Suncoast Searchlight

Developers Push Massive Data Center Complex in DeSoto County

Florida-based DCIP Group has already secured rezoning approval for an initial 34-acre site at a decommissioned power plant near Arcadia, but company executives say the project could eventually expand to roughly 1,300 acres.

05/28/2026 By Alice Herman/Suncoast Searchlight

Last Call

Update: One Brewery Closes While Another Pushes Through Foreclosure

It's been a tough few months for the local craft beer scene.

05/28/2026 By Megan McDonald

Rock Solid Recreation

Sarasota's First Climbing Gym Is Opening To The Public

The 24,000-square-foot facility includes a climbing gym, podcasting space, coffee bar, infrared sauna, and more.

05/27/2026 By Kendall Southworth

ArtsBeat

Squeaky Wheel Fringe Gives Artists a Platform to Experiment and Play

Nine new local and national shows will be presented in Squeaky Wheel's fourth festival.

05/26/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

En Garde

Para Fencing Brings International Competition to Bradenton

The rare U.S. event at IMG Academy will bring 170 athletes from more than 20 countries to Bradenton for four days of fast, tactical competition.

05/26/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Suncoast Searchlight

Sarasota Fight to Save Century-Old Downtown Building Pits History Versus Development

The fate of a more than century-old downtown Sarasota building could be headed to court following a last-ditch effort from a preservation group trying to stop it from being razed for luxury condos.

05/26/2026 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight

Politics

USF Sarasota-Manatee Will Be Transferred to New College

That's despite major public outcry from the public, business leaders and state and national legislators.

05/26/2026 By Megan McDonald and Susan Burns

Sponsored Content

Through the Eyes of: CareerEdge

CareerEdge is a workforce initiative designed to help people build skills and move into new or advancing roles, while supporting employers across industries like healthcare, manufacturing, skilled trades, and transportation.

05/22/2026

Sponsored Content

From Survival to the Stage: Lifeline Productions Premieres Cristela Carrizales’ Solo Masterpiece, Begin Again Badge

Lifeline Productions brings Cristela Carrizales’ transformative solo performance to the stage for its Sarasota world premiere -- balancing fearless humor with the messy truths of survival, healing, and the courage to start over.

05/22/2026

The Heart of Art

Artists Return to Burns Square Streets

Artists and community leaders are working to “bring the heart of art to the heart of the city” through daily public painting, spontaneous performances and community connection.

05/21/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Tourism Update

Sarasota Tourism Rose in March. Visitor Spending Didn’t.

More travelers came to Sarasota County during peak season, but shorter stays and softer restaurant and entertainment spending kept March’s economic impact nearly flat.

05/20/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Real Estate Report

Sarasota-Manatee Home Sales Rise as Inventory Tightens and Median Prices Hold Steady

April data shows stronger buyer activity across single-family homes and condos in both counties, with Sarasota’s condo market posting the sharpest jump in sales.

05/19/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Walker Run

Sarasota School Icon Paul Rudolph’s Walker Guest House Is for Sale for $2 Million in L.A.

The original Sanibel retreat, designed by Rudolph in 1952, has resurfaced in Los Angeles, reopening memories of Rudolph's timeless design as well as a beloved replica that once stood on The Ringling Museum grounds.

05/19/2026 By Kim Doleatto

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