More Travel & Outdoors

Save the Sea Cow

More Manatees Have Died in 2021 Than Ever Before

In the first half 2021, 841 manatees have died—that's more than ever recorded in Florida history. The culprits? Starvation from algal blooms, like red tide, and watercraft.

06/22/2021 By Emma Lichtenstein

Government

Sarasota County Fire Chief Lifting Recreational Burn Ban

Seasonal rain patterns have begun, and officials say they are seeing a reduction in the wildfire threat throughout Sarasota County.

06/17/2021 By Staff

Turtle Tragedy

How to Help Keep Sea Turtles Safe This Summer

A sea turtle that was hit by a boat recently washed up on Siesta Key. Mote Marine Lab offers tips for how to keep the animals safe.

06/16/2021 By Emma Lichtenstein

Hurricane Season

Three Rare Tropical Disturbances Are Brewing

Make sure you’ve got your hurricane plans in place.

06/15/2021 By Susan Burns

Sunny Days Ahead

An Ode to Lido Beach

At Lido, we come to rest and recharge.

06/14/2021 By Elizabeth Djinis

Losing Our Country

Rural Hi Hat Ranch Gets Closer to Becoming a Major Development

Despite protests, Sarasota County commissioners approve an allowable density amendment for the sprawling Hi Hat Ranch.

06/10/2021 By Elizabeth Djinis

Grass appeal

Volunteers Work to Restore Salt Marsh Habitat at Robinson Preserve

Planting bucketfuls of grass creates habitat for birds and shelter for other types of wildlife.

06/09/2021 By Allison Forsyth

High Stakes Decision

Sarasota County Commission to Consider Turning Hi Hat Ranch Into Large Housing, Commercial Development

It's another battle in the fight between the preservationists who want to keep some of the region’s land rural and the developers who want to maximize its profit.

06/09/2021 By Elizabeth Djinis

Dark Matter

Magical 'Queen of the Night' Flowers Are Blooming All Over Sarasota

The flowers bloom only after dark, and for only one night each year.

06/08/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Saving sea cows

Manatee Habitat at Bishop Museum Will Reopen This Month

The renovated Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature will reopen at the end of the month with two manatees.

06/04/2021 By Emma Lichtenstein

A breath of fresh air

Nonprofit Project Breaks Down Barriers Between Kids and the Natural World

The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation is helping turn nature into an outdoor classroom.

06/02/2021 By Emma Lichtenstein

A Story of Belonging

What It's Really Like to Hunt Burmese Pythons in the Everglades

Who’s more Floridian? Me or the snake?

05/27/2021 By Isaac Eger

Essential Intelligence

It's Lovebug Season

A primer on the annoying critters covering your windshield.

05/18/2021 By Kim Doleatto

The Future of Fish

Proposed Aquaculture Facility in the Gulf of Mexico Draws Opposition from Sarasota Environmentalists

Suncoast Waterkeeper founder Justin Bloom says waste from the facility could worsen red tide.

05/10/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Awww!

Baby Lemurs Born in Myakka

Two mothers gave birth this weekend: collared brown lemur Isabelle welcomed one baby, while red ruffed lemur Zazabe had triplets.

05/03/2021 By Megan McDonald

Do-Over

The Florida State Parks Foundation Wants to Plant Another 100,000 New Pine Trees

It worked last year. Why not do it again?

04/29/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Sustainable cinema

Sarasota Film Festival Series Shows the Local Effects of Climate Change

The four mini-documentaries will premiere on the festival's website on Friday, April 30.

04/29/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Nature

Selby Gardens Invites Citizens to Participate in City Nature Challenge

Selby Gardens is partnering with The Nature Conservancy in Orlando to host a friendly competition among several Florida communities.

04/28/2021 By Staff

Turtle Power

Sea Turtles Arrive in Sarasota on Earth Day

The first nest of the 2021 season was reported just north of the public Venice Beach area.

04/22/2021 By Staff

From Trash to Treasure

Turn Garbage Into Black Gold by Composting

Thanks to Sunshine Community Compost, since 2017, 50,000 pounds of food scraps have been diverted from local landfills and more than 2,500 people have learned about composting through its educational programs.

04/22/2021 By Kim Doleatto