Black History Month

The Story of Jeffery Bolding, Sarasota's First Enslaved Man

A rediscovered photo sheds light—and darkness—on our history.

02/13/2023 By John McCarthy

Fish Tales

Sarasota’s Waters Have Centuries of Stories to Tell

Fishing by net and by line is woven into Sarasota’s cultural fabric and history.

03/01/2022 By John McCarthy

Parks to Play In

Walk Into the Past at Historic Spanish Point

This 30-acre bayfront sanctuary is authentic Old Florida at its finest.

11/21/2020 By John McCarthy

Parks to Play In

Enjoy Robinson Preserve, a Rare Coastal Habitat, by Boat or on Foot

Formerly agricultural cropland, the preserve is being restored as salt marsh, one of the rarest coastal habitats.

11/01/2020 By John McCarthy

Parks to Play In

Slip Away Into Nature at Scherer Thaxton Preserve

This 287-acre preserve off Honore Avenue is adjacent to Oscar Scherer State Park.

11/01/2020 By John McCarthy

Parks to Play In

Hike or Bike Through Rothenbach Park's Gorgeous Oak Hammock

A series of trails at the site of the former county landfill provides access to some of the nicest woodlands around.

11/01/2020 By John McCarthy

Parks to Play In

Enjoy Robinson Preserve, a Rare Coastal Habitat, by Boat or on Foot

This 62-acre preserve along the south shore of the Manatee River is a popular place to hike, kayak and paddleboard.

11/01/2020 By John McCarthy

Parks to Play In

Hike—or Drive—to Emerson Point Preserve, a Native American Temple Mound

A highlight is the sandy shoreline at the westernmost tip, with Robinson Preserve and DeSoto Memorial across the river and Anna Maria Island and the Sunshine Skyway in the distance.

10/31/2020 By John McCarthy

Neighborhood Guide

What to Do on St. Armands/Longboat Key

Hit the beach, meet some manatees, admire outstanding architecture, sample some culinary treats and share our circus history.

05/15/2017 By John McCarthy, Ilene Denton, and Abby Weingarten

Follow the Money

Here's How Our Region Has Spent $21 Million in EPA Grants

President Trump's proposed budget would cut EPA funding by one-third.

04/26/2017 By Hannah Wallace

Up the Creek

Hidden in Plain Sight, Phillippi Creek is Rich in Nature and History

John McCarthy picks up a paddle and goes exploring.

02/01/2017 By John McCarthy

Sole Survivor

Palm Avenue's Dusty DeMarcay Hotel Recalls 1920s Glamour

The DeMarcay is a neglected architectural treasure.

09/28/2016 By John McCarthy

Guide to Beaches

A Guide to Sarasota Beaches

An insider's guide to Sarasota beaches.

12/01/2015 By John McCarthy

Article

Outdoor Adventure

10/31/2011 By John McCarthy

Article

Night Magic

06/30/2010 By John McCarthy Photography by J. B. McCourtney

Article

Best Beaches

12/01/2009 By John McCarthy Photography by Michelle McCarthy

Article

A Walk on the Beach

Local historian took a week-long vacation to walk every stretch of Sarasota’s 35 miles of shoreline.

12/01/2008 By John McCarthy