Outdoor Activities

Wet and Wild

Six Saltwater Sports You Have to Try

Here's everything you need to know to book a rousing day on the water.

09/05/2023 By Hannah Wallace

Ice Cold

How to Pack the Perfect Beach Cooler

Head into the summer sun prepped and ready, but don't forget to sneak some Cheetos into your beach tote.

06/23/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Splash!

Cool Off at These Seven Fantastic Splash Parks

It’s hot, the days are long and the kids are out of school. We’ve got seven great places to let off steam.

05/30/2023 Edited by Susan Burns

A Rant

No One Wants to Listen to Your Playlist at the Beach

It's legal, but it's a jerk move to play music on the public beach, where no tune is sweeter than the sound of the waves.

05/26/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Foiled Again

What's an eFoil and Is It Worth the Cost?

We tried the expensive new water toy that Silicon Valley dads are loving.

05/10/2023 By Isaac Eger

Earth Day Delights

How to Celebrate Earth Day in Sarasota-Manatee

From a scrub jay festival to tree giveaways, these events provide inspiration—or a sapling that will keep the celebration going year-round.

04/19/2023 By Bethany Ritz

Spring Forward

Warm Mineral Springs Reopens, With a Potential New Future to Ponder

After six months of closure due to Hurricane Ian, North Port's Warm Mineral Springs is back—and plans for a public-private partnership that sees a wellness resort on-site are now on the table.

04/06/2023 By Kim Doleatto

High Winds

Photos: Sarasota Youth Sailing’s Annual Sailfest Regatta

This past weekend, the 35th annual regatta drew more than 250 young sailors to race off the shore of the Sarasota Sailing Squadron and Ken Thompson Park.

04/03/2023 By Kim Doleatto

For the Love of the Sea Cow

Red Tide Is Affecting Manatees. What We Can Do to Help?

Red tide levels might have lessened for now, but the bloom is expected to persist. These gentle giants need our help.

03/21/2023 By Bethany Ritz

Digital Pirate

Rent Other People's Boats or Cash in on Yours With This App

Also known as "Airbnb for boats," the GetMyBoat app connects boat owners and water lovers with a few online clicks and by-the-hour renting.

03/15/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Flashback

Sarasota Sailing Regatta, 1961

With plenty of sailing events happening regularly here, here's a look back at a regatta from 1961.

01/27/2023 By Bethany Ritz

The Gift of Color

Selby Gardens’ Upcoming Exhibition Brings to Life the Vivid Designs of Louis Comfort Tiffany

Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature opens Sunday, Feb. 12.

01/25/2023 By Kay Kipling

Hope Floats

Local Angler Chasten Whitfield Takes Differently Abled Youth Fishing on Her New TV Show

Filming is almost complete on the inspiring show's second season.

01/23/2023 By Emma Moneuse

Red Alert

How Bad Is Red Tide at Our Beaches?

The latest red tide reports might affect your weekend beach plans. Here's where it's safe to swim.

01/06/2023 By Isaac Eger

Beach Update

High Levels of Red Tide Are Present at Many Sarasota Beaches. So Where Is It Safe to Go?

Dead fish, scratchy throats and unpleasant smells have been reported at Sarasota County beaches. Here's where it's safe to swim.

12/02/2022 By Isaac Eger

Sandy gallery

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic Is Back

Professional and amateur sand masters at the 2022 international sand sculpting competition are primed to make jaws drops Nov. 12-14.

11/01/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Beaches

How Seriously Should We Take No-Swim Advisories?

After a recent spate of no-swim advisories, we asked the Florida Department of Health what causes them and what precautions we need to take.

08/25/2022 By Bethany Ritz

Seaside Sprints

Free Kids' Summer Beach Runs Return to Sarasota This Month

June marks the return of the family-friendly and free Sarasota youth beach runs at Siesta Beach and Brohard Beach.

06/02/2022 By Chloe Nelson

Pool season

How to Keep Your Kids Safe Around the Water This Summer

One of the owners of Aqua-Tots Swim Schools shares four simple tips to keep in mind.

05/18/2022 By Samantha Lane

Outdoor Adventures

Celebrate Mother's Day Outdoors at One of These Six Gorgeous Destinations

Sometimes, all Mom wants on Mother's Day is some peace and quiet in the great outdoors. Here are some local spots you should hit up this Sunday.

05/06/2022 By Allison Forsyth