Travel & Outdoors

Burning Question

Can You Eat Fruit a Squirrel Has Bitten?

Former editor-in-chief Pam Daniel—chagrined about losing out on fruit from her trees—aims to find out.

06/20/2023 By Pam Daniel

High Octane Tourism

The Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Returns to Lido Beach on June 30

Sarasota is the second longest-running powerboat grand prix in the United States.

06/14/2023 By Staff

Fighting Fire With Fire

Florida Is Burning, Too. Why Aren't Our Skies Orange?

“We set good fires, or else we get bad ones,” says Jay Bailey, Sarasota County’s wildfire mitigation officer.

06/09/2023 By Isaac Eger

We're No. 1!

Florida Is the Lightning Capital of the U.S. Here's How to Stay Safe During a Storm.

The danger isn’t because of some karmic retribution upon the residents of this state—it’s due to the density of our large population, our tropical weather and our outdoor culture.

06/06/2023 By Isaac Eger

No Frenzy Necessary

Want to Help Mote Staff, Learn Something and Have Fun? Try Shark Encounter.

Mote's Shark Encounter allows visitors to help Mote staff by feeding sharks every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 a.m.

06/06/2023 By Rick Morgan

🌀🔮🌀🔮🌀🔮

Hurricane Season Starts Today. We Asked an 'Intuitive Storyteller' What to Expect.

Gaze into the future with us.

06/01/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Splash!

Cool Off at These Seven Fantastic Splash Parks

It’s hot, the days are long and the kids are out of school. We’ve got seven great places to let off steam.

05/30/2023 Edited by Susan Burns

A Rant

No One Wants to Listen to Your Playlist at the Beach

It's legal, but it's a jerk move to play music on the public beach, where no tune is sweeter than the sound of the waves.

05/26/2023 By Kim Doleatto

They Only Come Out at Night

The Night-Blooming Cactus Is Here

Here are the five best spots in town to see these ethereal flowers, which bloom just once a year.

05/26/2023 By Isaac Eger

Learn the Ropes

Boating Is a Beloved Florida Pastime, But It's Not Always Smooth Sailing

With Florida ranking No. 1 in boating accidents in the country, here are some stats to consider as we take to the waves this summer.

05/26/2023 By Bethany Ritz

Foiled Again

What's an eFoil and Is It Worth the Cost?

We tried the expensive new water toy that Silicon Valley dads are loving.

05/10/2023 By Isaac Eger

Wild at Heart

Shot by Shot, Photographer Carlton Ward Jr. Is Saving Wild Florida

This week sees the publication of Path of the Panther: New Hope for Wild Florida, Ward's new book of Florida wildlife photography.

05/03/2023 By Isaac Eger

Nesting Season

Sea Turtle Nesting Is Here

Residents are urged to keep light out of sight and remove unused beach furniture and coastal structures to help sea turtle hatchlings survive.

05/02/2023 By Staff

Earth Day Delights

How to Celebrate Earth Day in Sarasota-Manatee

From a scrub jay festival to tree giveaways, these events provide inspiration—or a sapling that will keep the celebration going year-round.

04/19/2023 By Bethany Ritz

Spring Forward

Warm Mineral Springs Reopens, With a Potential New Future to Ponder

After six months of closure due to Hurricane Ian, North Port's Warm Mineral Springs is back—and plans for a public-private partnership that sees a wellness resort on-site are now on the table.

04/06/2023 By Kim Doleatto

High Winds

Photos: Sarasota Youth Sailing’s Annual Sailfest Regatta

This past weekend, the 35th annual regatta drew more than 250 young sailors to race off the shore of the Sarasota Sailing Squadron and Ken Thompson Park.

04/03/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Wheels Up

SRQ Breaks Ground on Its New Five-Gate Terminal Expansion

The $73 million terminal will cover 75,300 square feet and include a four-lane security checkpoint and five boarding hold rooms with 970 seats. 

03/27/2023 By Staff

For the Love of the Sea Cow

Red Tide Is Affecting Manatees. What We Can Do to Help?

Red tide levels might have lessened for now, but the bloom is expected to persist. These gentle giants need our help.

03/21/2023 By Bethany Ritz

Digital Pirate

Rent Other People's Boats or Cash in on Yours With This App

Also known as "Airbnb for boats," the GetMyBoat app connects boat owners and water lovers with a few online clicks and by-the-hour renting.

03/15/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Smells Like Teen Spirit

A Huge List of Fun Things to Do and See With Teenagers

Spring break is upon us. It's easy to entertain little ones—and usually older loved ones, too—but what about teens?

03/13/2023 By Kim Doleatto