So Long, Smoke

Smoking at Sarasota County Parks and Beaches Is Now Banned

Citing safety and environmental impacts, the Sarasota County Commission created a new ordinance to ban cigarettes in county-owned spaces.

10/02/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Bye bye butts

It's Official: No More Smoking at City-Owned Public Beaches and Parks

City of Sarasota commissioners voted unanimously to ban cigarette smoking in non-designated areas. The new ordinance is now in effect.

10/06/2022 By Kim Doleatto

No Butts About It

City of Sarasota Public Parks and Beaches Are One Step Closer to Being Butt-Free

Cigarette butts, that is.

09/07/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Nature Lover

Rattlesnake Key Slated to Become a State Park

The Manatee County island, just south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Terra Ceia Bay, is a slice of undeveloped Old Florida.

06/09/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Volunteers

Florida State Parks Foundation Recognizes Volunteer Contributions

The recognitions include volunteers in Sarasota-Manatee.

04/07/2022 By Staff

Dog Days

11 Dog-Friendly Local Parks to Explore

From Brohard Beach and Paw Park to Bayfront Park on Longboat Key, there's an abundance of dog parks and dog-friendly trails for you and your four-legged friends.

03/25/2022 By Samantha Lane

Development

City of Venice Buys Land for $1.5 Million to Develop a Park

Engineering and permitting for the park will begin in October, with construction expected to begin 10 to 12 months after that.

03/23/2022 By Staff

Fishing Guide

Where to Fish in Sarasota-Manatee If You Don't Have a Boat

You can cast a rod or net from our beaches, bridges, piers and parks.

03/01/2022 By Staff

Love Notes

Five Easy Yet Romantic Valentine's Day Date Ideas

Head to the park or a beach, pretend you're a tourist at a local attraction and more.

02/07/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Update

Plan to Improve Vamo Drive Park Gets the Green Light

Sarasota County leaders on Tuesday OKed a plan to upgrade the park with proceeds from the sale of one of the homes on the property.

01/26/2022 By Kim Doleatto

park politics

City Commission Rejects Proposal to Sell Section of Downtown Pocket Park

A New York City-based development firm had proposed turning part of Paul N. Thorpe Jr. Park into a two-story food court and bar.

01/19/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Teed up

Plans to Renovate Bobby Jones Golf Complex Get the Green Light

After years of neglect and delays, the Sarasota City Commission approved plans to move forward with renovations and conservation of the 300-acre property.

01/11/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Bright Lights, Medium-Sized City

New Top-of-the-Line Lighting System Coming to Payne Park Tennis Center

The Sarasota City Commission voted Monday to spend $535,000 to upgrade the tennis center's lights in preparation for the Sarasota Open in April.

01/11/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Nature

'Fire Fest' Will Educate Public About Prescribed Burns

The family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 29.

01/04/2022 By Staff

The Big Story

How the Brian Laundrie Case Hurt Florida

A manhunt, a dead body and a media frenzy over the Gabby Petito-Brian Laundrie tragedy have scarred Carlton Reserve, of our state's most beautiful parks.

12/31/2021 By Isaac Eger

park politics

Developer's Hopes to Build a Food Court on Downtown Park Property on Hold

Several residents spoke out against the plan at a Sarasota City Commission meeting on Monday.

12/07/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Wise Eyes

Meet the Laughing Buddha of Cocoanut Avenue

A homeowner in the historic neighborhood just north of downtown Sarasota installed a joyful Buddha to watch over nearby Pioneer Park.

11/23/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Environment

Celebrate 'National Cleanup Day' in Sarasota This Weekend

North and South Sarasota County parks and beaches will have community cleanup events on Saturday, Sept. 18, from 8-10 a.m.

09/13/2021 Photography by Allison Forsyth

Awards

Sarasota County Parks Earns Two Awards from Florida Recreation and Parks Association

The awards are in recognition of annual report materials and volunteer contributions.

09/10/2021 By Staff

On Par

The Bobby Jones Nature Trails Have Reopened

The paths are again open to the public now that demolition to make way for future renovations has been completed.

07/22/2021 By Kim Doleatto