News & City Life

Beach Battle

In 1990, Sarasota Waged War on Thongs, Leading to Outrage, Protests and National Media Attention

Three decades ago, the city was divided in two by a narrow wedge issue: bare bottoms on beaches.

09/29/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Fast Track

Climate Adaptation Center Names New Senior Scientist

Plus, Amanda Kison is named president of the Sarasota County Bar Association and more.

09/25/2023 By Staff

Island Time

What's Going on With the Parking for the New St. Regis on Longboat Key?

The developer has hit the brakes on lifts and a garage to focus on ground-level idea.

09/25/2023 By Eric Garwood/Community News Collaborative

Quiet Luxury

The Electric Vehicle Revolution Is Here. What Does It Mean for Sarasota?

There are now more than 3 million EVs on American roads, with more to come.

09/25/2023 By Matthew Gutierrez

Who Knew?

There's a Baton Twirling World Championship, and an Athlete From Sarasota Just Competed in It

Sarasota's Samantha Merigliano and her team Forte represented the United States in the global competition held in Liverpool, England.

09/21/2023 By Emma Moneuse

Flashback

Sarasota Native Lois Duncan Wrote 'I Know What You Did Last Summer'

The book went on to become a popular slasher film in 1997.

09/19/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Elections

New Voting Rules Prompt Workarounds in Sarasota, Manatee

Critics of SB 7050 say the new law creates unnecessary hurdles for voters, including increasing penalties for clerical errors made by third-party voter registration groups and forcing voters who want to vote by mail to reapply before every election.

09/18/2023 By Jim DeLa/Community News Collaborative

Mic Drop

'Mean' Gene Okerlund, Wrestling’s Greatest Interviewer, Had a Decades-Long Love Affair With Sarasota

Okerlund began visiting Sarasota in the 1970s and later lived in Osprey's Oaks Club year-round.

09/17/2023 By Clayton Trutor

Walking on Sunshine

Long-Awaited Project Bridges Pinecraft Community

The Pinecraft Pedestrian Bridge connects the Phillippi Creek Levee Trail to the county-owned property at the end of Graber Avenue.

09/14/2023 By Sarah Owens/Community News Collaborative

Grant Report

PGT Innovations Announces $11 Million-Plus Grant of Equity to More Than 5,000 Employees

Plus, Barancik Foundation grants All Faiths Food Bank almost $2.5 million, KFC's Kentucky Fried wishes program awards Resilient Retreat $10,000, and more.

09/11/2023 By Staff

Listening to Black Voices

Former MLB Player Jeremy Shelby on Identity, Opportunity and Giving Yourself Grace

Shelby is the founder, president and head of directors at Sarasota's Elite Life Management, a wealth advisory company.

09/11/2023 By Heather Dunhill

Save the Reefs

Mote Opens Caribbean King Crab Hatchery in an Effort to Save Florida’s Coral Reefs

Caribbean king crabs scour reefs for algae, curb algal growth and crabs foster a healthier environment for coral growth and settlement.

09/11/2023 By Staff

Weather Patterns

Hurricane Lee Is a Harbinger of Storms to Come

Lee has set a record as the quickest system to intensify from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in Atlantic hurricane season history.

09/08/2023 By Bob Bunting

9/11

Annual 9/11 Event Moves from USF Sarasota-Manatee

Dormitory construction prompted the change in plan and relocation to Sarasota National Cemetery.

09/07/2023 By Community News Collaborative

Under Pressure

Can Historic Towles Court Survive the Real Estate Boom?

As property values soar and demand for downtown real estate hits an all-time high, it’s hard not to wonder if a historic community like Towles Court can endure.

09/07/2023 By Stephanie Churn Lubow Photography by Hannah Phillips

History

Who Says Nothing Happens in Sarasota in September?

Reports of September's slowness have been greatly exaggerated.

09/06/2023

Strike Up the Banned

Bookseller Tiffany Razzano Relishes Dealing in Banned Titles

Razzano's store, This Bookstore Kills Fascists, has set up shop in Sarasota with a selection of “anything they don't want you to read in school.’’

08/31/2023 By Jim DeLa/Community News Collaborative

Idalia

Here's an Update on Which Local Parks Are Open

Due to boats that have crashed ashore, buckled sidewalks, fallen light poles and damaged piers, some parks remain closed.

08/31/2023 By Staff

Education

Evacuation Centers Close in Sarasota County, Schools Plan to Reopen Tomorrow

Sarasota County schools serving as Idalia evacuation centers have closed and are prepping for school reopening tomorrow. The School District of Manatee County is still determining its reopening date.

08/30/2023 By Staff