News & City Life

Unity Awards

Megan Howell Gives Unhoused People With Mental Illness a Chance to Get Back on Their Feet

"Mental illness isn't a choice, and we provide love and support for our clients even on their worst days."

01/09/2023 By Laura Paquette

No workin'

Central Cocoanut Residents Are Fighting to Keep a Car Wash Out of Their Backyards

Tommy's Express Car Wash is proposing a new location in the historic Central Cocoanut neighborhood, just north of downtown Sarasota. But residents are pushing back.

01/06/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Image Is Everything

What the New City Seal Says About Sarasota's Possible Future

Reading the tea leaves of the city's new look.

01/04/2023 By Isaac Eger

A Look Back

The Top 10 Most-Read Stories of 2022

Hurricane Ian, the ongoing pandemic, controversial locals and more—here's a look back at the year that was.

12/30/2022 By Megan McDonald

Flashback

A Glimpse of Sarasota From the Air in 1923

Here's a chance to look back on the changes that this city has experienced over the past century.

12/30/2022 By Bethany Ritz

Good News

The Best Local Feel-Good Stories of 2022

We rounded up a bunch of stories from 2022 that made us smile. We hope they do they same for you.

12/29/2022 By Megan McDonald

Best of the Year

Our Favorite Photos of 2022

From emotional portraits to striking natural beauty to one hilarious lemur, here are some of the best photos we ran in 2022.

12/29/2022 By Staff

Top 10 in 2022

10 Great Reads From a Year Full of Them

Our editor-in-chief picks some of his favorite stories from 2022.

12/28/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Retro Cool

A New Midcentury Modern Furniture Store Opens in Gulf Gate

A local couple breathes new life into the local vintage furniture market at the newly opened Retro Revival SRQ store.

12/26/2022 By Laura Paquette

Listen Up

A Sarasota Magazine Unity Award Winner and Editor Discuss the Battle for the Right to Vote

Local activist Demetrius Jifunza and Sarasota Magazine associate editor Isaac Eger appeared on WSLR 96.5 on Wednesday to talk about felons' voting rights.

12/22/2022 By Staff

Flashback

Santa Comes to Town by Boat, 1965

He says, "Ho, ho, ho for the kids on the coast."

12/22/2022 By Bethany Ritz

Lighten Up

Our Resident Grinch Goes to See the Christmas Lights at Cedar Hollow

But does he find Yuletide cheer?

12/22/2022 By Isaac Eger

Conservation

Conservation Foundation Protects 8 Acres in Charlotte County

The newly conserved land is adjacent to Don Pedro Island State Park.

12/19/2022 Photography by Staff

Fast Track

Melissa Harris Named Commercial Realtor of the Year by Local Realtor Association

Plus, Longboat Key's Fire Station #92 receives two national awards.

12/19/2022 By Staff

On the Radio

Activist Demetrius Jifunza Will Discuss Amendment 4, Voting Rights With Legal Aid of Manasota

Jifunza was instrumental in the passage of Amendment 4, which restores voting rights to more than 1 million people in Florida previously convicted of felonies.

12/19/2022 By Staff

Listening to Black Voices

Rev. Larry Green Sr. on the Church's Role in the Black Community and the Hope in Helping Others

"Allowing people to express their anger, frustration and/or sadness can help them find comfort and strength."

12/19/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Flashback

Florida Woman Happily Reads Daily News Story About Winter Storms Up North, 1940

Our smug enjoyment of good weather while the North freezes goes back decades.

12/19/2022 By Bethany Ritz

Art for all

Will You Be The Free Little Art Gallery's Next Curator?

Sarasota's Free Little Art Gallery is closing its tiny doors on Dec. 25. Founder Judy Robertson is looking for its new home.

12/19/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Let it Snow

Richardia Grandiflora Is a Different Kind of Florida Snow

The perennial flower is invasive and lawn enthusiasts hate it—but is the controversial plant actually good?

12/19/2022 By Isaac Eger

Politics

The Sarasota County School Board Votes Out Superintendent Brennan Asplen

At last night's meeting, board members voted 4-1 to move forward with a separation agreement with Asplen.

12/14/2022 By Kim Doleatto