Prescribed burns are a hot topic in Manatee County

The county's burn team set fire to 13,950 acres of preserves last year to safeguard residents and wildlife.

Clayton McCurry is a senior ranger at Duette Preserve.
Attendees celebrate the opening of "Embracing Our Differences" at the 2024 exhibition.
  • January 16, 2026
Embracing our Differences exhibit opens Saturday
Dennis Brock works on a Magiscope in his workshop.
  • January 15, 2026
Local creator of children's microscope works to make science more accessible
The Lakewood Ranch Pickleball Club members Mike Mulwani and Greg Pogue lost their first scrimmage 11 to nothing in 2023, but that didn't stop them from pursuing the sport to better their skills.
  • January 14, 2026
At 2,300 members, Lakewood Ranch Pickleball Club continues to grow
Kelly Shrout, one of the main coordinators of the Friendship Garden at Longboat Island Chapel, takes a look at one of the butterfly plants in the garden. Volunteers recently helped spruce up the community garden that holds the memories of many residents who have contributed to rebuilding since hurricanes Helene and Milton.
  • January 14, 2026
New year brings renewal to Friendship Garden

Arts + Culture

Janet Echelman's 2022 artwork, "Study (Butterfly Rest Stop 1/9 scale)" measures 72 by 192 by 108 inches and is on display at Sarasota Art Museum through April 26.
  • January 14, 2026
Sarasota Art Museum showcases Janet Echelman's colorful fiber works
American icons take the stage at Florida Studio Theatre
  • January 13, 2026
American icons take the stage at Florida Studio Theatre
Asolo Rep hires new director of development
  • January 12, 2026
Asolo Rep hires new director of development
Arts organizations strike up the band in 2026 for big birthdays
  • January 7, 2026
Arts organizations strike up the band in 2026 for big birthdays
Katie Weiss is board chair of The Sarasota Players board of trustees. Thayer Greenberg is managing artistic director of The Sarasota Players.
  • January 7, 2026
The Sarasota Players adds new board, cuts CEO position and promotes two
The Beatles tribute band Liverpool Legends will perform with The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota in "All You Need is Love" on Jan. 11-12.
  • January 6, 2026
Liverpool Legends teams with The Pops Orchestra for a night of Beatlemania
Steven Mark plays the drums.
  • January 14, 2026
Local drum circle members join musicians on stage during Meetup gathering
Third graders Silas Swor and Misha Reus perform in "Button Up Your Overcoat," celebrating the 1930s.
  • January 13, 2026
Student performances span the decades as Southside Elementary celebrates 100 years
Heidi Scott, Bob Simons and Laura Cole make up the panel Jan. 9 during a launch party for the new book, "Lakewood Ranch: A Legacy of Living with the Land."
  • January 13, 2026
Lakewood Ranch hosts a launch party for book on local history
Bandleader and clarinetist Michael Drapkin said he connected with his fellow band members while performing with The Venice Symphony. The Yiddish Cowboys performed on Jan. 11 at The Education Center.
  • January 12, 2026
Yiddish Cowboys kick off Sunday Performing Arts lineup
Mark Garland, Theresa Andrews, Ann Palmer and Denise Costa prepare for the race.
  • January 11, 2026
Runners turn out on Siesta Key Beach to keep Andrew Monroe's legacy alive
Sarasota's Hasan Tezduyar gives a pat of appreciation to Rachel Apple, a wellness associate with Qualliv, at the Health and Wellness Expo at The Mall at University Town Center.
  • January 10, 2026
New Year, New You expo provides health resources at The Mall at UTC
The first farmers market of 2026 at Waterside Place draws a large crowd.
  • January 5, 2026
Lakewood Ranch farmers market is a family affair
Southside Polo's Mason Wroe talks to fans about the basics of his sport in a short clinic before the Jan. 4 match.
  • January 4, 2026
New seating option a hit at the Sarasota Polo Club
Shayne McKinney, Jenifer McKinney, Heather Travers and Mark Thursby enjoy the vibes together.
  • January 4, 2026
Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival draws large turnout
Views from 1418 John Ringling Parkway include the city skyline, Sarasota Bay and John Ringling Bridge.
  • January 4, 2026
Home within walking distance of St. Armands lists for $9 million
On vacation from chilly Pittsburgh are the Matt family: Joe, 6-year old Everly, Brionna and 3-year old Ada.
  • January 2, 2026
Pineapple Drop ushers out a 'perfect square year'
Jessie O Brien is visiting from Ireland and chose to celebrate the new year alongside Lakewood Ranch's Ciara Daly at Waterside Place.
  • January 1, 2026
Crowd rings in the new year at Waterside Place
Santa greets visitors from the window of 9605 Governor's Club Place in The River Club.
  • December 20, 2025
Christmas decorating isn't just for kids
Keera Herbst, Donn Githens, Kim Verreault and Alexa Olivas help celebrate the opening of the new Longboat Key Goodwill bookstore and donation site on Dec. 18.
  • December 20, 2025
Longboat Goodwill officially celebrates grand opening
The home at 2834 Browning Street featured countless decorations and animated figures.
  • December 18, 2025
Sarasota homes light up for the holidays
Capri Finan, 7, Madelyn Finan, 9 and Maverick Finan, 3, pose with Santa after telling him what they want for Christmas, which includes a doll house and a trampoline.
  • December 18, 2025
Braden River High transforms into Winter Wonderland
Maddox and Lou Towery have packed up shoeboxes during the Community Holiday Shoebox Collection Drive for the last seven years.
  • December 15, 2025
Lakewood Ranch community rallies to support seniors with shoebox event