Weather
Sarasota County Fire Warns of Early Wildfire Season
Officials urge residents to prepare as drought conditions heighten fire risk.
Florida counties tighten water restrictions amid worsening drought
Prolonged dry conditions force new limits on residential and commercial water use
Rare Snowfall Spotted in Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota Police and National Weather Service share videos of flurries in the area.
Business
Sarasota's Artistic Reuse Shop to Close After 20 Years
Owner Jesse White cites changing retail landscape as reason for shutting down Central Avenue location.
SeaPort Manatee Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer
Sheila Ballesteros McLean brings 27 years of public-sector finance experience to the port.
Nicole Rissler Named Sarasota County's Assistant County Administrator
Plus, Sarasota High School's Ryan Chase is named the National Association of Secondary School Principals' Florida High School Principal of the Year, and more.
Lifestyle
OSCII Longboat Key Celebrates 50 Years of Community Advocacy
The organization plays a vital role in maintaining the quality of life for property owners on the barrier island.
Experts Offer Advice for Building a Happy Retirement
Retirement is no longer a one-time choice, but a chance to find new paths and purpose.
Sarasota's Marie Selby Gardens Showcases Calder Artwork in Nature
The botanical gardens pair Alexander Calder's kinetic sculptures with lush plant displays for an immersive art experience.
Crime
Florida Man Charged With Murder of Woman Who Disappeared in 2024
Ronald Chester Racki, a 75-year-old used car salesman, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the death of 24-year-old Laikyn Marie West.
Shooting in Sarasota Leaves One Dead, One Hospitalized
Authorities investigating incident as isolated domestic case with no outstanding suspects
Seven Dead in Suspected Cross-State Murder Spree
Authorities say the killings in Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale are connected
Health
Robotic Pets Improve Outcomes for Dementia Patients at Sarasota Hospital
Study shows interactive robotic cats and dogs provide comfort and security for elderly patients during hospital stays.
Florida's Medical Marijuana Program Continues Rapid Growth
Sarasota County sees thousands of registered patients as state's cannabis industry expands
Dental Leaders Discuss AI, M&A, and Changing Patient Behavior
Executives and clinicians share insights on the future of the dental industry
