More News & City Life

Suncoast Searchlight

After Sarasota County Schools’ ICE Vote, Questions Remain About Enforcement on Campuses

Despite the outcry, board members voted 3 to 2 to pass the measure, committing to “full cooperation and collaboration” with ICE.

01/23/2026 By Alice Herman/Suncoast Searchlight

Suncoast Searchlight

Florida Bill Would Give Benderson Development Its Own Taxing District at UTC

House Bill 4091 would give Benderson the ability to finance and oversee future expansions of the shopping hub, as well as the rowing park.

01/17/2026 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight and Christian Casale/Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Chill Factor

Cold Weather Shelters Are Opening Tonight in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Wind chill as low as 28 degrees is expected during the overnight hours.

01/15/2026 By Megan McDonald

Built to Last

2026 Heritage Awards Honor Those Slowing the Tide of Teardowns

This year's awards spotlight local architects, homeowners, researchers and craftspeople committed to keeping Sarasota's history intact.

01/14/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Love Letter

The Case for Loving Sarasota

A city that inspires as much debate as devotion is rarely boring.

01/05/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Downtown Report Card

Did Sarasota Pass or Flunk New Urbanism?

Twenty-five years after the much-buzzed-about master plan to remake downtown Sarasota, our readers grade the city’s progress.

01/05/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Smart City

Meet the Innovators and Professionals Shaping Our AI Ecosystem

A diverse and steadily growing group of innovators—from architecture and education to law and venture building—are immersed in the region’s emerging AI world.

01/04/2026 By Brian Hartz, Susan Burns, and Lauren Jackson

The Other Downtowns

Looking for New Downtown Districts to Explore? Try These Five Nearby City Centers

Within an hour of Sarasota’s Main Street, we found five downtowns, each with its own rhythm and its own kind of welcome.

01/04/2026 By Lauren Jackson, Susan Burns, and Kim Doleatto

Flashback

Photo: Anna Maria City Pier, 1924

The pier—which was built in 1911—is currently being restored after sustaining major damage from the 2024 hurricane season. It's expected to be "substantially complete" in April.

01/02/2026 By Megan McDonald

Did That Really Happen?

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

Political hypocrisy, unexpected treasure, a tightrope walk triumph and more.

01/02/2026

Take Off

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport’s New Chief Paul Hoback Has Big Plans for the Future

Airports, Hoback believes, are both economic engines and relationship builders. “It’s the pursuit of world peace and prosperity,” he says. “That’s what we get to do for a living.”

01/02/2026 By Megan McDonald

Walk This Way

Dogs Inc. Provides Those in Need With Trained Guide, Service and Companion Dogs

Dogs Inc. serves people from all over the U.S., pairing them with their perfect pup at no cost, complete with lifetime training, veterinary care and nutrition needs.

01/02/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Bundle Up

Cold Weather Shelters Opening Tonight in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Temperatures are expected to dip into the low 40s, with wind chills in the 20s.

12/30/2025 By Megan McDonald

Best of Sarasota

Our 10 Most Popular Stories of 2025

Out of everything we published this year, here's what you clicked on most.

12/23/2025 By Megan McDonald

Merry and Bright

Nine Stunning Local Christmas Trees to Go See This Holiday Season

Need a break from the blue light of your computer or phone screen as we head into the holidays? Try these lights instead.

12/19/2025 By Megan McDonald Photography by Damon Powers

💚💚💚

PINC 2025 Was a Reminder of the Power of Human Connection

The most creative weekend in Sarasota returned for a sold-out conference, outdoor dinner and a Saturday festival featuring murals, BMX, a holiday market, food and toy drives, and more.

12/18/2025 By Staff

Soccer

Sarasota Paradise Soccer Club Announces 2026 Schedule

The season includes a 34-game season as the club prepares for its USL League One season.

12/16/2025 By Staff

Taking Root

Demand for Affordable Housing Close to Downtown Threatens Newtown

A new housing preservation effort aims to safeguard the community.

12/04/2025 By Sam Barrett

Saving the Colson

A Black Landmark From the Days of Segregation Is Being Reborn as a Civic and Cultural Hub

The Colson was more than a boarding house. For the city’s Black residents and visitors during segregation, it offered something rare and profound: safety, dignity and belonging.

12/02/2025

Treasure Trove

At the Sarasota County History Center, You'll Find Fascinating Historical Objects

What do MacKinlay Kantor's crutch, a Sara De Soto pageant crown and a pointy pen used by Gov. Cary Hardee in 1921 all have in common?

12/02/2025 By Kay Kipling