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

Take a hike

Thanksgiving Is the Perfect Day to Visit a State Park

It's become an annual tradition for my family to head out to Myakka River State Park on Thanksgiving Day.

11/24/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Environment

Sarasota County Acquires 100 Acres for Conservation

The county recently acquired 20 acres along the Myakka River and 80 acres in the Old Miakka area.

11/20/2020 By Staff

'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

Into the Woods

Photos: The Natural Beauty of Myakka River State Park

Let’s go exploring.

04/21/2020

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

Into the Wild

The Ultimate Guide to Myakka River State Park

Let's go exploring.

11/29/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Into the Wild

Where and How to Camp at Myakka River State Park

From barebones basics to rustic comfort, find your site in the park

11/29/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Into the Wild

Some Lucky People Don't Just Work at Myakka—They Live There

“Your back yard is the park."

11/29/2017 By Susan Burns

Into the Wild

Five Great Ways to Navigate Myakka River State Park

Walk, paddle, ride, boat.

11/29/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Into the Wild

What to Look For on Myakka's Canopy Walkway

The walkway is one of the park's most popular attractions.

11/29/2017 By Ilene Denton

Into the Wild

Volunteers from All Over the Country Help Keep Myakka Running

Some are locals who sign up for a few hours or days a month; others—mainly retirees—come in their campers from all over the country and live in the park for months on end.

11/29/2017 By Pam Daniel and Kay Kipling