The Changing Face of Our Region

And why it matters. If demography is destiny, it pays for Sarasota to study the trends. They’re already having a major impact on many aspects of life on the Gulf Coast, including housing, schools, culture and services—and a political impact, some say, may not be far behind.

In this issue:

Arts & Entertainment

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes of Our April IMG Academy Feature Story

Our photographer captures athletes warming up during the academy's NFL draft preparation program.

04/09/2020 Photography by Everett Dennison

Stardust Memories, Pickleball Dreams

A Former Navy Rear Admiral Is Behind Plans for the Nation’s Largest Pickleball Academy

Pickleball is having its moment, and Brian and Valerie McCarthy intend to seize it.

04/01/2020 By David Hackett

Funk and Soul

Erik Iglesias Rodríguez, aka Cimafunk, on Music, Freedom and Style

Rodríguez's Afro Cuban funk will make you want to get up and dance.

04/01/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Screenshot

Hollywood We’re Not, But Sarasota Attracts a Variety of Film Productions

Production companies are here all year long, filming TV shows, indie movies and commercials.

04/01/2020 By Susan Burns

Sealed With a Kiss

Alexis Fraser Is Making a Name For Herself With Art Made From Lipstick

“Once I started setting the bar high for myself, everything started to happen. My work is made with love to spread the love.”

04/01/2020 By Megan McDonald

The IMG Effect

Every Year, Elite College Football Players Descend on IMG Academy

Bradenton’s prestigious sports academy draws the best in young football players as they prepare for the NFL.

04/01/2020 By David Hackett

Best of Sarasota

Who We Are

Sarasota’s Demographics Have a Major Impact on Life in Our Region

That includes housing, schools, culture and services—and a political impact, some say, may not be far behind.

04/01/2020

Fashion & Shopping

Style

Bring Home a Piece of Sarasota From These Terrific Museum Gift Shops

Not only will you have a treasured memory of our region, you'll be supporting our local institutions.

04/01/2020 By Megan McDonald

Home & Real Estate

What Your Money Can Buy

What $1 Million Will Buy You in Granada Park

Plus, homes for $740,000 in Artistry Sarasota and $1.3 million in Lakewood Ranch—you know, if you're still on the hunt for real estate right now.

04/03/2020 By Ilene Denton

Back to the Future

A Midcentury Home in Forest Lakes Gets a Makeover

The home's original blueprints proved that it had been designed by the firm of Ralph Twitchell, long considered the father of the Sarasota School of Architecture.

04/03/2020 By Ilene Denton

News & City Life

Flashback

Flashback: Bandleader Rudy Bundy at the Lido Casino, 1947

Debonair clarinetist Rudy Bundy brought his 12-piece big band to Sarasota in 1940 and quickly became the musical soundtrack of the ’40s and 1950s.

04/01/2020 By Ilene Denton

From the Editor

From the Editor: Giving in the Age of COVID-19

Susan Burns on why philanthropy is more important than ever.

04/01/2020 By Susan Burns

'I Was Passionate About Wanting to be a Chef'

Sarasota’s Restaurant Scene Provides Plenty of Job Opportunities

Just ask Francisco Juarez, who worked his way up from dishwasher to sous chef.

04/01/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

'We've Never Looked Back'

IMG Brought This Couple to Sarasota. The Region's Lifestyle Kept Them Here

“Our kids say, ‘You’re the busiest retired couple I’ve ever seen.'"

04/01/2020 By Kay Kipling

'I Have Goals and Dreams'

How Sarasota's Hispanic Community Has Changed

Yarumi Espana says her children’s experience growing up in Sarasota is “way different” from hers.

04/01/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Who We Are

Sarasota's Demographics Are Changing. Here's Why That Matters

Yes, we’re getting older, but we’re also getting browner. How our population is changing, and what it means.

04/01/2020 By Dan Fost

Travel & Outdoors

Natural Wonders

See the Winning Photos and Finalists From Our Earth Day Photo Contest

Congratulations to all our winners.

04/01/2020