News & City Life

Fast Track

Ringling Museum Hires Head of Art Library Services

Plus, Ron Allen is recognized with the Community Spirit Award by Manatee Community Foundation, and more.

03/30/2026 By Staff

Taking It to the Streets

Photos: Organizers Say Approximately 9,000 People Showed Up at Downtown Sarasota's 'No Kings Day' Protest

Protestors also gathered at University Town Center, Venice and Englewood.

03/30/2026 Photography by Damon Powers

Suncoast Searchlight

Golf Deal Fallout Deepens Divisions in the Meadows

Weeks after a controversial vote to lease hundreds of acres of golf courses and green space to a subsidiary of Benderson Development, divisions inside The Meadows have deepened beyond the deal itself.

03/27/2026 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight

Need to Know

Sarasota Is in an Extreme Drought Right Now

And there's no rain in sight.

03/26/2026 By Megan McDonald

Politics

Will Sydney Gruters Run for Congress?

Gruters, the executive director and vice president of advancement at the New College of Florida Foundation and wife of Republican National Committee chair Joe Gruters, just got a ringing endorsement from Donald Trump.

03/25/2026 By Kendall Southworth

🫣🫣🫣

AccuWeather Releases 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast

Plus, NOAA is updating its "cone of uncertainty" for 2026.

03/25/2026 By Megan McDonald

Mira Mar Recast

Plans for Luxury Condos Behind the Historic Mira Mar Plaza Move Ahead

After years of debate over demolition, preservation and height, the Palm Avenue project is now entering its sales phase with plans for two 18-story towers behind the restored historic structure. Prices will start in the high $3 millions.

03/24/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Suncoast Searchlight

Less Sunshine, More Secrecy as Florida Limits Public Records Access

Florida lawmakers introduced more than 50 bills this session to limit access to public records, but fewer than 10 passed. Still, open government advocates say the measures that did clear the Legislature could significantly restrict transparency.

03/23/2026 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight and Alice Herman/Suncoast Searchlight

Leadership Reset

John Annis to Lead Barancik Foundation After Board Determined Previous CEO 'Wasn't a Long-Term Fit'

John Brothers departs after less than four months at the helm of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.

03/20/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Suncoast Searchlight

Sarasota Erased Downtown Art Without Public Notice. Now Artists Are Seeking Damages.

Nine artists have filed claims against the city of Sarasota, alleging their rights were violated when officials removed pavement art in response to a state directive from the Florida Department of Transportation.

03/20/2026 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight and Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

Fast Track

Big Waters Land Trust Adds Two Team Members, Promotes One

Plus, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties names its Youth of the Year, and more.

03/16/2026 By Staff

Awards

Meet Three Local People Fighting for the Future of Our Region

This year's Climate Adaptation Center Climate Champions are Charlie Hunsicker, Sara Kane and F. John LaCivita.

03/12/2026 By Kendall Southworth

River Revival

Bringing Oysters Back to the Manatee River

A Palmetto project is restoring oyster reefs to improve water quality and rebuild habitat in the Manatee River.

03/10/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Fast Track

Anne Washburn Receives Hermitage Major Theater Award

Plus, 99 Bottles is named a top beer bar in the country, and more.

03/09/2026 By Staff

Grant Report

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Receives $1 Million Gift

Plus, Embracing Our Differences raises more than $430,000 at its annual luncheon, and more.

03/09/2026 By Staff

Update

The Florida Senate Pulls Back on USF Sarasota-Manatee Transfer

The Senate Appropriations Committee adopted a “delete everything” amendment on the plan to transfer campus facilities to New College of Florida.

03/05/2026 By Susan Burns

Grant Report

Barancik Foundation Awards Nearly $11.3 Million in Grants

Plus, Rep. Vern Buchanan announces more than $22 million in Community Project Funding for Florida's 16th District, and more.

03/02/2026 By Staff

Fast Track

Former Tervis CEO Hosana Fieber Named Williams Parker COO

Plus, three local Girl Scouts win a national award, and more.

03/02/2026 By Staff

In Their Own Words

Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Julian Phillips on Media, Food and Conversation

Phillips' career includes stints in national TV news and a year leading communications for the NYPD.

03/02/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Flashback

Photo: Betty Hutton Filming 'The Greatest Show on Earth,' March 1951

This month marks the 75th anniversary of the Academy Award-winning film, which was shot right here in Sarasota.

03/02/2026 By Megan McDonald