Beach Update

High Levels of Red Tide Are Present at Many Sarasota Beaches. So Where Is It Safe to Go?

Dead fish, scratchy throats and unpleasant smells have been reported at Sarasota County beaches. Here's where it's safe to swim.

12/02/2022 By Isaac Eger

Breaking News

Red Tide Is Now Present at Every Beach in Sarasota

Elevated levels of the fish-killing bacteria that causes red tide have been found at all 16 area beaches.

11/10/2022 By Isaac Eger

Swim Advisory

Where Is It Safe to Swim in Sarasota Right Now?

Officials have detected fecal bacteria and red tide in our waterways. We spoke with an expert in Sarasota water quality to find out where it's safe to swim.

11/04/2022 By Isaac Eger

Bye bye butts

It's Official: No More Smoking at City-Owned Public Beaches and Parks

City of Sarasota commissioners voted unanimously to ban cigarette smoking in non-designated areas.

10/06/2022 By Kim Doleatto

No Butts About It

City of Sarasota Public Parks and Beaches Are One Step Closer to Being Butt-Free

City of Sarasota officials voted unanimously to move forward with banning smoking in city-owned parks and public beaches.

09/07/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Relax, Calm

Bliss Out With These Soothing Beach Shots by Photographer Gray Malin

The well-known photographer has added our region to his collection of light-filled aerial beach shots.

09/02/2022 By Megan McDonald

Before You Vote

What Will Sarasota County Commission Candidates Do to Address Our Beach Access Crisis?

We asked candidates to tell us what they think needs to be done to resolve the tension between beachgoers and property owners.

08/22/2022 By Isaac Eger

What's Cooler Than Being Cool? Ice Cold!

The Best Beach Coolers of 2022

Stow beer, wine and your Pub subs in one of these bad boys for the perfect Sarasota beach day.

07/21/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Throwing Shade

The Best Beach Umbrellas for 2022

Seek the shade in style—from tents to cabanas to classic umbrellas.

07/07/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Pool season

How to Keep Your Kids Safe Around the Water This Summer

One of the owners of Aqua-Tots Swim Schools shares four simple tips to keep in mind.

05/18/2022 By Samantha Lane

Bay Watch

Help the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Check on Our Seagrass This Weekend

Become a citizen scientist by recording the health and quality of Sarasota Bay seagrass.

04/26/2022 By Allison Forsyth

All Aboard

Bay Runner Trolley Launches March 2

The trolley will offer complimentary service between downtown Sarasota, St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach.

02/25/2022 By Staff

Hot Topic

Sarasota Magazine Writer to Discuss 'Who Owns Florida's Beaches?' on WSLR

Isaac Eger will discuss his award-winning 2021 story about the privatization of Florida's beaches with 12th Judicial Circuit attorney Gabriele Plendl.

02/16/2022 By Staff

Climate Change

New Report Predicts More Than a Foot of Sea Level Rise for Sarasota-Manatee

Sarasota and Manatee counties can expect 14-18 inches of sea level rise, a new report predicts.

02/15/2022 By Megan McDonald

Love Notes

Five Easy Yet Romantic Valentine's Day Date Ideas

Head to the park or a beach, pretend you're a tourist at a local attraction, and more.

02/07/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Politics

Panel Discusses 'Who Owns Florida's Beaches?'

Inspired by an award-winning Sarasota Magazine story, a Sarasota Tiger Bay Club panel on Thursday discussed the complex legalities of where the public beach ends and where private ownership begins.

01/06/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker