Losing Our Country

Rural Hi Hat Ranch Gets Closer to Becoming a Major Development

Despite protests, Sarasota County commissioners approve an allowable density amendment for the sprawling Hi Hat Ranch.

06/10/2021 By Elizabeth Djinis

High Stakes Decision

Sarasota County Commission to Consider Turning Hi Hat Ranch Into Large Housing, Commercial Development

It's another battle in the fight between the preservationists who want to keep some of the region’s land rural and the developers who want to maximize its profit.

06/09/2021 By Elizabeth Djinis

'I Will Never Go Away'

Becky Ayech Fights for Old Miakka’s Rural Way of Life

For decades, Ayech has been battling government and developers over zoning issues, pollution and the need to protect the watershed.

11/01/2020 By Elizabeth Djinis

Outdoor Adventures

Let's Go Horseback Riding at Myakka River Trail Rides

The property's 40 acres of sprawling fields and shaded trails, along with purebred, trained horses, will have you feeling like a certified cattle wrangler in no time.

09/16/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Bear With Us

St. Petersburg Couple Marries With an Actual Bear as Their Ring Bearer

Animal lovers Rita Janecek and Joseph Schaar marry at Bearadise Ranch alongside Carol the bear, after plans to wed in Alaska fell through.

04/28/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Sneak Preview

Florida Artists Hall of Fame Photographer Clyde Butcher Opens New Myakka Exhibit at the Bishop Museum

Butcher also will join a panel of judges for Sarasota Magazine's Earth Day Photo Contest.

02/05/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Weekly Planner

A Cast Iron Cooking Class, a Downton Abbey-Themed Dinner and More of This Week’s Best Food and Drink Events

Also on the menu: a night market and food truck rally and a sunset happy hour.

01/29/2020 By Rachel Suwak

A Rare Breed

A Myakka Woman Wants to Save the Akhal-Teke

Prized for their shimmering, almost metallic coats, the breed dates back 3,000 years ago and still maintains its distinct bloodline.

09/01/2019 By Hanna Powers

Call of the Wild

The Sarasota Sea Lion Preserve Opens to the Public in Myakka City

Marco Peters, who previously trained big cats for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, is the man behind the for-profit preserve.

04/02/2019 By Dyllan Furness

Weekend Planner

Your Top 7 Things to Do: March 9-15

Kristin Chenoweth returns to the Van Wezel, Jim Breuer at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, Paul Duffy plays Irish music and more.

03/08/2017 By Ilene Denton

Weekend Planner

Your Top 11 Things to Do: Feb. 9-15

Circus Sarasota, Twyla Tharp, Madama Butterfly, Chagall at Selby Gardens and so much more.

02/09/2017 By Ilene Denton

Real Estate Junkie

For Sale: Contemporary Southern Mansion in Myakka River Trails

This week, Bob Plunket takes us inside a 8,000-square-foot home in Myakka River Trails.

10/20/2016 By Robert Plunket

Into the Wild

Five Overnight Adventures for Campers Old and New

Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time out, our region offers camping experiences for everyone.

04/04/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Weekend Starts Now

The Top 5 Things to Do This Week: March 24-30

The stars of Broadway’s Jekyll & Hyde visit the Van Wezel, the 4th Annual Whiskey Obsession Festival begins, paddling the Myakka River and more.

03/24/2016 By Sarasota Magazine Staff

The Weekend Starts Now

The Top 7 Things to Do This Week: March 17-23

Stomp returns to Sarasota, the Sarasota Orchestra celebrates Disney and Reverend Barry and Funktastic Soul plays the Full Moon concert at Myakka River State Park.

03/17/2016 By Sarasota Magazine Staff