Bread Dread

The Bread Basket Has Left the Table

As restaurant prices climb, the old freebies—bread, butter, condiments, napkins and little gestures of abundance—are disappearing too, turning a night out into a series of small negotiations.

06/03/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Tourism Update

Sarasota Tourism Rose in March. Visitor Spending Didn’t.

More travelers came to Sarasota County during peak season, but shorter stays and softer restaurant and entertainment spending kept March’s economic impact nearly flat.

05/20/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Sarasota Confidential

The Locals' Guide to Sarasota

Whether you’re visiting, new to town or just need a refresher on the joys of living here, explore our only-the-locals-know guide to our region.

05/04/2026 By The Editors

Life's a Beach

Siesta Beach Ranks High on 'Best Beaches' Lists

Tripadvisor and Condé Nast Traveler again place Siesta Beach among America’s best, underscoring Sarasota’s staying power on the national stage.

02/20/2026 By Kim Doleatto

After The Surge

Sarasota County Is Seeing a Tourism Slowdown

A variety of factors are at play: the aftermath of last year's hurricanes, changing traveler demographics, politics and hotel occupancy dips (even as daily rates have risen).

07/23/2025 By Kim Doleatto

High Times

With a New Terminal, New Businesses and Lots of Wealthy Travelers, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport Is Soaring

Remembering the old airport and looking ahead to its high-flying future.

05/30/2025 By Kim Doleatto

The Big Top

A New Hotel Has Opened on Lido Key

Cirque St. Armands Beachside has replaced Lido Key's Holiday Inn—and it's a major upgrade.

03/25/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Longboat Love

Longboat Key Named a Top 2025 Travel Destination by Travel + Leisure and Forbes

The island was named "Best Island to Visit in the South for 2025" by Travel + Leisure and ranked as one of Forbes' top 12 travel destinations of 2025.

02/26/2025 By Kim Doleatto

destination srq

Sarasota Tourism Is Still Going Strong

The latest numbers show that Sarasota County is still a fan favorite, welcoming more international travelers, with more future bright spots in the works.

07/25/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Q & A

Retiring Visit Sarasota County President Virginia Haley on the Past, Present and Future of Local Tourism

"I think there are endless possibilities because of the assets we have here."

02/17/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Island Hopping

Virgin Islands National Park Is One of the Country's Least-Visited Parks. You Should Go.

There are many good reasons to visit this tropical paradise, aside from its pristine beaches and abundant coral reefs.

10/19/2022 By Matt McGowan

cash flow

How to Turn Your Short-Term Vacation Rental into a Haven for Your Guests

Sarasota's Kim Cressell is turning her 20-year side gig into a full-fledged how-to business. Here are her tips for how to maximize your rental income.

07/14/2022 By Kim Doleatto