Latest Posts

Hermitage Artist Retreat South Residence Morrison
From Vanderbilt Legacy to Living Artists: Hermitage Receives 6.5 Acres on Manasota Key
Big news from The Hermitage Artist Retreat. Thanks to an incredible $12 million gift, one of the largest gifts of its kind to a nonprofit arts group, The Hermitage just […]

Photo courtesy Great Florida Cattle Drive and Reunion Rides
Living History in Motion: The Great Florida Cattle Drive Kicks Off January 26
The Great Florida Cattle Drive is back, rolling out on January 26 and wrapping up in Okeechobee after a week of pure Old Florida tradition. This isn’t just any horseback […]

Temperatures to dip below freezing
Florida’s Freezing Wake-Up Call: Protect People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants
When temperatures dip below freezing in Florida, it’s a big deal. Most Floridians deal with a freeze only once or twice a year, if that. When it happens, citrus crops […]

Art by Carroll Swayze
Local Talent Shines at the 38th Annual Englewood Invitational Winter Art Festival, Jan 24–25
The 38th Annual Englewood Invitational Winter Art Festival is coming up Saturday and Sunday, January 24 and 25, from 10 am to 4 pm both days. You’ll find it at […]

Lemon Bay Playhouse Presents The Sweet Delilah Swim Club
Now Playing: The Sweet Delilah Swim Club at The Lemon Bay Playhouse
Are you ready to dive into a world of laughter, love, and friendship? Check out “The Sweet Delilah Swim Club” at Lemon Bay Playhouse, opening January 14, 2026!

The Cookie House in Charlotte County
Discover Florida’s Marine Science History With the Cookie House in Charlotte County
Step into Florida’s marine science story at the historic Cookie House in Charlotte County. Charlotte County Libraries and History is welcoming everyone to experience an authentic piece of scientific history. […]

Annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival
Venice Rotary Hosts 34th Annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival
Get ready for the 34th Annual Venice Fine Arts & Crafts Festival, happening January 16-18 at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds. The Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club has organized a big event […]

Charlotte County High School
Charlotte County Public Schools Hit Record 91.6% Graduation Rate in 2024-2025
Charlotte County Public Schools just hit a new milestone, a 91.6% graduation rate for the 2024–2025 school year. That’s the highest ever for the district, up 4.6% from last year. […]
Southwest Florida Travelers Poised for More Routes After Allegiant-Sun Country Merger
Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines are merging, and that’s shaking up air travel in Southwest Florida. These two carriers already connect the region to the Midwest and Northeast, loading […]

Tallahassee Florida Capitol
Florida’s Children and the 2026 Legislative Session: A Pivotal Moment for Schools
Florida’s 2026 legislative session kicks off on January 13, and it’s shaping up to be controversial. Lawmakers are gearing up for a busy 60 days, with plenty of heated debates […]

“Lou” the elephant
Myakka Elephant Ranch: How Florida Became a Growing Haven for Retired Elephants
Retiring to Florida isn’t just for seniors. Elephants are heading south in growing numbers. Back in 2016, thirty-five Asian elephants, former stars with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey […]

Florida attempts to ban texting while driving
Florida Lawmakers Revive “Hands-Free” Driving Bill to Ban All Handheld Phone Use
Florida lawmakers are taking another shot at cracking down on distracted driving. This week, State Senator Erin Grall from Vero Beach brought back Senate Bill 1152, a bill that fizzled […]

Iguana Alert
Big Chill in Southwest Florida Triggers “Frozen” Iguana Alert
Big changes are on the way for Southwest Florida. A sharp cold front rolls in on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and it’s about to shake things up. Here’s what to […]

Downtown Wellen Park
Sarasota County to Vote on Massive 9,000-Home Winchester Ranch Development
The Sarasota County Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. on January 27 at the Robert L. Anderson Building in Venice to weigh land use changes for the Winchester Ranch community […]

Kelly McWilliams
Sarasota Schools Taps Glenallen Assistant Principal Kelly McWilliams to Lead Wilkinson Transition
Sarasota County Schools has picked Mrs. Kelly McWilliams, now the Assistant Principal at Glenallen Elementary, to lead Wilkinson School as Principal. She officially steps in on Monday, February 16. McWilliams […]

Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
Port Charlotte Home & Garden Show – Celebrating 33 Years
Ready to shake up your space? The Home & Garden Show is rolling into town, and it’s the one-stop shop for anyone looking to upgrade their home, inside or out. […]

