You're Invited

Join Us and the Region’s Top Changemakers for 'Powered by Philanthropy' at the St. Regis Longboat Key

On Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, Powered by Philanthropy will celebrate our region’s signature spirit of giving.

10/13/2025

Philanthropy

Barancik Foundation Names Next President and CEO

John Brothers, who most recently served as president of the T. Rowe Price Foundation and T. Rowe Price Charitable, succeeds the Barancik Foundation's outgoing president and CEO Teri Hansen.

10/13/2025 By Staff

Suncoast Searchlight

Pam Ames Takes on Arcadia’s Toughest Job: Saving Main Street

Twenty years ago, Arcadia boasted more than two dozen antique stores that sustained the economy. Today fewer than half remain, after one of the roughest summers in memory.

10/13/2025 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight

Review

WBTT's 'Purlie' Spreads a Message Through Laughter

The musical uses often broad comedy to tackle racism in the Jim Crow South.

10/13/2025 By Kay Kipling

Coming Home

One Year After Milton, ALSO Youth Reopens at a New Location

The LGBTQ+ youth organization’s return coincides with the hurricane’s anniversary and World Mental Health Day, underscoring the stakes for young locals navigating politics, identity and belonging.

10/09/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Pier Review

Rebuilding of Anna Maria Island's City Pier to Begin Soon

Construction on the pier will begin within the next two months—with test pilings installed in the next two weeks—and the pier will be "substantially complete" by April 2026. 

10/09/2025 By Megan McDonald

Suncoast Searchlight

‘Hostile Takeover’: Charter Operator Files to Occupy Three Sarasota Schools

In three nearly identical two-page notices, the charter school laid out plans for takeovers at Brookside Middle, Emma E. Booker Elementary School and Oak Park School, a K-12 campus that serves students with disabilities.

10/09/2025 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight, Alice Herman/Suncoast Searchlight, and Josh Salman/Suncoast Searchlight

Water World

Mote's New Science Education Aquarium Is Open

Years in the making, the $132 million facility includes 1 million gallons of aquatic exhibitions, including  sharks and stingrays, manatees, otters, penguins, a giant octopus, sharks, otters and more, plus three state-of-the-art STEM teaching labs.

10/08/2025 By Megan McDonald Videography by Joshua Bodkin

Advantage Point

The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Sustainable Tech Choices

When you understand the impact of e-waste, you're more likely to think twice before buying the newest phone or tossing out the old one. 

10/08/2025

Among the Flowers

Rebecca Louise Law Explores Time, Survival and Community in Her Orchid Show Installation at Selby Gardens

The British artist’s installation has been extended through Jan. 11, 2026. 

10/07/2025 By Megan McDonald

Advantage Point

Walking on Clouds: Best Sellers by REEF that are Winning Hearts among Women

When you hear about REEF, you may imagine surf, sea, and sand; however, the line of women's friendly footwear that is the brand's bestseller is not limited to days at the beach.

10/07/2025

Sponsored Content

The Eagle’s Nest: Nate Jacobs and the Rise of WBTT

How Nate Jacobs built a theater where stories soar.

10/06/2025

Rolling in the Deep

Political and Civic Heavyweights Gather for Ribbon-Cutting at Mote's New Aquarium

The new aquarium opens to the public on Oct. 8, marking a milestone not just for Mote, but for the region's identity as a hub for marine science and innovation.

10/06/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Preview

Perlman Music Program Suncoast Announces Winter Schedule

The program's winter residency offers free concerts and access to rehearsals, work-in-progress recitals, masterclasses and more.

10/06/2025 By Staff

Advantage Point

Why Every Business Needs a Website Traffic Checker

With more businesses competing for attention, understanding who visits your site and how they arrive there has never been more crucial.

10/06/2025 By matthew kayser

Advantage Point

Cold-Hardy Chicken Breeds: The Best Birds for Northern Climates

From their thick feathers to their resilient nature, certain breeds are built to handle the chill.

10/06/2025

Eat Your Veggies

The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch Was Just Recognized as the Best Farmers Market in the U.S.

American Farmland Trust's annual Farmers Market Celebration honors markets across the country. This year, Lakewood Ranch took the top spot.

10/03/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Take a Look, It's in a Book

Amy Tan Headlines Sarasota's 2025 'Off the Page' Literary Festival

You can also attend talks with Janet Evanovich and her daughter Alex, former FBI special agent Robert K. Wittman, memoirist Anabelle Tometich and Pulitzer Prize-winner Jack E. Davis,

10/03/2025 By Megan McDonald

Sponsored Content

 A Community Compass for All 

The 2025 Regional Scan – powered by Gulf Coast Community Foundation – aims to identify both opportunities and strengths to clearly and confidently represent the unique needs of our region. 

10/03/2025

Advantage Point

How Sweepstakes Casinos Work — And Why Americans Love Them

Innovation continues to define the online gaming industry, making online play more social, inclusive and sustainable than ever before.

10/03/2025