The 1920s

Sarasota and the Roaring '20s

Historian Jeff LaHurd describes the transformational decade that shaped Sarasota forever.

11/03/2025

Circle of Dreams

John Ringling's Vision of St. Armands Circle Lives on Today

Ringling planned to turn the tiny, isolated archipelago into a grandiose European-style residential and shopping destination.

11/03/2025 By Jeff LaHurd

Going Up

Sarasota's Skyline Rose in Stucco and Barrel Tile

The results left Sarasota with a built environment that was theatrical and forever marked by the speculative optimism that evaporated when the boom went bust in 1926.

11/03/2025 By Kim Doleatto

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

Ringling Renaissance

The Historic Charles Ringling Building Has Transformed Into Venue 1927

Led by restaurateur Rafael Arguelles, the 1926 Charles Ringling Building will reopen in December as an event space.

10/21/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Rainbow Road

The Ringling Bridge Will Light Up Tonight For Pride Month

After weeks of debate, the John Ringling Causeway Bridge will finally be lit for Pride Month.

06/22/2021 By Emma Lichtenstein

Flashback

Flashback: At Sea With the Ringlings

Ringling used to take potential financial investors on pleasure cruises along Sarasota Bay.

10/01/2019 By Ilene Denton

Sarasota Romance

For Valentine’s Day, a Love Stories Trolley Tour

Just in time for Valentine's Day, trolley tours reveal Sarasota's hidden romantic history.

02/13/2019 By Mana Gale

Circus Sarasota

The Lavish Life and Forgotten Legacy of John Ringling North

The story of the other circus king.

07/26/2018 By Robert Plunket

Exit Interview

14 Amazing Objects in the Ca d'Zan Mansion

Outgoing curator Ron McCarthy shares his favorite parts of the Ringlings' Italianate home.

02/28/2018 By Ilene Denton

Birthday Boy

Happy 150th Birthday, John Ringling!

Celebrating the 150th birthday of John Ringling, Sarasota's OG arts and business tycoon.

05/26/2016

Come One, Come All

Celebrating John Ringling's 150th Birthday

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Foundation hosts a party in his honor May 31.

05/24/2016 By Kay Kipling

The Big House

Secrets of the Ca d'Zan

Curator Ron McCarty on what may surprise you about John and Mable Ringling's Italianate mansion.

04/08/2016 By Ilene Denton

Real Estate Junkie

For Sale: A Piece of Sarasota History in the Museum Area

Bob Plunket takes us inside a lovingly restored Spanish-style home in the Ringling Museum area that's currently for sale.

03/08/2016 By Robert Plunket

Article

Czecho-Slovakian Band Played Significant Role

John Ringling himself hired the band.

03/13/2015 By Larry Kelleher

Article

John Ringling Set the Tone for the Sarasota of Today

A self-made multimillionaire who extravagantly celebrated his wealth, John Ringling also understood that art is what endures.

03/02/2015 By Michael Kruse

Article

Mr. Chatterbox's Guide to Venice, Italy

12/30/2014 By davidadkins

Article

Mr. Chatterbox's Guide to Venice, Italy

This month: It's easy to understand Venice, Italy. If you’re from Sarasota, that is.

12/30/2014 By Bob Plunket

Article

Only in Sarasota: John Ringling Bridge

This month's Only in Sarasota illustration: Downtown Sarasota's John Ringling Bridge.

12/30/2014 By John Pirman

Article

For Sale: Historic Home Built by John Ringling's Architect

This week, Bob Plunket takes us inside a historic home on St. Armands Circle built by Dwight James Baum, John Ringling's architect.

06/26/2014 By Bob Plunket