All entries tagged with “Featured”

Blackketter Resigns as President of SANCA

Paul Blackketter, Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates president and CEO, today announced his resignation from the organization with plans to work now as a consultant. He has offered to stay on as land as Sept. 30 until a new president is hired by SANCA. “I feel very grateful that I was given the opportunity to be part of such a significant and impactful project that will shape the Sarasota-Manatee community for years to come,” Blackketter said.  “Creating the world-class rowing venue at NBP has been an incredible journey and something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. It’s time for me to pursue new avenues that will allow me continue to do what I love on a grander scale.”  

Blackketter was a major force in the creation of the organization and of establishing Nathan Benderson Park, which SANCA is contracted by Sarasota County to operate, as a world-class venue for rowing and other sports.

Officials credited Blackketter with the organization’s rapid ascension as one of the most popular venue for rowing in the world. Nathan Benderson Park will host the World Rowing Championships in 2017 and the World Masters Rowing Championships in 2018. Last weekend, the park hosted the US Olympic and Paralympic Trials. The Florida Sports Foundation in 2015 named the park as the Sports Venue of the Year.

After seven years devoted to the development of Nathan Benderson Park as one of Florida’s foremost parks and one of the world’s premier rowing venues, Paul has decided to pursue a career in consulting,” said Bill Robinson, SANCA’s board chair, in accepting Paul’s resignation.


Brian Johnson: "No choice" but to leave AC/DC tour, but 'not retiring'

BrianJohnsonRacing.jpg

Sarasota rock icon Brian Johnson issued a statement to media today that he was "personally crushed" hearing issues will sideline him for the rest of AC/DC's world tour, but assures fans he is "not retiring." "My doctors have told me that I can continue to record in studios and I intend to do that."

Johnson is most famous for fronting the Aussie metal act, but also founded Brian Johnson Racing. In late 2014, Sarasota Memorial Hospital opened the Brian Johnson Music Therapy Center for patients after recieving a donation from Johnson and his wife Brenda. It was announced on March 8 that Johnson had to leave the tour immediately because of hearing issues, and this weekend news broke that Guns 'N' Roses frontman will fill in for the singer on rescheduled tour dates. Read Johnson's full statement below:

As many AC/DC fans know, the remaining shows for the 2016 AC/DC Rock or Bust World Tour, including 10 postponed U.S. shows, are being rescheduled with a guest singer.  I want personally to explain the reason because I don’t believe the earlier press releases sufficiently set out what I wanted to say to our fans or the way in which I thought it should be presented. 

On March 7th, after a series of examinations by leading physicians in the field of hearing loss, I was advised that if I continue to perform at large venues, I risked total deafness. While I was horrified at the reality of the news that day, I had for a time become aware that my partial hearing loss was beginning to interfere with my performance on stage. 

I was having difficulty hearing the guitars on stage and because I was not able to hear the other musicians clearly, I feared the quality of my performance could be compromised. In all honesty this was something I could not in good conscience allow. Our fans deserve my performance to be at the highest level, and if for any reason I can’t deliver that level of performance I will not disappoint our fans or embarrass the other members of AC/DC.  I am not a quitter and I like to finish what I start, nevertheless, the doctors made it clear to me and my bandmates that I had no choice but to stop performing on stage for the remaining shows and possibly beyond. That was the darkest day of my professional life. 

Since that day, I have had several consultations with my doctors and it appears that, for the near future, I will be unable to perform on stage at arena and stadium size venues where the sound levels are beyond my current tolerance, without the risk of substantial hearing loss and possibly total deafness. Until that time, I tried as best as I could to continue despite the pain and hearing loss but it all became too much to bear and too much to risk.

I am personally crushed by this development more than anyone could ever imagine. The emotional experience I feel now is worse than anything I have ever in my life felt before. Being part of AC/DC, making records and performing for the millions of devoted fans this past 36 years has been my life’s work.  I cannot imagine going forward without being part of that, but for now I have no choice. The one thing for certain is that I will always be with AC/DC at every show in spirit, if not in person.

Most importantly, I feel terrible having to disappoint the fans who bought tickets for the canceled shows and who have steadfastly supported me and AC/DC these many years. Words cannot express my deep gratitude and heartfelt thanks not just for the recent outpouring to me personally of kind words and good wishes, but also for the years of loyal support of AC/DC.  My thanks also go to Angus and Cliff for their support. 

Finally, I wish to assure our fans that I am not retiring. My doctors have told me that I can continue to record in studios and I intend to do that. For the moment, my entire focus is to continue medical treatment to improve my hearing. I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances. While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic. Only time will tell. 

Once again, my sincere best wishes and thanks to everyone for their support and understanding.

Love,
Brian


Homeless Grow in Number, According to PIT Report

An annual census on homelessness in the region shows the number of individuals and families without homes has gone up in Sarasota and Manatee counties even as the issue elevated to become  the high-profile social problem in the region. 

The 2016 Homeless Point-in-Time Community Report, released by the Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness, shows the number of people identified as homeless jumping from 1,198 in 2015 to 1,468 this year, an increase of 270. Manatee County has 201 more homeless people this year and Sarasota County had 69 more, according to the report.

The population that remains our biggest challenge is the adult population without children, which represent 92 percent of the homeless counted—individuals, couples, unaccompanied older youth and the elderly,” writes Leslie Loveless, Suncoast Partnership executive director, in an executive summary. “Services for this demographic are more fragmented and less intensive. Within that group are over 311 chronically homeless individuals.”

The report shows that while homeless declined from 2009 through 2012, it has increased each year since 2013, when the census identified 1,049 homeless  persons.

The numbers are based on the annual Point-In-Time Homeless Census conducted on the night of Jan. 25, coinciding with a national annual census of homeless people conducted nationwide.


Trump, Clinton win big in Florida; Rubio drops out

Florida, the biggest state holding a presidential primary today, turned out big for Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton. And after losing his home state, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio suspended... More »


UPDATED: Atlanta Braves to enter talks about Spring Training Facilities in North Port

The Atlanta Braves are expected to begin negotiations with Sarasota County about relocating spring training to North Port. According to an email sent by County Administrator Tom Harmer to county commissioners,... More »


Mote Media Preview: Otters & Their Waters

Mote Marine Laboratory held a special media preview this morning fot the new exhibit "Otters & Their Waters." SRQ Photographer Wyatt Kostygan got up close and personal with new Mote residents Huck,... More »


Doug Logan, city homelessness director, submits resignation amid transparency concerns

Amid controversy about the handling of a Housing First effort, the City of Sarasota’s top official tasked with finding solutions to homelessness has submitted his resignation. Doug Logan, director... More »


Sarasota voters will vote on when to vote

Sarasota city voters will soon decide whether city elections should be held in November instead in the spring.  Sarasota City Commissioners voted 3-2 to place a referendum on the ballot this November... More »


BREAKING: Two dead following weather in Manatee. Law Enforcement updates on severe weather overnight in Southwest Florida

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has reported that two people died from tornado damage in Manatee County overnight, news confirmed by Florida Cabinet member Jeff Atwater. The National Weather Service... More »


Manatee Approves Plan to Phase School Impact Fees Back Into Effect

Manatee County Commission voted to phase school impact fees back into effect for the first time since 2009, but members criticized a plan by the School Board to connect the rate to an upcoming referendum... More »


Chris Tomasso, Cracker Barrel and Hard Rock veteran, named as president of First Watch

First Watch, a breakfast-centric restaurant chain based in Bradenton, just promoted Chris Tomasso to company president. Tomasso, formerly chief marketing officer, had led marketing efforts for other national... More »


Farrington named VP of Public Policy, Sarasota Tomorrow for Sarasota Chamber

Amy Farrington has been named as the new vice president of Public Policy and Sarasota Tomorrow for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Farrington was most recently an executive at ShelterBox USA... More »


GALLERY: Donald Trump Rally, Nov. 28, 2015, Robarts Arena

Donald Trump spoke to thousands of supporters at Robarts Arena on Saturday. Photographs by Evan Sigmund. More »


Donald Trump speaks to Sarasota supporters at Robarts

Donald Trump at a rally in Sarasota delivered harsh words for President Barack Obama, ISIS, Democrat Hillary Clinton and leaders in China, Japan and Mexico. But some of his harshest words—and the... More »


Donald Trump to campaign in Sarasota

Donald Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination for president, will campaign in Sarasota on Saturday, according to Trump state chairman Joe Gruters. "This is his state headquarters," Gruters... More »


Sarasota County, City leaders to explore integrated plans that include housing, 'triage' center

At the end of a sometimes tense and sometimes concillatory meeting of Sarasota city and county commissioners, officials committed to exploring ways to help the chronically homeless both through options... More »


Photo Gallery: Check Out Ben Carson's Stop in Sarasota

Ben Carson stopped by Bookstore1Sarasota with his book tour for his newest tome, A More Perfect Union, but most attendees, whether fans or critics, were chiefly interested in the Republican's... More »


Donald Trump Names Sarasota's Joe Gruters as Florida Campaign Chair

Donald Trump’s presidential ambitions could put a Sarasota political leader in one of the most important campaign jobs in the country next year. Joe Gruters, chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota,... More »


Kevin Cooper Moves from Sarasota Chamber to Gulf Coast Community Foundation

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation announced that Kevin Cooper, now the vice president for Public Policy and Sarasota Tommorrow at The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, will join the foundation as... More »


Mark Pritchett named as Gulf Coast Community Foundation President and CEO

Gulf Coast Community Foundation announced this morning that Mark Pritchett has been promoted as president and CEO. Pritchett, who previously served as senior vice president for Community Investment,... More »


Detert Files For Sarasota County Commission

State Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, formally filed on Friday as a candidate for Sarasota County Commission in District 3. The office is currently held by Christine Robinson, whose term expires in November... More »


Buchanan: Boehner Resignation Should Be 'Wakeup Call'

The news of Speaker of the House John Boehner's resignation surprised many in Washington, including longtime supporter Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota. Boehner has attended multiple fundraisers in the Sarasota... More »


Sarasota County votes against extension of Downtown Sarasota CRA

A special taxing district credited with turning Downtown Sarasota from blighted ghost town to thriving cultural center will sunset next year.   A long-running debate between city and county... More »


Fuzion Announced New Brand, Season Line-Up

Fuzion Dance Artists has changed its name and brand to Sarasota Contemporary Dance. The name change was formally announced on Saturday, along with the company’s 10th anniversary season calendar.  Oct... More »


Uber Will Face no Regulations in Sarasota- And Soon Neither Will Taxis

Sarasota City Commissioners voted unanimously tonight to allow Uber to operate its ride-sharing service in the city limits without having to adhere to any local regualtions. Taxi cab comapnies had lobbied... More »


Architecture Community Remembers Rick Fawley

The architecture community in Southwest Florida mourned the loss of Rick Fawley, a man responsible for the look of most sports venues in the region from IMG Academy to Nathan Benderson Park. His Wednesday... More »


Giving Challenge Raises $6.67 Million For Southwest Florida Nonprofits

The Giving Challenge raised a total of $6,674,839 through 36,417 gifts made between the start of the event at noon on Tuesday and the end at noon today. That more than doubles the total raised during the... More »


Giving Challenge Passes 2014's $3.12-Million Take With Hours Still Left on the Clock

At 9:04am, donations to The Giving Challenge exceeded $3.12 million, the amount raised in last year's challenge. The donations came from 28,200 gifts of as little as $25. The 24-hour philanthropy event... More »


Longtime State Sen. Bob Johnson Dies at Age 80

Bob Johnson, who represented Sarasota in the Florida Legislature over portions of three decades, died Monday night at the age of 80. The long-time public servant was known for fighting for Southwest... More »


The Giving Challenge Raises $940,000-Plus in First Hour

The Giving Challenge in its first hour racked up $945,992 for the 449 nonprofits participating in the giving event for 2015. That comes from some 7,228 gifts and puts the Challenge well on pace to surpass... More »


Gregorio Appointed as President of Williams Parker

The Sarasota-based law firm of Williams Parker appointed Ric Gregoria to serve as its president. Gregoria succeeds William M. Seider, who served as the firm’s president for nine years. This transition,... More »


Girls Inc. Names Angie Stringer As Executive Director

Girls Inc. of Sarasota County today announced Angie Stringer, most recently the director of major gifts for Children First, has been hired as executive director of the nonprofit prganization. Stringer,... More »


WestJet to Offer Nonstop Service Between Sarasota, Toronto

  WestJet announced today it would begin flight service to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport in December, starting with nonstop service to Toronto. The Canadian airline brings the number... More »


Feld Moving Motor Sports Division to Bradenton

Grave Digger will soon roll into Bradenton— permanently. Feld Entertainment announced today that it will move its Motor Sports Division to the company's headquarters in Bradenton. That means Monster... More »


Mary Cantrell, Manatee School Board Member, Dies

Mary Cantrell, a sitting Manatee County School Board member and the 18-year director of Manatee Technical College, died this weekend at a Hospice facility in PInellas County. Cantrell was elected to... More »


Sarasota Considers Rescheduling Election

When and how Sarasota voters elect city commissioners could soon be a question they decide at the ballot box. Sarasota City Commissioners in a 3-vote tonight moved forward in creating ordinances that would... More »


Sarasota Backs New Uber Rules

A new set of regulations governing Uber drivers and other similar services was passed unanimously by Sarasota City Commissioners tonight, but officials said they still want to conduct further research... More »


Eddie's Opinion on Same-Sex Marriage Leads to Schism With Equality Florida

Months after being endorsed by Equality Florida as a candidate for Sarasota City Commission, Shelli Freeland Eddie told the organization she feels personally opposed to same-sex marriage and asked that... More »


Sarasota on Monday to Consider Change in Election Cycle

Sarasota City Commissioners on Monday will consider asking voters if city elections should be rescheduled to coincide with state and national elections. The discussion was raised in early June by Vice... More »


Guiness World Records Recognizes Snooty as World's Oldest Manatee

Guiness World Records has now recognized South Florida Museum resident Snooty as the “Oldest Manatee in Captivity.” Museum officials say Snooty, who turns 67 in July, is widely recognize as... More »


Rissler Named COO at Benderson Park

Nicole Rissler will leave her position as Visit Sarasota County sports director to be the new chief operating officer for Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center, the nonprofit that runs operations for Nathan Benderson... More »


SMOA: Surkis Steps Down

In a statement released this morning, former Sarasota Museum of Art (SMOA) President Wendy Surkis has announced she will be stepping aside and “passing the reigns” to Ringling College and previously... More »


Sarasota Hires Soccer Executive to Handle Homeless Efforts

Doug Logan, a sports executive who served as CEO for Major League Soccer and USA Track and Field, has been hired by the City of Sarasota as director of Special Initiatives on Chronic Homelessness. "I'm... More »


SRQ speaks with the Grow The Dream Show team

Entrepreneurs love talking with colleagues about the nature of running a business, so why not record and broadcast those chats? That’s what the team behind the Grow The Dream podcast—Grow... More »


Football League to Headquarter in Southwest Florida

Major League Football, a new nationwide football league, confirmed it will headquarter in Manatee County and launch its first season in Spring of 2016. Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, where a... More »


Sarasota to Consider November Elections

Sarasota Vice Mayor Suzanne Atwell asked staff to explore the possibility of holding city elections concurrent with November general elections. The city will bring information back at a later date, when... More »


Longtime Sarasota Finance Director Dies

Mayor Willie Shaw today announced that former Sarasota Finance Director Christopher Lyons had passed away. Lyons, a 25-year employee of the city, retired in 2012 for health reasons. During his time at... More »


UPDATED: Willie Shaw Remains Sarasota Mayor, Suzanne Atwell Now Vice

Following the swearing in of new City Commissioners Shellie Freeland Eddie and Liz Alpert, as well as swearing in CIty Commissioner Willie Shaw to a second term, the Sarasota City Commission named Shaw... More »


Manatee School Board pays out contract for Superintendent Mills.

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Alpert, Eddie Pull Upsets in Sarasota

Liz Alpert and Shelli Freeland Eddie have unseated incumbents on the Sarasota City Commission, according to unofficial election results. Alpert was running for Sarasota City Commission District 2 against... More »


Girls Inc. Starts Search for New Executive

Robin Rose announced today she will retire as executive driector of Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County for family reasons. The organization has started a national search for a new executive. Girls... More »


Mills To Leave Manatee Schools in July

Manatee County Superintendent of Schools Rick Mills announced he will retire at the end of July. The decision comes amid a rocky relationship with the School Board through most of his time in charge... More »


Barwin Discusses City Plan For Homelessness (extended interview)

The Sarasota City Commission this week approved an eight-point plan to address homelessness, including exploring a Housing First policy and private sector support to tackle issues facing the chronically... More »


SMOA and SAF Compromise on Rudolph Canopies

A compromise has been reached between Sarasota Museum of Art officials and the architectural community with regards to the canopies designed by father of the Sarasota School of Architecture, Paul Rudolph,... More »


2016 Town Hall Lecture Series Line-Up Revealed

Pictured: Shimon Peres With former chairman of the Federal Reserve, Dr. Ben Bernanke, closing out the Ringling College Library Association Town Hall 2015 Lecture Series this morning, the RCLA has released... More »


Ringling College Reports Avante Garde Success

Pictured: Captain Creative and The Imaginator. Photo Credit: Stephanie Lederer. Ringling College of Art and Design has reported that this year’s annual An Evening at the Avante Garde gala set... More »


Ringling Puts Canopy Construction On Hold To Meet With Architects

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Architects Try to Save Canopies From SMOA Destruction

Architects in the region are expressing anger that renovation plans at the Sarasota Museum of Art today call for the destruction of canopies connecting the museum site with the Paul Rudolph-designed Sarasota... More »


Review: I'm A Stranger Here Myself

Mark Nadler in I'm A Stranger Here Myself/Photo courtesy FST Strolling up to Florida Studio Theatre Friday night for renowned cabaret performer Mark Nadler’s production of his original show I’m... More »


Runoffs in Both Sarasota City Commission races. Alpert, Normile to Face off in District 2. Stan Zimmerman, Shelli Freeland Eddie battle in District 3

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Younger, Daly Headed For Wins on Longboat Key

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Early and Absentee votes in for Sarasota City Commission: Alpert, Normile Neck-and-Neck in District 2; Zimmerman Holds Majority in 3

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Wooddall, Keen Campaigning Part Company Days Before Election

Keen Campaigning announced of Friday that it was seperating itself from Matthew Wooddall, a candidate for Sarasota City Commission District 3. The move comes days before a Tuesday city election. In a... More »


Feld Entertainment Will Phase Out Elephant Acts at Circus

Feld Entertainment today announced today that elephant acts would be phased out of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus following years of growing criticism from animal rights organizations... More »


Herald-Tribune Conducting Layoffs

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune has started laying off a number of employees, including some high-profile and long-term members of the editorial staff. The move comes three and a half months after the sale... More »


Dan Ceaser, Incoming Temple Beth Sholom Head of School, To Speak

This Thursday, March 5, at 6:30pm Dan Ceaser will be delivering a presentation at the Temple Beth Sholom Upper School Media Center to discuss his plans regarding his incoming tenure as Head of School,... More »


Teri Hansen Leaving Gulf Coast Community Foundation

The Gulf Coast COmmuntiy Foundation today announced Teri A. Hansen, CEO and president, will leave her position at the end of Juine. Hansen will now head the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation. Full... More »


Alfstad& Opens New Exhibit Today, Reception With Artist Tonight

Newly opened Alfstad& Contemporary Art Gallery opens its second show today, debuting a collection of large-scale constructions, paintings, drawings and serigraphs from Ringling College professor and... More »


Mote Founder Eugenia Clark Dies

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium announced Wednesday evening that founder Eugenie "Genie" Clark had died. She was 92. Clark, referred to affectionately as the "Shark Lady," founded Mote 60 years ago... More »


New Saks GM Announced at UTC Store

Saks Fifth Avenue today announced that Terri Najmolhoda will take on the role of Vice President, General Manager, Sarasota, and will be in charge of the Saks location at University Town Center, the first... More »


Police: Body, Most Likely Missing Ex-Councilman, Found in Venice

Venice Police believe they have found the body of missing ex-City Councilman David Sherman. Police Chief Tom McNulty said a body was found north of the Pinebrook Park fitness trail, dead from an apparent... More »


Kathy Baylis, EDC founding president, Dies

Kathy Baylis, founding executive director of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, has died following a years-long battle with cancer. She was 67. Baylis ushered the creation of the... More »


Former Superintendent Gene Witt Dies

School officials in both the Sarasota County School District and Manatee County School District today confirmed the death of former Superintendent of Schools Gene Witt.  “I am very sorry to... More »


Ringling Team Wins Imagineering Competition

A team of students from Ringling College of Art and Design won first place at the 24th Walt Disney Imagineering Imaginations. The annual contest, held since 1992, has been one of the cief ways the... More »


US Nano Moving to Sarasota

US Nano, a nanotechnology company, announced it is relocating to Sarasota to triple its workforce and expand its facilities. The company previosuly was headquartered in South Bend, Indiana. "Sarasota... More »


Bayfront 20:20 Implementing Principles Discussed

Cultural institutions on the Sarasota Bayfront are making plans for future growth and Sarasota city officials may be have started moving forward with ways to chart the waterfront’s future. There... More »


Sarasota City candidates qualify; Shaw Wins Re-Election

We now know who is running this year for the Sarasota City Commission. Mayor Willie Shaw appears to have been elected unopposed as District 1 City Commissioner, as he is the only candidate who qualified... More »


Fitch Raises Credit Rating for Manatee County School District

Fitch Ratings, an international credit rating agency based out of New York and London, raised its rating outlook for the Manatee County School District to Positive from Negative.  The Fitch release... More »


City of Sarasota Reverses Course, Will Cover Chapman's Sunshine Defense

Sarasota City Commissioners voted 3-1 tonight in favor of covering all of City Commissioner Susan Chapman's legal fees in defense of a lawsuit filed by Citizens for Sunshine. The commission previously... More »


Ring of Fame 2015 Nominees Include Prince of Monaco, Del Moral Troupe, Vasquez, Zerbini, Pfening

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Sarasota Deputy Chief Tapped for Maryland Cabinet Post

Sarasota Police Deputy Chief Stephen Moyer was appointed on Tuesday as the next Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services for the State of Maryland. Gov. Larry Hogan made the appointment. Moyer... More »


Buchanan Speaks Out Against Opening Relations With Cuba

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, released the following statement to SRQ about President Obama's decision to open diplomatic relations with Cuba: "Revisiting relations with a Castro regime that has... More »


Caldwell Trust Opens Venice HQ

Caldwell Trust Company has opened its new headquarters in Venice on Center Road. The $3-million facility will be the long-term central office for the company, which was founded in 1993.   “We... More »


Saint Stephen's Episcopal School Opens a Lakewood Ranch Kindergarten and First Grade School

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Selby Gardens Names Jennifer Rominiecki As President, CEO

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has named Jennifer Rominiecki, an executive administrator with the New York Botanical Garden.  "I am honored to join this dynamic organization as it prepares... More »


Gay Marriage to Start in Florida

Same-sex couples in Florida could be able to apply for marriage licenses as soon as Jan. 5, following a decision by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. The court denied the state’s motion for... More »


Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Parent Company Sold

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune and its parent company, Halifax Media, were sold to New Media Investment Group, the newspaper reported Thursday. The move comes three years after Halifax bought... More »


Normile, Zimmerman named to Sarasota City Commission

Eileen Normile and Stan Zimmerman were named to the Sarasota City Commission. "This was no easy selection because of the quality of the applicants," said Commissioner Susan Chapman. Sarasota City Commissioners... More »


Argus Foundation Names Christine Robinson as New Director

The Argus Foundation today announced that Sarasota County Commissioner Christine Robinson would take over as executive director of the foundation in January, when after current executive director Kerry... More »


Pirates Release Spring Training Schedule

The Pittsburgh Pirates today announed the team's 33-game schedule for the 2015 Spring Training season, including 15 home games at McKechnie Field in Bradenton. The team will see its spring season open... More »


Allyn Gallup Remembered as Sarasota Art Leader

  Sarasota today bids a regretful farewell to a cultural titan. Allyn Gallup, owner of Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art Gallery and one of Sarasota’s most cogent and outspoken voices in the... More »


Scott Holding Lead, Pot Amendment Fails, Conservation Amendment Passes

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Buchanan, Rouson, Pilon retain House seats

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Whitmore wins, Cantrell likely upsetting Aranibar

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Caragiulo, Maio win. Ziegler apparently wins School Board seat.

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Sarasota Farmers Market Launches Midweek Market

The Sarasota Farmers Market today announced it will expand its downtown presence through a midweek market each Wednesday, beginning Nov. 5. Vendors will conduct business in Five Points Park. The new market... More »


McAllister Drops Out, Backs Coe, in Sarasota County Commission contest

Write-in candidate Steve McAllister today announced he is withdrawing from the Sarasota County Commission District 2 election. He makes the move days after endorsing independent Alexandra Coe in the contest... More »


Sarasota County Approves Fiscal Neutrality Change

Sarasota County Commissioners just approved a change in fiscal neutrality that loosens requirements on developers. The board voted 4-1 in favor of the change. The change is the most prominent of amendments... More »


Google Names Sarasota Digital eCity

Google recognized Sarasota this year as Florida's 2014 eCity "Digital Capital of America." Sarasota city officials announced they would host a ceremony with the Sarasota business community on Friday... More »


Pictures from the Grand Opening of The Mall at University Town Center

SRQ is at the grand opening of The Mall at University Town Center. See what we see! A. Alfred Taubman U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan Randy Benderson Robert Taubman County Commissioner Charles Hines More »


Glimpse Into Saks, Sophies

From hard shops featuring the designs of Alexander McQueen to fitting rooms with private habberdasheries, the newest location for Saks Fifth Avenue exudes exuberrance and exclusivity. Executives for... More »


UTC Unveils Opening Day Directory

Taubman Centers today released a complete list of stores and businesses that will be in The Mall at University Town Center when the shopping destination opens next Thursday. The list includes stores dealing... More »


Archtober Panel Tonight

A panel on the "America's Crises and Their Impacts on Affordable Housing" will be convened tonight by the Sarasota Center for Architecture as part of its Architober series of events. Panelists include... More »


Andrea Bozzolo to Open Restaurant on Longboat Key

Chef Andrea Bozzolo, the culinary mind behind Andrea's The Art Of Food And Wine and the founding chef for Divino, is now opening a new restaurant on Longboat Key with businessman Howard Rooks. Amore by... More »


Governor Addresses Issue of Sarasota Patient With Ebola-like Symptoms

“Florida’s Department of Health is working with the federal CDC to test a patient at a local Miami hospital who was screened today for Ebola. It’s important to point out that this patient... More »


UPDATED: USF Names Sandra Stone as USF Sarasota-Manatee Chancellor

Dr. Sandra Stone was named today as the new regional chancellor for the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. Stone currently serves as vice president of academic affairs at Dalton State College... More »


Delta adds Sarasota direct flight to JFK

Delta announced today it would be adding a seasonal direct flight between Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. The SRQ-JFK flight starts... More »


Caragiulo to Call for Snyder Appointment on City Commission

Sarasota CIty Commissioner Paul Caragiulo on Tuesday will raise the issue of re-appointing City Commissioner Shannon Snyder to a board both had to resign from to run for higher office. Caragiulo on Tuesday... More »


Sarasota, Manatee Realtors Consider Merger

Leadership for the Sarasota Association of Realtors and the Manatee Association of Realtors voted today to merge the organizations. Members for both groups will decide if such a move should take place... More »


Carpenter, Kennedy Win Manatee School Board. Aranibar, Cantrell Head to Runoff

School Board member Karen Carpenter beat challenger Frank Brunner to win re-election with 57.39 percent of the vote, and newcomer Charlie Kennedy with 50.52 percent beat Rodney Jones for an open seat.... More »


Gallen, Smith in recount territory in Manatee County. DiSabatino wins.

One major race in Southwest Florida was too close to call Tuesday night. Manatee County Commissioner Michael Gallen trailed challenger Charles Smith, a Palmetto City Commissioner, by just five votes when... More »


Marsh, Ziegler head for Sarasota School Board runoff. Goodwin, Brown win re-election

Two Sarasota School Board members coasted to re-election on Tuesday night, and a third is preparing for a November runoff. Bridget Ziegler, who was appointed to the School Board by Gov. Rick Scott earlier... More »


Gonzalez, Caragiulo, Maio win in Sarasota

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Polls Close, Stay Tuned for Election Results

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United Adds Sarasota-Newark Service

United Airlines just announced it will add seasonal non-stop service between Sarasota and Newark starting February 12. The non-stop daily service will run from Feb. 12 through May 15 in 2015. The flight... More »


Town Hall to Tackle Mental Health from Sandy Hook to Robin Williams

From the Sandy Hook shootings to the death of Robin Williams, a remarkable number of national news stories have put mental health in the headlines. Locally, the topic had been an underlying issue in the... More »


DeSoto Square Mall sold for $33.75 million

Rockwood Real Estate Advisors just completed the auction to sell DeSoto Square Mall at auction. The winning bid was $33.75 million. Information about the winning bidder is not yet available. In the past... More »


Arm Parties with Carley Ochs

When Carley Ochs, founder of Bourbon and Boweties, lived in Shanghai two years ago, she returned with jade and fashioned her own souvenirs. As she wrapped a bangle around a red Solo cup, a brand was born... More »


Who is Ray Caster?

It began as a writing exercise by Marcus Alexander Hart. Caster served as a fictional alter-ego and Sarasota—where Hart spent most of the '90s—was his stomping grounds. A socially inept nerd... More »


Italian Indulgence

With both summer and the grill heating up, nothing can beat a light and sweet finish to the day’s eats. Cool off with this Italian sweet Marsala wine custard offered by Chef Jonathan Oldano at Matto... More »


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