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

End of an Era

Ed Chiles' Sandbar, Mar Vista and Beach House Restaurants Have Been Sold

In a letter to his staff, Chiles reflected on his restaurants' humble beginnings and his 45-year career. "We have come a long way," he wrote.

07/18/2024 By Megan McDonald

Seeing Stars

Visit Sarasota County Inks Name, Image and License Deal With 2024 Olympic Swimmer Emma Weyant

Weyant, who won a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will swim the 400-meter individual medley at the Paris Olympics this month.

07/17/2024 By Megan McDonald

Beach Bound

Siesta Key Beach, Anna Maria Island Named Best Beaches in Florida by U.S. News & World Report

Both spots were recognized for their soft sand and overall beauty.

07/17/2024 By Megan McDonald

Throwback

Photos: 125 Years of Sarasota Swimsuits

Oh, how times have changed! As we enter the dog days of summer, let's take a look back at a century of Sarasota swimwear.

07/05/2024 By Megan McDonald

Rainbow Connection

Project Pride SRQ, Community Activists Hold Grand Pride Flag March at Ringling Bridge

The event came in response to the news that Florida would not light its bridges for Pride Month this year.

06/29/2024 By Megan McDonald Photography by Hannah Phillips

Nailing It

Camille Heltman Is Living Her Lifelong Dream as a Handywoman

"I can do everything a handyman would do. There’s just not a word for a handywoman in the dictionary.”

06/25/2024 By Megan McDonald

Drinking It In

Clara Robbins Is Florida's First Female Master Distiller

“I never felt like my voice mattered much until I made it matter. I know my value now.”

06/25/2024 By Megan McDonald

Weather Woes

City of Sarasota Declares State of Emergency After Rain and Flooding

Gov. Ron DeSantis also declared a state of emergency for Sarasota, Broward, Collier, Lee and Miami-Dade counties. Here's what that means.

06/13/2024 By Megan McDonald

Essential Intelligence

What Exactly Is a Flash Flood?

It's a term that gets used a lot around these parts.

06/12/2024 By Megan McDonald

Open the Floodgates

Sarasota Broke Rainfall Records in June

After almost a year of drought conditions, a historic amount of water fell from the sky yesterday.