Still Laughing

Remembering Samuel Ray, the Neighbor Behind Central Cocoanut’s Laughing Buddha

After Ray’s unexpected death, Sarasota’s Laughing Buddha stands as a reminder of the Central Cocoanut neighbor who gave the landmark its watchful place in the community.

04/27/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

A giant parade! Elmo! Blueberries! A mangrove dance! Music, books and more! There's so much to do this weekend.

04/23/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Market Report

March's Real Estate Data Shows Sarasota Prices Are up for the First Time This Year

March median sale prices reached $485,000 for Sarasota single-family homes and $494,205 for Manatee County single-family homes.

04/21/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Philanthropy

Giving Challenge Brings in $16.7 Million as 751 Nonprofits Draw Broad Support Across the Region

The biennial event ended Thursday at noon after drawing 50,904 donors, 87,814 gifts and a record 751 participating nonprofits, with this year’s total coming in just below the $17.2 million raised in 2024.

04/16/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Gillespie Park Neighborhood

A Proposed 324-Unit Apartment Development Raises Questions in Gillespie Park

At a Gillespie Neighborhood Association meeting last night, residents and business owners pressed developers for answers about timing, traffic and the future of a longtime cluster of small businesses near downtown Sarasota.

04/15/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Survey Says

See How Locals And Neighbors Residents Ranked Issues Like Housing and More in a Recent Regional Survey

In a new survey of 1,500 residents across Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties, affordable housing emerged as the top concern, followed by environmental protection and support during times of crisis.

04/13/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Hej Sarasota!

IKEA Is Coming to Sarasota This Summer

The Swedish home-furnishings giant plans to open a 48,000-square-foot store at University Town Center, bringing flat-pack furniture, meatballs and one of the world’s most recognizable retail brands.

04/10/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Old Soul

Sarasota’s Historic Pearsall House Lists for Just Under $4 Million

In Avondale, the century-old Pearsall House blends historic detail, a sympathetic expansion and thoughtful updates that allow a 1920s home function in the present.

04/10/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Pop and shop

A Luxury Pop-Up Is Testing Sarasota’s High-End Retail Appeal

With Balmain, Miu Miu, Prada and Valentino on offer, the event also offers a glimpse into the kind of retail Waldorf Astoria Sarasota’s developers think could have a home in downtown Sarasota.

04/10/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Bigger Splash

1000 North Sarasota, the Michael Jordan-Backed Private Club, Plans to Get Bigger Before It Even Opens

The members-only club is under contract to buy an adjacent downtown property, adding another layer to a project built on exclusivity and bespoke experiences.

04/07/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Rankings

In New Rankings, Sarasota County Is No. 1 for Retirees, but Scores Lowest for Young Professionals

Plus, more modest results in the cities of Sarasota and Bradenton kept the regional picture mixed.

04/03/2026 By Kim Doleatto

April Fools' Day

A Global Developer Wants to Take Luxury Living Underwater

Poseidon’s Retreat: An Underwater Condominium Enclave would bring eight luxury condos to the floor of Sarasota Bay thanks to new amendments in the Live Local Act.

04/01/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Stats

Florida Is One of the Biggest EV Markets in the United States

In 2025, EVs made up about 10.5 percent of new vehicle registrations in the state, with more than 250,000 new registered EVs, second only to California.

04/01/2026 By Kim Doleatto

In Their Own Words

Harvest Church Pastor and Harvest House CEO Dan Minor on Building Community

Minor is the pastor at Harvest Church and president and CEO of Harvest House, putting him at the intersection of faith, housing, mental health and a universal question that’s more relevant than ever: Who gets to belong?

04/01/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Historic House, Held

Peek Inside a 1925 Mediterranean Revival Home in Sapphire Shores

Now on the market for $2.7 million, the historic Brody-Murrell House at 547 N. Shore Drive has been updated with care, not stripped of character.

03/30/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Mira Mar Recast

Plans for Luxury Condos Behind the Historic Mira Mar Plaza Move Ahead

After years of debate over demolition, preservation and height, the Palm Avenue project is now entering its sales phase with plans for two 18-story towers behind the restored historic structure. Prices will start in the high $3 millions.

03/24/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Leadership Reset

John Annis to Lead Barancik Foundation After Board Determined Previous CEO 'Wasn't a Long-Term Fit'

John Brothers departs after less than four months at the helm of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.

03/20/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Camera, Action

Actor Dylan McDermott Brings His 'Magic Realism' Exhibit to Sarasota

McDermott's street-photography exhibition opens Sunday, March 29, at Burns Gallery on Central.

03/20/2026 By Kim Doleatto

New Development

New Development Bringing Attainable Housing to Sarasota-Manatee Border

Milhaus plans 231 apartments near SRQ Airport, including 92 workforce units, thanks to the state's Live Local Act.

03/18/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Real Estate Report

A Split Market Emerges in Sarasota and Manatee

February home sales data showed Manatee’s single-family market rose, Sarasota’s condo market surged, prices softened in most segments and buyers gained more room to negotiate.

03/17/2026 By Kim Doleatto