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

Need to Know

Sarasota Is in an Extreme Drought Right Now

And there's no rain in sight.

03/26/2026 By Megan McDonald

Smoke Signals

Florida's Cannabis Landscape Is Growing Like a Weed

There are nearly 1 million registered cannabis patients throughout the state, and roughly 20,000 in Sarasota County.

02/07/2026 By Kim Doleatto

St. Armands Moment

Sarasota County Approves $13.5 Million in Funding for St. Armands Circle

The money, from the Resilient SRQ Infrastructure Program, a HUD disaster recovery initiative tied to last year's storms, comes as private reinvestment plans are proposed for the Circle.

12/18/2025 By Kim Doleatto

The Prince of Tides

A Beach Clean-Up Honors the Late Rich Schineller's Love of Sarasota's Shoreline

The sunset gathering on Aug. 5 on Siesta Key will honor Schineller, who died of blood cancer in 2023, with stories and service by the sea he loved.

07/30/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Eat This Now

Nine Sarasota Doughnuts to Eat Before You Die

From peanut butter cake to red velvet to pork-stuffed, these local doughnuts are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

06/06/2025 By Megan McDonald and Lauren Jackson

Showtime!

The Sarasota Players Announce 96th Season Lineup

From rock ballads to revolutionaries, the 2025-26 schedule brings passion, perseverance and powerhouse performances to the Crossings at Siesta Key stage.

04/02/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Gifts Galore

The Only Sarasota Gift Guide You'll Ever Need

Plus, all these gifts are local—perfect for last-minute shoppers.

12/18/2024 By Megan McDonald

Wild Things

Southwest Florida Is Home to a Surprising Array of Exotic Animals

Get ready for a walk on the wild side.

06/26/2024 By Kim Doleatto Photography by Hannah Phillips

DIY

These Local Farms Offer You-Pick Opportunities

Pick your own fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers.

05/13/2024 By Samantha Lane

Philanthropy

2024 Giving Challenge Raises More Than $17 Million

More than $92 million has been raised since the first challenge in 2012.

04/15/2024 By Staff

The Big Give

The 2024 Giving Challenge Kicks Off April 9

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County's 24-hour challenge runs from noon to noon on April 9-10; all unique donations of $25 to $100 will be matched by The Patterson Foundation.

04/08/2024 By Staff