Smooth Operator

New City Manager Karie Friling Prepares to Step Into City Hall

Friling, the first woman selected for the job, talks about growth, local control, stormwater, housing and why her first year will begin with listening.

04/29/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Rankings

In New Rankings, Sarasota County Is No. 1 for Retirees, but Scores Lowest for Young Professionals

Plus, more modest results in the cities of Sarasota and Bradenton kept the regional picture mixed.

04/03/2026 By Kim Doleatto

City Manager

Updated: Karie Friling Named Sarasota City Manager

Friling will be the first woman to hold the position in the City of Sarasota.

02/27/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Outbreak Warning

Measles Cases Rise in Florida as Vaccination Rates Remain Low in Sarasota

Measles cases rise in Florida, including 54 at Ave Maria University, as local immunization gaps persist.

02/11/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Where They’re Going

Sarasota Still Draws Newcomers, Even as Its Neighbors Surge

Florida Realtors data and U-Haul moves show sustained growth across the region, with inland neighbors gaining ground.

02/10/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Care by Numbers

The Case for Keeping Seniors at Home, in Dollars and Cents

In a region where nearly four in 10 residents are 65 or older, a new report argues that keeping seniors at home isn’t just humane, it’s economically smarter.

02/09/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Retirement Ranks

Sarasota Falls From U.S. News & World Report Retirement Rankings as North Port Climbs

Once a perennial favorite, Sarasota drops out of U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 national list of the Best Places to Retire, while North Port rises to No. 135.

11/04/2025 By Kim Doleatto

In Motion

Here's Who’s Moving to and Leaving Our Region

A data-driven look at how steady waves of new residents are reshaping Sarasota and Manatee counties.

06/05/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Perfect Storm

Buyers Are Gaining Ground With More Choices and, in Sarasota, Lower Prices

Insurance rates, interest rates and a volatile political climate—plus a hurricane hangover—are creating a perfect storm that favors buyers.

04/24/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Full of Pride

Sarasota City Commissioners Approve Flying Pride Flag at City Hall Next Month

In a unanimous vote, commissioners OKed flying the flag from May 5 through May 12.

04/23/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Waste Water

The Historic Hurricane Season Flexed Its Muscles. A Suncoast Sewage Crisis Followed.

From the Manatee River to Sarasota Bay, 177.8 million gallons of wastewater were released last hurricane season.

02/26/2025 By Josh Salman/Suncoast Searchlight

Poly Wanna Roundabout

'Poly,' a 20-Foot-Tall Sculpture, Was Just Installed at the 14th Street Roundabout

Five years after its approval, the 20-foot-tall piece by Hou de Sousa is located at U.S. 41 and 14th Street.

01/08/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Public Art

A New Mural Is Headed to Gulfstream Avenue in Downtown Sarasota

Local artist Truman Adams' mural, "Amphitrite," is the first in the Florida Legacy Art Mural series, spearheaded by the City of Sarasota's public art committee.

05/28/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Neighborhood Proud

Glen Oaks Manor Is a Hidden Jewel With Major Circus History

With an intriguing history and the Bobby Jones golf complex right next door, these villas have become a magnet for creatives.

05/17/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Bam! Pow!

SiestaCon Is Saturday. Break Out Your Masks, Capes and Armor.

The event, organized by Dark Side comic shop owner Brian Polizzi, will feature more than 100 vendors as well as food, panel discussions and more.

05/07/2024 By Kim Doleatto

More Dev

A New Residential Development Will Replace Rolling Green Golf Club

Gracewater at Sarasota will be a gated community comprised of 484 villas and single-family homes.

10/05/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Florida Moves

Sarasota Is the Country’s Second Most Popular Relocation Destination

PODS, the portable moving company, recently shared its top 20 list of cities people are moving to. Sarasota is No. 2.

07/13/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Swellin' Wellen

A New Neighborhood Is Headed to Wellen Park

Situated along a 50-acre lake, Everly will include resort-style amenities and custom homes in South Sarasota. Prices will start at $736,000.

05/12/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Real Estate report

Inventory, Home Prices Rise in Sarasota and Manatee

In Sarasota County, the median sale price for single-family homes increased by 10 percent, to $495,000. In Manatee County, prices increased by 2.5 percent to $490,000.

03/23/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Valentine's Day

Say ‘I Love You’ on Valentine's Day With a Box of Specialty Chocolates

Looking for the perfect gift for Valentine's Day? These local chocolates will do the trick.

02/08/2023 By Chloé Cuyler