Parks for Everyone

Get Outside and Explore Our Welcoming Parks and Preserves

The region has a wealth of these restorative spaces to enjoy, no matter your passion. Here are 10 to explore.

12/01/2025 By Kendall Southworth

Dive Into Resort Life

Unplug and Recharge at These Five Local Resorts

We found five resorts for different budgets and tastes that offer convenience, comfort and beauty.

12/01/2025

Dive Into Resort Life

Lido Beach Resort Stands the Test of Time

Built in 1969, the resort has attracted visitors from around the world for decades.

12/01/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Flashback

Photo: Sarasota Sun-Debs, 1949

Photographer Joseph Janney Steinmetz captured this scene that year, which shows a ballet instructor giving the Sun-Debs a movement lesson on the sunny shores of Lido Beach.

07/03/2025 By Megan McDonald

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

Birds of a Feather

How to Keep Our Nesting Shorebirds Safe During Fourth of July Celebrations

"It's important to share our shores," says Evan Powers, Audubon Florida's Sarasota stewardship coordinator.

06/26/2025 By Megan McDonald

Good News

Six Months After 2024's Catastrophic Hurricanes, Ted Sperling Park Has Reopened

The park sustained significant storm impacts and was also used to help manage storm debris from the Lido Key community.

03/17/2025 By Staff

Beach Bound

Lido Beach Will Reopen Nov. 2

And Anna Maria Beach and Manatee Beach have welcomed back visitors, too.

11/01/2024 By Staff

Only in Sarasota

Beat the Summer Heat at Lido Beach

John Pirman sketches the colorful umbrella and powdery white sand.

07/01/2024 Illustrations by John Pirman

48 Hours in Sarasota

Grab Your Besties and Head to Sarasota for a Friendship-Filled Weekend

Sarasota is a perfect place for a girls’ trip.

11/06/2023 By Megan McDonald

Beach Battle

In 1990, Sarasota Waged War on Thongs, Leading to Outrage, Protests and National Media Attention

Three decades ago, the city was divided in two by a narrow wedge issue: bare bottoms on beaches.

09/29/2023 By Kim Doleatto

High Octane Tourism

The Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Returns to Lido Beach on June 30

Sarasota is the second longest-running powerboat grand prix in the United States.

06/14/2023 By Staff

Paddles Up

The Lido Key 'Pirate House' Is Headed to Auction

This multimillion dollar home is going to auction for one day only. The highest bidder, regardless of price, takes all.

11/29/2022 By Kim Doleatto

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. The new ordinance is now in effect.

10/06/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Relax, Calm

Bliss Out With These Soothing Beach Shots by Photographer Gray Malin

The well-known photographer has added Sarasota-Manatee's shoreline to his collection of light-filled aerial beach shots.

09/02/2022 By Megan McDonald

Beaches

How Seriously Should We Take No-Swim Advisories?

After a recent spate of no-swim advisories, we asked the Florida Department of Health what causes them and what precautions we need to take.

08/25/2022 By Bethany Ritz

Throwing Shade

Small Handmade 'Chick Huts' Help Our Beach Birds Stay Cool

The wooden huts, which offer shore birds a respite from the sun, are a gift from local bird enthusiast Sandy Ulrikson and her late husband Jerry.

08/19/2022 By Megan McDonald

Beach Report

No-Swim Advisory Issued for Multiple Sarasota County Beaches

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County has resampled the beaches today and expects the results late afternoon tomorrow.

08/11/2022 By Staff

Summertime Sadness

A National Lifeguard Shortage Is Forcing Local Pools to Reduce Their Hours

The Lido Beach Pool schedule will be cut back to cope with the shortage. City of Sarasota representatives encourage the public to apply.

06/16/2022 By Chloe Nelson

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

Sarasota Magazine

Lido Beach