Civil Rights

The Vital History of Newtown's Freedom Schools

A 1969 student boycott helped save schools in the historic Black neighborhood.

02/23/2023 By Jessika Ward

What's In My Closet

A Sarasota Marketing Director Shares What's in Her Closet

Catherine Aganmayo is all about fun, functional, affordable fashion.

02/21/2023 By Jessika Ward

An Eye for Fashion

At 3rd WE + RE Create Studios, Sarasota Native Brent Yancy Is Dressing Celebrities and Athletes

"You can't do anything without fashion," Yancy says.

01/13/2023 By Jessika Ward

What's In My Closet

Sarasota Attorney Bryan Hannan Gives Us a Peek Inside His Designer-Filled Closet

Hannan's closet is filled with custom Armani suits, Prada shoes and high-end watches.

01/03/2023 By Jessika Ward

What's In My Closet

Jewelry Designer Patra Jordan Gives Us a Peek Inside Her Closet

"I believe clothes are pieces of art you move through the world in."

11/11/2022 By Jessika Ward

What's in My Closet

Donna Koffman Gives Us a Peek Inside Her Designer-Filled Closet

"There is never a shortage of reasons to dress up in Sarasota."

10/18/2022 By Jessika Ward

What’s in My Closet

Tiffany Lowe Gives Us a Tour of Her Closet and Shows Off Her Favorite Pieces

Lowe's closet—actually its own room—is home to around 10 Chanel bags, nearly 20 pairs of Louboutin heels and much more.

08/31/2022 By Jessika Ward

Showpieces

Sarasota Designer Patra Jordan Has 'Major Plans' for Her Jewelry Line

Jordan supplies customers around the world, from Florida to Japan. You can purchase Jordan's jewelry on her website or in Sarasota at Blend Fashion House.

02/24/2022 By Jessika Ward

Love Your Hair

Seven Sarasota and Manatee Salons that Specialize in Black Hair

A journalist shares her thoughts on the power of Black hair and where to get it styled.

10/14/2021 By Jessika Ward

Arts

Dan Houston Uses Art to Tell Stories of Underrepresented Communities

Dan Houston shows his work in his Sarasota gallery and sells sculptures and paintings online.

08/20/2021 By Jessika Ward

The Big Time

Catch Sarasota Native Greg Weeks in the Amazon Action Film The Tomorrow War

The summer blockbuster is about a war that takes place 30 years in the future.

07/23/2021 By Jessika Ward

Mat Work

Kundalini Yoga Combines Exercise, Meditation and Chanting

Practitioners say sessions—in which participants wear white and focus on movement and breath—reduce stress and boost energy levels.

06/21/2021 By Jessika Ward

On the Road

A Sarasota Couple Is Helping People Embrace 'Van Life'

Nomads Rob Thorington and Stephanie Jaramillo remodel vans for other wanderers.

05/12/2021 By Jessika Ward

They Inspire Us

Meet Seven Bold Women With Fresh Ideas and Big Dreams

Whether they’re running a billion-dollar business or starting a nonprofit on a shoestring budget, these women are challenging and shaping what we’ve always a...

09/17/2020 By Jessika Ward, Megan McDonald, Giulia Heyward, Kay Kipling, Susan Burns, Allison Forsyth, and Ilene Denton

The Teacher

Neirda Lafontant Paves the Way for Future Innovators in S.T.E.A.M. Careers

A dynamic speaker and motivator, Lafontant created the nonprofit FUNducation in 2019 to give kids an opportunity to build robots, learn about forensics, explore coding and more.

09/17/2020 By Jessika Ward