10 Major Philanthropic Moments

From big gifts to grassroots campaigns, here are 10 of the year’s major philanthropic moments with huge community impact.

09/01/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Creature Comfort

Therapy Animals Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Meet some of our region’s volunteer pet therapists.

09/01/2025

Health Care

Sarasota Memorial Prepares to Clear Land for SMH-North Port and a $57 Million Expansion

Scheduled to open in 2028, the expansion will allow the hospital to quickly increase its inpatient capacity and medical office space.

08/11/2025 By Staff

Accelerating the Cure

A Sarasota Family Is Helping Fund Breakthroughs in Cancer Vaccine Research

The Jellison family is the first major donor to former NBC correspondent Kristen Dahlgren's Cancer Vaccine Coalition.

04/08/2025 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

Health Care

North Port Is Finally Getting Its Own Hospital

The Sarasota County Public Hospital Board approved a $450 million plan to build North Port’s first hospital this week.

01/29/2025 By Staff

Health Care

Seven Babies Were Born at Sarasota Memorial Hospital During the Hurricane

No, none of them were named Milton.

10/10/2024 By Staff

Hot Topic

Heat-Related Illnesses Are Serious Threats, Especially in Summer. Here's How to Stay Safe.

One local organization has created widely admired heat protection protocols for agricultural workers. Plus, a trauma nurse shares her top tips for staying safe outside.

07/24/2024 By Megan McDonald

Mental Health

SMH Prepares to Open New Mental Health Facility

Target CEO Brian Cornell's $10 million donation helped make the Cornell Family Behavioral Health Pavilion possible.

11/15/2023 By Catherine Hicks/Community News Collaborative

Health News

SMH Receives $1 Million Grant for New Behavioral Health Pavilion

The funds come from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.

04/03/2023 By Staff

Unity Awards

Dr. Manuel Gordillo Steers a Community Through a Deadly Pandemic

"I’m so proud of the health care system. These are humbling experiences.”

01/09/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Health Hack

Don't Want to Feel Like Stuffed Turkey After Thanksgiving? Follow These Tips

We spoke with registered dietician Michelle James about some holiday health hacks to avoid the dreaded post-turkey coma.

11/22/2022 By Isaac Eger

Health News

Sarasota Memorial Is Building a New Hospital in North Port

The new campus will be constructed on a 32-acre undeveloped site in the 4900 block of Sumter Boulevard, near I-75.

08/10/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Your Health Questions Answered

Can New AI Tools Detect Heart Disease Early?

Scientists at Cedars-Sinai developed an algorithm that can pinpoint difficult-to-diagnose cardiac conditions. Sarasota cardiologist Dr. Chippy Ajithan shares why early detection is key.

08/03/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Health News

Sarasota Memorial Named to U.S. News & World Report 'Best Hospitals' List for Specialty Care

It was the only hospital on the Suncoast to place, with 16 top performer ratings for treating various conditions.

08/03/2022 By Allison Forsyth

The Pandemic

The Covid BA.5 Mutation Is Causing an Increase in Cases, Hospitalizations

Test positivity rate statewide is 24 percent, the highest number since January 2022.

07/28/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Safe space

Sarasota Memorial Hospital Adds New Pediatric Emergency Waiting Room

The space was designed to make the experience of going to the E.R. less traumatic for children.

07/11/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Health News

Sarasota Memorial Once Again Ranked Among the Nation's Top 100 Hospitals

It was also named one of the top 40 teaching hospitals and top 50 cardiovascular hospitals in the country.

07/01/2022 By Staff

The Pandemic

Covid-19 Hospitalizations Are Rising Again in Sarasota-Manatee

On Monday, June 6, Sarasota Memorial Hospital reported treating 68 Covid-19 patients, seven of whom are in the intensive care unit.

06/09/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Your Health Questions Answered

How to Quit Smoking

Local sources like Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center have free classes and nicotine replacement therapies that can help kickstart your recovery.

06/01/2022 By Allison Forsyth