Building Excitement

A New Gift and New Look for Sarasota Orchestra's Music Center

A major investment and new design renderings move the center's future closer.

05/18/2026 By Kay Kipling

Dolce Vita

A Montreal Teacher Is Bringing Pistachio Cannoli, Affogato and Amalfi Sunshine to Sarasota

Tracy Calabrice is leaving the classroom to open Amalfi Bakehouse on Siesta Drive, with a rotating selection of Italian-inspired cookies, filled-to-order cannoli, house-made gelato and an espresso bar built around a slower, sweeter idea of café life.

05/18/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Parking Pain

Update: Sarasota Will Implement Longer Paid Parking Hours Downtown

City commissioners approved a plan on Monday, May 18, that will extend meter enforcement to 8 a.m. through midnight, seven days a week—minus Sundays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.—and raise many fines.

05/18/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Red Red Rose

Want a Rose Garden Like Mable Ringling's? We Asked The Ringling's Landscape Pros for Tips.

It's not the easiest plant to grow in Florida, but care and attention will result in fragrant flushes of flowers for years to come.

05/15/2026 By Megan McDonald

Suncoast Searchlight

Drought Drains Southwest Florida Water Reserves, but Officials Say Supply Is Secure

Environmental advocates, however, warn that continued withdrawals from the already depleted river could have lasting consequences for wildlife and native habitats.

05/15/2026 By Emily Andersen/Suncoast Searchlight

It's Baaaaaack!

Savor Sarasota Returns on June 1

This year marks Savor Sarasota's 21st anniversary, and 55 local restaurants have already signed up to participate, with more to come.

05/15/2026 By Megan McDonald

Don't Bug Out

Sarasota County Launches First-of-Its-Kind Malaria Surveillance

A new building in Nokomis puts Sarasota at the forefront of mosquito-borne disease prevention, launching what officials say is the first malaria surveillance program of its kind in the state—and maybe even the country.

05/14/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Complete Streets

What Should the Future of Downtown Sarasota’s Main Street Look Like?

The downtown corridor’s long-range makeover is moving into its next phase, and the city wants the public’s input May 21.

05/14/2026 By Kim Doleatto

ArtsBeat

Second Arts Alliance Summit Underscores Value of the Arts to Sarasota

Engagement in the arts bolsters health, community connection and the local economy.

05/13/2026 By Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

Eat More Plants

A Sarasota Influencer Just Won a Huge Vegan Media Award

Kreg Sterns runs Big Box Vegan, where he posts daily updates on vegan snacks from big box retailers across the country.

05/13/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Buy, Sell, Sarasota

Sarasota County Is Getting Its Own Monopoly Board

Sarasota is about to find out what it looks like in Monopoly form. The public is invited to send in landmark suggestions.

05/12/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Coming Attractions

The Ringling Announces Its 2026-2027 Art of Performance Lineup

Spanning Grammy-nominated vocalists, puppetry, experimental dance and contemporary circus, this year’s Art of Performance series continues the museum’s commitment to adventurous, interdisciplinary live art.

05/12/2026 By Kendall Southworth