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

Branch Out

The City of Sarasota Will Give Away 100 Trees April 25-26

City residents can select one of 100 trees to take home, including gumbo limbo, bald cypress, longleaf pine, mango, royal palm and more.

04/14/2025 By Staff

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

Bayfront for Rent

Another Quay Sarasota Project Is Wrapping Up—This One With Rental Units

Cordelia, a 12-story mixed-use project, will bring 240 long-term rental units to downtown Sarasota, plus a restaurant and retail space.

07/17/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Going Up

International Design Firm Selects Sarasota-Based Sweet Sparkman to Collaborate on the Sarasota Performing Arts Center

Renzo Piano Building Workshop will lead the design of the building. It chose Sweet Sparkman as the architect of record out of nearly 30 applicants.

04/30/2024 By Kim Doleatto

48 Hours in Sarasota

Sarasota Is a Great Place for a Family Vacation

With lots of green space, parks and beaches galore, and great year-round weather, there’s plenty for families to do.

11/06/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Fast Track

AG Lafley Rejoins Bay Park Conservancy as CEO

Lafley replaces outgoing CEO Stephanie Crockatt. Plus, USF's Karen Holbrook named chair of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. and more.

10/30/2023 By Staff

Looking Forward, Looking Back

The Bay's Current and Former CEO Take Stock of the 53-Acre Downtown Sarasota Park

A.G. Lafley helped launch the bayfront destination. Stephanie Crockatt runs it now. Both love it.

10/02/2023 By Eric Garwood/Community News Collaborative

Green Dreams

Carl Hiaasen Will Headline Sarasota's Green Living Expo and EcoSummit This December

The weekend also features a trade show, film screening, panel discussions, music and more.

08/21/2023 By Staff

Only in Sarasota

The Bay Offers a Place for Rest and Tranquility

John Pirman illustrates a small sandy nook with views of Longboat Key.

01/11/2023 Illustrations by John Pirman

The Bay

The Bay's Grand Opening Celebration Kicks Off October 14

The 10-day event will feature live music, daily guided kayak tours and nature walks, a Multicultural Festival and Oktoberfest celebration, and more.

09/06/2022 By Bethany Ritz

Grant Report

The Bay Raises $5 Million; Triggers $1 Million in Matching Funds

Plus, Safe Children Coalition awards scholarships and the Boys & Girls Clubs receive $300,000, three-year grant from United Way Suncoast.

07/18/2022 By Staff

Philanthropy

One Park Sarasota Makes $1 Million Commitment to Bay Park Conservancy

The property has committed a $100,000 sponsorship toward The Bay’s grand opening celebration and pledged $1 million towards capital improvements.

04/13/2022 Photography by Staff

Fast Track

The Bay Park Conservancy Hires Donor Experience Officer

In the newly created role, Amber Lamerson will oversee private philanthropic giving for the organization.

04/05/2022 By Staff

Government

DeSantis Awards $10 Million to Sarasota for Climate Change Mitigation

The funding will be used to make improvements at downtown Sarasota's Bay Park.

01/21/2022 By Staff

Philanthropy

Bay Park Conservancy Receives $300,000 Grant

The grant brings contributions from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to more than $1 million.

01/04/2022 By Staff

Big News

The Bay Will Be Completed Five Years Sooner Than Originally Planned

An amended partnership agreement between the City of Sarasota and the Bay Park Conservancy will save major money and time on the 53-acre park project.

11/16/2021 By Staff

The Bay

The Bay Park Launches 'Founding Business Partners' Program

With the program, The Bay Park aims to create a catalyst fund to spearhead activation and programming in the park.

10/11/2021 By Staff

Panels

Community Foundation to Host Virtual 'Community Voices' Discussion

The panel will be hosted by Mercedes Soler and feature Donna Hanley, Jeannie Perales and Michéle Des Verney Redwine.

09/30/2021 By Staff

Community Service

Bay Park Improvement Board Accepting Applications

The appointment will be for a two-year term.

09/13/2021 By Staff