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

Branded Content

Women of Impact 2026: Tina Granthon

Beacon of Hope

07/01/2026

Branded Content

Women of Impact 2026: Marlene Hauck & Amie Austin, Ph.D.

Executive Director & Board Member, Sunshine From Darkness

07/01/2026

Branded Content

Women of Impact 2026: Lindsey M. Strozier

Integrity Wealth Management, Inc.

07/01/2026

Branded Content

Women of Impact 2026: Lee-Ann Frost & Carina Corry

Founder/CEO & Director of Marketing and Development, SOL IV Wellness

07/01/2026

Branded Content

Women of Impact 2026: Katy Wendel

Vice President of Care Delivery Innovation, CAN Community Health

07/01/2026

Branded Content

Women of Impact 2026: Katy McBrayer-Lynch & Heather Todd

Board Member & CEO, Teen Court of Sarasota, Inc.

07/01/2026

Branded Content

Women of Impact 2026: Kamala Martinez

Chief Executive Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast

07/01/2026

Branded Content

Women of Impact 2026: Jessica Hays & Shelley H.A. Walters-Walker

President/CEO & Board Chair, SPARCC

07/01/2026

Branded Content

Women of Impact 2026: Jade Davis

Partner, Technology, Data Privacy, Cybersecurity & AI Service Line Leader, Shumaker

07/01/2026

Branded Content

Women of Impact 2026: Barbara H. Gormley, Esq.

Personal Injury Attorney, The Law Office of Barbara H. Gormley, P.A.

07/01/2026

Branded Content

Women of Impact 2026: Alicia Weaver

Founder, Life Refined Management

07/01/2026

Awards

Sarasota Magazine Wins 15 Florida Magazine Association Awards

The magazine was recognized for writing, design, photography and digital excellence.

06/09/2026

In Their Own Words

Manasota ASALH Executive Director Jada Wright-Greene on the Vitality of the Past and How We Can Preserve It

"If we want real history preserved, we have to actively support the organizations doing that work."

06/01/2026 By Kendall Southworth