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.)

NEST

A Historic Venice Estate Hits the Market

The House of Land and Sea is up for sale for $2.489 million.

01/25/2019 By Ilene Denton

Life of the Party

How to Plan the Ultimate Party

One party can change everything.

01/25/2019 By Ilene Denton, Giulia Heyward, Cooper Levey-Baker, and Michael Riedel

Life of the Party

14 Party Venues with Pizzazz

Our area is full of places to host your gathering.

01/25/2019 By Ilene Denton

Set the Stage

Catering Captain Tracey McCammack on How to Make a Party Stand Out

If you’ve been to a party catered by Michael’s on East in the past 25 years, you’ve met Tracey McCammack.

01/24/2019 By Ilene Denton

Unity Awards 2019

Meet the Winners of Our 2019 Unity Awards

We’re a closer, brighter place thanks to the winners of our 2019 Unity Awards.

01/24/2019 By Susan Burns, Cooper Levey-Baker, Isaac Eger, Kay Kipling, Megan McDonald, and Ilene Denton Photography by Everett Dennison

Weekend Planner

Your Top 9 Things to Do: Jan. 24-30

Jerry Lee Lewis, Gladys Knight, FST’s gripping new production, an Art Battle and more.

01/24/2019 By Ilene Denton

Unity Awards

Pam Fazio Goes to Bat for Manatee County’s Special Olympics Athletes

Fazio oversees more than 300 athletes age 8 to 70, coaching bocce, bowling and swimming, and training potential new coaches across Southwest Florida.

01/24/2019 By Ilene Denton

Sneak Preview

Scott Hamilton on Living Strong with Cancer

The Olympic Hall of Fame figure skater headlines the 10th annual Tidewell Hospice Signature Luncheon Feb. 8.

01/21/2019 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 7 Things to Do: Jan. 17-23

Pilobolus returns to the Van Wezel, Emanuel Ax plays Beethoven and more.

01/17/2019 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 7 Things to Do: Jan. 10-16

The Righteous Brothers and Air Supply at the Van Wezel; "La La Land" in concert; A Doll’s House, Part 2 at the Asolo Rep and lots more.

01/10/2019 By Ilene Denton

Neighborhood Watch

Nature Rules at Venetian Golf & River Club

A snapshot of real estate activity in the popular Venice community.

01/10/2019 By Ilene Denton

Gardening ABC’s

Ringling Museum Bayfront Gardens Workshops Set for January and February

Learn to fertilize the environmentally right way on Jan. 12; growing roses in Florida on Feb. 9.

01/07/2019 By Ilene Denton

Sneak Preview

Jewels on the Bay Designer Showhouse Debuts Jan. 20

“It will not be boring, I promise you!”

01/07/2019 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 8 Things to Do: Jan. 3-9

Jay Leno, Itzhak Perlman, Something Rotten! and more.

01/03/2019 By Ilene Denton

Taste the Tropics

Mad for Mangoes? Plant These Trees and Enjoy Them All Year

Will Wright, chairman of the Tropical Fruit Society of Sarasota, gives us his best tips.

01/03/2019 By Ilene Denton

Sneak Preview

Antiques Roadshow Taped at The Ringling to Air Jan. 28 and Feb. 4 and 11

The museum hosts an advance screening Jan. 15.

12/31/2018 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 6 Things to Do: Dec. 27-Jan. 2

Sailor Circus Big Top Holidays, "On Your Feet!" at the Van Wezel and more.

12/27/2018 By Ilene Denton

Making History

Saved From the Wrecking Ball, a Classic Bay Shore Road Home Is This Month’s Jewels on the Bay Designer Showhouse

The Etowah Hagan-Jackson House was built in the 1920s.

12/26/2018 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 7 Things to Do: Dec. 20-26

Lights in Bloom opens at Selby Gardens, last chance to see "The Music Man" at Asolo Rep and more.

12/20/2018 By Ilene Denton

Plant Sale Preview

Selby Gardens Holiday Tree Bromeliads Go on Sale Jan. 10

The holiday tree is on display starting Dec. 18.

12/18/2018 By Ilene Denton