Chihuahua, Worker Rescued; Spring Training Returns: FL Good News

FL good news stories: voting rights group nominated for Nobel Prize, artist at Tampa International Airport honors first Black pilot.

Tour Of Homes, Get Rescued, Ybor City Fiesta Day: FL Weekend Events

Things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay: Cirque Ma'Ceo, Junior League of Sarasota’s Tour of Homes, Gulfport’s Get Rescued, Eckerd Film Fest.

Localtopia, ReadOut Festival, Thunder By The Bay: FL Weekend Events

Looking for something to do this weekend? Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival, Pasco Blues Festival, Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.

Lethargic Manatee Rescued From Sarasota Waters: FWC

Rescuers pulled a lethargic, cold-stressed manatee from waters off Sarasota, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission said.

Puppy Bowl Stars, Big Storm Expands, Missing Diver Found: FL Good News

FL good news stories: Powerball winner, Detwiler’s Farm Market, Gasparilla Bead Reuse Program, Mote manatees pick Super Bowl winner.

Manatees Predict Super Bowl Winner At Sarasota Aquarium: Watch

Mote Marine Aquarium’s manatees are split on who will win Sunday’s Super Bowl LVII match-up between Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles.

6 FL Cities Are Among Fastest Growing In U.S. For 2023: Study

Cape Coral-Fort Myers and North Port took the No 1. and No. 2 spots on Quicken Loans’ top 20 list of fastest-growing U.S. cities.

$1M Lottery Prize Claimed By Sarasota Man: FL Lottery

A Sarasota man claimed a $1 million prize while playing the 500X The Cash scratch-off game, Florida Lottery said.

Englewood Airport Reopens Months After Hurricane Ian: Sarasota County

Buchan Airport in southern Sarasota County reopened Wednesday after serving as a debris management site following Hurricane Ian.

$4M Settlement Reached In Big Olaf Creamery Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Sarasota County’s Big Olaf Creamery was linked to a national listeria outbreak that left one person dead and at least 28 people ill.

Gasparilla Pirate Fest, TacoFest, Bounce The Mall: FL Weekend Events

Looking for something to do? Great Mr. Swindle's Traveling Peculiarium, Native American festival, Lakeland Pigfest, Kerouac bike ride.

Bucs Playoff Game, Riverwalk Recognized, MLK Festival: FL Good News

Florida good news this week: Best places to retire, $3.5B for conservation, National Pizza Week, and the Black Heritage Music Festival.

Former Sarasota Police Chief Gordon Jolly Dies: SPD

Gordon Jolly served as Sarasota police chief twice, first from 1992 to 1996 and then from 2000 until 2002.

Recycled Christmas Trees Used For Rescued Animals By SWFL Wildlife Org

Watch rescued squirrels frolic in recycled Christmas trees donated to the Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida.

Englewood Father Dies After Living With Mold Caused By Hurricane Ian

After a Sarasota County man died from exposure to toxic mold caused by Ian, the community is rallying around the family he left behind.

New Year’s Baby: Meet The First Baby Born At Sarasota Memorial In 2023

Sarasota Memorial Hospital delivered its first baby of the new year Sunday at 12:29 a.m.

OLLI at Ringling College Presents “Listening to Women" Jan. 26–Mar. 2

Six-session series featuring women whose innovations and accomplishments are having an impact and influencing lives locally and globally.

Martin Hyde, ‘Don’t Say Gay,' Laundrie, Petito: Top 2022 Sarasota News

Check out the top news stories published by Sarasota Patch in 2022: Hurricane Ian, small plane crash, gator attacks, superintendent resigns.

Ukrainian Rescues, Hurricane Ian Efforts: Top FL Good News 2022

Top FL good news for 2022: Riverview teacher’s dance-off, Sarasota man saves engagement ring, ZooTampa bird gets 3D-printed beak.

Arts Advocates Accepting Scholarship Applications Through March 15

Tuition awards are given to students who are pursuing undergraduate studies in the arts

Cold Weather Shelters Opening Christmas Weekend In Sarasota County

With temperatures dropping in the days before Christmas, Sarasota County will open cold weather shelters for those in need of a safe space.

OLLI at Ringling College Announces its Winter Semester: Jan. 9-March 3

The winter semester features more than 70 classes, lectures, and special programs covering a wide variety of topics.

Hanukkah Celebrations, Jingle Ball, Boat Parades: FL Weekend Events

Looking for something to do in Tampa Bay? Live nativity, “Elf the Musical,” Trans-Siberian Orchestra, International Food, Crafts Festival.

Sarasota County Libraries, Other Facilities Closed Friday: County

Libraries are closed Friday for a staff development day and will reopen Saturday at 10 a.m., Sarasota County said.

Holiday Boat Parades, Blues Festival, Guy Harvey: FL Weekend Events

Looking for something to do? Snowfest, Siesta Beach Seafood & Music Festival, Dunedin Holiday Tour of Homes, Jingle Bell Run.

Here’s Why Nancy Dezzi Was Shouted Out As A Sarasota Local Hero

We all know someone who's making a difference. Here's one local resident who is having an impact in Sarasota.

Man Dives After Engagement Ring He Dropped In Sarasota Bay: Video

A video of a Sarasota man who dove in after an engagement ring he dropped in the bay is racking up views on social media.

Holiday Markets, Sanding Ovations, Comedy Shows: FL Weekend Events

Looking for something to do in FL? Suncoast Renaissance Festival, Shopapalooza, “A Christmas Carol,” Allman Family Revival, Daniel Tosh.

Quick-Thinking School Bus Driver, Safest Hospitals: FL Good News

Florida good news this week: Inter Miami courts Ronaldo, Miami Marlins promotion, FL manatees decal, and Water Street Winter Wonderland.

$1.9B Powerball Jackpot In Monday Drawing Brings In Players Across FL

In Saturday’s Powerball drawing, one ticketholder in Florida won $1 million, while five others claimed $150,000, Florida Lottery said.

Here’s Why Patricia Cockerill Was Shouted Out As a Sarasota Local Hero

We all know someone who's making a difference. Here's one local resident who is having an impact in Sarasota.

Final Storm Debris Collection Starts Monday In Sarasota: City

So far, about 90 percent of vegetative storm debris from Hurricane Ian has been picked up from Sarasota homes, the city said.

Sarasota Drops From No. 1 Spot In U.S. News Best Places To Retire List

After ranking No. 1 in U.S. News Best Places to Retire list last year, Sarasota dropped 10 spots for 2022-2023.

‘A Kind Human Being’: Sarasota Star Student Athlete

We all know athletes who shine whether they’re competing or not. Let's help share these amazing stories!

2 Popular Parks Still Closed In Sarasota Area, 1 Opens After Hurricane

After Hurricane Ian, Nathan Benderson Park has reopened, while Warm Mineral Springs and Myakka River State Park remain closed.

Ravaged Venice Theatre Focus Of Teen's Lemonade Stand Fundraiser

An Osprey girl raised $705 for the efforts to rebuild Venice Theatre after its main stage lost its roof during Hurricane Ian.

More Storm Debris Picked Up After Ian Than Irma In Sarasota County

As of Friday afternoon, more storm debris from Hurricane Ian has already been picked up in Sarasota County than after Hurricane Irma.

Most FL Schools Will Reopen By Mid-October: Hurricane Ian

School districts in Charlotte, DeSoto, Lee and Sarasota counties have established reopening plans after Hurricane Ian hit Florida.

Red The Cow Led Crowley Museum Cattle To Safety Before Hurricane Ian

The cattle at Crowley Museum in Sarasota were saved ahead of Hurricane Ian thanks to a 4-year-old cow named Red, staff said.

Sarasota Man Delivers $30K In Supplies To Battered Pine Island

Richard Dear is also raising money to purchase generators, water, food, clothes and more after Hurricane Ian devastated the area.