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.)

Weekend Planner

Your Top 7 Things to Do: Dec. 7-13

The Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, 98˚ at Christmas, Too Hot to Handel and more.

12/07/2017 By Ilene Denton

Insider's Guide 2017

The Insider's Guide to Sarasota 2017

See Sarasota like a local.

11/30/2017 By Ilene Denton

Insider's Guide 2017

Insider's Guide: Local Theater

The region’s theaters offer a world of family-friendly experiences.

11/30/2017 By Ilene Denton

Insider's Guide 2017

Our Beaches are a Prime Nesting Site for Endangered Sea Turtles

Our beaches are a prime nesting site for endangered sea turtles.

11/30/2017 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 10 Things to Do: Nov. 30-Dec. 6

A Sarasota Ballet world premiere, LeAnn Rimes at the Van Wezel, holiday festivities and lots, lots more.

11/30/2017 By Ilene Denton

Insider's Guide 2017

Cuban Guitarist Renesito Avich Livens Up Sarasota

Arvich plays the national instrument of Cuba—a tres guitar—all over Sarasota.

11/30/2017 By Ilene Denton

Insider's Guide 2017

The Insider's Guide to Historic Downtown Venice

Venice draws throngs to its charming shops and restaurants.

11/30/2017 By Ilene Denton

Insider's Guide 2017

Sarasota Bay Explorers Voyages Reveal Mesmerizing Marine Life

Sarasota Bay Explorers’ 40-foot covered pontoon boats launch daily two-hour eco-tours.

11/29/2017 By Ilene Denton

Into the Wild

What to Look For on Myakka's Canopy Walkway

The walkway is one of the park's most popular attractions.

11/29/2017 By Ilene Denton

Artful Wear

J. McLaughlin Taps Sarasota Magazine Illustrator John Pirman for a Collection of Holiday Tees

The Sarasota J. McLaughlin store hosts a celebration for Pirman Dec. 11 to benefit the Sarasota Architectural Foundation.

11/29/2017 By Ilene Denton

Ask the Expert

Panicked about Picking Paint Colors?

Benjamin Moore color and design expert Andrea Magno offers easy-to-follow advice.

11/29/2017 By Ilene Denton

Top Sale

Bird Key Notches a $6 Million Sale

The sale price is among the highest this year on the tony island.

11/29/2017 By Ilene Denton

Interior Design Awards

See the Best Bedroom Entries in Our 2017 Interior Design Awards contest

Winning looks from area design professionals.

11/29/2017 By Ilene Denton

Dear Marie

Remembering Marie Selby

An ode to the woman who gave us Selby Gardens.

11/29/2017 By Ilene Denton

Sneak Preview

Homes for the Holidays

Coming up: The Entre Nous Holiday Tour of Homes, Deck the Halls at the Ca d’Zan, Atomic Holiday Bazaar.

11/28/2017 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 6 Things to Do: Nov. 23-29

Last chance to catch Selby Gardens’ Orchid Show, a mammoth Venice holiday parade and more. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

11/20/2017 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 6 Things to Do: Nov. 16-22

Elvin Bishop headlines the Venice Blues Fest, powerboat racing in Englewood and more.

11/16/2017 By Ilene Denton

Interior Design Awards

See the Best Bath Entries in Our 2017 Interior Design Awards Contest

Winning looks from area design professionals.

11/15/2017 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 10 Events: Nov. 9-15

"Evita" at the Asolo Rep, "Once" at FST, the Chalk Festival returns to Venice and much, much more.

11/09/2017 By Ilene Denton

Top Sale

A Ritz-Carlton Beach Residence Penthouse Sells for $4.45 Million

The sale, which took just two weeks to go to contract, is the building’s highest in 10 years.

11/02/2017 By Ilene Denton