Parks to Play In

Walk Into the Past at Historic Spanish Point

This 30-acre bayfront sanctuary is authentic Old Florida at its finest.

11/21/2020 By John McCarthy

Parks to Play In

Enjoy Robinson Preserve, a Rare Coastal Habitat, by Boat or on Foot

Formerly agricultural cropland, the preserve is being restored as salt marsh, one of the rarest coastal habitats.

11/01/2020 By John McCarthy

Parks to Play In

Slip Away Into Nature at Scherer Thaxton Preserve

This 287-acre preserve off Honore Avenue is adjacent to Oscar Scherer State Park.

11/01/2020 By John McCarthy

Parks to Play In

Five Wonderful Preserves to Explore

It’s great to live in a community with places like this to still the mind and stir the soul.

11/01/2020 By John McCarthy Photography by Everett Dennison

Parks to Play In

Hike or Bike Through Rothenbach Park's Gorgeous Oak Hammock

A series of trails at the site of the former county landfill provides access to some of the nicest woodlands around.

11/01/2020 By John McCarthy

Parks to Play In

Enjoy Robinson Preserve, a Rare Coastal Habitat, by Boat or on Foot

This 62-acre preserve along the south shore of the Manatee River is a popular place to hike, kayak and paddleboard.

11/01/2020 By John McCarthy

Parks to Play In

Hike—or Drive—to Emerson Point Preserve, a Native American Temple Mound

A highlight is the sandy shoreline at the westernmost tip, with Robinson Preserve and DeSoto Memorial across the river and Anna Maria Island and the Sunshine Skyway in the distance.

10/31/2020 By John McCarthy

Neighborhood Guide

What to Do on St. Armands/Longboat Key

Hit the beach, meet some manatees, admire outstanding architecture, sample some culinary treats and share our circus history.

05/15/2017 By John McCarthy, Ilene Denton, and Abby Weingarten

Follow the Money

Here's How Our Region Has Spent $21 Million in EPA Grants

President Trump's proposed budget would cut EPA funding by one-third.

04/26/2017 By Hannah Wallace

Up the Creek

Hidden in Plain Sight, Phillippi Creek is Rich in Nature and History

John McCarthy picks up a paddle and goes exploring.

02/01/2017 By John McCarthy

Black History Month

The Story of Jeffrey Bolding, Sarasota's First Slave

Jeffrey Bolding's photo reminds us that our own local history bears the stain of slavery.

02/01/2017 By John McCarthy

Sole Survivor

Palm Avenue's Dusty DeMarcay Hotel Recalls 1920s Glamour

The DeMarcay is a neglected architectural treasure.

09/28/2016 By John McCarthy

Guide to Beaches

A Guide to Sarasota Beaches

An insider's guide to Sarasota beaches.

12/01/2015 By John McCarthy

Article

A Day in the Life of Lucas Congdon of Lucas Lagoons

Follow Lucas Lagoons owner Lucas Congdon as he films season two of his Animal Planet series "Insane Pools: Off the Deep End."

09/30/2015 By Pam Daniel

Article

Purchase with a Purpose from These Local Shops

Buy well--and do good.

09/01/2015 By Heather Dunhill

Article

Outdoor Adventure

10/31/2011 By John McCarthy

Article

Night Magic

06/30/2010 By John McCarthy Photography by J. B. McCourtney

Article

Best Beaches

12/01/2009 By John McCarthy Photography by Michelle McCarthy