Pedal Power

The Late Dr. Nik's Whimsical Bikes Have Been Saved from the Scrap Heap

A friend of the beloved local artist, who died in April, spotted the bikes on a flatbed trailer headed for the junkyard. The WSLR+ Fogartyville community rallied to save them.

08/23/2024 By Megan McDonald

Preventative Care

In Response to Forecast for Heavy Rain, Sarasota County to Open Sandbag Locations

Self-serve sandbags are available on Clark Road in Sarasota and Annex Road in Venice from 3-7 p.m. on Aug. 22 and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on Aug. 23.

08/22/2024 By Megan McDonald

Play Ball!

Pirates, Orioles and Braves Announce 2025 Spring Training Schedules

Start planning your games now.

08/21/2024 By Megan McDonald

Vote!

How to Vote in Sarasota County and Manatee County in 2024

Whether you're a first-time voter in Sarasota County or Manatee County, or an old pro who simply needs a refresher, here's everything you need to know.

08/20/2024 By Megan McDonald

Future Focus

FST Announces Terrence McNally Recovery Commission Winner

Writer, lyricist and birthday party clown (really!) Jake Brasch will receive a $10,000 stipend and the mentorship of well-known playwright Craig Lucas.

08/13/2024 By Megan McDonald

Turtle Time

Mote Releases Lil' Dougie, a Rehabilitated Loggerhead Sea Turtle, on Siesta Key Beach

The female loggerhead sea turtle was found floating in Blackburn Bay by Doug Johnson, a Sarasota County Sheriff's office staff member.

08/12/2024 By Megan McDonald

We'll Always Have Paris

Here's How Our Local Olympians Did at the Paris Games

Clark Dean and Emma Weyant won bronze medals in rowing and swimming, while Evo Gymnastics' Stephen Nedoroscik, aka 'Pommel Horse Guy,' took the internet by storm.

08/12/2024 By Megan McDonald

Hallelujah!

A Selby Gardens Botanist Was Part of a Team That Discovered a New ‘Miracle Plant’ in Ecuador

Amalophyllon miraculum was found in an area of Ecuador that botanists had almost entirely written off because of deforestation.

08/07/2024 By Megan McDonald

Resource Guide

Here's How to Find Help After Hurricane Debby

Share this list with anyone who needs it, and remember to stay safe in today's high heat as you assess damage.

08/06/2024 By Megan McDonald

Hurricanes

Hurricane Debby Dumped Almost 10 Inches of Rain on Sarasota on Sunday—and It's Not Over Yet

"Because the winds have been gale force for 12 hours, blowing water inland, we might see more significant flooding today than yesterday," warns Bob Bunting, the founder and chief executive officer of Sarasota's Climate Adaptation Center.

08/05/2024 By Megan McDonald

Tropical Storm Debby

Tropical Storm Debby Has Officially Formed; Manatee County Issues Voluntary Evacuation for Zone A

Despite being out of the "cone of uncertainty," our region will still see 5 to 10 inches of rain and potential flooding and storm surge.

08/03/2024 By Megan McDonald

It's a Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod World

Architecture Sarasota Announces 2024 MOD Weekend Lineup

This year's theme is "reawakening."

08/01/2024 By Megan McDonald

Under the Sea

Meet the Woman Behind Downtown Sarasota’s Mermaid Fountain

Nancy Goodheart Matthews' iconic fountain is included in the Smithsonian Institution's registry of public art. The City of Sarasota will celebrate the recognition with a gathering on Friday, Sept. 13.

07/30/2024 By Megan McDonald

In Full Flower

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Named to TIME List of 'World's Greatest Places'

It's one of just eight U.S. destinations and the only botanical garden on the list.

07/25/2024 By Megan McDonald

Hot Topic

Heat-Related Illnesses Are Serious Threats, Especially in Summer. Here's How to Stay Safe.

One local organization has created widely admired heat protection protocols for agricultural workers. Plus, a trauma nurse shares her top tips for staying safe outside.

07/24/2024 By Megan McDonald

Go for the Gold

These 2024 Olympians Have Deep Ties to Sarasota and Manatee Counties

All five athletes grew up and began their athletic careers here.

07/22/2024 By Megan McDonald

Preview

Selby Gardens' New Florida Highwaymen Exhibit Opens Tomorrow

The Highwaymen were a group of Black artists who produced colorful paintings of Florida landscapes despite being denied representation by galleries due to the color of their skin.

07/19/2024 By Megan McDonald