Still Laughing

Remembering Samuel Ray, the Neighbor Behind Central Cocoanut’s Laughing Buddha

After Ray’s unexpected death, Sarasota’s Laughing Buddha stands as a reminder of the Central Cocoanut neighbor who gave the landmark its watchful place in the community.

04/27/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Parks for Everyone

Get Outside and Explore Our Welcoming Parks and Preserves

The region has a wealth of these restorative spaces to enjoy, no matter your passion. Here are 10 to explore.

12/01/2025 By Kendall Southworth

After the Storms

Ten Severely Hurricane-Damaged City Parks Are Now in the Permitting Phase of Recovery

Work is expected to begin in 2026.

08/04/2025 By Staff

In the Pocket

Overtown Square, Sarasota's Newest Park, Is Now Open

City officials and local leaders gathered Wednesday morning to officially open the park to the public.

10/02/2024 By Staff

Hi, my name is

Sarasota's New Rosemary District Park Will Be Named Overtown Square

City commissioners decided on the name in a unanimous vote on Monday night.

08/20/2024 By Kim Doleatto

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

Sarasota Magazine

Parks