Community Power

Inside Newtown’s Grassroots Push to Become a Trauma-Informed Neighborhood

A national model brought to Sarasota aims to build long-term resilience through local leadership, block-level organizing and deep listening.

09/03/2025 By Kim Doleatto

History Now

With New Land Deal, Sarasota African American Cultural Center Moves Closer to Becoming Reality

City of Sarasota commissioners approved an "option to purchase" deal this week, paving the way for the long-awaited museum and arts hub.

03/06/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Listening to Black Voices

Renée James Gilmore on Continuing Her Family's Historic Local Legacy

Gilmore is the daughter of the late activist Dr. Ed James and the great-granddaughter of Mary Emma Jones, who led the 1955 wade-in efforts to desegregate Sarasota beaches.

09/09/2024 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Walter Gilbert on Growing up in Newtown, Community Activism and the State of DEI

"Everyone should have an opportunity to be as good as they can be. We all have to be willing to stand up and say some things out loud."

08/20/2024 By Heather Dunhill

Good Bones

The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation Wants to Save More Old Homes

A new home loan program will help owners manage repair and restoration work and ensure preservation standards.

10/25/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Reading Rainbow

Sarasota's Rocket Phonics Works With Local Kids to Boost Reading Scores

The pilot program meets at Janie's Garden in Newtown and aims to build the project toward its 20-student capacity.

10/09/2023 By Catherine Hicks/Community News Collaborative

Look up

A New Mural in the Rosemary District Pays Homage to Leonard Reid, One of Sarasota's Most Important Black Leaders

A large image of Reid, the "right-hand man" of Sarasota's first mayor, is now displayed on the side of The Sarasota Modern hotel in the Rosemary District.

06/16/2023 By Kim Doleatto

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

"I believe in bringing people together. Everyone is human."

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 free "We Are One" Multicultural Festival, hosted by Newtown Nation, will showcase 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

This comes as Sarasota County rents keep skyrocketing, surpassing a countywide median overall rent of $2,000 a month for the first time late last year.

02/02/2022 By Kim Doleatto