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: Joseph Janney Steinmetz, the Man Behind the Camera

Few chroniclers of middle-class life in the mid-20th century are as acclaimed as Steinmetz.

03/02/2020 By Ilene Denton

Scouting Report

Eight Players to Watch This Spring Training Season

These players are going places.

03/01/2020 By Ilene Denton

Play Ball!

CoolToday Park, Florida's Newest Spring Training Facility, Is Generating Plenty of Buzz

The only MLB spring training park in the nation to be open year-round, CoolToday is already hosting public events throughout the year.

03/01/2020 By Ilene Denton

Fan-Tastic

For the Feduccia Family, There’s No Team Like the Orioles

"It’s peace and harmony; the ball park is the one place where everybody gets along."

03/01/2020 By Ilene Denton

Play Ball!

Ed Smith Stadium Is the Friendliest Park in Florida's Grapefruit League

It’s a banner year for the Baltimore Orioles as they celebrate 10 years of spring training at the stadium.

03/01/2020 By Ilene Denton

The Booster

Baseball Is a Religion for Pirates Bradenton Booster Club Prez Mike Roteman

The Pirates Bradenton Booster Club is the only one in Major League Baseball that uses an all-volunteer group to serve as ushers, greeters and program hawkers.

03/01/2020 By Ilene Denton

Play Ball!

LECOM Park Has Plenty of Old-School Charm

“LECOM Park is unique in terms of the history,” says Bradenton Marauders general manager Craig Warzecha. “It really has the perfect blend of old-school baseball charm with modern amenities.”

03/01/2020 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

What to Do in Sarasota This Weekend: Feb. 27-March 4

Southwest Florida Heritage Festival at Crowley Nature Center, Mote’s Savage Seas exhibit opens, Les Miz at the Van Wezel and more.

02/27/2020 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

What to Do in Sarasota: Feb. 20-26

MLB spring training kicks off, John Fogerty at the Van Wezel, and lots more.

02/20/2020 By Ilene Denton

Sneak Preview

New Downtown Sarasota Apartment Complex, BOLD Lofts, Launches

The 97-unit apartment complex adjoins the BOLD Cowork building on Fruitville Road.

02/18/2020 By Ilene Denton

Sneak Preview

The Parade of Homes Opens Doors to 101 Model Homes Feb. 22-March 15

Home builders in seven area communities will participate in the 2020 Parade.

02/18/2020 By Ilene Denton

Architecture Events

Walker Guest House Replica to be Auctioned at Palm Springs Modernism Week

The full-scale replica of Paul Rudolph’s iconic vacation home had been on display at the Ringling Museum from 2015-2017.

02/13/2020 By Ilene Denton

Aquanauts to Astronauts

Mote Plans Livestream to Encourage African-Americans to Pursue STEM Careers

The partnership with The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum takes place Feb. 27.

02/13/2020 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

What to Do in Sarasota This Weekend: Feb. 13-19

Orioles Spring Fest, Mandy Patinkin in concert, Thunder by the Bay Music and Motorcycle Fest and more.

02/13/2020 By Ilene Denton

What Your Money Can Buy

Here's What $1.5 Million Will Buy on Siesta Key

Plus, homes for $350,000 and $1.95 million in Lakewood Ranch.

02/07/2020 By Ilene Denton

All Natural

A Midcentury Home in the Sanderling Club Is Redesigned to Bring the Outdoors In

The home is set on a very private acre framed by gigantic live oaks, stands of bamboo, banyan trees and rhapis palms. Take a peek inside.

02/07/2020 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

What to Do in Sarasota: Feb. 6-12

Circus Sarasota, “Dali: Gardens of the Mind” at Selby Gardens, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and more.

02/06/2020 By Ilene Denton

Family Fun Guide

Great Things to Do With Kids in Sarasota

From toddler art to untamed nature, a guide to under-the-radar adventures.

02/05/2020 By Pam Daniel and Ilene Denton

Architecture Events

CFAS Trolley Tours Resume for Season

Tours of historic neighborhoods and architecturally significant buildings take place every Thursday through April.

01/30/2020 By Ilene Denton

Sneak Preview

Junior League of Sarasota Tour of Homes is Feb. 28-29.

The 43rd annual tour takes you inside five notable residences in Oyster Bay, Siesta Key and more.

01/30/2020 By Ilene Denton