Best of Sarasota
Best of Sarasota

Our annual celebration of the people, places and businesses that make Sarasota exceptional—voted on by our readers. From dining and shopping to services and experiences, this is the definitive guide to locals' top spots.
Nominate Your 2026 Favorites!

Quick Links

Top Doctors Directory

Top Dentists Directory

Best of Sarasota 2025

2026 Featured Doctors

2026 Featured Dentists
Eat & Drink
Eat & Drink

Your insider's guide to Sarasota’s food and drink scene, from standout restaurants and buzzy new openings to chefs, cocktails, and dining trends shaping the way we eat and gather.
Sip, Savor, Repeat

Quick Links

View all

Best Restaurants

Editors' Picks

Wine, Beer & Cocktails

Food News

More Food & Drink
Gouda-Bye

After More Than 14 Years, Artisan Cheese Company Is Closing

Owner Louise Converse says sales have fallen 40 percent this year, making it impossible to keep the beloved Rosemary District cheese shop afloat.
Home & Real Estate
Home & Real Estate

A curated look at how Sarasota lives, including real estate news, exceptional homes, design inspiration and the professionals redefining luxury and livability in our region.
Step Inside

Quick Links

View all

On the Market

Real Estate News

Architecture & Design
The Hot New Neighborhood

The Limelight District Is the Next Cool Place to Live

This gritty up-and-coming neighborhood is filled with manufacturers, secondhand stores and affordable housing. Bob Plunket takes us on a tour.
News & City Life
News & City Life

Local news, profiles, and lifestyle features that capture the pulse of our community and the people shaping it.
Stay in the Know

Quick Links

View all

Politics

The Environment

Business

In Their Own Words
Suncoast Searchlight

New College Neighbors Head to Mediation Over Disputed Campus Master Plan

Six residents from in and around The Uplands are questioning whether the college followed state planning requirements and adequately considered public input and relevant data.
Arts & Entertainment
Arts & Entertainment

A front-row seat to Sarasota’s vibrant cultural scene. We cover theater, visual arts, music, festivals and the creative forces that make our city a cultural destination.
See What’s On Stage

Quick Links

Books & Talks

Music

Performing Arts

Television & Film

Visual Arts
Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

From 9/11 commemorations to comedy, disco dancing, mini wrestling, night running, horse handling and live theater, here’s what to do in Sarasota and Manatee this week.
Travel & Outdoors
Travel & Outdoors

Explore the places and experiences locals love most. From hidden gems and outdoor adventures to weekend getaways, celebrate Sarasota’s natural beauty and sense of discovery.
Find Your Next Adventure

Quick Links

Editor's Picks

Outdoor Activities

Road Trips
Night Lights

Photo of the Week: Sarasota After Dark

"From above, you can really see just how beautiful and vibrant Sarasota is at night," says photographer Damon Powers.
Magazine
Magazine

Browse current and past print issues, explore our digital flipbooks, and dive deeper into the stories that define our award-winning publication.
See What’s Inside

Quick Links

Past Issues

Subscribe

Contact Us

Advertise

Request a Sponsorship

Sponsored Content
Current Issue - September 2026
Guide to Giving
How a new wave of wealth, younger philanthropists and rising needs are transforming the future of giving.

Previous Issue
The Summer Splurge Issue
Subscribe
Subscribe

Join our community of engaged readers and never miss an issue. Print subscribers enjoy beautiful, award-winning magazines delivered to their door, plus access to our digital newsletters and insider content.
Never Miss an Issue

Quick Links

Subscribe

Newsletter Signup

Renew Subscription

Change Address

Subscriber FAQ
Sarasota, Delivered

Subscribe today and enjoy exclusive savings!

Experience our award-winning print magazine. Every issue is packed with storytelling, stunning photography, and local insight.
Find out more

More News & City Life

Buzz Kill

Medical Marijuana Usage is Soaring, But Arrests for Recreational Pot Are, Too

Arrests for recreational usage (under 20 grams) have soared in Sarasota County, up nearly 35 percent last year compared to 2010. And so far this year, arrest rates are still rising. What gives?

06/27/2018 By David Hackett

Gone to the Dogs

Service, Support and Therapy Canines Go Everywhere—and Not Everyone is Happy

Dogs that aren’t adequately trained cause problems for legitimate service dogs and their owners.

06/27/2018 By David Hackett

My Body, My Self

Two Sarasota Women Become Outspoken Voices in a National Debate About Gender Equality and Outdated Views of the Female Body

Bailey Davis and Lizzy Martinez grabbed headlines in The New York Times and the Washington Post—among other national media—earlier this year for, well, having female bodies.

06/27/2018 By Dyllan Furness

Department of Bad Behavior

Eight Sea Turtle Nests Harmed on Siesta Key

An ATV or golf cart dislodged stakes marking existing nests and drove across a newly laid, unmarked nest.

06/26/2018 By Megan McDonald

Environment

New Mote Study Tests Possibility of Mitigating Red Tide

Researchers are launching a new study to test whether filter-feeding animals and seaweeds can mitigate the effects of Florida red tide.

06/26/2018 By Staff

Philanthropy

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Picks New Board Chair

The foundation's board of directors recently elected Judy Cahn as chair and Scott Collins as vice chair.

06/26/2018 By Staff

Climate Catastrophe

A Historian Looks Back at Transformative Florida Weather Events

In the Sunshine State, epic hurricanes and killer freezes have wrecked economies and changed the landscape. Here are some that stand out .

06/25/2018 By Gary R. Mormino

Education

Nonprofit Family Center Selects New Board Members and Leaders

New board members include Kevin Cooper, Susan Sakhai and Susan Travers.

06/25/2018 By Staff

History

North Port May Finally Be Taking Steps to Limit Damage to Prehistoric Sites

For decades, the city of North Port allowed damage to occur to these sites. But things may be changing now, thanks to an ordinary-looking marsh and a small group of activists.

06/25/2018 By Brad Edmondson

New hires

Former Vern Buchanan Aide Joins Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity Sarasota recently hired Danny Bilyeu as the organization's construction administrator.

06/20/2018 By Staff

Nonprofits

Nonprofit SCOPE Shutting Down

The organization was created 20 years ago to study local issues and provide comprehensive data and reports to local leaders.

06/20/2018 By Staff

Shark Tale

Mote Locates Five Whale Sharks in Southwest Florida Waters

All five of the polka-dotted gentle giants were found offshore of Longboat Key and New Pass.

06/20/2018 By Megan McDonald

Deals

Private Equity Firm Buys Nebraska Telecommunications Company

Sarasota's Grain Management is acquiring Great Plains Communications.

06/19/2018 By Staff

Education

Governor Appoints Real Estate Broker to New College Board

Florida Gov. Rick Scott recently appointed Garin Hoover to the Board of Trustees of New College of Florida.

06/19/2018 By Staff

Limelight

Sarasota Magazine Top Doctors Party 2018

The annual event celebrated the top doctors and dentists in the community as ranked by Castle Connolly Medical.

06/18/2018 Photography by Lori Sax

Planning

Bayfront Redevelopment Team Plans New Round of Public Forums

Presenters will discuss the master planning process, the current modified master plan and next steps.

06/15/2018 By Staff

Technology

Digital Marketing Summit Takes Place Next Wednesday

Experts from Google, Constant Contact and Market Momentum are participating in the Manasota SCORE event.

06/14/2018 By Staff

Real estate

New Lakewood Ranch Neighborhood Wins Commission Approval

Solera is a new Lakewood Ranch neighborhood projected to include 675 new single-family homes on 278.4 acres.

06/14/2018 By Staff

Art Advocate

The Exchange Awards $250,000 to Local Students and Arts Organizations

The organization has awarded more than $8 million in grants since its inception.

06/13/2018 By Vanessa Blankenship

Transportation

New Nonstop Flights Between Sarasota and Dallas Start in December

American Airlines flights to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport will begin on Wednesday, Dec. 19.

06/13/2018 By Staff

At Sarasota Magazine, we celebrate Sarasota’s vibrant culture, rich history, and bright future with award-winning, high-quality content that captures the spirit of our community.

Channels

About

Subscriptions

Keep up to date with Sarasota

Sign up for our FREE Sarasota Magazine email newsletters and get the best of the region in your inbox!

1413 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota FL 34236 , Phone: 941.487.1100, Fax: 941.365.9233

© 2026 DreamLarge