Essential Intelligence

The Sarasota Shell Club's Annual Show Happens in February

Here's how it became such a big deal.

12/26/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

So Long, Smoke

Smoking at Sarasota County Parks and Beaches Is Now Banned

Citing safety and environmental impacts, the Sarasota County Commission created a new ordinance to ban cigarettes in county-owned spaces.

10/02/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Heat Reprieve

These Area Hotels Offer Pool Day Passes

No pool? No problem. Stay cool, meet out-of-towners and craft a staycation day this summer.

08/14/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Tropical Touch

Sun Served Bespoke Picnics Delivers Unique Experiences for Special Occasions

“Every picnic is a mini design challenge. Design, create and curate,” says owner Reni Papalexiou.

06/26/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Ice Cold

How to Pack the Perfect Beach Cooler

Head into the summer sun prepped and ready, but don't forget to sneak some Cheetos into your beach tote.

06/23/2023 By Lauren Jackson

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

Good News

Rejoice! There's No More Red Tide at Sarasota's Beaches

That means we finally get our first red-tide-free weekend since Dec. 28, 2022.

03/24/2023 By Isaac Eger

See Weed

A Massive Sargassum Bloom Is Headed For Florida's Beaches

The bloom is so big you can see it from space. What does it mean for Sarasota-Manatee?

03/15/2023 By Isaac Eger

swim advisory

In Addition to Red Tide, We've Got to Be Vigilant About Elevated Bacteria Levels in Our Waters Right Now

The Florida Department of Health found unsafe levels of bacteria in our Sarasota Bay this week.

03/10/2023 By Isaac Eger

Red Alert

How Bad Is Red Tide at Our Beaches?

The latest red tide reports might affect your weekend beach plans. Here's where it's safe to swim.

01/06/2023 By Isaac Eger

Beach Update

High Levels of Red Tide Are Present at Many Sarasota Beaches. So Where Is It Safe to Go?

Dead fish, scratchy throats and unpleasant smells have been reported at Sarasota County beaches. Here's where it's safe to swim.

12/02/2022 By Isaac Eger

Breaking News

Red Tide Is Now Present at Every Beach in Sarasota

Elevated levels of the fish-killing bacteria that causes red tide have been found at all 16 area beaches.

11/10/2022 By Isaac Eger

Swim Advisory

Where Is It Safe to Swim in Sarasota Right Now?

Officials have detected fecal bacteria and red tide in our waterways. We spoke with an expert in Sarasota water quality to find out where it's safe to swim.

11/04/2022 By Isaac Eger

Bye bye butts

It's Official: No More Smoking at City-Owned Public Beaches and Parks

City of Sarasota commissioners voted unanimously to ban cigarette smoking in non-designated areas. The new ordinance is now in effect.

10/06/2022 By Kim Doleatto

No Butts About It

City of Sarasota Public Parks and Beaches Are One Step Closer to Being Butt-Free

Cigarette butts, that is.

09/07/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Relax, Calm

Bliss Out With These Soothing Beach Shots by Photographer Gray Malin

The well-known photographer has added Sarasota-Manatee's shoreline to his collection of light-filled aerial beach shots.

09/02/2022 By Megan McDonald

Before You Vote

What Will Sarasota County Commission Candidates Do to Address Our Beach Access Crisis?

We asked candidates to tell us what they think needs to be done to resolve the tension between beachgoers and property owners.

08/22/2022 By Isaac Eger

What's Cooler Than Being Cool? Ice Cold!

The Best Beach Coolers of 2023

Stow beer, wine and your Pub subs in one of these bad boys for the perfect Sarasota beach day.

07/21/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Throwing Shade

The Best Beach Umbrellas for 2022

Seek the shade in style. We've rounded up our top picks for classic umbrellas, plus tents and cabanas.

07/07/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Pool season

How to Keep Your Kids Safe Around the Water This Summer

One of the owners of Aqua-Tots Swim Schools shares four simple tips to keep in mind.

05/18/2022 By Samantha Lane