In the Pursuit of Freedom

The 'Back to Angola' Festival Returns This Weekend

The weekend-long event celebrates and commemorates Bradenton's history as a destination for Black Americans fleeing enslavement.

10/20/2022 By Isaac Eger

Listening to Black Voices

Jetson Grimes on Sarasota's Black History and the Importance of Community Activism

Grimes owns Jetson's Creative Trends in Newtown, a community cornerstone, and is the founder of the Greater Newtown Redevelopment Corp.

09/13/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Conspira-Sota

Eight Sarasota-Centric Conspiracy Theories That Range From the Very Absurd to the Very Real

From the Skunk Ape to We Build the Wall, Sarasota has played a role in conspiracies both real and imagined.

09/13/2022 By Isaac Eger

Flashback

Here's What Mira Mar Plaza Looked Like in the 1920s

The dates from 1923, when a growing Sarasota realized it needed a new hotel.

09/12/2022 By Kay Kipling

Staying Power

The Sale of Mira Mar Plaza Has Been Halted

A local development firm that intended to purchase, demolish and build a ten-story, mixed-use project is no longer buying the downtown Sarasota parcel.

08/09/2022 By Kim Doleatto

The Latest

Mira Mar Plaza Avoids the Wrecking Ball, for Now

The City of Sarasota's Historic Preservation Board voted unanimously to deny a permit to demolish the 100-year-old Palm Avenue buildings.

06/15/2022 By Kim Doleatto

History on the Move

Historic Leonard Reid House Will Be Relocated to Newtown This Week

The structure will become the first home for Sarasota African American Art Center and History Museum.

05/23/2022 By Staff

Old School Appeal

Check Out the Winners of the 2022 Heritage Awards

The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation recognized four outstanding preservation projects in Sarasota County last weekend.

05/05/2022 By Kim Doleatto

time capsules

These Historic Local Buildings Were Nominated as Landmarks Worth Saving

The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation nominated these sites for their third annual "Six to Save" initiative.

04/06/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Maine Event

Explore Sarasota's Maine Colony and Its Historic Clubhouse

The first Maine Colony Community Day takes place Saturday, April 2, and will raise money to preserve the historic Phillippi Crest Community Clubhouse.

03/31/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Ballyhoo Days

The Unsettling World of Circus Freakshows Once Flourished in Sarasota

The world of sideshows was once part of the culture of Sarasota and Manatee counties. Robert Plunket reveals their unsettling history.

03/01/2022 By Robert Plunket

Fish Tales

Sarasota’s Waters Have Centuries of Stories to Tell

Fishing is woven into Sarasota’s cultural fabric and history.

03/01/2022 By John McCarthy

Bound Together

The Hidden Treasures of Community Cookbooks

Dig into the archives of a nearby library, and you’ll find dozens of examples in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

03/01/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Free & Freeish

Get Your Creative Juices Flowing With These Free Arts Experiences

Free admission to the Ringling on Mondays, author talks at local bookstores, historic driving tours—there's something for everyone.

12/01/2021

A Siesta Key Story

A New Book Celebrates the History of Siesta Key

Dr. Philip Farrell shares highlights from his book about our beloved beach.

10/25/2021 By Kim Doleatto

For Sale

A Sprawling Waterfront Property in Indian Beach Is on the Market for $22 Million

The listing has more than 700 feet of water frontage, historical homes and a fascinating backstory.

10/22/2021 By Kim Doleatto

History

Flashback: Texas Jim Mitchell Reptile Farm, 1949

The reptile farm and tourist attraction was located at Fruitville Road and Tuttle Avenue from 1935 to 1965.

10/08/2021 By Kay Kipling

Test of Time

Sarasota Initiative Seeks to Save Historic Buildings and Sites

Check out the buildings (and neighborhood!) that were nominated for the second annual "Six to Save" program.

08/23/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Real Estate

County Plans to Sell Historic Vamo Drive Home to Pay for Upgrades to Nearby Park

The plan calls for the preservation of a historic two-story lodge on the property that was built in 1900.

05/28/2021 By Kim Doleatto

100 Days for 100 Years

Sarasota County Marks Its Centennial This Year

On July 1, 1921, Sarasota County was officially formed. A Centennial initiative will kick off March 23.

03/06/2021 By Ilene Denton

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