Big Deals

City Approves Plan to Clean Up, Redevelop Environmentally Damaged Newtown Property

City commissioners voted to sell nearly 13.2 acres of land that was formerly an illegal dumping site to developers who aim to build a medical facility, offices and a light industrial warehouse.

04/04/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Listening to Black Voices

Jetson Grimes on Sarasota's Black History and the Importance of Community Activism

Grimes owns Jetson's Creative Trends in Newtown, a community cornerstone, and is the founder of the Greater Newtown Redevelopment Corp.

09/13/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Melanie Thomas on Succeeding in the Entertainment Industry and Empowering Young People

"Why can’t we accept each other for the purpose to unify, not to destroy? In unity, there is strength."

08/09/2022 By Heather Dunhill

History on the Move

Historic Leonard Reid House Will Be Relocated to Newtown This Week

The structure will become the first home for Sarasota African American Art Center and History Museum.

05/23/2022 By Staff

Around the World

Celebrate Our City's Many Cultures at a Festival in Newtown This Weekend

The festival takes place May 6-8 and features sights, sounds and flavors from around the world. Proceeds will go to a new program for incarcerated folks re-entering society.

05/03/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Grants

Newtown Connection Awarded $30,000 Grant

The funds come from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support equity and access.

03/21/2022 By Staff

Affordable Housing

First Senior-Focused Affordable Housing Development in 50 Years Opens in Newtown

The senior-focused affordable housing project in north Sarasota replaces a subsidized housing project called Newtown Heights.

02/02/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Grants

Campaign for Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Funds Construction Skills Program in Newtown

The $100,000 in funding will be used to train approximately 40 Sarasota city and county residents.

01/25/2022 By Staff

Banking

First Home Bank Opens Loan Office, Financial Resource Center in Newtown

The offices provides personal and commercial loans as well as financial education, programs, a no-fee ATM and other resources.

01/19/2022 By Staff

Philanthropy

Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition Receives Major Gift

The $150,000 in funding has been earmarked for a development office and staff.

01/10/2022 By Staff

Unity Awards

Former MLB Star Ian Desmond and Biz Pro Vince Northfield Help Underserved Youth

Their nonprofit uses the sport to teach healthy living, leadership and inclusion.

01/04/2022 By Susan Burns

Miracles do happen

Musiq Soulchild Is Headlining a Free Family Event in Sarasota This Saturday

The Grammy-nominated R&B artist will headline an all-day event outside the Robert L. Taylor Community Center.

12/16/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Hitting the Road

Miss Susie's Newtown Kitchen Goes Mobile

The truck has a busy schedule, with multiple stops scheduled for most weeks, most of them located in north Sarasota.

12/03/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

A Home for Black History

A New Museum Will Bring to Light the Often-Forgotten Role of African Americans in Sarasota

It will be the site of historical exhibits, talks from authors, cooking demonstrations and youth mentorship programs.

11/30/2021 By Elizabeth Djinis

Workshops

CWC-FPRA to Present Workshop Focusing on Newtown's History

The event will feature Vickie Oldham, president and CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition.

11/12/2021 By Staff

Finance

First Home Bank Coming to Newtown

The new bank will serve as a loan production office and financial resource center, the first of its kind in the Newtown community.

10/28/2021 By Staff

Clean Sweep

Newtown Community Cleanup Set for Aug. 7

The cleanup will take place from 8 a.m.-noon.

08/03/2021 By Staff

Breaking News

Sarasota African American Coalition Sets Plans for Museum in Motion

CEO Vickie Oldham will present updated facility plans in a city commission meeting on Monday, August 2.

07/30/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Events

Sarasota Chamber Celebrates Black History Month with Newtown Trolley Tour

The tour will take place on Friday, Feb. 26, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

02/24/2021 By Staff

Listening to Black Voices

Activist Barbara Nell Langston on the History of Newtown and the Importance of Voting

“I live the village life, which is Newtown,” she says. “I live the stories of this community, and I love it here.”

02/02/2021 By Heather Dunhill