The Summer Splurge Issue

Where and how to indulge. Plus: Adam Johnson, the January 6 "podium guy," is running for office in Manatee County. How seriously should we take him? And: the untold story of local women artists; "Ladies of London"'s Myka Meier on growing up in Sarasota; great local book clubs; a review of Hanami Fine Dining, Cocktails and Lounge; and more.

In this issue:

Arts & Entertainment

Miss Manners

‘Ladies of London’ Star Myka Meier Got Her Start Right Here in Sarasota

Meier, who’s been called “the picture of grace” by Vogue and “America’s Queen of Good Manners” by The Times magazine, was once Sarasota High School’s prom queen.

07/06/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Treat Yourself

The Ultimate Sarasota Summer Splurge Guide

How to indulge during the long, hot season.

07/01/2026 By The Editors

Branded Content

BRANDED CONTENT

Women of Impact

Explore the inspiring stories of Sarasota's 2026 Women of Impact—leaders, innovators and changemakers making a meaningful difference in our community.

07/01/2026 Photography by Barbara Banks

Eat & Drink

Get Back in the Kitchen

Stop Scrolling Through TikTok and Try These Four Local Cooking Classes

Cooking is a skill that can be learned, and there are plenty of places in Sarasota to do it.

07/10/2026 By Caleb Guedes-Reed

Restaurant Review

Hanami Is a Feast For the Senses

At this new Rosemary District restaurant, East Asian fusion comes together in one gloriously unruly space.

07/01/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Bread Culture

Downtown Sarasota's Bakero Specializes in Naturally Leavened Sourdough

Owners Piotr and Nataliia Lugowski moved here from Poland two years ago, where Nataliia developed her skills as a professional baker.

07/01/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Cheap Eats

Boca Sarasota's $15 'Hot Girl Dinner' Is the Meal Steal of the Summer

We can all be “hot girls”—and save our pennies—without breaking a sweat.

07/01/2026 By Megan McDonald

Fashion & Shopping

What's in Store

Sarasota Art Museum’s Gift Shop Is a Perfect Stop for Whimsical and Unique Treasures

The gift shop is located on the museum’s first floor and is filled with beautiful and whimsical jewelry, handbags, kid-friendly merchandise, games, books, puzzles and much more.

07/01/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Home & Real Estate

The House That Grew

Home Tour: A McClellan Park House That Grew With Its Owners

The property’s real impact is its organization around light, flowers, food and family.

07/13/2026 By Kim Doleatto

News & City Life

Flashback

Photo: Carrie Ratliff Jones, Siesta Key Bridge Tender, 1939-1963

Look closely and you can see the bridge controls commingling with Jones’ everyday items.

07/09/2026 By Megan McDonald

In Their Own Words

CreArte Latino Managing Director Cinthia Peña on Building Pride, Acceptance and Community

“We Latinos, we have warm hearts. We’re an open book. We invite everyone to come see what we do, collaborate with us, volunteer with us.”

07/06/2026 By Kendall Southworth

First Person

Manatee County Commission Candidate Adam Johnson on the Issues

How serious is Johnson, really? And can he transition from his mischievous trolling on X (formerly known as Twitter) for the unsexy slog of zoning ordinances?

07/01/2026 By Isaac Eger

From the Editor

Goodbye to USF Sarasota-Manatee—and New College

Instead of having two strong institutions serving our region, we lost both to politics. 

07/01/2026 By Susan Burns

Good, Bad, Baffling

Our Judgy Take on Current Events: July Edition

Data centers, redrawn Congressional maps, a win for environmentally sensitive lands and a controversial figure plotting his return to politics.

07/01/2026