The 1920s

The Land Boom Decade That Changed Sarasota Forever

Promises of paradise, get-rich-quick promotions, buying, developing and reselling are the threads that weave throughout the entirety of the Sunshine State’s history, including Sarasota’s.

11/03/2025 By Jeff LaHurd

Come One, Come All

Restaurant Review: Ringside at Cirque St. Armands Beachside

Ringside at Cirque St. Armands Beachside welcomes diners with a modern menu and circus memories.

07/02/2025 By Lauren Jackson

High Wire Heritage

As Historic Homes Give Way to New Construction, This 1925 West of Trail Cottage Remains

This century-old Arlington Street bungalow still offers charm, craftsmanship and a direct link to the city’s circus roots.

06/03/2025 By Kim Doleatto

The Big Top

A New Hotel Has Opened on Lido Key

Cirque St. Armands Beachside has replaced Lido Key's Holiday Inn—and it's a major upgrade.

03/25/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Forever Daredevil

Circus Legend Elvin Bale Reflects on His Groundbreaking Career

Bale, who lives in Myakka, will be inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame's class of 2025. Due to post-hurricane damage to the Circus Ring of Fame plaques, the event will take place in 2026.

12/06/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Up Close and Personal

The Circus Arts Conservatory Delivers Thrills in the Intimate Historic Asolo Theater

Summer is the perfect time to escape to the big top.

06/14/2024 By Kay Kipling

Step Right Up

The Greatest Show on Earth Gallery Opens at The Ringling

The latest addition to the Ringling Circus Museum brings the story of the circus all the way up to today.

04/05/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Song and Dance Man

Sarasota’s Peppi Borza Was a One-of-a-Kind Transatlantic Star

A circus performer who made his name performing with his sister Nita, Borza became a star of stage and screen and was a longtime friend of singer Dusty Springfield.

01/11/2024 By Clayton Trutor

Under the Big Top

Circus Arts Conservatory, Nik Wallenda Announce New Collaboration

The renowned circus artist and circus arts organization will co-produce holiday shows in the UTC area in the coming years.

09/21/2023 By Staff

Flashback

Photo: Renowned Clown Emmett Kelly as 'Weary Willie,' Circa 1955

Who remembers this iconic photo?

06/23/2023 By Bethany Ritz

Under the Big Top

Celebrate World Circus Day on Saturday

From free admission to The Ringling's Circus Museum to a circus-themed trolley tour, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Sarasota's circus history.

04/11/2023 By Staff

Tiny big tops

Check Out Some Teeny-Tiny Circuses at This Year's National Circus Model Builders' Convention

Experience the circus in miniature format at this year's convention April 13 - 15 at Showfolks of Sarasota.

04/10/2023 By Kim Doleatto

The Greatest Show on Earth

The Circus Ring of Fame Will Induct New Honorees This Saturday

They include Peggy Williams, the first female graduate of Clown College, and "circus chaplain" Father Jerry Hogan.

02/02/2023 By Yasi Bahmanabadi

Fast Track

Kelley Lavin Named Interim Director of Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

Plus, the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board names new officers and the Circus Ring of Fame Foundation announces four new inductees.

12/05/2022 By Staff

Cirque Chic

Circus Collector Howard Tibbals' Former Condo Is on the Market

Take a look inside the home of the greatest circus fan on Earth. He and his wife's former Longboat Key condo could be yours for just under $8 million.

05/26/2022 By Kim Doleatto