The Florida lifestyle is glorified in a lavish new home in Waterside
In Lakewood Ranch, traditional architecture still sets the tone — gables, arches and stone accents shaping much of the landscape. The styles may vary, but one thing has been largely missing: modern design. It’s a surprising gap, considering Sarasota’s reputation as a center for modern architecture. That’s...
Longboat Key Roofing Observes Gulf Coast Roofing Shift
SARASOTA, FL - May 21, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - A quieter weather cycle is changing how many Gulf Coast homeowners are approaching roof replacement decisions after several years of storm-driven roofing activity across Florida. Rather than reacting only to leaks or storm damage, many homeowners are now evaluating roof ag
Downtown Sarasota battle pits history against development
The fate of a more than century-old downtown Sarasota building could be headed to court following a last-ditch effort from a preservation group trying to stop it from being razed for luxury condos. Members of the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation said city officials sidestepped the public review process typic
Two apparently unrelated shootings 10 blocks and a day apart in Newtown under investigation,...
The Sarasota Police Department is investigating two shootings that occurred 10 blocks apart on consecutive days this week in the Newtown community of north Sarasota, it announced in separate news releases. No was injured in either case, the Police Department pointed out. The first incident was reported about 5:30 a.m..
‘Bed tax’ revenue exceeds $8 million in one month for first time, in March
With six months of money left to be collected this year, funds already make up over 63% of total collected in 2025 fiscal year. For the first time ever, in March, Sarasota County’s Tourist Development Tax — or, “bed tax” — revenue exceeded $8 million, as shown in the latest reports released by the Sarasota County Tax C
Economist warns Sarasota commissioners of looming economic threat
Amid stubborn inflation, the surging cost of living and constant angst at the gas pump, Sarasota has not been immune to the national trends that have pushed the economy into a downspin. Sean Snaith, the director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting, presented a snapshot of...
Bank sat on $100K of Florida couple’s flood insurance for a year, forcing them...
This story reveals a little-known hazard hiding in mortgage agreements, and why disaster victims can end up in a worse financial hole after the insurance check arrives.
With unanimous vote, County Commission formally rescinds August 2025 decision to make School Board...
Board members agree to wait on resolution of Circuit Court litigation between Tax Collector’s Office and School Board to decide how to deal with commissions in future years. The Sarasota County commissioners voted unanimously on May 19 to adopt a resolution that county administrative staff and representatives of the Of
District picks Jamal Crook as Booker High School’s next principal
WSLR News reporter Ed James III gauges reactions in Newtown and beyond. Host: After 15 years of leadership by Dr. Rachel Shelley, Booker High School has a new principal. Ed James III is gauging reactions in and around Newtown to the man stepping into one of Sarasota’s culturally most significant jobs.
Gecko’s Grill & Pub hosts annual Iron Chef Competition
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) -James Veldhouse, the Director of Culinary at Gecko’s Grill & Pub joined us to make Thai Coconut Curry with Rice Noodles. Gecko’s Grill & Pub is hosting its annual Iron Chef Competition, a seven-week event that runs from May 11 through June 28. James Veldhouse,...
