In Their Own Words

Project 180’s Antonia “Toni” Rolle Provides Hope and Help for People During and After Incarceration

Since 2025, Rolle has led the organization in its mission to reintegrate formerly incarcerated individuals into the community.

11/01/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Personal Playbook

Sarasota Art Museum’s Virginia Shearer Shares Some of the Items She Can’t Live Without

Shearer is the executive director of the Sarasota Art Museum. These are a few of her favorite things.

11/01/2026 By Megan McDonald

Vote!

Early Voting Has Started in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

From Oct. 19 through Nov. 1, registered voters in both counties can opt to vote ahead of the Nov. 3 general election at any of these polling places.

10/19/2026 By Staff

Suncoast Searchlight

Candidate Forums Offer Sarasota, Manatee Voters a Chance to Hear From Contenders

Local chapters of the League of Women Voters are hosting a series of nonpartisan candidate forums ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

09/22/2026 By Suncoast Searchlight Staff

Personal Playbook

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Kevin Cooper Shares His Everyday Essentials

Cooper is vice president for communications and strategic initiatives at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. These are a few of his favorite things.

09/01/2026 By Susan Burrns

In Their Own Words

Bhante San on Mindfulness, Self-Acceptance and His Long Journey From a Sri Lankan Monastery

"If you can truly practice mindfulness and get in touch with your heart, you will find love and kindness within you.”

09/01/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Suncoast Searchlight

Local Voters Mostly Stick With Establishment, Developer-Backed Candidates in Primary

Because the majority of the state—including both Sarasota and Manatee counties—is solidly Republican, the GOP primaries usually put winning candidates on a clear path to victory in the November general election. But there were some surprises.

08/19/2026 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight and Christian Casale/Suncoast Searchlight

Vote!

How to Vote in the August 18 Primary in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Florida is a closed primary state. Here's what to know before you head to the polls.

08/17/2026

In Their Own Words

CreArte Latino Managing Director Cinthia Peña on Building Pride, Acceptance and Community

“We Latinos, we have warm hearts. We’re an open book. We invite everyone to come see what we do, collaborate with us, volunteer with us.”

07/06/2026 By Kendall Southworth

BRANDED CONTENT

Women of Impact

Explore the inspiring stories of Sarasota's 2026 Women of Impact—leaders, innovators and changemakers making a meaningful difference in our community.

07/01/2026 Photography by Barbara Banks