Authentic Florida

Ocala is an Adventurer's Paradise

Ocala, once considered a dusty Central Florida cow town, is an adventurer’s paradise with rolling hills, horse farms, a national forest and one of Florida’s oldest tourist attractions, Silver Springs State Park.

02/10/2016 By Robin Draper

Talking Points

How to Sound Smart About: Making Florida's State Parks Free

The Florida Legislature is considering waiving entrance fees at state parks for an entire year, starting July 1.

02/01/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

My New Hometown

New College’s Emily Saarinen is Saving Florida Butterflies

The NCF professor continues her research into using genetics to save certain Florida butterfly species from extinction.

01/18/2016 By Ilene Denton Photography by Jennifer Soos

Plant Love

Selby Gardens 40th Anniversary Orchid Show Kicks Off February 14

Nearly 2,000 orchids will be on display.

01/18/2016 By Ilene Denton

Article

2016 Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival

12/22/2015 By Robin Draper

Guide to Beaches

A Guide to Sarasota Beaches

An insider's guide to Sarasota beaches.

12/01/2015 By John McCarthy

"I Do" All Over Again

What It's Like to Renew Your Wedding Vows on Siesta Key Beach on Valentine's Day

The longtime annual wedding vow renewal event, sponsored by Sarasota County parks and rec, takes place around Valentine’s Day.

12/01/2015 By Ilene Denton

Beach Day

6th Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic Kicks Off This Weekend

The 6th annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition kicks off at Siesta Key Beach this Friday, Nov. 13.

11/11/2015 By Savannah Handerson

Article

It's the Shark Days of Summer at Mote

Dive deep with Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium's shark researchers during Shark Days.

08/06/2015 By Chelsey Lucas

Article

Sarasota Hot Spot: Eloise Werlin Causeway Park

In this installment of Sarasota Hot Spots, we visit the newly renovated Eloise Werlin Causeway Park.

07/15/2015 By Chelsey Lucas

Article

Celebrate Snooty's Birthday this Saturday

South Florida Museum is hosting Snooty's 67th Birthday Bash this Saturday.

07/14/2015 By Chelsey Lucas

Article

Sarasota Hot Spot: Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

In our second Sarasota Hot Spot installment, we revisit a great Sarasota resource: Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

06/16/2015 By Chelsey Lucas

Article

Suncoast Waterkeeper Executive Director Justin Bloom on Our Region's Water Problems

Suncoast Waterkeeper executive director Justin Bloom shares his thoughts on the problems our Gulf and bay face.

06/11/2015 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Article

New Topics New College: Climate Change with Jeff Chanton

New Topics New College hosts professor of oceanography and 1975 New College graduate Jeff Chanton in an exploration of climate change.

03/06/2015 By Chelsey Lucas

Article

"Rainforest Masks of Costa Rica" Opens at Selby Gardens on March 6

The annual "Rainforest Masks of Costa Rica" exhibit at Selby Gardens will run from March 6-April 17.

03/03/2015 By Bobbilynn Hollifield

Article

Touring the Bay Aboard the Carefree Learner

A floating classroom on Sarasota Bay.

02/26/2015 By Hannah Wallace

Article

X Prize Founder Peter Diamandis Visits Sarasota

The author and "techno-optimist" was in town for a book signing and lecture with 350 local philanthropists and business leaders.

02/26/2015 By Tony D'Souza

Article

New Mote Exhibit “Oh Baby!” Explores Life Cycles of the Seas

People of all ages can learn how ocean life renews itself at Mote Aquarium in Sarasota.

02/11/2015 By Bobbilynn Hollifield

Article

Photo of the Week: Flock Meeting at Sarasota Jungle Gardens

This week's Photo of the Week highlights the gorgeous flamingos who reside at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.

01/29/2015 By Bobbilynn Hollifield

Article

Photo of the Week: Sunset on Sarasota's Bayfront

Jealousy-inducing scenery and sunsets are part of what makes Sarasota's bayfront so appealing.

01/08/2015 By Bobbilynn Hollifield