News & City Life

Stats

Florida Is One of the Biggest EV Markets in the United States

In 2025, EVs made up about 10.5 percent of new vehicle registrations in the state, with more than 250,000 new registered EVs, second only to California.

04/01/2026 By Kim Doleatto

For Land's Sake

A Sarasota Environmental Program Has Saved Miles of Open Space From Bulldozers

But will voters renew it?

04/01/2026 By Brad Edmondson

Made in Sarasota

Artist Patrick Thomas Parnell Has Built a Successful Toy Business Based on His Comic Book Characters

Parnell's North Port home doubles as his toy development studio.

04/01/2026 By Megan McDonald

In Their Own Words

Harvest Church Pastor and Harvest House CEO Dan Minor on Building Community

Minor is the pastor at Harvest Church and president and CEO of Harvest House, putting him at the intersection of faith, housing, mental health and a universal question that’s more relevant than ever: Who gets to belong?

04/01/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Grant Report

Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation Raises $200,000 for Roy McBean Boys & Girls Clubs

Plus, Easterseals Southwest Florida raises more than $1 million at its 80th anniversary gala, and more.

03/30/2026 By Staff

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