Outdoor Activities

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

Bee Smart

'Discover the Wonder of Bees' at a Free, Family-Friendly Event

This Saturday, April 30, beekeepers will lead activity stations with interactive demonstration hives, honey tastings, games, crafts and story time.

04/27/2022 By Samantha Lane

Bay Watch

Help the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Check on Our Seagrass This Weekend

Become a citizen scientist by recording the health and quality of Sarasota Bay seagrass.

04/26/2022 By Allison Forsyth

DIY

Three Local Farms Are Offering You-Pick Opportunities This Spring

Pick your own fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers while the weather's still nice.

04/07/2022 By Samantha Lane

Easy Rider

I Tried Sarasota's New Veo Scooter Rental—and Liked it

The new 'micro-mobility' Veo program lets riders rent bikes and scooters for an hourly rate.

03/28/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Dog Days

11 Dog-Friendly Local Parks to Explore

From Brohard Beach and Paw Park to Bayfront Park on Longboat Key, there's an abundance of dog parks and dog-friendly trails for you and your four-legged friends.

03/25/2022 By Samantha Lane

Nature

Kids Can Participate in This Year's Audubon Christmas Bird Count, Too

The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is hosting a pair of bird count events for kids ages 5-10 in December.

11/24/2021 By Staff

Happy Trails

Five Bike Trails to Please Any Kind of Rider

We’ve found five rides off the beaten path, from urban to rural, inland to coastal, that offer variety in scenery and skill level.

11/01/2021 By Isaac Eger

Chill Out

It's Never Not a Good Time to Visit Florida's Incredible Natural Springs

Central Florida's springs might feel a little chillier than usual this time of year, but they're still an amazing destination.

10/22/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

It's Electric!

Electric Bike Maker Opens New Store in Downtown Sarasota

Krooz's new shop carries the company's five high-end e-bike models.

09/29/2021 By Marc Griffin

Break a sweat

New Outdoor Fitness Class Will Have You Training Like a Gladiator

The free series starts this Saturday and continues weekly through mid-December.

09/20/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Outdoors

Accessible Outdoor Activities for Kids With Disabilities

Sarasota's Parks and Recreation department is ensuring everyone can join in the fun.

09/02/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Walk On

The 'Sarasota Walkers' Walking Group Offers Fitness and Friendship for All

Thirty to 40 people now show up for each walk, looking to make friends or get in some cardio.

08/30/2021 By Allison Forsyth

What I Did on My Summer Vacation

A Week in the Blue Ridge Mountains Was Just What I Needed

And, apparently, it was what a lot of other people from Sarasota needed, too.

08/24/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker