Gigi is a graduate of Ringling College. Her award-winning career with Sarasota has spanned many years (and a few too many weekends!). When not at her desk, she can likely be found in her craft shack making art or tooling around Florida’s back roads with her vintage camper in tow.

Your Health Questions Answered

Why Are Women at a Higher Risk for Eye Problems Than Men?

April was National Women's Eye Health Month. Here are some tips for everyone who is trying to keep their eyes healthy.

05/05/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Tiny treasures

A Magical, Miniature Wonderland Circles This Sarasota Home

This intricate yard art puts gnomes to shame.

04/30/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Your Health Questions Answered

Is It Safe to Exercise After Getting the Covid-19 Vaccine?

A medical adviser for Orangetheory Fitness says working out after getting the vaccine may help prevent soreness and fatigue, but if you've actually had Covid, the answer is more complicated.

04/21/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Flower power

Pick Your Own Fresh Flowers and Produce at Hunsader Farms

Pick wildflowers, zinnias and sunflowers, as well as green beans, black-eyed peas, eggplant and okra.

04/13/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Your Health Questions Answered

What's the Best Way to Relieve Anxiety at Home?

Stress and anxiety are on the rise, but there's not always time for professional help. Here are some tips on how to find relief at home.

04/07/2021 By Allison Forsyth

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

Everything You Need to Know About Sarasota's Award-Winning Beaches

Essential info about the greatest shores on Earth.

12/05/2020 By Pam Daniel

Go Figure

What the Census Revealed About Sarasota a Century Ago—and What It Asks Us Today

Sometimes, answers hide more than they reveal.

12/01/2020 By Rich Rescigno

Open House

27 Sarasota-Manatee Neighborhoods You Need to Know

Whatever your passion, take it from us, we guarantee you’ll find the neighborhood to follow it in the Sarasota-Manatee area.

11/08/2020 By Ilene Denton

Best Breakfasts

How to Prepare a Breakfast Feast With Local Ingredients

Craving a big home-cooked breakfast? Here's how to stock up on local ingredients to make your morning meal sing.

09/23/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Back to School?

Parents and Teachers Face Difficult Decisions as Schools Begin to Reopen

As the number of area residents with COVID-19 continues to grow, parents are being forced to decide whether to send their kids back to school, and teachers are wondering if it's safe to go back to work.

07/29/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Coronavirus

Our New Normal: Scenes From Sarasota During COVID-19

What does Sarasota look like with social distancing and "safer at home" guidelines in place? We took to the streets to find out.

04/14/2020 Photography by Barbara Banks and Gigi Ortwein

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes of Our Salvador Dalí-Inspired Fashion Shoot

Our February 2020 fashion feature was inspired by Salvador Dalí's nature and butterfly paintings.

02/05/2020 By Staff

Cut the Grass

Bye-Bye, Lawn: Four Great Alternatives to Grass Landscaping

Give your mower—and nature—a break with these alternatives to turf.

10/01/2019 By Su Byron and Marty Fugate

Do the wave

New Main Street Coffee Shop Opens

Breaking Wave Coffee is located in the former home of Artisan Cheese Company.

04/12/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Sneak Peek

Iconic Sailor Circus Arena Opens with Grand New Renovation

The venerable building on Bahia Vista Street now boasts expanded space, new lighting—and air conditioning.

04/10/2019 By Kay Kipling

Masterpiece Theater

From a Fashion Empire to a Cherry Pie, Eugene Stutzman Lives to Create

Sarasota's Eugene Stutzman was the founder of a fashion company that dressed Whitney Houston, Elizabeth Taylor, Jane Fonda and many more.

10/30/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Best of Sarasota

Best of Sarasota 2017: Best New Food & Drink

The best new steakhouses, sushi, pizza, dessert, brunch, bakeries and more.

04/26/2017 By Staff