Weather

Sarasota County Schools to Close From Sept. 25 to Sept. 27 Due to Tropical Storm Helene

Manatee County schools, Ringling College and New College also announced closures.

09/24/2024 By Staff

Hurricane Season

Do You Know Your Evacuation Zone?

Use Sarasota and Manatee counties' interactive tools to find evacuation levels and routes, shelters and more.

09/24/2024 By Megan McDonald

Weather

As Hurricane Helene Nears, the Potential for Flooding Looms

We talked to the executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program to learn more about potential flooding in the area.

09/24/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Hurricanes

Ahead of Helene, Sarasota County Announces Evacuations for Residents in Level A, Mobile Homes

The county will send out an evacuation alert for Level A and manufactured home communities starting Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 7 a.m.

09/24/2024 By Staff

Hurricanes

Tropical Storm Helene Takes Shape

We could see 24 hours or more of gale-force winds, 5 or more inches of rain, and storm surge after the eye passes.

09/23/2024 By Bob Bunting

Weather

DeSantis Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Tropical Cyclone Nine

The declaration affects 41 counties, including Sarasota and Manatee.

09/23/2024 By Staff

Weather

Where to Get Sandbags in Sarasota County and Manatee County

Ahead of Tropical Cyclone Nine, both counties have opened sandbag operations this week.

09/23/2024 By Staff

The Latest

The Local Real Estate Market Is Seeing a Summer Slowdown

It's common to see declines in the summer as snowbirds leave and local tourism slows, but there are bigger forces at work, too.

09/20/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Marlin Brand

Tommy Bahama's New Marlin Bar Concept Is Coming to Lakewood Ranch Next Month

The new restaurant will feature favorites from Tommy Bahama, as well as some new additions and a laidback atmosphere.

09/20/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Wellen up

A New Community Is Headed to Wellen Park in South Sarasota County

Esplanade at Wellen Park is set to bring 877 new units to the market starting in early 2026.

09/19/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Pump It Up

80-Year-Old Sarasota Entrepreneur Robert Warren Just Broke World Weightlifting Records

Warren is living proof that age is no barrier to strength.

09/18/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Grant Report

Embracing Our Differences Receives $25,000 Strategic Partnership Grant

Plus, Satchel's Last Resort raised more than $48,000 with a Taylor Swift-themed "Eras Tour" event, and more.

09/16/2024 By Staff

Fast Track

Tom Edwards Named Executive Director of SRQ Strong

Plus, Barbara Ford-Coates was recognized for financial excellence by the Florida Tax Collectors Association, and more.

09/16/2024 By Staff

Here Comes the Sun

George Harrison's Love of Gardening Is the Theme of Selby Gardens' Upcoming Exhibition

The late Harrison—the legendary lead guitarist of the Beatles—even dedicated his book "to gardeners everywhere."

09/16/2024 By Megan McDonald

Crafting a Legacy

Greg Pennenga Has Been Making Custom Furniture for Nearly Three Decades

"I’m always trying to create something that stops people in their tracks. It’s the creativity that gets me going.”

09/13/2024 By Kim Doleatto

On One Condition

The Owners of Mira Mar Plaza Want to Rehabilitate the Property While Adding Two 18-Story Towers Next Door

Whether the developer can navigate the necessary zoning changes and community concerns will determine the proposal's fate. An upcoming workshop will offer a chance for public feedback.

09/12/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Spin Cycle

More Than 50 Inches of Rain Have Fallen in Sarasota Over the Past Three Months

And with Hurricane Francine churning in the Gulf, this hurricane season's lull may be over. Here's what's happening in the tropics right now.

09/10/2024 By Bob Bunting

Fast Track

Hermitage Artist Retreat 2024-2025 Curatorial Council Includes Lauren Groff, Lynn Nottage

Plus, Hoyt Architects' Gary Hoyt has been named to the AIA 2024 College of Fellows and more.

09/09/2024 By Staff

Listening to Black Voices

Renée James Gilmore on Continuing Her Family's Historic Local Legacy

Gilmore is the daughter of the late activist Dr. Ed James and the great-granddaughter of Mary Emma Jones, who led the 1955 wade-in efforts to desegregate Sarasota beaches.

09/09/2024 By Heather Dunhill