their Own Words

Bhante San on Mindfulness, Self-Acceptance and His Long Journey From a Sri Lankan Monastery

"If you can truly practice mindfulness and get in touch with your heart, you will find love and kindness within you.”

09/01/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Unity Awards

Deb Kabinoff Strengthens Community Through Technology

“My mission is to help every sector of our community benefit from the capabilities of technology.”

09/01/2026 By Megan McDonald

Unity Awards

David Crawford Turns Real Estate Sales Into a Force For Good

“At some point, there are going to be challenges, and you’re going to need somebody to be there to support you.”

09/01/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Unity Awards

Geri Chaffee Opens a World of Learning Through Her Dual Language Academy

“What people don’t understand is that literacy is literacy in any language."

09/01/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Unity Awards

Dr. Essence Deming-Rivers Builds Belonging Through a Unique Social Club

“Equipping people with skills helps manage their emotions, makes them deliver better care, and also means that there are fewer people that might need therapy.”

09/01/2026 By Megan McDonald