A nearly native Floridian, Ilene Denton has lived in Sarasota since her senior year in high school. Besides her long journalism career, she had a 10-year stint as deputy director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. (Ask her about some of her backstage shenanigans sometime.)

Flashback

Flashback: At Sea With the Ringlings

Ringling used to take potential financial investors on pleasure cruises along Sarasota Bay.

10/01/2019 By Ilene Denton

Secret Garden

A Laurel Park Bungalow Gets a Lush Modern Makeover

Once the decades-long home of botanist Dr. Hans Wiehler, the bungalow and its very private grounds have been made to bloom anew by Wiehler’s son, Danny.

09/30/2019 By Ilene Denton

A Modern Classic

Victor Lundy's Herron House Is a Timeless Example of the Sarasota School of Architecture

The home continues to inspire 62 years after it became an icon of the midcentury-modern Sarasota School of Architecture.

09/30/2019 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 6 Things to Do: Sept. 26-Oct. 2

Ski-A-Rees kicks off its fall show season, a big Venice Beach party, the Sarasota Orchestra performs Beethoven’s Fifth and more.

09/26/2019 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 6 Things to Do: Sept. 19-25

Friday Fest at the Van Wezel, a bhangra dance party at The Ringling, free admission to area museums and more.

09/19/2019 By Ilene Denton

Sneak Preview

Historical Trolley Tours, Midcentury Modern Home Tours and More

A look at upcoming home-related events.

09/19/2019 By Ilene Denton

Gardening

Mark Your Calendar for These Six Fall Plant Fairs

The Sarasota Succulent Society’s fall sale, a Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Fair and more.

09/19/2019 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 5 Things to Do: Sept. 12-18

A Venice Oktoberfest, Payne Park yoga festival and more.

09/12/2019 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 7 Things to Do: Sept. 5-11

Passerine at the Blue Rooster, $7 Saturdays at Mote Aquarium and more.

09/05/2019 By Ilene Denton

Architecture Events

Halflants + Pichette Spotlighted in New Center for Architecture Sarasota Exhibit

Opening reception is Sept. 12; Gallery Walk is Sept. 26.

09/03/2019 By Ilene Denton

Guide to Giving

Nonprofit Expert Bob Carter Shares His Tips For Choosing a Charity

Sarasota County is overflowing with nonprofits—2,154 of them, to be exact.

09/02/2019 By Ilene Denton

Guide to Giving

The Lost Pet Services 941 Facebook Page Reunites Lost Pets With Their Owners

“That’s the goal: to be the one place people can go to, so that no pets fall through the cracks.”

09/02/2019 By Ilene Denton

Books & Beyond

New Public Libraries Chief Renee DiPilato Says Libraries Are “The Great Connectors”

“The library was always a stable presence in my life,” she says.

09/01/2019 By Ilene Denton

What Your Money Can Buy

What $280,000 Will Buy in Lakewood Ranch

Plus, a $7.5 million mansion on Lido Key.

09/01/2019 By Ilene Denton

Home View

Trend Report: What Today's Home Buyers Want

When it comes to what home buyers are requesting from the area’s upscale builders, there are a few surprises.

09/01/2019 By Ilene Denton

Flashback

Flashback: Westgate Publix, 1956

When it opened on April 3, 1956, it was the very first Publix in either Manatee or Sarasota counties—and the 34th in all of Florida.

09/01/2019 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 5 Things to Do: Aug. 29-Sept. 4

A musical tribute to Frankie Valli, Labor Day savings at Sarasota Jungle Gardens and more.

08/29/2019 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 5 Things to Do: Aug. 22-28

A classic movie at the Opera House, live music at the Blue Rooster and Fogartyville, and more.

08/22/2019 By Ilene Denton

Architecture Events

Sixth Annual Sarasota MOD Weekend Celebrates Sarasota in the Sixties

Tickets on sale now for the midcentury modern architecture fest Nov. 8-10.

08/21/2019 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 5 Things to Do: Aug. 15-21

Friday Fest at the Van Wezel, flutist Robert Mirabal and more.

08/15/2019 By Ilene Denton