The Marvelous Mrs. Palmer

Locals Know Bertha Palmer for Her Modest Sarasota Ranch Life, but in Chicago She Defined Gilded Age Luxury

While she helped legitimize Sarasota as a destination for America’s elite, her own elite life was in Chicago, where she was known for her extravagant tastes and influence.

05/01/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Gone But Not Forgotten

Hurricane Helene Destroyed the Iconic, Architecturally Significant Sanderling Cabanas on Siesta Key

For the families who gathered at the Paul Rudolph-designed cabanas, all that remains are the memories.

11/20/2024 By Ruth Lando

Crown Jewel

The History of Mar-a-Lago

How the mansion of a great Florida philanthropist became ground zero for one of the most consequential elections in American history

09/01/2024 By Robert Plunket

The Elephant Polka

The Strange, Spectacular, Sad Story of The Ringling Bros.' Elephant Polka

In 1942, the Ringling Bros. circus convinced Balanchine and Stravinsky to produce a ballet—for elephants.

12/30/2020 By Robert Plunket