More Travel & Outdoors

Essential Intelligence

Mangroves Are Powerful Coastal Guardians

Beyond their inherent value as living organisms, mangrove trees are vital when it comes to protecting healthy waters and fisheries—and even human development.

11/12/2022 By Yasi Bahmanabadi

Smells Like Teen Spirit

A Huge List of Fun Things to Do and See With Teenagers

Teens can be a tough crowd, so here's a handy list to make entertaining them in Sarasota and Manatee counties a cinch.

11/09/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Island Hopping

Virgin Islands National Park Is One of the Country's Least-Visited Parks. You Should Go.

There are many good reasons to visit this tropical paradise, aside from its pristine beaches and abundant coral reefs.

10/19/2022 By Matt McGowan

Hurricane Season

Do You Know Your Evacuation Zone?

Use Sarasota and Manatee counties' interactive tools to find evacuation levels and routes, shelters and more.

09/24/2022 By Megan McDonald

Throwing Shade

Small Handmade 'Chick Huts' Help Our Beach Birds Stay Cool

The wooden huts, which offer shore birds a respite from the sun, are a gift from local bird enthusiast Sandy Ulrikson and her late husband Jerry.

08/19/2022 By Megan McDonald

Beach Report

No-Swim Advisory Issued for Multiple Sarasota County Beaches

Wading, swimming and water recreation are not recommended when no-swim advisories are in place.

08/11/2022 By Staff

Globetrotter

This Sarasota Man Has Traveled the World Hunting Exotic, Dangerous Snakes

"I’ve been bitten by almost every creature there is. But I love what I do."

07/28/2022 By Allison Forsyth

We All Live in a Yellow Submarine

This Sarasota Duo Is Killing Invasive Lionfish in a Tiny Yellow Submarine

Scott Gonnello and Scott Cassell are finding new ways to rid the waters of the invasive species wreaking havoc on coral reefs.

07/07/2022 By Kim Doleatto

The Green Living Toolkit

How to Go Solar in the Sunshine State

Thanks to local industry experts, generating your own electricity is easy.

06/28/2022 By Kim Doleatto

They're Back!

After Nearly 12,000 Years, Coyotes Return to Florida—and Sarasota

Coyotes are so established in Florida that they've become naturalized—meaning they're a part of the ecosystem.

06/14/2022 By David Hackett

Nature Lover

Rattlesnake Key Slated to Become a State Park

The Manatee County island, just south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Terra Ceia Bay, is a slice of undeveloped Old Florida.

06/09/2022 By Kim Doleatto

The Green Living Toolkit

How to Reduce Your Use of Single-Use Plastics

Two local experts share education and tips.

05/13/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Yes Scrubs

Seeing a Scrub Jay Is a Bucket List Item for Any True Floridian

The state’s sole endemic bird species can most easily be found at Oscar Scherer State Park.

05/12/2022 By Isaac Eger

Outdoor Adventures

Celebrate Mother's Day Outdoors at One of These Six Gorgeous Destinations

Sometimes, all Mom wants on Mother's Day is some peace and quiet in the great outdoors. Here are some local spots you should hit up this Sunday.

05/06/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Bee Mindful

Sarasota Green Group Shares the Importance of Bee Conservation with Local Classrooms

The academic curriculum created by the group and the nonprofit Pollinator Partnership teaches students the importance of keeping bees alive.

05/05/2022 By Samantha Lane

The Path Forward

Photographer Carlton Ward Jr. Is Using His Lens to Help Save Wild Florida

The story of the Florida panther is one of near extinction, followed by a dramatic rebound and a shaky status quo.

05/05/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Save the Manatee

DeSantis Announces $30 Million in Funding for Manatee Rescue Programs, Habitat Restoration

More manatees died in 2021 than in any other year on record.

05/02/2022 By Staff

Fishing

Accessible Lake Osprey Fishing Pier Opens at Oscar Scherer State Park

The project has been in the works for almost 15 years.

04/28/2022 By Staff

Bee Smart

'Discover the Wonder of Bees' at a Free, Family-Friendly Event

This Saturday, April 30, beekeepers will lead activity stations with interactive demonstration hives, honey tastings, games, crafts and story time.

04/27/2022 By Samantha Lane

Bay Watch

Help the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Check on Our Seagrass This Weekend

Become a citizen scientist by recording the health and quality of Sarasota Bay seagrass.

04/26/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Sarasota Magazine