Susan Burns is the editor in chief of Sarasota Magazine, recognized nationally and in Florida for its editorial and design excellence. A journalist in Sarasota and Manatee counties for 36 years, Susan has been covering the people, issues, trends, events and places that define the region. She was also the founding editor of (941)CEO, a bi-county business magazine and the enewsletter Biz Daily. In addition to Sarasota Magazine, the top-awarded magazine in the state in 2019 and 2020, she is leading Sarasota Magazine through a major expansion into the digital world. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter at the Bradenton Herald.

After the Feast

Indigenous, One of Sarasota’s Most Acclaimed Restaurants, Has Closed

After 15 years in Towles Court, in downtown Sarasota, Chef Steve Phelps’ nationally recognized restaurant has served its final meal.

09/15/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Guide to Giving

Inside Philanthropy Founder David Callahan on the Future of Giving

Callahan gave us the 30,000-foot view of philanthropy in America.

09/01/2026 By Susan Burns

Unity Awards

Karen Chester-Amengor Creates Unity Through Song

“Music is a universal language."

09/01/2026 By Susan Burns

Star Search

How to Watch the Perseids Meteor Shower

Tonight is the night.

08/12/2026 By Susan Burns

From the Editor

Goodbye to USF Sarasota-Manatee—and New College

Instead of having two strong institutions serving our region, we lost both to politics.

07/01/2026 By Susan Burns

Politics

USF Sarasota-Manatee Will Be Transferred to New College

That's despite major public outcry from the public, business leaders and state and national legislators.

05/26/2026 By Megan McDonald and Susan Burns

April Fools' Day

Gulfstream Roundabout Could Be Removed

A new traffic study calls Sarasota’s 14 roundabouts a flawed answer to congestion and recommends starting removals at Gulfstream Avenue.

04/01/2026 By Susan Burns

Update

The Florida Senate Pulls Back on USF Sarasota-Manatee Transfer

The Senate Appropriations Committee adopted a “delete everything” amendment on the plan to transfer campus facilities to New College of Florida.

03/05/2026 By Susan Burns

It Ain’t Over Yet

Supporters Rally to Save the University of South Florida-Sarasota Manatee From New College’s Proposed Takeover

The proposal (HB 5601) has already been approved by the House’s Higher Education Budget Subcommittee. So far, the Senate has not included the transfer in its bill. Local leaders urge citizens to act fast to oppose it.

02/26/2026 By Susan Burns

The Rundown

Inside the Sarasota Succulent Society

The society was started by Walter Sparkman, who built his home there in the 1930s.

02/02/2026 By Susan Burns

Final Frame

Sabrina Small Investigates What’s Behind the Mask in Her Drawings, Paintings and Stitchwork

"I’ve always been attracted to the underbelly of human nature and in myself and finding the beauty in the darkness,” Small says

02/01/2026 By Susan Burns

Smart City

Meet the Innovators and Professionals Shaping Our AI Ecosystem

A diverse and steadily growing group of innovators—from architecture and education to law and venture building—are immersed in the region’s emerging AI world.

01/04/2026 By Brian Hartz, Susan Burns, and Lauren Jackson