More News & City Life

History Now

With New Land Deal, Sarasota African American Cultural Center Moves Closer to Becoming Reality

City of Sarasota commissioners approved an "option to purchase" deal this week, paving the way for the long-awaited museum and arts hub.

03/06/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Health Care

If Approved, Upcoming 'Freedom Fest' in Downtown Sarasota Will Feature Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo

If a permit for the event is OKed by the City of Sarasota, the festival will happen next month at Five Points Park.

03/05/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Unity Awards

Meet the Winners of Our 2025 Unity Awards

Eight people whose commitment to bringing us together will leave you hopeful and inspired.

03/03/2025 By Kim Doleatto, Lauren Jackson, Cooper Levey-Baker, and Megan McDonald

Behind the Story

How Suncoast Searchlight Analyzed the Greenbelt Data

To better understand how developers in the region are leveraging a loophole in Florida's Greenbelt law, Suncoast Searchlight conducted a comprehensive analysis of business registries, property records, real estate deeds and tax bills.

02/28/2025 By Kara Newhouse/Suncoast Searchlight

Development

Sarasota, Bradenton Developers Score Big Tax Breaks with 'Rent-A-Cow' Loophole

Some of the region’s most active builders and developers used the loophole to deprive Sarasota and Manatee counties of at least $6.6 million in tax revenue last year alone, a Suncoast Searchlight investigation found. 

02/28/2025 By Kara Newhouse/Suncoast Searchlight and Josh Salman/Suncoast Searchlight

Waste Water

The Historic Hurricane Season Flexed Its Muscles. A Suncoast Sewage Crisis Followed.

From the Manatee River to Sarasota Bay, 177.8 million gallons of wastewater were released last hurricane season.

02/26/2025 By Josh Salman/Suncoast Searchlight

Longboat Love

Longboat Key Named a Top 2025 Travel Destination by Travel + Leisure and Forbes

The island was named "Best Island to Visit in the South for 2025" by Travel + Leisure and ranked as one of Forbes' top 12 travel destinations of 2025.

02/26/2025 By Kim Doleatto

A League of His Own

National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes Is One of Spring Training's Star Attractions

Skenes has a 100-mile-per-hour pitch, was named the National League's starting pitcher for the 2024 All-Star Game, and was also a finalist for the 2024 Cy Young Award.

02/21/2025 By Megan McDonald

After the Storm

After Hurricane Devastation, the Suncoast Is Grappling With a Category 5 Economic Storm

From the onset of Debby through the immediate aftermath of Milton, businesses across the Suncoast suffered $187 million in direct revenue losses from customers compared to the same three months the year before.

02/21/2025 By Josh Salman/Suncoast Searchlight

Life's a Beach

Siesta Beach Named No. 1 Beach in the U.S., No. 4 in the World by Tripadvisor

Beloved for its powdery quartz sand and clear Gulf waters, Sarasota’s Siesta Beach was named the best beach in the U.S. and ranks No. 4 in the world, according to Tripadvisor.

02/19/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Unity Awards

Join Us for Our 15th Annual Unity Awards Celebration!

Let's come together to honor those who have worked tirelessly to promote unity in Sarasota.

02/17/2025

What Lies Ahead

An Architecture Sarasota Speaker Series Is Bringing in Renowned Urbanists to Discuss Our City's Future

'We want to spark ideas on how we might strategize around affordable housing, climate resilience and the challenges of growing while maintaining Sarasota’s identity.'

02/07/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Just Keep Swimming

Mote Is Nursing 22 Cold-Stunned Juvenile Green Sea Turtles Back to Health

Cold-stunning occurs when turtles become lethargic due to rapidly dropping water temperatures.

01/31/2025 By Staff

Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams

1000 North, a Private Club Co-Founded by Michael Jordan, Will Arrive in Sarasota Later This Year

The 13,000-square-foot club will be led by local hospitality industry veterans Tim Fanning and Alex Elshimy.

01/30/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Flying High

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport's New Concourse Is Open

The $72 million concourse includes five additional gates, expanded seating areas and amenities, and new food vendors, including Anna Maria Oyster Bar and Patrick's 1481.

01/29/2025 By 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

Weather Report

Updated: Cold Weather Shelters Open Jan. 23 and 24 Ahead of Freezing Temps

Temps could drop as low as 28 degrees thanks to the winter storm that's pummeling north Florida and other Gulf states.

01/23/2025 By Staff

Flashback

Photo: Venice Drive-In Church, 1955

Designed by architect Victor Lundy and built in 1955, it was featured in a photo spread published by Life magazine in April of that year.

01/17/2025 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Fighting Fire With Fire

Florida Is Burning, Too. But It's on Purpose.

“We set good fires, or else we get bad ones."

01/17/2025 By Isaac Eger

Be Still

Joe Abel Wows Passersby With His Living Statue Routine

Abel is a regular at downtown Sarasota events and baseball spring training games, where he wears a custom spray-painted uniform and yellow contact lenses. In addition to the tips he earns, people’s reactions make his unusual career rewarding.

01/14/2025 By Kim Doleatto