A PORPOISEFUL TRANSITION

Sarasota Dolphin Research Program's Influential Director, Randy Wells, Is Retiring

Dr. Katie McHugh will succeed Wells when he steps down after 56 years on July 1.

06/24/2026 By Kendall Southworth

King of the Sea

Want to See a Dolphin? Head to Holmes Beach.

The city ranks No. 6 in the U.S. for bottlenose dolphin sightings.

06/22/2026 By Megan McDonald

Making a Splash

Randy and the Dolphins

Marine scientist Randall Wells knows Sarasota’s dolphins better than anyone in the world. Just don’t ask him to read their minds.

09/05/2025 By Isaac Eger

Outdoor Adventures

Let's Go for a Dolphin-Watching Tour in Sarasota Bay

Bring the kids along for a thrilling, pirate-themed dolphin tour with Siesta Key Aqua Adventures.

08/12/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Red Tide

Mote and NOAA Report Spike in Dolphin Deaths—and Red Tide is Likely to Blame

Forty-nine bottlenose dolphins have died in Southwest Florida since July 1.

09/14/2018 By Jonathan Goodman

Making Waves

Ginger, a Sarasota Bay Dolphin, is Spotted With New Calf

Congratulations are in order for Ginger the bottlenose dolphin.

07/12/2017 By Megan McDonald

Article

The True-Life Adventures of Ginger the Dolphin

Researchers at Mote chronicle the life of Ginger the dolphin.

12/01/2015 By Sarasota Magazine

Article

Web Extra: Remembering Beggar the Dolphin

Many local boaters filmed Beggar, the dolphin whose interactions with humans led to his recent death. Here's one of those videos.

04/01/2013 By Megan McDonald

Article

From the Editor: The Truth About Flipper

The truth about Flipper: Pam Daniel on the loss of Sarasota's Beggar the Dolphin.

04/01/2013 By Megan McDonald

Loved to Death

Beggar the Dolphin: Loved to Death

Sarasota boaters adored Beggar, the smiling dolphin who swam right up and begged for food. But when man and wild animals interact, the animal can pay a terrible price.

04/01/2013 By Craig Pittman

Article

Photo of the Week: Dolphin Fins

03/07/2013 By taylorm