Mr. Chatterbox Returns

Mr. Chatterbox Makes His Own List of Banned Books

Perhaps the following books once had some merit, but in these “woke” times they constitute a clear and present danger, and they need to be “canceled” ASAP.

05/10/2022 By Robert Plunket

Ballyhoo Days

The Unsettling World of Circus Freakshows Once Flourished in Sarasota

The world of sideshows was once part of the culture of Sarasota and Manatee counties. Robert Plunket reveals their unsettling history.

03/01/2022 By Robert Plunket

In Memoriam

In Memory of Rebecca Baxter

For some 30 years, she took all the party pictures that documented the town as it transformed from small Florida backwater to international glamour capital.

02/05/2022 By Robert Plunket

You Must Remember Hiss

Brilliant, Imperious and Public-Spirited, Philip Hiss Helped Establish Sarasota’s Claims to Fame

Of all the fabulous characters who made Sarasota what it is today, Hiss is the great mystery.

12/14/2021 By Robert Plunket

Real Estate Junkie

Carl Abbott's Putterman House Was Just Listed for $4.5 Million

Designed in 1985, it was the home of Florence Putterman, a well-known artist, and her husband Saul.

10/20/2021 By Robert Plunket

Real Estate

Can You Buy a Home in Sarasota for Less Than $250,000?

Yes—but you have to act fast.

10/18/2021 By Robert Plunket

Real Estate Junkie

For Sale: A Parisian-Style Mansion With 10.5 Bathrooms on Manasota Key

The 12,000-square-foot house is built in the scale and style of a Parisian hotel.

08/05/2021 By Robert Plunket

Real Estate Junkie

For Sale: A Midcentury Modern Time Capsule in Bradenton

It was built in 1957, in a style that strongly suggests the Hollywood Regency look that was so popular in Los Angeles back in the day.

07/01/2021 By Robert Plunket

Real Estate Junkie

For Sale: An Iconic Downtown Live-Work Space

It’s 50 percent residence, 50 percent beauty salon, and 100 percent fabulous.

06/11/2021 By Robert Plunket

Real Estate Junkie

For Sale: A $12.9 Million Cruise Ship-Inspired Home on Longboat Key

Let's be honest: the real attraction is that water slide.

06/04/2021 By Robert Plunket

Real Estate Junkie

For Sale: A Rare Midcentury Find in Whitfield Estates

The home has been nicely updated and will perfectly showcase your collection of 1950s and '60s furniture.

05/19/2021 By Robert Plunket

Real Estate Junkie

A Look at Boca Royale, Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn's New Home

Flynn and his wife just paid $545,000 for a three-bedroom, two-bath home in the golf course community.

04/22/2021 By Robert Plunket

Life Story

HBO Planning New Documentary About Paul Reubens

The two-part series documentary will shine a light on Reubens, who created the beloved character Pee-wee Herman.

03/12/2021 By Megan McDonald and Robert Plunket

Wish They Were Here

Six Sarasota Tourist Attractions From the Past

Let's take a look at these long-gone favorites and try to discover what they say about our town and its history.

03/06/2021 By Robert Plunket

Real Estate Junkie

Peek Inside a Folksy 1925 Braden Castle Cottage

This place went under contract the day after it was listed, an indication of today's market and the appeal of Braden Castle.

03/05/2021 By Robert Plunket

Home of a Legend

Inside Tennis Legend Nick Bollettieri's Bradenton Home

There are no trophies—or even a tennis court—at coach Nick Bollettieri’s waterfront house.

03/01/2021 By Robert Plunket

Real Estate Junkie

For Sale: A Lavish Siesta Key Home With Amazing Views

There are many “best views” in Sarasota, but this home has one of the top five: straight across the bay to the downtown skyline.

02/19/2021 By Robert Plunket

Real Estate Junkie

What's Better Than the Super Bowl Halftime Show? A Peek Inside Tom Brady's Tampa Mansion

The home—which Brady has been renting from Derek Jeter—is on the market for $29 million.

02/06/2021 By Robert Plunket

Real Estate Junkie

For Sale: Banyan House, a Venice Bed Breakfast

Its namesake banyan tree was a gift to the original owner from Thomas Edison.

02/05/2021 By Robert Plunket

Real Estate Junkie

For Sale: A Ritz-Carlton Penthouse With Design Pedigree

It’s formal and traditional and even cozy—or as cozy as a 4,668 square foot condo can be.

01/29/2021 By Robert Plunket