Essential Intelligence

The Long, Complicated Story Behind Sarasota's New Lift Station

Ever wondered what that new brick building on Mound Street is? Here's what you need to know.

08/16/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Big Top, Big Plans

Big Top Brewing Is Taking Over the Cock & Bull

The legendary Sarasota beer bar, which is closed for renovations, will reopen later this summer as Big Top's tasting room.

07/14/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Government

Sarasota County Fire Chief Lifting Recreational Burn Ban

Seasonal rain patterns have begun, and officials say they are seeing a reduction in the wildfire threat throughout Sarasota County.

06/17/2021 By Staff

Politics

New Rules for 'Hotel Houses' Receive Final Approval

The new rules limit the number of guests who can spend the night in a vacation rental and require the owners of the properties to register with the city.

05/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Politics

Sarasota Moves Ahead With New Rules for 'Hotel Houses'

The regulations are intended to curtail large-scale vacation rentals on Lido and St. Armands keys.

04/07/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Politics

Will Sarasota Crack Down on 'Hotel Houses'?

Next week, the Sarasota City Commission will debate implementing new rules to regulate vacation rentals that residents say are ruining their neighborhoods.

03/29/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The "Other" Round House

Home Tour: A Small, Curvy House Is Remodeled With Midcentury Flair

Shaped like a cylinder, the house has an unusual floorplan and features. Let's take a look inside.

03/06/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Mobile Home

Why One Sarasota Couple Decided to Live on Their Boat—For Good

“We said, ‘We’re not going to do this when we’re 80. If we’re going to do it, let’s do it.'"

03/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Neighborhood Guide

Where the Locals Eat in Venice

From sunup to sundown, Venice residents have plenty of options for a great meal. Here are 13 of our favorites.

03/01/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Neighborhood Guide

Anna Maria Island Offers a Taste of Old Florida

Three communities, each with its own distinct personality, make up this popular vacation destination.

01/04/2021 By Ilene Denton

Insider's Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Sarasota's Award-Winning Beaches

Everything you need to know about the greatest shores on Earth.

12/05/2020 By Pam Daniel

10,000 Steps

For a Gorgeous Walk That Combines History and Nature, Meander Through Lido Key

This walk is never too crowded and takes you through some of the most beautiful streets—and beaches—in Sarasota.

12/01/2020 By Susan Burns

Best beers

The Best Breweries in Sarasota-Manatee

With a dozen breweries to choose from, our region’s craft beer scene has never been better. Here's what's on tap.

10/07/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

On the Road

A Sarasota Couple Brings New Love to a Classic Motorcoach

Their passion project took four hours every day for a year.

08/31/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Safe Space

The Turtle Safe Toy Box Offers a Place for Unwanted Beach Toys

Don’t want that broken pail and shovel? Caleb Jameson has a solution.

08/17/2020 By Allison Forsyth and Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Generation climate

Sarasota Teens Have Become Leaders in the Fight to Slow Climate Change

Sarasota Students 4 Climate organizes "climate strike" protests in downtown Sarasota.

04/21/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Virtual Reality

Sarasota County Libraries Are Helping Us Stay Busy and Connected at Home

Miss taking trips to the library? There's a whole digital world to explore.

04/14/2020 By Allison Forsyth

The Ballpark Food Hall of Fame

What to Eat at Ed Smith Stadium, LECOM Park and CoolToday Park

These days, going to a spring training game means indulging in gourmet cuisine.

03/04/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Fighting Fire With Fire

Florida Is Burning, and That's a Good Thing

Throughout Florida’s history, its ecology has been entangled with fire.

02/28/2020 By Isaac Eger

Restaurant Review

At Shore's Longboat Key Location, Food and Ambiance Share the Spotlight

The second outpost of the popular restaurant opened on Longboat Key last October.

02/04/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker