Trouble in Paradise

New Hotel Proposals Push Siesta Key Residents to Consider Forming Their Own Town

But is that really possible?

08/31/2021 By Elizabeth Djinis

Tourism

Tourist Development Taxes Up Again in June

Collections in June were nearly twice as much as what was collected in June 2020, and 75 percent higher than the pre-pandemic June 2019 figure.

08/13/2021 By Staff

Tourism

'Bed Tax' Collections Were Up Dramatically in May

The Sarasota County tax collector's office took in nearly $2.8 million in Tourist Development Tax money in May, well above normal.

07/09/2021 By Staff

Now Open

After a Year of Challenges, Sarasota Attractions Are Getting Back to Normal

Business is bouncing back at some of Sarasota's most popular attractions.

06/10/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Politics

New Rules for 'Hotel Houses' Receive Final Approval

The new rules limit the number of guests who can spend the night in a vacation rental and require the owners of the properties to register with the city.

05/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

New Hires

Mainsail Lodging & Development Names New Managing Partner

Andrew Houghton will head up Mainsail's new vacation rental company.

10/01/2019 By Staff

Air-Conditioned Exploration

We Tried It: City Sightseeing By Trolley

Discover Sarasota Tours offers trolley tours in the heart of the city for all tastes and interests.

08/13/2019 By Olivia Letts

Grants

County Approves More Than $2 Million in Tourist Development Cultural/Arts Grants

The grants come from a portion of the tourist tax dollars collected to fund Sarasota County arts and cultural organizations.

07/11/2019 By Staff

Data

Tourist Tax Revenue Still Down

Tourist Development Tax collections were down by 5.3 percent in January when compared to January 2018.

03/22/2019 By Staff

Worth the drive

Sebring Festival Lets You Explore the Sweet World of Craft Soda

Sample colas, ginger ales, root beers and cream sodas, with flavors like caramel apple, prickly pear, espresso, peach cobbler, candied bacon and more.

03/22/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Tourism

Report Puts Orioles’ Annual Economic Impact at $92 Million

The analysis measures the total tourism impact created by the Orioles, combined with the club’s business operations and spending in Sarasota County.

02/25/2019 By Staff

Science

Mote Project Wins County Commission Approval

The Sarasota County Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved a series of agreements with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for its new Science Education Aquarium.

01/30/2019 By Staff

Tourism

Florida Tax Revenue Generated Through Airbnb Totaled $89.5 Million Last Year

Thanks to an agreement hammered out in 2017, the company last year transferred $1.1 million to Sarasota County on behalf of its hosts.

01/30/2019 By Staff

Environment

Historian's Talk Will Raise Money for Maritime Museum

Historian Jack E. Davis, recently featured in Sarasota Magazine, will speak at a fundraiser for the Florida Maritime Museum on Thursday, March 14

01/25/2019 By Staff

Politics

Sarasota Added to U.S. Civil Rights Trail

The Sarasota area was added to the trail because of the Lido Beach "wade-ins"—protests created to push Sarasota to desegregate local beaches.

01/22/2019 By Staff

Tourism

Tourist Tax Collections Down Again

Tourist Development Tax collections were down by 5.9 percent last November when compared to November 2017, according to new numbers.

01/17/2019 By Staff

Hospitality

Anna Maria Island Resort Looking to Hire

Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club is hosting a job fair for full- and part-time positions on Tuesday, Jan. 29.

01/15/2019 By Staff

Tourism

Tourist Development Tax Collections Down

Collections were down by 12 percent in October when compared to October 2017, a drop-off likely due to red tide.

12/26/2018 By Staff

Tourism

Florida Airports High in On-Time Holiday Travel Ranking

Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers was ranked No. 3 in the nation and Tampa International Airport was ranked No. 4.

12/14/2018 By Staff

Hospitality

New Downtown Hotel Opens

The new Embassy Suites By Hilton houses 180 units, including two-room and studio suites.

12/14/2018 By Staff