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America at 250: 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

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

Review

WBTT's 'Lies, Spells & Old Wives' Tales' Leans into Ancestral Wisdom

The world premiere show features original songs and some entertaining stories.

04/13/2026 By Kay Kipling

Hooray!

The Ritz Carlton's Lido Key Tiki Bar Has Reopened

The beachfront bar closed due to the 2024 storm season. It's back in business and open to the public.

04/13/2026 By Lauren Jackson

ArtsBeat

Sarasota Ballet Celebrates Two Decades Under Iain Webb’s Leadership

The upcoming season will feature 16 ballets from 13 choreographers and eight company premieres.

04/13/2026 By Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

In Memoriam

Remembering Chef Judi Gallagher

Our longtime food editor Judi Gallagher died last week. Sarasota Magazine’s editors, writers and publisher sent in their memories. We will miss her.

04/13/2026

Let's Sushi

Hanami Sushi Is Open in the Rosemary District

The restaurant, from the owners of Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi, will serve sushi and hibachi, as well as other Japanese favorites and craft cocktails.

04/10/2026 By Staff

Hej Sarasota!

IKEA Is Coming to Sarasota This Summer

The Swedish home-furnishings giant plans to open a 48,000-square-foot store at University Town Center, bringing flat-pack furniture, meatballs and one of the world’s most recognizable retail brands.

04/10/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Old Soul

Sarasota’s Historic Pearsall House Lists for Just Under $4 Million

In Avondale, the century-old Pearsall House blends historic detail, a sympathetic expansion and thoughtful updates that allow a 1920s home function in the present.