Suncoast Searchlight

Judge Rejects Challenge to Controversial Siesta Key Land Swap

The ruling clears the way for a home to be built on property the county once bought to preserve.

02/20/2026 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight

Power Up

The 25 Most Powerful People in Sarasota

From business leaders to activists, elected officials and philanthropists, these are the people shaping Sarasota’s future.

04/02/2025 By Kim Doleatto, Lauren Jackson, Cooper Levey-Baker, and Megan McDonald

Unity Awards

Lee DeLieto Sr. Helps Young People Thrive

“We’re teaching woodworking, plumbing, electrical. That’s crucial, because many of those families need as much income as they can bring home.”

03/03/2025 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Unity Awards

David Shuel Helps People Find Work and Support After Being Incarcerated

“These guys come here and they’re wounded. They’re hurt. They have fear. They’re uncomfortable.”

03/03/2025 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Unity Awards

Dr. Lisa Butler Grain Is Creating a New Generation of Leaders

“Our efforts are rooted in our belief that education is a transformative tool that can change lives.”

03/03/2025 By Megan McDonald

Unity Awards

Sarah Parker Uses Her Voice to Lift up Others

“We replace fear with action. If you want to change something, you consistently work to change that thing.”

03/03/2025 By Megan McDonald

Fast Track

Sarasota Chamber Hires Marlon Brown as Director of Government Affairs

Plus, the Henson Fund names Bianca Harris director of programs, and more.

01/27/2025 By Staff

Year in Review

The Most Notable Real Estate Stories of 2024

New developments galore. A catastrophic hurricane season. Record sales. Headway on affordable housing. It was quite a year for the local real estate market.

12/18/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Nailing It

Camille Heltman Is Living Her Lifelong Dream as a Handywoman

"I can do everything a handyman would do. There’s just not a word for a handywoman in the dictionary.”

06/25/2024 By Megan McDonald

Going the Extra Mile

Erica Wright of Wright Heavy Haul Is a Unique Problem-Solver

Wright says she transports "anything big and weird."

06/25/2024 By Kim Doleatto

In Top Gear

Xpertech Auto Repair Owner Kathleen Callahan Embraces Standing Out

In a ranking of states with the most auto repair shops, Florida is among the top three, but only about 10 percent of people who work in the industry are women.

06/25/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Boldly Going

Atlantic TNG, LLC's Megan Kitchner Is Committed to Moving Forward

“Construction has always been predominantly male, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s a lot of work to be done, and women can do it.”

06/25/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Drinking It In

Clara Robbins Is Florida's First Female Master Distiller

“I never felt like my voice mattered much until I made it matter. I know my value now.”

06/25/2024 By Megan McDonald

Reptile Rock Star

Katie Scaramozzino Shares Her Love of Reptiles Through Critter Club

Scarazmozzino says that her tortoises Radish and Sprout earn some of the most positive responses at events. But Spaghetti, her 5-foot-long boa constrictor, is the star of the show.

06/25/2024 By Lauren Jackson