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.

Best of Sarasota 2019

Our Editors' Picks for the Best New Restaurants, Shopping and Services in Sarasota-Manatee

We celebrate the best in dining, shopping, the arts and attractions.

04/30/2019 By Susan Burns, Cooper Levey-Baker, Megan McDonald, Kay Kipling, Ilene Denton, and Giulia Heyward

People to Watch

Meet Three Sustainable Seafood Innovators

Get to know Allie ElHage, Kevan Main and Steve Phelps.

04/03/2019 By Susan Burns

Adventure Chef

Sophie Hollingsworth Creates Outdoor Feasts

And she's sharing her recipe for sizzling snapper.

04/02/2019 By Susan Burns

From the Editor

From the Editor: Why Is the Lionfish Population Decreasing?

Susan Burns on lionfish and Mother Nature.

04/02/2019 By Susan Burns

Remember When?

The People, Milestones and Game-Changing Events That Made Us Who We Are

A decade-by-decade look at Sarasota over the past 40 years.

02/25/2019 By Susan Burns, Pam Daniel, Ilene Denton, Cooper Levey-Baker, Kay Kipling, and Megan McDonald

From the Editor

From the Editor: 40 Years of Stories

You, dear readers and advertisers, have been our friends through all the years.

02/25/2019 By Susan Burns

Unity Awards 2019

Meet the Winners of Our 2019 Unity Awards

We’re a closer, brighter place thanks to the winners of our 2019 Unity Awards.

01/24/2019 By Susan Burns, Cooper Levey-Baker, Isaac Eger, Kay Kipling, Megan McDonald, and Ilene Denton Photography by Everett Dennison

Unity Awards 2019

Bob and Pat Gussin Keep Seniors Healthy, Promote Literacy and Send Kids to College

The Gussins have more energy than a roomful of preschoolers and see opportunities around every corner.

01/24/2019 By Susan Burns

From the Editor

From the Editor: That's Entertainment

Susan Burns on great get-togethers.

01/24/2019 By Susan Burns

Breaking Away

R. Derek Black Was the Heir Apparent to America’s White Nationalist Movement. Then He Went to New College

A new book tells the remarkable story of how New College students came together to transform Black’s values and life.

01/02/2019 By Susan Burns

From the Editor

From the Editor: An Awakening at New College

Susan Burns reflects on how the school's culture of critical thinking can create dramatic personal change.

12/26/2018 By Susan Burns

Sneak Peek

First Look: The Sarasota Modern Hotel

The stylish 89-room hotel has a mid-century modern theme.

12/12/2018 By Staff

Welcome Back!

Three Big Projects That Are About to Change Our Region

Susan Burns sees three big projects about to change the region.

12/03/2018 By Susan Burns

Treasure Hunter

Jan Holman’s Sea Hagg Sells Nautical Salvage From Times Gone By

“Everything has a story and there’s much magic in what I do,” Holman says. “It almost feels like this place has a life of its own.”

12/03/2018 By Susan Burns

On With the Show

Juliette Feld Grossman Steps Into the Spotlight as Feld Entertainment Transitions to the Third Generation

Grossman's father, Feld Enertainment CEO Kenneth Feld, prepares to pass the baton.

10/29/2018 By Susan Burns

And the Award Goes To...

Another Ringling College Student Wins an Oscar

Shukla’s bronze makes 14 Ringling computer animation students who have won a Student Academy Award.

10/25/2018 By Susan Burns

From the Editor

From the Editor: The Restorative Tonic of the Arts

"Hope may not be at the heart of everything I pick this season—and I can’t completely avoid my phone and current events—but the arts are beautiful, tragic, poignant and ultimately a tonic for the soul."

10/25/2018 By Susan Burns

From the Editor

From the Editor: Vote for the Environment

“These intense blooms are not normal. It’s clear that excess land-based nutrients exacerbate the growth of all harmful algae.”

09/26/2018 By Susan Burns

Bubble Trouble

Are We in Another Real Estate Bubble?

“We’re very overdue for a recession,” says Chris McCarty, director of the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research.

09/17/2018 By Susan Burns

From the Editor

From the Editor: Betty Schoenbaum's Love and Philanthropy Helped Shape Sarasota

Betty, who passed away in July just short of her 101st birthday, was a tangible example that helping others just might be the ticket to a meaningful life.

08/29/2018 By Susan Burns