Flashback

Photo: Goliath Grouper, 1899

The fish—as photographed on April 15, 1899, in what was then known as Braidentown (now Bradenton)—measured 6 feet 4 inches and weighed 262 pounds.

04/01/2026 By Megan McDonald

Get Crackin'

The Makings of a Florida Cracker Cabin

The 18th- and early 19th-century architecture reflects the importance of ventilation and shade, with high ceilings, large window and a signature wraparound porch.

04/01/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Spend a Night in Florida History

Triangle Ranch Preserves Florida Cracker History

Triangle Ranch is a 1,200-acre working ranch abutting the Myakka River, with cattle and pastures dotting the property between patches of Florida forest thick with palmettos, cabbage palms, pine trees and oaks overflowing with Spanish moss.

04/01/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Beyond the Beaches

Join Isaac Eger On a Journey Into Florida’s Forgotten Cowboy Culture

Eger will discuss his book "The Great Florida Cattle Drive," which shines a light on Florida's deep-rooted ranching history.

03/17/2026 By Staff

Flashback

Photo: The Bradentown B’s Baseball Team, ca. 1900

The team, pictured here in front of Braden Castle, was likely one of several neighborhood groups made up of young people playing in sandlots.

02/05/2026 By Megan McDonald

Flashback

Photo: Anna Maria City Pier, 1924

The pier—which was built in 1911—is currently being restored after sustaining major damage from the 2024 hurricane season. It's expected to be "substantially complete" in April.

01/02/2026 By Megan McDonald

Preservation Nation

The 2025 'Six to Save' List Sounds the Alarm for Sarasota's Vulnerable Historic Buildings

The list reveals how quickly Sarasota’s historic fabric is thinning under the pace of today's redevelopment.

11/20/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Claws And Effect

A Manatee County Utilities Ground Crew Unearthed a Fossilized Giant Sloth Claw Last Month

You can see at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.

08/07/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Blush Rush

The Little Pink House That Could

How a pint‑sized bubble‑gum cottage in Braden Castle Park defied the odds—and the market.

06/30/2025 By Kim Doleatto

History Now

With New Land Deal, Sarasota African American Cultural Center Moves Closer to Becoming Reality

City of Sarasota commissioners approved an "option to purchase" deal this week, paving the way for the long-awaited museum and arts hub.

03/06/2025 By Kim Doleatto

saddle story

Journalist Isaac Eger on Cowboys, Conservation and the Great Florida Cattle Drive

Eger went from city dweller to cowboy-in-training on an 80-mile cattle drive across Florida’s interior. His new book explores the state’s overlooked ranching heritage and what it means for the future.

03/04/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Spared!

Local Leaders Strike Deal to Save the Colson Hotel for Good

Recently slated for demolition to make way for new townhomes, the historic hotel in the Rosemary District has officially been saved.

12/17/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Born Again

The Oldest Home in Bradenton Is on the Market

Built in 1871 by some of the area's first settlers, the restored Tole Fogarty House proved history reigns. Now it can be yours for $2.15 million.

11/08/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Crown Jewel

The History of Mar-a-Lago

How the mansion of a great Florida philanthropist became ground zero for one of the most consequential elections in American history

09/01/2024 By Robert Plunket

Florida Art

Florida Highwaymen Exhibit at City Hall Gets Extended, Updated

The exhibit of Jim Crow-era artwork at City Hall in downtown Sarasota kicked off in January, but due to popularity, will be refreshed today with new paintings and extended for six more months. It's open to the public and free.

06/27/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Springs Forward

North Port Commissioners Vote Against Demolishing Historic Structures at Warm Minerals Springs

The public turned out in droves to urge the city to preserve the site's structures, and commissioners voted unanimously to explore options outside of demolition.

05/29/2024 By Kim Doleatto