More Travel & Outdoors

Parks to Play In

Hike—or Drive—to Emerson Point Preserve, a Native American Temple Mound

A highlight is the sandy shoreline at the westernmost tip, with Robinson Preserve and DeSoto Memorial across the river and Anna Maria Island and the Sunshine Skyway in the distance.

10/31/2020 By John McCarthy

Exploring the Green Banana

Mote Scientists Dive Into the Green Banana, One of the World’s Deep Blue Holes

Shaped like an hourglass, the hole starts about 150 feet below the surface and goes down to a 425-foot depth. It had never been explored scientifically before this summer.

10/31/2020 By Susan Burns

Climate

Climate Adaptation Center Launches Website on Oct. 30

Find out more about the organization in two Zoom events tomorrow. (And guess what? It's not all bad news.)

10/29/2020 By Susan Burns

Outdoor Adventures

Let's Go Camping on Siesta Key

The Turtle Beach campground has direct beach access and activities for the whole family.

10/28/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Conservation

Conservation Foundation Announces Myakka Headwaters Protected

The 363 acres at the headwaters of the Myakka River in Myakka City are next to the 2,300-acre Flatford Swamp, the river's largest forested wetland.

10/21/2020 By Staff

Awards

Conservation Foundation Announces 2020 Conservation Honorees

The Manatee Fish & Game Association and Beautiful Ponds were both honored at the foundation's virtual Conservation Reception.

10/16/2020 By Staff

Outdoor Adventures

Let's Go on a Fun Beginners' Fishing Trip

Sarasota Saltwater Adventures offers weekly fishing charters for the family or for solo fishermen and -women.

09/30/2020 By Allison Forsyth

The Calm Before The Storms?

It's Quiet in the Tropics Right Now—But Probably Not For Long

This time of year has traditionally been the most dangerous for storm activity on the Gulf Coast.

09/29/2020 By Bob Bunting

Bay Watch

Portions of The Bay's Mangrove Walkway Will Open in Mid-October

Segments of phase one of the project, which include the mangrove walkway, trails and benches, will open to the public next month.

09/24/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Outdoor Adventures

Let's Spend a Day at the Beach With the Dog

Venice's Brohard Beach and Paw Park lets you bring your canine companion along for a day of surf and sun.

09/23/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Outdoor Adventures

Let's Go Horseback Riding at Myakka River Trail Rides

The property's 40 acres of sprawling fields and shaded trails, along with purebred, trained horses, will have you feeling like a certified cattle wrangler in no time.

09/16/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Mars Attacks!

Mars Will Make Its Closest Appearance Since 2018 Next Month

The best night to observe the red planet will be Oct. 6, but it will still be remarkably close and bright for a few weeks before and after that date.

09/11/2020 By Jonathan Sabin

Snorkeler's Delight

Sarasota's Waterways Are Filled With Vibrant Wildlife

Turtles, dolphins and stingrays, oh my! Here's some of the marine life you'll find in our local waters—and some best practices for sharing it with our fishy friends.

09/08/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota Sept. 3-9

The launch of a memoir at Bookstore1Sarasota, new art exhibitions, saying goodbye to the Players' longtime home, and more.

09/03/2020 By Kay Kipling

Oily Business

Ten Years After Deepwater Horizon, the Possibility of Offshore Oil Drilling in the Gulf Has Resurfaced

The eastern Gulf is considered a "golden trophy" for the oil industry.

08/31/2020 By Craig Pittman

Outdoor Adventures

Let's Explore Palmetto's Emerson Point Preserve

Walk shaded trails and explore ancient Native American artifacts at this preserve on Snead Island.

08/26/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Earth, Wind and Fire

Twin Storms Head Into the Gulf of Mexico

Plus, wildfires rage in Northern California as a warming climate wreaks havoc nationwide.

08/24/2020 By Bob Bunting

Hurricanes

Tropical Storm Laura Threatens Florida

This year’s record-breaking hurricane season kicks into even higher gear.

08/21/2020 By Bob Bunting

Safe Space

The Turtle Safe Toy Box Offers a Place for Unwanted Beach Toys

Don’t want that broken pail and shovel? Caleb Jameson has a solution.

08/17/2020 By Allison Forsyth and Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Open up

Manatee County Has the Chance to Create a New Land Conservation Program

If voters approve a new measure this fall, the county could acquire land to protect water quality and fish and wildlife habitat, preserve environmentally sensitive land and create public parks.

08/14/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker