Drought runs deep in Manatee, Sarasota

Although storms have popped up, below-normal rain will take months from which to recover.

This waterfall at Patton Park in Lakewood Ranch was being fed by heavy rainfall July 29.
Sally Lippert and Mark Shrosbree are preparing to sail to The Bahamas together.
  • July 30, 2026
Couple prepares for Bahamas voyage as they work together on junk rig
Tanya Waxler and Eddie Balen enjoy Christmas in July in celebration of her book signing for "Santa's Extreme Dream Team and the Hospital Mission."
  • July 29, 2026
Local children's author celebrates Christmas early with new book
Brooks Peirce, 6, holds the epic fossilized megalodon tooth off Lido Beach that Garrett Peirce found while freediving.
  • July 28, 2026
Vacationing family uncovers a 'Jaws'-dropping Lido treasure

Business

Can you eat both halves of a corned beef sandwich? You can test your skills when Wolfie's Hand Cut opens at UTC late this year.
  • July 23, 2026
Can new concept earn the bread for Wolfie's at University Town Center?
Co-owners Tory Delany and Kevin O'Hanlon say every aspect of Delany's Public House on Lakewood Main Street is genuine Irish.
  • July 15, 2026
Delany's Public House ready to open on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
Jason Starkman, the director of operations for The Original Wolfie's and Rascal House restaurants, shows off a corned beef sandwich. Wolfie's 21 Hand Cut is coming to UTC in late November or early December.
  • July 10, 2026
Wolfie's Hand Cut headed to University Town Center
FoodTrukt, a new app, aims to bring together food truck owners and customers through making locations, schedules and menus more accessible.
  • July 8, 2026
Find nearby food trucks with new app
Tanya Waxler and Eddie Balen enjoy Christmas in July in celebration of her book signing for "Santa's Extreme Dream Team and the Hospital Mission."
  • July 29, 2026
Local children's author celebrates Christmas early with new book
Jared Thomas, 8; Penelope Brouillette, 7; and Sebastian Meehan, 8, chalk the trail together.
  • July 24, 2026
Kids use sidewalk chalk to decorate the trail at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex
Toby reaches up to greet a new helping of foam.
  • July 18, 2026
Dog Bar Sarasota celebrates one-year anniversary
Poppy Otte paddles through the water while Mote Education Specialist Morgan Swartz helps.
  • July 12, 2026
Campers make a splash with Mote Marine Laboratory
Alex Walker, 6, and Max Walker, 8, work on paintings at the America250 Celebration at Selby Library.
  • July 11, 2026
America250 Celebration at Selby Library showcases local, national history
Sam and Ileana Galati bring some starfish and star-spangled attire.
  • July 5, 2026
All-American Cookout dazzles with bubbles and food
Eric Ribeiro and his son, Luke Ribeiro, 17; watch the fireworks from the VIP and sponsors area.
  • July 5, 2026
Siesta Key Fourth of July Fireworks celebrates local and national milestones
Frankie Del Rosario of The ProMedia Group, which assisted with the projectors for the display, shows that he's "awesome" at setting off the fireworks.
  • July 4, 2026
Fireworks go virtual in interactive art display at Spirit of '76 block party
The Pops Orchestra of Sarasota and Bradenton performs on the second stage.
  • July 4, 2026
Nathan Benderson Park goes big for Fireworks on the Lake