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

The Advocate

Laura Gilkey Is a Passionate Advocate for Pediatric Cancer Research

After losing her son, Benjamin, to cancer at just 9 years old, Laura Gilkey created a fund to support innovative oncology care for children.

09/17/2020 By Megan McDonald

Coronavirus

CARES Act Funding Applications Now Available in Sarasota County

A total of $18.9 million in CARES Act funds is available for individuals and businesses for expenses dating back to March 1, 2020.

09/16/2020 By Staff

Keifer's House

Sarasota Nonprofit Opens New Residential Program for People Leaving Incarceration

Project 180 gives stable housing to people being released from jail and prison and also helps them with transportation, employment and addiction recovery.

09/16/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Affordable Housing

Wells Fargo Grants $15,000 to Habitat for Humanity Sarasota

The grant will support the renovation of a home for a family that deserves relief from poor housing conditions and the daily stress of housing instability.

09/15/2020 By Staff

Grants

Van Wezel Foundation Granted $575,000 for Arts Education in Fiscal Year 2020

Additionally, the foundation generated more than $1 million in contributions through support of its Inspiration Gala.

09/15/2020 By Staff

Food Drive

Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee Providing Fresh Produce in Manatee County

Locations will be set up near six Title I schools, but anyone living in Manatee County can participate.

09/14/2020 By Staff

Travel

SRQ Passenger Traffic for August at 43 Percent of 2019 Level

Passengers totaled 58,115 for August 2020, compared to 135,467 passengers in August 2019; overall, passenger traffic is down 34 percent year over year.

09/14/2020 By Staff

Solar Energy

Nonprofit Solar Co-Op Launches in Sarasota County

The co-op is free to join and open to homeowners and business owners in Sarasota County.

09/14/2020 By Staff

Come Together

The Merger of Historic Spanish Point With Selby Gardens May Foretell a Trend

We may be seeing more such mergers, given the dire financial situation many nonprofits are finding themselves in.

09/14/2020 By Ilene Denton

History

Flashback: Fishing at Longbeach Village in the 1910s

A look back at simpler times, when fishing off the dock at Longbeach Village's north end was the chief entertainment.

09/14/2020 By Ilene Denton

Tourism

Visit Florida Launches In-State Tourism Marketing Campaign

Set to run through Nov. 22, the integrated campaign aims to inspire Florida pride among residents while introducing them to unique experiences available in-state.

09/11/2020 By Staff

Good Deeds

Achieva Credit Union Donates to Sarasota-Manatee Food Banks

The credit union raised $51,747 for Sarasota's All Faiths Food Bank and $37,479 for Bradenton's Salvation Army.

09/10/2020 By Staff

Grants

Teen Court of Sarasota Receives $15,000 Grant

The funds come from Personalized Estate Liquidation Benefiting Youth, Inc.

09/08/2020 By Staff

Coronavirus

Florida Housing Approves Additional $45 Million in Coronavirus Relief Funds

The funds will be disbursed to local governments to provide those impacted by Covid-19 with rental and mortgage assistance.

09/04/2020 By Staff

Fast Track

Embracing Our Differences Adds To Board of Directors

Christina M. de Guia, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist.

09/03/2020 By Staff

Awards

Child Protection Center Names ‘Child Advocate of the Year’

Danielle Hughes was recognized for her 15 years of advocacy.

09/03/2020 By Staff

Fast Track

Glasser/Schoenbaum Welcomes New Board Members, Board President

Robin Serbin is stepping into the role of board president.

09/03/2020 By Staff

A Line in the Sand

Who Owns Florida's Beaches?

Most Floridians—and our visitors—have no idea that their ability to stroll our beloved beaches is in jeopardy.

09/03/2020 By Isaac Eger

This Is Awesome, Baby!

Dick Vitale Gala Breaks Records, Reaching $5 Million Fundraising Goal

Vitale's V Foundation is on track to raise $7 million for pediatric cancer this year.

09/02/2020 By Staff

Politics

Citizens Can Now Participate Remotely in Sarasota City Commission Meetings

Those interested must pre-register by emailing their request to the City Auditor and Clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on the Thursday prior to each meeting.

09/02/2020 By Staff

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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