10 Major Philanthropic Moments

From big gifts to grassroots campaigns, here are 10 of the year’s major philanthropic moments with huge community impact.

09/01/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Boss Moves

A New Workforce Housing Initiative Is on the Verge of Launching in Manatee County

Using its collective money, land and willpower, a coalition of mid-sized businesses is backing Forest Cove, a 156-unit development aimed at easing Manatee County’s housing squeeze.

08/12/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Stats

How Much Does It Actually Cost to Live in Sarasota and Manatee Counties Right Now?

According to the United Way Suncoast's 2025 ALICE Report, the basic survival budget for a family of four is $104,425 in Sarasota County and $95,004 in Manatee County.

07/07/2025 By Megan McDonald

High Stakes

Urbanist Brent Toderian Says Tall Buildings Are Not the Problem

“Sarasota has a huge disconnect between the types of developments being built and the actual needs of the community."

07/02/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Resilient, Unbreakable, Strong

Barbara Chase Overcame Homelessness to Help Others in Need

“It feels so worthwhile to help others,” she says.

07/02/2025 By Stephanie Churn Lubow

Home for Heroes

Heroes' Village Is the City of Sarasota's First Affordable Housing Complex Dedicated Entirely to Veterans

The housing complex opens its doors to offer stability, support and a path forward for those who served.

04/30/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Year in Review

The Most Notable Real Estate Stories of 2024

New developments galore. A catastrophic hurricane season. Record sales. Headway on affordable housing. It was quite a year for the local real estate market.

12/18/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Affordable Housing

In the Wake of Florida's Arts Funding Cuts, Florida Studio Theatre Receives Workforce Housing Grant for Its New Arts Plaza

Ron DeSantis cut $32 million in funding from Florida's arts budget—but a $1 million grant for affordable housing made it through for Florida Studio Theatre. That means the organization is on track to break ground on a new $57 million project next year.

07/10/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Workforce housing

A Prime Piece of Downtown Real Estate Has Been Earmarked for Workforce Housing

A partnership between Michael Saunders and Mark Vengroff will see 48 workforce housing units rise near Payne Park. Roughly 20 will be earmarked for law enforcement workers.

05/10/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Workforce Housing

A New Workforce Housing Development Is Headed to Bradenton

The Nest at Robin’s Apartments will see 182 residential units all priced as workforce housing.

04/25/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Affordable Housing

New Affordable Housing Incentives Will Allow Triple Density Along Some Sarasota Thoroughfares

City commissioners voted 3-2 Monday to expand developer incentives in exchange for affordable units to address the city's affordability crisis.

04/03/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Affordable Housing

A New Affordable Housing Project Is Headed to North Tamiami Trail

New Trail Plaza in Sarasota will bring almost 100 units entirely dedicated to workforce and affordable housing tenants.

02/15/2024 By Kim Doleatto

For Rent

A New Apartment Development Is Headed to Downtown Sarasota

Artist Court Residences—named for the nearby Towles Court Artist Colony—will bring 242 units, and some will be affordable.

11/29/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Housing

Businesses, Community Groups Seek Solutions to Affordable Housing Crisis

In one poll, 73 percent of local businesses said the lack of affordable housing has affected their ability to recruit and retain workers.

11/13/2023 By Jim DeLa/Community News Collaborative

Helping Heroes

Sarasota’s First Affordable Housing Project for Veterans Just Broke Ground

Thanks to area nonprofits, donors and gifted land, the city’s first veteran-focused affordable housing units are slated for completion next year.

11/01/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Affordable Housing

New State-Wide Affordable Housing Act Draws Doubts from Local Experts

Key incentives include height and density bonuses and speeding up the application process for developers.

07/06/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Affordable Housing

New Affordable Housing Units Come to North Tamiami Trail

A ribbon-cutting ceremony saw 16 new units added to University Row Apartments. More affordable units are on the way.

06/30/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Affordable Housing

Manatee County Employers Are Banding Together to Build Affordable Housing for Employees

Eagle Rock of Manatee is poised to offer employees of participating employers below-market rental rates.

05/25/2023 By Kim Doleatto

More Housing

A Multi-Family Apartment Complex With Affordable Units Is Coming to Tuttle and Bahia Vista

Yesterday, City Commissioners voted for a zoning change that will allow a 250-unit apartment building on the former Doctors Hospital site.

04/18/2023 By Kim Doleatto

For rent

A Dual Affordable Housing Project Is Headed to Bradenton

The Savoy at 301 focuses on renters 62 and over, while nearby The 301 Flats focuses on families and working people. Both are filling a gap for affordable housing.

03/06/2023 By Kim Doleatto