How do you measure a year? If you're us, it's by our most-read stories. This year's top 10 most popular pieces ran the gamut—from interviews with interesting (and controversial) people to the best places to eat to a peek inside some of the fanciest homes in town. And of course, Hurricane Ian and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic were major topics of conversation, too. Here's a look back at the year that was.

A Peek Inside Tom Brady’s Tampa Mansion

This 2021 piece by Bob Plunket once again topped our list of most-read stories of the year—and we're not surprised, considering how frequently Buccaneers quarterback Brady has been in the news this year. (Retirement, un-retirement, divorce from supermodel Gisele...what's next?) Revisit Brady's Tampa home, which he rented from Derek Jeter, here.

The Best Restaurants in Sarasota

Editor-in-chief Cooper Levey-Baker and Eat & Drink editor Lauren Jackson labored over this list of our region's best restaurants. Some are traditional establishments, others are takeout and delivery specialists. What do they have in common? They all provide delicious food.

Everyone Hates Martin Hyde, and He Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way

Perpetual political candidate Martin Hyde is a lightning rod for controversy. In this profile, Isaac Eger interviews Hyde, a self-professed bully who just can’t stay out of trouble.

Is There a Difference Between Covid-19 Omicron and Delta Variant Symptoms?

Covid-19 continued to dominate conversation this year, especially with the surge of the Omicron variant. Allison Forsyth broke down the differences between both variants (and reminded us that vaccination continues to offer the greatest protection from the disease). 

Sarasota and Manatee Counties Will Shut Off Water to Barrier Islands Ahead of Hurricane Ian

We worked hard to provide essential information ahead of and during Hurricane Ian, and this piece—about both counties shutting off water to all of the barrier islands and issuing mandatory evacuation orders—was one of our most-read. Looking back, it's a harrowing reminder of the destructive storm.

A Conversation With Chef Erin French, Star of The Lost Kitchen

Digital editor Megan McDonald spoke to Erin French, chef/owner of The Lost Kitchen restaurant and star of the Magnolia Network show of the same name, upon the release of French's memoir, Finding Freedom. The book details French's rise to culinary stardom, troubled marriage and battle with addiction—then describes how she clawed her way back to open The Lost Kitchen in her tiny home of Freedom, Maine. A quote that stays with us: “When you grow up in America, there’s all this pressure to be perfect. But that sets us up for failure. We’re not supposed to live this even-keeled, soft life. The strongest I’ve ever been is during hard times.”

Home Builder Josh Wynne Doesn’t Hold Back About Why He’s Leaving Sarasota

For home builders, the time is now and the place is Sarasota. Soaring home prices, low inventory, high demand and cash-laden buyers abound. That’s why it caught our attention when award-winning local custom home builder Josh Wynne—a 47-year-old known for painstaking detail, standout style and sustainable construction—recently closed his business and relocated to Crystal River. Kim Doleatto caught up with the outspoken builder to find out more about his career and his big move. Turns out, his opinions resonated with a lot of you.

The Most Expensive Homes in Sarasota

Who doesn't love a little bit of voyeurism? Kim Doleatto, Cooper Levey-Baker and Susan Burns gave us a peek into the way the 1 percent live with this feature, which showcases 10 breathtaking Sarasota-Manatee Homes. What all 10 homes share are prime waterfront locations and lots of square footage.

Bigwig Right-Wing Activists and Influencers Have Discovered Sarasota

Sarasota has been in the national spotlight of the conservative movement ever since Katherine Harris certified the controversial 2000 presidential election in favor of George W. Bush. We hit the political radar again in 2015 when Florida Sen. Joe Gruters endorsed dark horse candidate Donald Trump and predicted the new future for the Republican Party. But recently, we’ve emerged as an even bigger hub for major players in the new conservative movement. Here are nine of the new right’s heavy hitters who are also our neighbors.

Photos: A Look at South Sarasota County After Ian

Deputy art director Hannah Phillips ventured out to take photos after Hurricane Ian roared through Southwest Florida, leaving catastrophic devastation in its wake—including in South Sarasota County. Ian leveled the Holiday Park mobile home community in North Port and flooded much of the city. It damaged the historic Venice Theatre building. And throughout the entire region it closed schools, uprooted trees, cut off power and strew debris everywhere. 

Is Apple Cider Vinegar a Magic Elixir or Acidic Snake Oil?

Apple cider vinegar is proffered as a cure for what ails us—but how much of it is real? Associate editor Isaac Eger took a deep dive into the history of the liquid, which sits right at the intersection of ancient medicine and the modern, multi-billion dollar wellness industry.