Suncoast Searchlight

Red Tide Turning Point? New Research, Policy Shifts Offer Hope

At Mote Marine Laboratory, researchers are testing treatments that have shown promise in reducing algae levels without harming marine life.

04/17/2026 By Josh Dunbar/Suncoast Searchlight

Philanthropy

Giving Challenge Brings in $16.7 Million as 751 Nonprofits Draw Broad Support Across the Region

The biennial event ended Thursday at noon after drawing 50,904 donors, 87,814 gifts and a record 751 participating nonprofits, with this year’s total coming in just below the $17.2 million raised in 2024.

04/16/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Share Your Thoughts 💭

What Are Your Hopes for the Future of the United States?

What do you want the nation to look like for those who will inherit the county next? This is your chance to put it in writing.

04/16/2026

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

Cocktails, comedy, chamber music, a tree giveaway, horses, an art festival and a little dockside wandering.

04/16/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Leave Them Wanting More

Giancarlo Guerrero closes his first full season at the helm of Sarasota Orchestra with a surprise ending.

04/15/2026

Key Chorale Presents
One Light, Many Voices:
A Festival of the Human Spirit and Sacred Song

An uplifting celebration of unity, faith, and the human spirit

04/15/2026

Gillespie Park Neighborhood

A Proposed 324-Unit Apartment Development Raises Questions in Gillespie Park

At a Gillespie Neighborhood Association meeting last night, residents and business owners pressed developers for answers about timing, traffic and the future of a longtime cluster of small businesses near downtown Sarasota.

04/15/2026 By Kim Doleatto

ArtsBeat

FSU/Asolo Conservatory Casts a Spell With ‘Midsummer Night's Dream’

Jonathan Epstein's staging is as colorful and spirited as theater critic Jay Handelman has ever seen it.

04/15/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

Philanthropy

The 2026 Giving Challenge Is Happening Now

The 24-hour online giving event connects about 750 nonproﬁts with donors and community members to support diverse causes in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties

04/15/2026 By Staff

Just Keep Swimming

Renny Harlin and Gene Simmons Bring Their Action Flick 'Deep Water' to the Sarasota Film Festival

“I want viewers to feel the best feeling I can describe, which is when you walk out of the theater and feel like you’re a foot off the ground," Harlin says of the film, which will get a theatrical release May 1.

04/14/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Lectures

Ringling College Announces 2027 Town Hall Speakers

What do two journalists, an AI expert, an Olympic gold medalist and the former prime minister of Canada have in common?

04/14/2026 By Staff

Every Bite Is A Celebration.

Up Your Foodie Game During Savor Sarasota.

04/14/2026

Suncoast Searchlight

Sarasota County Blocks ‘Live Local’ Law, Risking Clash With Developers

Commissioners said they were reacting to a steady barrage of concerns from residents over the impact of the proposed developments.

04/13/2026 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight and Michael Barfield/Florida Trident

Suncoast Searchlight

Scientists to Discuss Suncoast Environmental Threats at Free Sarasota Panel

The conversation will offer a chance to hear directly from the scientists and advocates studying the region’s most pressing environmental challenges, from microplastics in local waters to the loss of natural habitats.

04/13/2026 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight

Fast Track

The Ringling Names Amy Sankes Named Senior Director of Development

Plus, Manatee County Schools employee wins national "LifeChanger of the Year" award, and more.

04/13/2026 By Staff

Survey Says

See How Locals And Neighbors Residents Ranked Issues Like Housing and More in a Recent Regional Survey

In a new survey of 1,500 residents across Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties, affordable housing emerged as the top concern, followed by environmental protection and support during times of crisis.

04/13/2026 By Kim Doleatto