Trash collection will be a hot topic at upcoming Manatee commission meeting

Commissioner Bob McCann also added kennel and canopy road concerns to Jan. 27 agenda.

Manatee County continues to receive complaints about its reduced garbage service.
Couch LBK joined neighboring Brista Commons businesses in celebrating their official opening on Jan. 20.
  • January 22, 2026
Meet the people behind Brista Commons' new opening
Brent Jephson and Chef Instructor Benjamin Burnside celebrate a job well done.
  • January 22, 2026
Academy at Glengary offers a bridge for those recovering from mental illnesses
Alaina Loyal and Gia Sammelman demonstrate concepts including push, pull, kinetic energy, friction.
  • January 22, 2026
STEAM education and circus arts combine with Marvelous, Miraculous Circus Machine
The new display highlights the history of the visual arts in Sarasota along about 200 feet of Orange Avenue, just off Main Street.
  • January 21, 2026
Michael Saunders & Co.'s new display highlights area's arts history

Arts + Culture

Mr. Swindle is the character who gives an adults-only circus its name.
  • January 21, 2026
The circus gets naughty at Mr. Swindle's Traveling Peculiarium
Key Chorale's Opus 1700 is a weekend escape for chamber music lovers
  • January 20, 2026
Key Chorale's Opus 1700 is a weekend escape for chamber music lovers
Hoonmin Luke Choi, Anthony Cason and Kamal Bolden star in Asolo Rep's production of Eboni Booth's play, "Primary Trust."
  • January 19, 2026
Asolo Rep, Urbanite's work-related plays are worlds apart
A theater critic's top picks of the season
  • January 18, 2026
A theater critic's top picks of the season
Janet Echelman's 2022 artwork, "Study (Butterfly Rest Stop 1/9 scale)" measures 72 by 192 by 108 inches and is on display at Sarasota Art Museum through April 26.
  • January 14, 2026
Sarasota Art Museum showcases Janet Echelman's colorful fiber works
American icons take the stage at Florida Studio Theatre
  • January 13, 2026
American icons take the stage at Florida Studio Theatre
Alaina Loyal and Gia Sammelman demonstrate concepts including push, pull, kinetic energy, friction.
  • January 22, 2026
STEAM education and circus arts combine with Marvelous, Miraculous Circus Machine
Sarasota MLK Celebration Committee Chair Jetson Grimes, awardees Joseph Mack, Susan Imperato, Valerie Buchand, Meadow Lark Walker, Monica Donley and David Morse, and former mayor Willie Shaw, gather on stage.
  • January 19, 2026
Sarasota's community celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Soloist Kei Sulhi, backed by fellow members of the Temple Beth Israel choir, offers her annual rendition of “The King of Love is Dead,” originally sung by Nina Simone and written by Gene Taylor, in memory of Martin Luther King Jr. at a special Shabbat service.
  • January 19, 2026
Differences celebrated at MLK Jr. memorial Shabbat
Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay kicked off its 60th anniversary celebration on Jan. 15 with live music and special guests including Plymouth Harbor President and CEO Jeff Weatherhead, City of Sarasota Mayor Debbie Trice, Chris Pfahler, Plymouth Harbor vice president of philanthropy, Pastor Wes Bixby of First Congregational United Church of Christ Sarasota and Sara Little, president of the Resident Association.
  • January 18, 2026
Plymouth Harbor celebrates 60 years
Bonnie Michaels, literacy coach at Alta Vista Elementary School, helps students Deja (5th grade), Gianni (4th grade), Yoselyn (1st grade) and Andre (2nd grade) try out the new book vending machine. Sarasota Yacht Club youth board members coordinated the installation to help promote strong reading habits.
  • January 18, 2026
Reading comes with a fun twist via new book vending machine
Lakewood Ranch's Rhonda Leiberick and Roscelyn Guenther snag a selfie together in between the running and yoga portions of the triathlon. They alternated between walking and running every two minutes.
  • January 18, 2026
Triathlon brings mindfulness to Lakewood Ranch's Waterside Place
Artists from Embracing Our Differences line up to be recognized alongside President and CEO Sarah Wertheimer (right).
  • January 18, 2026
Embracing Our Differences opens grandly on Sarasota bayfront
Tom Watson showcases his 1929 Ford Model A.
  • January 17, 2026
Sarasota Yacht Club, St. Armands commemorate anniversary with century of cars
The crew from Station 1 walk across the parking lot to grab some lunch. From left to right: Battalion Chief Craig Madsen and firefighters Adam Stem, Evan Berggren and Tyler Schuele.
  • January 16, 2026
Braden River VFW dishes out thanks to East Manatee firefighters
Bradenton's Harley Busch, 3, is eager to ride the carousel alongside her father John Busch at the Manatee County Fair. She also rode a camel moments before.
  • January 16, 2026
Manatee County Fair, a tradition since 1916, is now open
Steven Mark plays the drums.
  • January 14, 2026
Local drum circle members join musicians on stage during Meetup gathering
Third graders Silas Swor and Misha Reus perform in "Button Up Your Overcoat," celebrating the 1930s.
  • January 13, 2026
Student performances span the decades as Southside Elementary celebrates 100 years
Heidi Scott, Bob Simons and Laura Cole make up the panel Jan. 9 during a launch party for the new book, "Lakewood Ranch: A Legacy of Living with the Land."
  • January 13, 2026
Lakewood Ranch hosts a launch party for book on local history
Bandleader and clarinetist Michael Drapkin said he connected with his fellow band members while performing with The Venice Symphony. The Yiddish Cowboys performed on Jan. 11 at The Education Center.
  • January 12, 2026
Yiddish Cowboys kick off Sunday Performing Arts lineup
Mark Garland, Theresa Andrews, Ann Palmer and Denise Costa prepare for the race.
  • January 11, 2026
Runners turn out on Siesta Key Beach to keep Andrew Monroe's legacy alive
Sarasota's Hasan Tezduyar gives a pat of appreciation to Rachel Apple, a wellness associate with Qualliv, at the Health and Wellness Expo at The Mall at University Town Center.
  • January 10, 2026
New Year, New You expo provides health resources at The Mall at UTC
The first farmers market of 2026 at Waterside Place draws a large crowd.
  • January 5, 2026
Lakewood Ranch farmers market is a family affair
Southside Polo's Mason Wroe talks to fans about the basics of his sport in a short clinic before the Jan. 4 match.
  • January 4, 2026
New seating option a hit at the Sarasota Polo Club
Shayne McKinney, Jenifer McKinney, Heather Travers and Mark Thursby enjoy the vibes together.
  • January 4, 2026
Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival draws large turnout
Views from 1418 John Ringling Parkway include the city skyline, Sarasota Bay and John Ringling Bridge.
  • January 4, 2026
Home within walking distance of St. Armands lists for $9 million
On vacation from chilly Pittsburgh are the Matt family: Joe, 6-year old Everly, Brionna and 3-year old Ada.
  • January 2, 2026
Pineapple Drop ushers out a 'perfect square year'
Jessie O Brien is visiting from Ireland and chose to celebrate the new year alongside Lakewood Ranch's Ciara Daly at Waterside Place.
  • January 1, 2026
Crowd rings in the new year at Waterside Place