Best of Sarasota
Best of Sarasota

Our annual celebration of the people, places and businesses that make Sarasota exceptional—voted on by our readers. From dining and shopping to services and experiences, this is the definitive guide to local's favorites.
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Eat & Drink
Eat & Drink

Your insider's guide to Sarasota’s food and drink scene, from standout restaurants and buzzy new openings to chefs, cocktails, and dining trends shaping the way we eat and gather.
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Sarasota Confidential

The Locals' Guide to Sarasota

Whether you’re visiting, new to town or just need a refresher on the joys of living here, explore our only-the-locals-know guide to our region.
Home & Real Estate
Home & Real Estate

A curated look at how Sarasota lives, including real estate news, exceptional homes, design inspiration and the professionals redefining luxury and livability in our region.
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On the Market

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The Hot New Neighborhood

The Limelight District Is the Next Cool Place to Live

This gritty up-and-coming neighborhood is filled with manufacturers, secondhand stores and affordable housing. Bob Plunket takes us on a tour.
News & City Life
News & City Life

Local news, profiles, and lifestyle features that capture the pulse of our community and the people shaping it.
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In Their Own Words
Sarasota Confidential

The Locals' Guide to Sarasota

Whether you’re visiting, new to town or just need a refresher on the joys of living here, explore our only-the-locals-know guide to our region.
Arts & Entertainment
Arts & Entertainment

A front-row seat to Sarasota’s vibrant cultural scene. We cover theater, visual arts, music, festivals and the creative forces that make our city a cultural destination.
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Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

This week: Free Comic Book Day, Cinco de Mayo, the Kentucky Derby, a "bio blitz" at the Elling O. Eide Center, Jerry Seinfeld at the Van Wezel and more.
Travel & Outdoors
Travel & Outdoors

Explore the places and experiences locals love most. From hidden gems and outdoor adventures to weekend getaways, celebrate Sarasota’s natural beauty and sense of discovery.
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Sarasota Confidential

The Locals' Guide to Sarasota

Whether you’re visiting, new to town or just need a refresher on the joys of living here, explore our only-the-locals-know guide to our region.
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Current Issue - May 2026
Only the Locals Know
Secrets, shortcuts and off-the-radar spots.

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Saving Old Florida
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River Revival

Bringing Oysters Back to the Manatee River

A Palmetto project is restoring oyster reefs to improve water quality and rebuild habitat in the Manatee River.

03/10/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Ahoy, Mateys!

Belly up to the Bar at Lefty’s to Sample Treasures From the Deep

Lefty's opened in the former Mandeville Beer Garden location in the Rosemary District.

06/18/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Q & A

A New Nonprofit Wants to Rehabilitate Hundreds of Acres of Local Oyster Habitat

“Anything I can do in my power to improve the fisheries and water quality, I’m pushing hard to do it,” says Oyster River Ecology founder and executive director Damon Moore. “We’re not aiming small."

08/14/2023 By Matthew Gutierrez

Shell yes

The Six Best Oyster Bars in Sarasota

For a shuckin' good time, head to any one of these local spots.

08/05/2021 By Staff

Weekly Planner

Siesta Key Rum Tour, Pizza Workshops, National Oyster Day and More Local Dining Events

Including a "Barstool Open" hosted by Venice MainStreet Inc.

08/01/2018 By Vanessa Blankenship

Bivalve Bliss

Atlantic Beer & Oyster Opens on State Street

A modern seafood shack is opening on State Street in downtown Sarasota.

11/01/2017 By Stephanie Isaac

Road Trips

Apalachicola Is a Seafood Lover's Town

Roughly 90 percent of Florida oysters and 10 percent of American oysters come from Apalachicola Bay.

03/06/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Article

Vintage Sarasota: Clamming in Sarasota Bay

This week's Vintage Sarasota post: A history of clamming in Sarasota.

12/29/2014 By Sarasota County Historical Resources staff members

Article

Heritage on the Half Shell

Author Tony D'Souza ate his first raw oyster while on vacation in Sarasota just to please his father. More than 20 years later, he's so glad he did.

02/01/2013 By Tony D'Souza

At Sarasota Magazine, we celebrate Sarasota’s vibrant culture, rich history, and bright future with award-winning, high-quality content that captures the spirit of our community.

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