First Person

'Listening to Black Voices' Shares Stories of Black Life in Sarasota-Manatee

The series reveals the obstacles and triumphs of navigating a nation that continues to struggle with racism and inequality.

01/14/2022

Unity Awards

Harvest House CEO Erin Minor Helps People in Crisis

Harvest House now has eight campuses with emergency shelters, transitional housing and 25 affordable rentals in Sarasota-Manatee.

01/04/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Unity Awards

Former MLB Star Ian Desmond and Biz Pro Vince Northfield Help Underserved Youth

Their nonprofit uses the sport to teach healthy living, leadership and inclusion.

01/04/2022 By Susan Burns

Unity Awards

Rev. Dr. Wes Bixby Is Making Church a Place of Diversity and Inclusion

“The church and Christianity haven’t been and still aren’t always a safe place for folks. We know it takes a tremendous amount of courage to cross the threshold."

01/04/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Unity Awards

Mary Tavarozzi Gives LGBTQ Youth a Place to Socialize

"I wanted to make sure Florida youth didn’t become a statistic in terms of self-harm or addiction or homelessness. I want them to know they can live life out and proud here.”

01/04/2022 By Megan McDonald

Unity Awards

Nancy Parrish Is Reforming the Military Justice System

Parrish's Protect Our Defenders is the preeminent organization dedicated to ending the epidemic of sexual violence, victim retaliation and racism in the military.

01/04/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Unity Awards

Carolina Franco Is Building a Hub for the Spanish-Speaking Community

Franco welcomes people of all ages to CreArte Latino Cultural Center, where she serves as co-founder, president and artistic director.

01/04/2022 By Kay Kipling

Unity Awards

Streets of Paradise's Greg Cruz Fights Homelessness in Sarasota-Manatee

“Anywhere that we can help with this homeless crisis, we will be on the frontlines. No questions asked.”

01/04/2022 By Marc Griffin

Unity Awards

With Rise & Nye's, Beaver Shriver Created a Workplace of Dignity for People With Developmental Disabilities

“It’s a human rights movement disguised as a coffee and ice cream shop."

01/04/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Come Together

Our 2022 Unity Award Winners Understand the Power of Belonging

We are a better place because of their passion and commitment.

01/04/2022

You Must Remember Hiss

Brilliant, Imperious and Public-Spirited, Philip Hiss Helped Establish Sarasota’s Claims to Fame

Of all the fabulous characters who made Sarasota what it is today, Hiss is the great mystery.

12/14/2021 By Robert Plunket

Code Blue

Palmetto Middle Schooler Creates Life-Saving 'Code Blue' App

Thirteen-year-old Jace Billingsley's Code Blue App helps doctors and nurses save lives of patients in cardiac arrest.

12/09/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Winning Sunset

A Photo of the Venice Pier Recently Won a Global Online Contest

For one month, Liesl Walsh's picture is on display on a billboard on I-4 between Orlando and Lakeland.

11/24/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Turkey Talk

What Not to Say at Thanksgiving Dinner This Year

Etiquette advisor Olympia Baylou of Blooming Impressions helps us with the art of holiday conversations.

11/22/2021 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Awards

Equality Florida Honors Realm Restaurant Group

Sharon Carole and Christopher Covelli each received the Voice for Equality Award.

11/19/2021 By Staff

Awards

Sarasota Audubon President Win Prestigious National Audubon Society Award

Jeanne Dubi has been awarded a Charles H. Callison Award, which is only given out to two people every year.

11/17/2021 By Staff

Health News

SMH Oncology Tower Opens; Dick Vitale Among First Patients

The tower is the second phase and centerpiece of several facilities that make up Sarasota Memorial’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute.

11/16/2021 By Megan McDonald

Awards

Big Brothers Big Sisters Names 2021 Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year

They are John Barringer and Ashley Tinker.

11/15/2021 By Staff

Fast Track

Attorney Jade Davis Named to National Black Lawyers '40 Under 40' List

Davis is a member of Shumaker’s litigation and disputes service line in Sarasota.

10/11/2021 By Staff

Rocktogenerians

The Rockstars Who Live in Sarasota Right Now

These golden oldies have taken up at least part-time residence in the region.

10/07/2021 By Isaac Eger