Step Up

Casa Masa’s Second Location Takes the Original’s Mexican Cuisine to the Next Level

At the new spot, you’ll find those same classics at the same price point, plus a bunch of new items that allow DiSilvio to flex his culinary muscles.

04/01/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Tower of Power

Ocean Prime Has Opened at The Quay

And people are flocking for good reason—including the restaurant's legendary seafood tower.

03/26/2025 By Lauren Jackson

The Big Top

A New Hotel Has Opened on Lido Key

Cirque St. Armands Beachside has replaced Lido Key's Holiday Inn—and it's a major upgrade.

03/25/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Pop the Cork

Sugar Champagne Bar Opens in Downtown Sarasota This Friday

The swanky new spot will offer caviar service, cocktails and, of course, an extensive Champagne list.

03/25/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Better Together

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Wants You to Know that You Matter

From March 24 to March 30, the foundation is spreading its inaugural kindness campaign.

03/24/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Personal Growth

Sarasota's UF/IFAS Extension Offers Dozens of Ways to Up Your Local Food IQ

Here are some highlights.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

In Bloom

Everything You Need to Know About Sarasota's Local Food Scene

Hope you’re hungry!

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Rescue Mission

Julie Morris and Jim Strickland Are Out to Prove That Preservation and Agriculture Go Hand in Hand

With their 1,300-acre Lost Girl Prairie, the couple want to show that business owners and environmentalists can work together to preserve Florida’s dwindling parcels of untamed land.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Buzz-Worthy

Gayle Goodfriend Turned a Decade-Long Hobby Into a Thriving Honey Business

Goodfriend works from a five-acre homestead in Manatee County where approximately 400,000 bees feast on nearby saw palmettos, sable palms and Brazilian peppertrees.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Straight Off the Boat

Maggie's Seafood Hauls Fresh Catches to Multiple Markets

Married owners Maggie and Gary Balch sell 500 pounds of seafood at both the Sarasota and Venice farmers markets.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Hot Pockets

Empanada Girl Has Grown From a Small DIY Operation Into a Massive Farmers Market Attraction

Every week, Stefania Fochi and her team make nearly 5,000 empanadas in 25 different flavor combinations

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

The Smell of Success

The Owner of Nick B’s Chimichurri Wins Over Customers With an Ingenious Marketing Technique

“This year we sold $700,000 in chimichurri around the country,” says Maria Barrajo. “I just love to sell. I could sell you a camel in Miami."

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Blowing Minds

Bill Nelms Wants You to Know That Mushrooms Aren’t Just for Eating Anymore

“We sell about 400 pounds of mushrooms a week," Nelms says.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Fresh!

Your Guide to Every Single Local Farmers Market

Whatever you’re hungry for, you’ll find it at a local market.

03/17/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Grape Expectations

The Sarasota Wine Festival Returns on March 22

The festival—now in its second year—has partnered with the Women's Resource Center and is providing complimentary vendor booths to women entrepreneurs.

03/14/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Éirinn go Brách

Where to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Sarasota-Manatee

Grab your friends and head out for green beer and a fun-filled day.

03/13/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler

With Lucky 8, Cajun Cuisine Finally Has a Home in Sarasota

The food comes courtesy of chef and co-owner Mark Majorie, who worked in kitchens in New Orleans for years, and his business partner Edward Zaki, the owner of 1592 and co-owner of Adeline.

03/10/2025 By Lauren Jackson