Buzz-Worthy

Gayle Goodfriend Turned a Decade-Long Hobby Into a Thriving Honey Business

Goodfriend works from a five-acre homestead in Manatee County where approximately 400,000 bees feast on nearby saw palmettos, sable palms and Brazilian peppertrees.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Straight Off the Boat

Maggie's Seafood Hauls Fresh Catches to Multiple Markets

Married owners Maggie and Gary Balch sell 500 pounds of seafood at both the Sarasota and Venice farmers markets.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Hot Pockets

Empanada Girl Has Grown From a Small DIY Operation Into a Massive Farmers Market Attraction

Every week, Stefania Fochi and her team make nearly 5,000 empanadas in 25 different flavor combinations

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

The Smell of Success

The Owner of Nick B’s Chimichurri Wins Over Customers With an Ingenious Marketing Technique

“This year we sold $700,000 in chimichurri around the country,” says Maria Barrajo. “I just love to sell. I could sell you a camel in Miami."

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Blowing Minds

Bill Nelms Wants You to Know That Mushrooms Aren’t Just for Eating Anymore

“We sell about 400 pounds of mushrooms a week," Nelms says.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Love and Other Drugs

Eight Local Valentine's Day Gifts Your Loved One Will Actually Like

From cheeky candles to pretty lingerie to a psychic trolley tour, there's something for everyone.

02/12/2025 By Megan McDonald

Love Where You Live!

11 Local Neighborhoods Where Everything Is Changing

Our region has grown like crazy in recent years, but growth can look very different depending on your neighborhood.

01/13/2025 By Kim Doleatto, Lauren Jackson, Megan McDonald, and Cooper Levey-Baker

Let's Taco 'Bout It

Casa Masa's Second Location Officially Opens This Weekend in The Landings

Chef Rob DiSilvio's new location has been in soft-open mode this week, ahead of the opening. The new restaurant features an expanded menu and a full bar, with a raft of creative cocktails designed by former Pangea owner Brad Coburn.

01/08/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Year in Review

The Most Compelling Local News Stories of 2024

As the year comes to an end, we take a look back at the stories that defined our region in 2024.

12/30/2024 By Megan McDonald

Year in Review

Our Top Food Stories of 2024

From the closings of the beloved Hob Nob and South Trail Outback to Michelin-starred restaurants and exciting new Asian offerings, there was always something happening in the food scene this year.

12/20/2024 By Lauren Jackson

2024 Year in Review

A Look Back at Some of Our Best Stories of 2024

Editor in chief Cooper Levey-Baker selects his personal favorites.

12/19/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Rainbow Connection

The Limelight District's New LGBTQ+ Center Will Host a Grand Opening on Friday

Located in the Limelight District, northeast of downtown Sarasota, the center will offer a roster of services and workshops spanning mental health to gardening.

12/13/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Play Ball!

Spring Training Tickets Are on Sale Now

Grab your tickets for Orioles, Pirates and Braves games.

12/06/2024 By Staff

Stay Warm

Sarasota County Is Opening a Cold Weather Shelter in North Port Tonight and Tomorrow

Good-bye, hurricane season—hello, winter?

12/02/2024 By Staff

The Climate Connection

Climate Change Is Making Extreme Weather More Common and More Dangerous

This year's storms were the latest in a string of extreme weather events that have struck our area in recent years.

11/20/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Aftermath

Local Residents and Business Owners Pick Up the Pieces After a Catastrophic Hurricane Season

“You jump the first hurdle, then get a giant kick to the gut. That’s what’s been so traumatizing.”

11/20/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Outdoor Adventures

It's Election Day. Let's Go Take a Hike.

Stop refreshing your social media feeds and recharge in nature at Oscar Scherer State Park or Myakka River State Park.

11/05/2024 By Allison Forsyth

A Star Is Reborn

After Being Closed for More Than a Month, Cortez's Star Fish Company Will Reopen Tomorrow

"It’s never looked better," says owner Karen Bell.

10/30/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Hurricane Milton

Baltimore Orioles Make $250,000 Initial Donation to Hurricane Relief Campaign

The team is donating the money to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County's Season of Sharing campaign and will match every additional dollar up to $250,000. If $500,000 is reached, The Patterson Foundation will provided an additional $100,000.

10/16/2024 By Staff

Fly Away Home

Rufa, the Ritz-Carlton's Newest Restaurant, Is Open

Rufa specializes in shareable dishes accompanied by craft cocktails in an outdoor setting.

09/30/2024 By Lauren Jackson