Stats

How Much Does It Actually Cost to Live in Sarasota and Manatee Counties Right Now?

According to the United Way Suncoast's 2025 ALICE Report, the basic survival budget for a family of four is $104,425 in Sarasota County and $95,004 in Manatee County.

07/07/2025 By Megan McDonald

History's Here

Check Out the Winners of This Year’s Sarasota County Heritage Awards

The winners are champions of local historic preservation and adaptive reuse, historical research, archaeological conservancy and more.

05/13/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Power Up

The 25 Most Powerful People in Sarasota

From business leaders to activists, elected officials and philanthropists, these are the people shaping Sarasota’s future.

04/02/2025 By Kim Doleatto, Lauren Jackson, Cooper Levey-Baker, and Megan McDonald

Conservation

Big Waters Land Trust, Sarasota County, Elling Eide Center Partner to Protect Land on Little Sarasota Bay

Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program purchased land on Feb. 4, which remains privately owned and managed by The Elling Eide Center.

03/31/2025 By Staff

Good News

Six Months After 2024's Catastrophic Hurricanes, Ted Sperling Park Has Reopened

The park sustained significant storm impacts and was also used to help manage storm debris from the Lido Key community.

03/17/2025 By Staff

Real Estate Report

It's Rising Inventory, Slowing Sales and a More Balanced Market in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

The latest real estate data shows longer time to contract and growing inventory. The median price for a single-family home in Sarasota County is now $490,000 and $430,000 in Manatee County.

12/20/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Election 2024

Who Designed Our Cute 'I Voted' Stickers?

Sarasota and Manatee counties both held student design contests. You'll see the winning stickers when you go to the polls.

11/05/2024 By Megan McDonald

Hurricane Milton

Local Beaches Are Still Closed Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton

While some may appear ready for use, others require significant work.

10/16/2024 By Staff

Hurricane Milton

Ahead of Milton, Sarasota and Manatee Counties Open More Sandbag Locations

Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Wednesday. Here's where to get sandbags if you need them.

10/07/2024 By Staff

Disaster Relief

What to Know About Hurricane Helene Recovery: Monday, Sept. 30, 2024

The Town of Longboat Key asks that residents restrict wastewater usage, free medical services will be available in Manatee County this week, and debris clean-up begins.

09/30/2024 By Megan McDonald

Disaster Relief

What to Know About Hurricane Helene Recovery: Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024

Access to Bradenton Beach will begin tomorrow, plus updates on cleanup efforts, water restoration, emergency disaster declarations, small bridge loans and more.

09/29/2024 By Megan McDonald

Weather

DeSantis Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Tropical Cyclone Nine

The declaration affects 41 counties, including Sarasota and Manatee.

09/23/2024 By Staff

Resource Guide

Here's How to Find Help After Hurricane Debby

Share this list with anyone who needs it, and remember to stay safe in today's high heat as you assess damage.

08/06/2024 By Megan McDonald

End of an Era

Albritton Fruit Farms Will Likely Be Sold to Sarasota County Later This Year

The county expects to purchase the 341-acre, sixth-generation family farm for $19 million. Sarah Albritton says she and her husband hope to restart their beloved you-pick operation elsewhere.

06/04/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Real Estate Report

The Local Condo Market Currently Favors Buyers

But single-family home prices are holding steady.

04/23/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Adopt Don't Shop

Local Shelters Try Education Tactics to Keep Pet Intakes Down

Economic factors and other issues are prompting a reversal of the pandemic adoption craze.

11/13/2023 Photography by Sarah Owens/Community News Collaborative

Rental Market

Area Rents Are Cooling, But Not By Much

Rent levels have dropped since last year, but overall median rents are still $1,864 in Sarasota County and $1,738 in Manatee County.

10/17/2023 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

destination srq

Sarasota Tourism Is Still Going Strong

The latest numbers show that Sarasota County is still a fan favorite, welcoming more international travelers, with more future bright spots in the works.

07/25/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Q & A

Retiring Visit Sarasota County President Virginia Haley on the Past, Present and Future of Local Tourism

"I think there are endless possibilities because of the assets we have here."

02/17/2023 By Kim Doleatto

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