Suncoast Searchlight

Most Suncoast Lawmakers Quiet as Charter School Expansion Fuels Local Upheaval

The same lawmakers who voted earlier this year to let charter schools move into underused public campuses have stayed quiet as a Miami-based charter operator’s early push to occupy local schools set off confusion and concern among parents and educators.

10/20/2025 By McKenna Oxenden/Suncoast Searchlight and Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight

Farmers Market Madness

Palmetto's New North River Community Market Features More Than 70 Vendors

The new monthly market is hosted monthly at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa

09/19/2025 By Lauren Jackson

10 Major Philanthropic Moments

From big gifts to grassroots campaigns, here are 10 of the year’s major philanthropic moments with huge community impact.

09/01/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Real Estate Report

Condo Prices Dip in Sarasota and Manatee Counties as Single-Family Homes Hold the Line

"If the home is priced appropriately, buyers should stop and offer that price instead of trying to beat it down."

08/22/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Real Estate Report

Buyers Gain Leverage as Prices Drop and Listings Climb in Sarasota and Manatee

“We’re in a buyer’s market now. There’s a huge amount of inventory to choose from, and people are no longer making random offers. They’ll pay full price—but only if comps support it.”

07/24/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Dune Duty

A New Volunteer Initiative Aims to Plant 12,000 Sea Oats in Manatee County

Keep Manatee Beautiful is looking for 300 volunteers to help plant sea oats along the dunes of Anna Maria Island in an effort to shore up the natural protections between the island and the water.

07/16/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Stats

How Much Does It Actually Cost to Live in Sarasota and Manatee Counties Right Now?

According to the United Way Suncoast's 2025 ALICE Report, the basic survival budget for a family of four is $104,425 in Sarasota County and $95,004 in Manatee County.

07/07/2025 By Megan McDonald

Blast Off

Is SpaceX Coming to Myakka City?

The aerospace company, which was founded by Elon Musk, has proposed a "fenced, gravel compound on a 0.73-acre area with 40 satellite antennas" at 3350 C.R. 675.

07/07/2025 By Megan McDonald

Going Up

New 276-Unit Apartment Community Breaks Ground in North Manatee

The Kolter Group is building "market rate" apartments, adding to the growing footprint of mid-rise housing in Palmetto.

06/23/2025 By Kim Doleatto

A River Runs Through It

Doug Baker and Lauren Crist’s Riverfront Estate Merges Wild Old Florida With Timeless Style

This is more than a home—it’s a lifestyle.

06/06/2025 By Kim Doleatto

In Motion

Here's Who’s Moving to and Leaving Our Region

A data-driven look at how steady waves of new residents are reshaping Sarasota and Manatee counties.

06/05/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Perfect Storm

Buyers Are Gaining Ground With More Choices and, in Sarasota, Lower Prices

Insurance rates, interest rates and a volatile political climate—plus a hurricane hangover—are creating a perfect storm that favors buyers.

04/24/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Gulf Grandeur

Inside a $24.95 Million Waterfront Mansion on Longboat Key

A bayfront estate seeks a record sale price on the tiny barrier island.

04/15/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Real Estate Report

It's Rising Inventory, Slowing Sales and a More Balanced Market in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

The latest real estate data shows longer time to contract and growing inventory. The median price for a single-family home in Sarasota County is now $490,000 and $430,000 in Manatee County.

12/20/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Election 2024

Who Designed Our Cute 'I Voted' Stickers?

Sarasota and Manatee counties both held student design contests. You'll see the winning stickers when you go to the polls.

11/05/2024 By Megan McDonald

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

Hurricane Milton

Local Beaches Are Still Closed Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton

While some may appear ready for use, others require significant work.

10/16/2024 By Staff

Education

Sarasota, Manatee County School Districts Announce Reopening Plans

Sarasota County schools will reopen on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Manatee County schools will reopen tomorrow, Oct. 15.

10/14/2024 By Staff

Hurricane Milton

Ahead of Milton, Sarasota and Manatee Counties Open More Sandbag Locations

Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Wednesday. Here's where to get sandbags if you need them.

10/07/2024 By Staff

Disaster Relief

What to Know About Hurricane Helene Recovery: Monday, Sept. 30, 2024

The Town of Longboat Key asks that residents restrict wastewater usage, free medical services will be available in Manatee County this week, and debris clean-up begins.

09/30/2024 By Megan McDonald