Flashback

A Glimpse of Sarasota From the Air in 1923

Here's a chance to look back on the changes that this city has experienced over the past century.

12/30/2022 By Bethany Ritz

Flashback

Florida Woman Happily Reads Daily News Story About Winter Storms Up North, 1940

Our smug enjoyment of good weather while the North freezes goes back decades.

12/19/2022 By Bethany Ritz

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

"I believe in bringing people together. Everyone is human."

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

Would-be purchaser Seaward Development has withdrawn an appeal to demolish the historic structure and build a mixed-use project in its place.

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 highlighted these historic buildings as part of its 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

Who were these people who were once our neighbors? What sorts of lives did they live?

03/01/2022 By Robert Plunket

Fish Tales

Sarasota’s Waters Have Centuries of Stories to Tell

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

03/01/2022 By John McCarthy

Bound Together

The Hidden Treasures of Community Cookbooks

Is the era of the small-town community cookbook over? Probably. But the recipes and the communion they built remain.

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