USF names new Sarasota-Manatee leader for New College transition

Students enrolled as of July 1 will continue their studies on the local campus.

The USF Sarasota-Manatee campus has steadily grown over the past 20 years on Tamiami Trail.
Kyle McCreight participates in the Eastern Regional Qualifiers in 2026.
  • July 22, 2026
4-time 'American Ninja Warrior' contestant isn't done trying to reach national finals
Mother-daughter duo Bridgette, left, and Giana Clark make a doubly positive difference in their community by monitoring sea turtle nests and clearing litter from the beach as volunteers with the Longboat Key Turtle Watch. The group recently celebrated seeing their new "Adopt A Shore" signage.
  • July 22, 2026
Clean beaches are a 'shore' thing under Turtle Watch's eye
The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble brings together professional and high skilled musicians.
  • July 22, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble eyes new venue
Multiple species of starfish have found a home on the "Living Wall" at Longboat Key's Bayfront Park. The innovative project uses 3D-printed concrete slabs modeled after mangrove roots to provide better habitat for aquatic animals.
  • July 21, 2026
Longboat's living seawall recognized for creativity

Arts + Culture

"Reflection-Venice, 1894," a photogravure print taken by Alfred Stieglitz, and Clarence Hudson White's photogravure print, "Edge of Woods-Evening, (1900)," were gifts of Warren J. and Margot Coville to The Ringling.
  • July 22, 2026
The Ringling goes back to black-and-white photography
Linda R. McKee, retired chief librarian of The Ringling, and Deborah W. Walk, retired chief circus curator, have written a book about a mysterious painting known as the "Greta Garbo Vermeer."
  • July 20, 2026
Two sleuths track the mystery of the 'Greta Garbo Vermeer'
An interior view of Lynn Goldsmith's "Shared Light" photo exhibition in the Richard and Ellen Sandor Museum of Botany & the Arts at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
  • July 15, 2026
Selby Gardens exhibit showcases rock 'n' roses
Former Sarasota Opera maestro Victor DeRenzi and Jennifer Rominiecki, president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
  • July 13, 2026
Selby Gardens announces collaboration with former Sarasota Opera maestro
A cownose ray waves a wingtip at onlookers from the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort lagoon on Friday after caretakers introduced half a dozen pups to the enclosure. Resident rays had the babies in December, and experts released the adolescents into the Under the Sea Lagoon.
  • July 20, 2026
Half-dozen baby rays debut at St. Regis lagoon
Toby reaches up to greet a new helping of foam.
  • July 18, 2026
Dog Bar Sarasota celebrates one-year anniversary
Addison Gutowitz, 13, and Harriet Shore, 11, learn skills on electric guitar from 17-year-old Max Froemel in the guitar breakout session.
  • July 17, 2026
Campers come together at School of Rock Lakewood Ranch
A firefighter sprays the roof of a Dock on the Bay condo building Wednesday morning, July 15.
  • July 17, 2026
Fire engulfs Dock on the Bay condo units
Boston's JJ Maguire, 4, Ariel Maguire, 6, and their mom, Kasha Grabowski, wear funky hats while enjoying treats from Jeremiah's Italian Ice at the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch.
  • July 13, 2026
Despite the heat, the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch is still the place to be
Poppy Otte paddles through the water while Mote Education Specialist Morgan Swartz helps.
  • July 12, 2026
Campers make a splash with Mote Marine Laboratory
Alex Walker, 6, and Max Walker, 8, work on paintings at the America250 Celebration at Selby Library.
  • July 11, 2026
America250 Celebration at Selby Library showcases local, national history
Lakewood Ranch's Harper Fraser, 7, Jack Fraser, 5, and their mom, Melissa Fraser, test out the Royally Cosmic photo booth at the Star-Spangled Spectacular at Waterside Place.
  • July 5, 2026
Star-Spangled Spectacular lights up Lakewood Ranch
Sam and Ileana Galati bring some starfish and star-spangled attire.
  • July 5, 2026
All-American Cookout dazzles with bubbles and food
Eric Ribeiro and his son, Luke Ribeiro, 17; watch the fireworks from the VIP and sponsors area.
  • July 5, 2026
Siesta Key Fourth of July Fireworks celebrates local and national milestones
Frankie Del Rosario of The ProMedia Group, which assisted with the projectors for the display, shows that he's "awesome" at setting off the fireworks.
  • July 4, 2026
Fireworks go virtual in interactive art display at Spirit of '76 block party
Lucy Clark and Carlin and Ellie Mackintosh, granddaughters of Longboat Key artist May Lou Johnson, help release the first of 250 butterflies at Freedom Fest. The Fourth of July festivities also included a parade, canine costume contest, rededication of Bicentennial Park and family activities.
  • July 4, 2026
Longboat Key pulls all the stops for special Freedom Fest
The Pops Orchestra of Sarasota and Bradenton performs on the second stage.
  • July 4, 2026
Nathan Benderson Park goes big for Fireworks on the Lake
Emersyn Baker, 3, woke up Thursday morning eager to ride in the bike parade at the Kiddie Academy.
  • July 3, 2026
Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch kicks off Independence Day weekend
Gregg Vesta became the round one winner at the introduction of "singo" on June 29 at The Paradise Center. The game is a musical twist on bingo, prompting players to listen to a song snippet and mark its title on the card. The evening was a fundraiser to support the center's summer programs.
  • July 1, 2026
A musical twist on classic bingo draws praise from Longboaters
Liam Schreiner reviews the selection of house-made sweets available at the newly opened Chocolate Emporium on St. Armands Circle. Branching from the original location on Anna Maria Island, the second shop held a soft opening this week.
  • June 30, 2026
Local artisanal chocolate shop brings sweet treats to St. Armands
Gary St. Clair, his wife Elizabeth St. Clair, granddaughter Avianna Pereira, 7, daughter Allison Pereira, and granddaughters Adley Pereira, 5, and Amelia Pereira, 6, enjoy Sarasota Key Quest Fest.
  • June 29, 2026
Sarasota Key Quest Fest aims to provide the keys to well-being