In the Spotlight

Three Sarasota Restaurants Just Got Nods from the Michelin Guide

Lucky 8 received a Bib Gourmand award and Tralia and Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery are now "Michelin recommended."

05/29/2026 By Megan McDonald

More Suncoast Families Need Help Earlier. Easterseals Southwest Florida Answers That Call.

Summer SunSHINE, free autism screenings, Lily Preschool enrollment and the new Malcolm Family Autism Center of Excellence

05/29/2026

Last Call

Two Local Breweries Are Shuttering

It's been a tough few months for the local craft beer scene.

05/28/2026 By Megan McDonald

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

Summer gets an early start this weekend with live jazz, reggae, roller derby, a Pride Month kickoff concert, outdoor art, family pool parties and a few quieter ways to spend the day, from birding to handmade cards and Florida-inspired art.

05/28/2026 By Kim Doleatto

ArtsBeat

Squeaky Wheel Fringe Gives Artists a Platform to Experiment and Play

Nine new local and national shows will be presented in Squeaky Wheel's fourth festival.

05/26/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

En Garde

Para Fencing Brings International Competition to Bradenton

The rare U.S. event at IMG Academy will bring 170 athletes from more than 20 countries to Bradenton for four days of fast, tactical competition.

05/26/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Suncoast Searchlight

Sarasota Fight to Save Century-Old Downtown Building Pits History Versus Development

The fate of a more than century-old downtown Sarasota building could be headed to court following a last-ditch effort from a preservation group trying to stop it from being razed for luxury condos.

05/26/2026 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight

Real Estate Report

Sarasota-Manatee Home Sales Rise as Inventory Tightens and Median Prices Hold Steady

April data shows stronger buyer activity across single-family homes and condos in both counties, with Sarasota’s condo market posting the sharpest jump in sales.

05/19/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Walker Run

Sarasota School Icon Paul Rudolph’s Walker Guest House Is for Sale for $2 Million in L.A.

The original Sanibel retreat, designed by Rudolph in 1952, has resurfaced in Los Angeles, reopening memories of Rudolph's timeless design as well as a beloved replica that once stood on The Ringling Museum grounds.

05/19/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Dolce Vita

A Montreal Teacher Is Bringing Pistachio Cannoli, Affogato and Amalfi Sunshine to Sarasota

Tracy Calabrice is leaving the classroom to open Amalfi Bakehouse on Siesta Drive, with a rotating selection of Italian-inspired cookies, filled-to-order cannoli, house-made gelato and an espresso bar built around a slower, sweeter idea of café life.

05/18/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Red Red Rose

Want a Rose Garden Like Mable Ringling's? We Asked The Ringling's Landscape Pros for Tips.

It's not the easiest plant to grow in Florida, but care and attention will result in fragrant flushes of flowers for years to come.

05/15/2026 By Megan McDonald

Don't Bug Out

Sarasota County Launches First-of-Its-Kind Malaria Surveillance

A new building in Nokomis puts Sarasota at the forefront of mosquito-borne disease prevention, launching what officials say is the first malaria surveillance program of its kind in the state—and maybe even the country.

05/14/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Eat More Plants

A Sarasota Influencer Just Won a Huge Vegan Media Award

Kreg Sterns runs Big Box Vegan, where he posts daily updates on vegan snacks from big box retailers across the country.

05/13/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Buy, Sell, Sarasota

Sarasota County Is Getting Its Own Monopoly Board

Sarasota is about to find out what it looks like in Monopoly form. The public is invited to send in landmark suggestions.

05/12/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Coming Attractions

The Ringling Announces Its 2026-2027 Art of Performance Lineup

Spanning Grammy-nominated vocalists, puppetry, experimental dance and contemporary circus, this year’s Art of Performance series continues the museum’s commitment to adventurous, interdisciplinary live art.

05/12/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Grant Report

Bishop Museum Receives $450,000 Grant to Support Manatee Rehabilitation Work

Plus, Laurel Civic Association receives a $100,000 impact grant from the Plantation Community Foundation, and more.

05/11/2026 By Staff

Fast Track

Sarasota Chamber VP Named Florida Association of Chamber Professionals’ 'Professional of the Year'

Plus, Gulf Coast Community Foundation announces its 2026 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute class, and more.

05/11/2026 By Staff

Palm Reading

Sarasota Commissioners Reject Controversial Palm Avenue Tower Again

City commissioners voted 4-1 to reject a mediated settlement for the 1260 N. Palm Residences, keeping alive a fight over height, compatibility and the future of Palm Avenue.

05/05/2026 By Kim Doleatto

ArtsBeat

Ringling's 'MicroWIP@TheHat' Fosters New Work by Local Artists

The program provides rehearsal space, a stipend and a performance showcase.

05/05/2026 By Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

Flock Is Watching

The City of Sarasota Is Experimenting With Surveillance Technology

Is the loss of privacy worth more safety?

05/04/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Sarasota Magazine

Courtesy Photo