News & City Life

Smart City

Meet the Innovators and Professionals Shaping Our AI Ecosystem

A diverse and steadily growing group of innovators—from architecture and education to law and venture building—are immersed in the region’s emerging AI world.

01/04/2026 By Brian Hartz, Susan Burns, and Lauren Jackson

The Other Downtowns

Looking for New Downtown Districts to Explore? Try These Five Nearby City Centers

Within an hour of Sarasota’s Main Street, we found five downtowns, each with its own rhythm and its own kind of welcome.

01/04/2026 By Lauren Jackson, Susan Burns, and Kim Doleatto

Flashback

Photo: Anna Maria City Pier, 1924

The pier—which was built in 1911—is currently being restored after sustaining major damage from the 2024 hurricane season. It's expected to be "substantially complete" in April.

01/02/2026 By Megan McDonald

Did That Really Happen?

Recent You-Can’t-Make-Them-Up Headlines From Sarasota

Political hypocrisy, unexpected treasure, a tightrope walk triumph and more.

01/02/2026

Nip/Tuck

Mar-a-Lago Face? Not in Sarasota.

Locals are eschewing drastic plastic surgery trends in favor of more subtle de-aging procedures.

01/02/2026 By Hannah Wallace

Take Off

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport’s New Chief Paul Hoback Has Big Plans for the Future

Airports, Hoback believes, are both economic engines and relationship builders. “It’s the pursuit of world peace and prosperity,” he says. “That’s what we get to do for a living.”

01/02/2026 By Megan McDonald

Walk This Way

Dogs Inc. Provides Those in Need With Trained Guide, Service and Companion Dogs

Dogs Inc. serves people from all over the U.S., pairing them with their perfect pup at no cost, complete with lifetime training, veterinary care and nutrition needs.

01/02/2026 By Lauren Jackson

In Their Own Words

Maribel 'Belle' Stikeleather Helps Neurodivergent People Find Community

Stikeleather’s passion for the cause grew from a journey that began as a special education teacher in her native Philippines and the United Arab Emirates and later as a coach and clinical director in California.

01/02/2026 By Stephanie Churn Lubow

Bundle Up

Cold Weather Shelters Opening Tonight in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Temperatures are expected to dip into the low 40s, with wind chills in the 20s.

12/30/2025 By Megan McDonald

Grant Report

Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards $445,000 in Community Impact Grants

Plus, the U.S. Department of Transportation awards $280,000 to the City of Bradenton for road-safety initiatives, and more.

12/29/2025 By Staff

Best of Sarasota

Our 10 Most Popular Stories of 2025

Out of everything we published this year, here's what you clicked on most.

12/23/2025 By Megan McDonald

Fast Track

Mike Rahn Re-Elected Chairman of Manatee County Port Authority

Plus, Mote adds four to its board of trustees, and more.

12/22/2025 By Staff

Merry and Bright

Nine Stunning Local Christmas Trees to Go See This Holiday Season

Need a break from the blue light of your computer or phone screen as we head into the holidays? Try these lights instead.

12/19/2025 By Megan McDonald Photography by Damon Powers

💚💚💚

PINC 2025 Was a Reminder of the Power of Human Connection

The most creative weekend in Sarasota returned for a sold-out conference, outdoor dinner and a Saturday festival featuring murals, BMX, a holiday market, food and toy drives, and more.

12/18/2025 By Staff

St. Armands Moment

Sarasota County Approves $13.5 Million in Funding for St. Armands Circle

The money, from the Resilient SRQ Infrastructure Program, a HUD disaster recovery initiative tied to last year's storms, comes as private reinvestment plans are proposed for the Circle.

12/18/2025 By Kim Doleatto