Paying tribute

Newtown Alive, School System Partner to Honor an Education Pioneer

The organizations plan to commemorate Dorothye Smith, the first African-American principal to be hired at an integrated Sarasota County school.

12/20/2019 By Shelby Schwartz

Staycation special

Your New Sunday Splurge: Brunch & Brushes at the Art Ovation Hotel

This fun weekly event lets you stuff yourself silly, then hang out in the hotel's rooftop pool.

12/20/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Safety

Swimming Pool Association Wants to Reduce the Number of Childhood Drownings

The organization is asking for $200,000 in state funding to make swimming lessons accessible to all kids.

12/20/2019 By Shelby Schwartz

Holidays

Manatee County Government Announces Holiday Hours

Offices will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1, 2020.

12/19/2019 By Staff

Holidays

Sarasota County Government Offices to Close for Holidays

Offices will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1, 2020.

12/19/2019 By Staff

Philanthropy

Community Foundation of Sarasota County Launches Upgraded Platform for The Giving Partner

The launch is in advance of the 2020 Giving Challenge.

12/19/2019 By Staff

Real Estate

Three Commercial Real Estate Transactions

The transactions include a 1,323-square-foot office space in historic Towles Court.

12/19/2019 By Staff

Groundbreaking

Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Kicks Off $10 Million Campus Expansion Project

The changes will double capacity for dogs and increase capacity for cats by 25 percent, allowing Nate’s Honor to save about 4,500 animals annually.

12/19/2019 By Staff

Grants

Children First Receives More Than $45,000 in Grants

The funds will be used to support scholarships for high-risk children and classes and workshops at the agency’s Families First Institute.

12/19/2019 By Staff

Wage Gauge

Florida Supreme Court Unanimously Approves $15 Minimum Wage Ballot Proposal

If the amendment passes, minimum wage would increase to $10 per hour in September 2021, then by $1 per hour each September until 2026.

12/19/2019 By Staff

Fast Track

Manatee County Port Authority Elects Priscilla Whisenant Trace as Chairwoman

Whisenant Trace has served on the county’s commission and the port’s board since 2016.

12/19/2019 Photography by Staff

Deep impact

An Early Childhood Development Expert Explains How Trauma and Stress Can Derail a Kid's Life

Mimi Graham is the director of Florida State University’s Center for Prevention & Early Intervention Policy and advises agencies and nonprofits all around the state, including here in Sarasota.

12/19/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

High Brow

We Tried It: Brow Lamination

Brow lamination is like a perm for your eyebrows. (Spoiler alert: we love it.)

12/19/2019 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Best of the Year

Our Top 5 Real Estate Junkie Blogs of 2019

From a modern residence in Lido Shores to a mobile home with a knockout view, here are our favorite listings of the year.

12/19/2019 By Robert Plunket

Best of the Year

5 Notable Sales of 2019

From the Ohana estate to a near record-breaking Siesta Key deal, here are five notable Top Sales of 2019

12/19/2019 By Ilene Denton

Best of the Year

5 Homes We Loved in 2019

From a midcentury modern masterpiece to a ‘60s Southgate ranch, here are 5 great homes we covered this year.

12/19/2019 By Ilene Denton

Best of the Year

5 Real Estate Stories Worth Noting in 2019

From a new downtown Sarasota condo project to more growth in Lakewood Ranch, here’s a look at recent real estate news we covered.

12/19/2019 By Staff

Memorial

Major Sarasota Philanthropists Die

Chuck Barancik and his wife, Margery, died in a car crash on Gulf of Mexico Drive.

12/19/2019 By Staff

Good Luck Charm

Cotechino and Lentils Is the Delicious New Year's Tradition You Deserve

What's so special about this simple, luxurious meal? The memories.

12/19/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Weekend Planner

Your Top 6 Things to Do: Dec. 19-25

John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker, the Perlman Music Program Suncoast kicks off and more.

12/19/2019 By Ilene Denton