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

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

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

Taking It to the Streets

Photos: Organizers Say Approximately 9,000 People Showed Up at Downtown Sarasota's 'No Kings Day' Protest

Protestors also gathered at University Town Center, Venice and Englewood.

03/30/2026 Photography by Damon Powers

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

Cheers!

The Sarasota Wine Festival Returns This Weekend

In addition to wine tastings, expect craft cocktails, food trucks, live music and more.

03/17/2026 By Lauren Jackson

A Masterful Home

Michael Ramah’s Downtown Apartment Is a Study in Urban Sophistication

Ramah’s place would be at home in London, Paris or New York. It's a visual delight of order, design, composition and balance.

03/02/2026 By Robert Plunket

Neighborhood in Bloom

Spend a Day Touring Gillespie Park and Its Cottage Gardens

Tour goers will see Craftsman bungalows, Mediterranean Revival homes, farmhouse style and mid-century modern homes, too.

03/01/2026 By Marsha Fottler

Breaking Ground

Sarasota Station Breaks Ground After 12-Year Road to the Finish Line

The 202-unit workforce housing project on Fruitville Road is moving forward under Florida’s Live Local Act and is expected to open in 2028.

01/19/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Concrete Rising

What’s Going Up on U.S. 301 Near Ringling Boulevard?

A 50-unit, all-rental townhome project next to Payne Park is now expected to complete construction by the end of the year, with two U.S. 301-facing retail spaces to fill.

01/13/2026 By Kim Doleatto