Best of Sarasota
Best of Sarasota

Our annual celebration of the people, places and businesses that make Sarasota exceptional—voted on by our readers. From dining and shopping to services and experiences, this is the definitive guide to locals' top spots.
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Top Doctors Directory

Top Dentists Directory

Best of Sarasota 2025

2026 Featured Doctors

2026 Featured Dentists
Eat & Drink
Eat & Drink

Your insider's guide to Sarasota’s food and drink scene, from standout restaurants and buzzy new openings to chefs, cocktails, and dining trends shaping the way we eat and gather.
Sip, Savor, Repeat

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Best Restaurants

Editors' Picks

Wine, Beer & Cocktails

Food News

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Gouda-Bye

After More Than 14 Years, Artisan Cheese Company Is Closing

Owner Louise Converse says sales have fallen 40 percent this year, making it impossible to keep the beloved Rosemary District cheese shop afloat.
Home & Real Estate
Home & Real Estate

A curated look at how Sarasota lives, including real estate news, exceptional homes, design inspiration and the professionals redefining luxury and livability in our region.
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On the Market

Real Estate News

Architecture & Design
The Hot New Neighborhood

The Limelight District Is the Next Cool Place to Live

This gritty up-and-coming neighborhood is filled with manufacturers, secondhand stores and affordable housing. Bob Plunket takes us on a tour.
News & City Life
News & City Life

Local news, profiles, and lifestyle features that capture the pulse of our community and the people shaping it.
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Politics

The Environment

Business

In Their Own Words
Suncoast Searchlight

New College Neighbors Head to Mediation Over Disputed Campus Master Plan

Six residents from in and around The Uplands are questioning whether the college followed state planning requirements and adequately considered public input and relevant data.
Arts & Entertainment
Arts & Entertainment

A front-row seat to Sarasota’s vibrant cultural scene. We cover theater, visual arts, music, festivals and the creative forces that make our city a cultural destination.
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Books & Talks

Music

Performing Arts

Television & Film

Visual Arts
Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

From 9/11 commemorations to comedy, disco dancing, mini wrestling, night running, horse handling and live theater, here’s what to do in Sarasota and Manatee this week.
Travel & Outdoors
Travel & Outdoors

Explore the places and experiences locals love most. From hidden gems and outdoor adventures to weekend getaways, celebrate Sarasota’s natural beauty and sense of discovery.
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Editor's Picks

Outdoor Activities

Road Trips
Night Lights

Photo of the Week: Sarasota After Dark

"From above, you can really see just how beautiful and vibrant Sarasota is at night," says photographer Damon Powers.
Magazine
Magazine

Browse current and past print issues, explore our digital flipbooks, and dive deeper into the stories that define our award-winning publication.
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More News & City Life

Construction

Construction Company Celebrates Dedication of MacDill Facility

Halfacre Construction Company served as construction manager and Bhide & Hall Architects as designer on the project.

05/02/2016 Research by staff

Holidays

Your Guide to Cinco de Mayo in Sarasota

From music to margaritas, there's something for everyone this Cinco de Mayo.

05/02/2016 By Savannah Handerson

Congress

Buchanan Voices Support for Funding to Fight Zika

Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, on Monday announced his support for an additional $1.9 billion in funding requested by President Obama to contain and eradicate the Zika virus.

05/02/2016 Research by staff

Events

Women’s Resource Center Job Readiness Program Continues Through July

The program is intended to help women and men brush up on employment skills, with tips on writing résumés, practicing for interviews, conducting a job search and more.

05/02/2016 Research by staff

Transportation

Sarasota Bus System Tests Two New Sunday Routes

The tests are intended to help SCAT evaluate existing routes and schedules and potential improvements.

05/02/2016 Research by staff

Hospitality

USF Professor Studies Effectiveness of Hotel 'Flash Sales'

Katerina Berezina's study, 'The Managerial Flash Sales Dash: Is There Advantage or Disadvantage at the Finish Line?' appeared in the April issue of the International Journal of Hospitality Management.

05/02/2016 Research by staff

Why I Care

Keith and Linda Monda Donate $500,000 for New Ringling Gallery Space

The Keith D. and Linda L. Monda Gallery of Contemporary Art will help The Ringling present new works by contemporary artists.

05/02/2016 By Ilene Denton

My New Hometown

Steel Sculptor Pamela Olin Moves to Sarasota

Pamela Olin goes to the dogs—the Southeastern Guide dogs, that is.

05/02/2016 By Ilene Denton

Dear Margo

Ann Landers' Daughter Shares Her Tried-and-True Advice with Sarasotans

We asked Margo Howard, daughter of advice columnist Ann Landers, some iconic local questions.

05/02/2016 By Kay Kipling

Biz Bites

You Can Find Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks in a Bradenton Strip Mall

Sandwich heaven at Bradenton’s South Philly Cheesesteak.

05/02/2016 By Hannah Wallace

Mr. Chatterbox

Small Space Living: Big Charm in a Tiny Trailer

Don and Lorraine Kreuzburg are proud of their tiny Braden Castle home.

05/02/2016 By Robert Plunket

Only in Sarasota

Only in Sarasota: Siesta Key Lookout Station

A new pavilion on Siesta Key offers great views of the Gulf.

05/02/2016 Illustrations by John Pirman

The New Migration

A New Wave of Prominent African-American Retirees is Enriching and Changing Our City.

A welcome wave of African-American retirees is making its mark on our city.

04/29/2016 By Susan Burns Photography by Barbara Banks

#BestofSarasota2016

Best of Sarasota 2016: Readers' Choice

You all have spoken: Here are the winners of our 2016 Best of Sarasota readers survey.

04/29/2016 By Sarasota Magazine Staff

Real estate

Freddie Mac Newsletter Examines Impact of Rising Sea Levels

'Between $66 billion and $160 billion worth of real estate is expected to be below sea level by 2050,' the report states.

04/29/2016 Research by staff

Legal

Attorney Earns AV Preeminent Rating

Michelle Lajoie Hermey of Fergeson, Skipper, Shaw, Keyser, Baron & Tirabassi, P.A., recently received the rating.

04/29/2016 Research by staff

Congress

Rep. Buchanan Supports Measure Intended to Widen Access to Flood Insurance

The legislation passed the U.S. House with unanimous, bipartisan support; it now goes to the Senate for consideration.

04/29/2016 Research by staff

Promotions

El Conquistador Tennis Club Names General Manager

Erin Hurter was recently promoted to the role of general manager of the United Tennis Club & Academy at El Conquistador.

04/29/2016 Research by staff

Fashion

Jackie Rogers Discusses Must-Have Business Handbags on Suncoast View

In a Friday appearance on ABC 7, Rogers showed off handbag finds from the March issue of 941CEO.

04/29/2016 Research by staff

Biz Rules

EB-5 Visas That Attract Wealthy Foreigners are Up for Review

Concerns about fraud and a lack of oversight could cause changes for those who want to obtain EB-5 visas.

04/29/2016 By Lori Johnston

At Sarasota Magazine, we celebrate Sarasota’s vibrant culture, rich history, and bright future with award-winning, high-quality content that captures the spirit of our community.

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