Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota This Week

Don't miss Record Store Day, Repticon, "Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul," renowned dancer Carlos Acosta at the Sarasota Opera House and more.

04/18/2024 By John Thomason

The Thrill of the Chase

For Dedicated Vinyl Collectors, the Hunt for the Next Great LP Never Ends

Fun fact: Records recently surpassed CDs as the top-selling physical medium for the first time ever.

11/28/2023 By John Thomason

The Beat Goes On

Celebrated Percussionist Gerardo Veléz Brings Rhythm and Style to Sarasota

Veléz has been a percussionist for the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Spyro Gyra, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, and Nile Rodgers and Chic.

09/07/2023 By Andrea González

Let's Dance

Local Salsa Fans Keep the Genre Alive by Connecting With Its Rich History

Salsa surged in popularity in the 1970s, primarily through the immigrant diaspora dancing to the fusion of the new sounds of Caribbean and African beats with jazz rhythms.

03/01/2023 By Andrea González

Unity Awards

Darren Gambrell Makes Higher Education More Accessible and Inclusive

“It is extremely important that we develop the cultural competence needed to better understand individuals from different backgrounds and cultures.”

01/09/2023 By Yasi Bahmanabadi

Unity Awards

Megan Howell Gives Unhoused People With Mental Illness a Chance to Get Back on Their Feet

"Mental illness isn't a choice, and we provide love and support for our clients even on their worst days."

01/09/2023 By Laura Paquette

Top 10 in 2022

10 Great Reads From a Year Full of Them

Our editor-in-chief picks some of his favorite stories from 2022.

12/28/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Nowhere to Go

Inside Sarasota's Affordable Housing Crisis

In Sarasota, rent increases are exceeding wage increases—and local agencies have seen a 25 percent increase in the number of people seeking homelessness services.

07/11/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Go For the Gold

Rise and Nye's Celebrates the 2022 Special Olympics

The "Flame of Hope" made a special stop at the downtown Sarasota coffee and ice cream shop, which employs 35 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

06/02/2022 By Lauren Jackson

Grants

Newtown Connection Awarded $30,000 Grant

The funds come from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support equity and access.

03/21/2022 By Staff

Unity Awards

Streets of Paradise's Greg Cruz Fights Homelessness in Sarasota-Manatee

“Anywhere that we can help with this homeless crisis, we will be on the frontlines. No questions asked.”

01/04/2022 By Marc Griffin

Unity Awards

Former MLB Star Ian Desmond and Biz Pro Vince Northfield Help Underserved Youth

Their nonprofit, Newtown Connection, uses baseball to teach healthy living, leadership and inclusion.

01/04/2022 By Susan Burns

Unity Awards

With Rise & Nye's, Beaver Shriver Created a Workplace of Dignity for People With Developmental Disabilities

“It’s a human rights movement disguised as a coffee and ice cream shop."

01/04/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Fit Fam

Meet Three of Our Town's Favorite Workout Instructors

Three great instructors, three different ways to get healthy.

10/11/2021 By Allison Forsyth

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

The Pandemic

Tidewell Hospice, NAACP Partner to Provide Covid Vaccine to Underserved Populations

The organizations have scheduled four vaccine clinics in predominantly Black neighborhoods in Sarasota.

04/05/2021 By Staff

"It's Beautiful This Morning"

Lifeguard Scooter Ruberg’s Beach Reports Have Made Him an Ambassador for Siesta Key

“I’ve been sitting in the same place for 25 years. I’ve watched families come each year; I take pictures with their kids. Now, their kids are bringing their kids.”

03/09/2021 By Stacey Altherr

Unity Awards

A Black-Owned Businesses Facebook Group Opened the Doors to a Vibrant, Hidden Market

"We’re all human; Black businesses want the American dream, too."

01/12/2021 By Megan McDonald

Unity Awards

E. Scott Osborne Battles for Gender Equality in Sarasota and Across the Globe

“Gender inequality is bad for everyone. It’s bad for men. It’s bad for women. It’s bad for societies.”

01/12/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Unity Awards

Trevor Harvey Has Spent Decades Fighting for Newtown

“In spite of our differences we can still have meaningful dialogue and fellowship.”

01/12/2021 By Susan Burns