Mold Remediation in Sarasota, FL

Manatee County residents will soon have a faster option for a trip to South Florida.

American Airlines announced it will offer direct flights from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) to Miami International Airport (MIA) beginning Nov. 3.

The daily flight is planned to depart SRQ at 6:30 a.m. and arrive in Miami at 7:40 a.m. The daily return trip will leave Miami at 9:30 p.m. The schedule is subject to change, according to a news release.

The short flight is on a 76-seat Embraer 175 jet offering first class, “Main Cabin Extra” and main cabin seating options.

“American is pleased to connect Sarasota with our Miami hub,” said Jordan Pack, director of domestic network planning with American Airlines, said in a news release. “Miami is our gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, and with this service, customers will be able to connect to more than 60 destinations in the region to explore vibrant Puerto Rico, relax on the beaches of Aruba, or taste the coffee in Colombia, and much more.”

According to Google Maps, a drive from Bradenton or SRQ to Miami takes almost four times longer than the new 1-hour, 10-minute flight from American.

The Miami flight will be American Airlines’ sixth nonstop route from SRQ. The others go to Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT), Washington, D.C. (DCA), Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas (DFW), Chicago (ORD) and Philadelphia (PHL).

MIA is an American Airlines hub. The company’s headquarters are in Fort Worth, Texas.

Flight prices have not yet been announced.

As SRQ continues to add new flight options, the airport’s leadership recently announced a 3.3% increase in passenger traffic compared to last year.

“As summer season approaches, we are happy to report sustained high demand for travel at our airport,” SRQ president and CEO Rick Piccolo said in a recent news release. “With an expanded array of destinations and a growing number of travelers, our team remains committed to delivering an exceptional travel experience for all passengers.”

Sarasota, FL (May 17, 2025) – Medics and fire crews worked to assist those suffering from injuries after a vehicle collision occurred on I-75 in Sarasota County on Saturday evening. The incident was reported around 6:25 p.m. near the 194000 block of the interstate, drawing a swift response from emergency units.

Sarasota Fire and Rescue arrived at the scene and began treating the individuals involved. A variety of injuries were reported, though the total number of people hurt has not yet been confirmed. At least one victim may have been transported to a local hospital for additional evaluation and care.

The crash caused significant slowdowns in the area as traffic backed up along this heavily traveled stretch of I-75. Evening hours typically bring higher volumes of commuter and weekend travel, and collisions during this time can have broader impacts on roadway conditions and emergency response operations.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. No statements have been released regarding contributing factors, vehicles involved, or the condition of the injured. Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident.

Interstate Crash Risks in Sarasota County

Interstate 75 is a major north-south route through Sarasota County, used by thousands of drivers each day. Collisions on this roadway are frequently associated with high-speed travel, sudden braking, lane changes, and driver fatigue. Even minor contact between vehicles can result in serious consequences when speeds are elevated.

Crashes like this one, especially near the 194000 block—a stretch known for its curves and merging lanes—often create ripple effects across the traffic network, increasing the risk of secondary accidents and lengthy delays.

If you are involved in a highway collision, it is essential to remain at the scene, call 911, and receive medical attention. Injuries can sometimes be delayed or internal, and documentation is critical for any subsequent legal or insurance proceedings.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.

Owner says her Sarasota cheese and sandwich shop is closing due to “economy, tariffs, skyrocketing inflation, lack of staff, lack of customers…”

Wade Tatangelo

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

UPDATED 7:20 a.m. May 14: Artisan Cheese Company owner Louise Converse launched a GoFundMe titled “Save the Cheese Shop – We Don’t Want to Close” around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, with an initial goal of $9,000. The goal was later raised to $12,000, then $14,000, and as of 7:21 a.m. May 14, it stands at $28,000 — with $20,662 raised. For more information, visit gofundme.com/f/save-the-cheese-shop.

Enthusiasts of European cheese wheels and wedges, gourmet sandwiches and soups — perhaps paired with a glass of natural wine or craft beer and a good chat — were met with a heartbreaking surprise when a beloved downtown Sarasota business revealed it would be closing for good.

Artisan Cheese Company has been a staple of Sarasota’s culinary scene for more than a decade, earning loyal customers with its curated selection of cheeses, charming café menu, and warm, knowledgeable staff. Owner Louise Converse, originally from Scotland and formerly employed by Harvard University, shared the news in a May 8 email newsletter to customers, written with her signature mix of wit, grace, and vulnerability.

When is Artisan Cheese Company closing?

The cheese shop and restaurant, located at 550 Central Ave. in the heart of downtown Sarasota’s burgeoning Rosemary District, announced it would close May 30 prior to launching its GoFundMe.

“We have a lot of inventory right now,” Converse wrote. “A lot of cheese!” She mentioned recently going to the airport to pick up a delivery of the Gold Butter she had preordered from France, along with a pallet of cheese from New York.

Over the next three weeks, the focus will be on selling off inventory — not just cheese, but pantry staples as well — and every purchase will help support the staff and cover vendor bills. The shop will keep baking bread until the flour runs out, and slicing cheese until the last wedge is gone. If team members find other jobs in the meantime, the remaining crew will hold down the cheese counter — possibly down to just Converse herself. “So please, be gentle with me/us,” she wrote.

On May 13, prior to publication, the Herald-Tribune called Artisan Cheese Company twice during business hours and left a message with a reporter’s cell number. Converse did not return the call.

Why is Artisan Cheese Company closing?

Converse said she hadn’t planned to write the closure notice — even earlier that same week, she still believed the business might make it through with one more pivot. Just days before, she and her team were looking ahead with hope, building a summer events calendar they thought would carry them forward. But an unexpected departure underscored just how fragile things had become. That moment, she explained, brought everything into stark focus — not as a single cause, but a culmination of hardships.

"It’s not one thing, but every thing," she wrote. "The economy. Tariffs. Skyrocketing inflation. Lack of staff. Lack of customers. Hurricane aftermath. Traffic. Parking. Okay maybe not those last two, but it’s Sarasota so it felt fitting."

When did Artisan Cheese Company first open?

Artisan Cheese Company opened in 2012, offering “fine specialty cheeses and other lovely things,” the Herald-Tribune reported at the time. Louise and Parker Converse had lived in Sarasota for six years before returning to New England for Louise’s job at Harvard. “But, ever since we left, we’ve been looking for a way to get back,” she said. “I am ‘pinch-me’ excited to be here. It feels like home.”

Though Parker is a master woodworker and Louise worked in graphic design, she had always dreamed of opening a proper cheese shop. Before launching Artisan Cheese Company, the couple toured England, Scotland (her homeland), and New England in search of “cheesemongery.” The business debuted in a 1,100-square-foot space at 1310 Main St. (now home to Breaking Wave Coffee), where it operated for about six years.

In 2018, Artisan Cheese Company relocated to its current 3,000-square-foot retail and restaurant home. The Herald-Tribune noted Converse’s background in civic engagement and social capital, including her time at Harvard’s Saguaro Seminar, an initiative focused on social networks and community building. She said at the time she hoped to bring that same spirit to her work.

“We knew we could have just opened a new shop and it would be lovely, but I want to do more. It’s not enough for me to have a lovely shop,” Converse said in 2018.

What’s next — and what’s left — for Artisan Cheese Company

Artisan Cheese Company will still host its final events this month, including the “Telling Stories” gathering on May 15 and a cheese class originally scheduled for May 30, now moved up to May 23. After that, the doors will close for good.

Converse said the fully equipped space in the Rosemary District is available for lease and would be ideal for another cheese shop, café, or bakery. She’s also hoping to help her dedicated staff find new jobs — and will be looking for one herself once the dust settles.

She plans to send a few more updates in the coming weeks as she figures out how best to sell off remaining inventory and continue paying her staff and vendors for as long as possible. Locking the doors and walking away might have been simpler, she admitted — but it was never an option.

“My heart is broken,” she wrote in conclusion. “I am so sorry to have let you down.”

If you go

Artisan Cheese Company, at 550 Central Ave., Sarasota, is expected to close its doors May 30. For more information, call 941-951-7860 or visit artisancheesecompany.com.

Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.

Sarasota, FL (May 17, 2025) – Emergency responders were quick to the scene, providing care to the injured victims following a vehicle collision on I-75 in Sarasota County. The crash was reported at approximately 6:25 p.m. near the 195500 block of the interstate, just minutes apart from another nearby incident.

Sarasota Fire and Rescue treated a variety of injuries at the scene, though officials have not yet released details on the number of victims or the extent of injuries. The crash added to traffic congestion in the area as responders worked to manage two separate incidents within close proximity on the same stretch of roadway.

This portion of I-75 is a high-traffic corridor, particularly on weekends, when travel increases in and out of Sarasota. With evening traffic at its peak, the crash led to significant delays and required additional support to secure the scene and clear the roadway safely.

Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the collision. At this time, there are no official statements on the sequence of events or parties involved. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this accident.

Crash Clusters on Sarasota’s I-75

The 195500 block of I-75 lies in a critical section of Sarasota’s interstate system. This area frequently experiences dense vehicle activity due to nearby exits, lane merges, and shifting speed patterns. As seen today, back-to-back crashes can occur within minutes of each other, increasing hazards for drivers and complicating emergency response efforts.

Vehicle collisions on I-75 are often the result of distracted driving, tailgating, and rapid lane changes. The high speeds involved increase the likelihood of injury, even in moderate-impact crashes. Drivers are urged to maintain safe distances, stay alert, and reduce speed during peak travel times.

After a crash on the interstate, those involved should prioritize safety—move to the shoulder if possible, call 911, and allow emergency crews to assess the situation. Prompt medical evaluation is vital, as injuries may be masked by adrenaline or appear later.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.

Fifth Annual Spring Fling Skim Jam

Friday, May 16, through Sunday, May 18

ZAP Skimboards, in partnership with Skim USA, will host the fifth annual Spring Fling Skim Jam on Nokomis Beach. The free, family-friendly public event, designed to unite the skim boarding community, will feature athletes of all talent levels as they compete for a cash prize. 208 S. Casey Key Road, Nokomis.

Big 12 Women’s Rowing Championship

Sunday, May 18, 9 a.m.

The 2025 Big 12 Women’s Rowing Championship will take place at Nathan Benderson Park on Sunday, May 18. The event will showcase student rowers from the University of Central Florida, University of Kansas, Kansas State University, West Virginia University, University of Tulsa and Old Dominion University as they compete for the championship title. Spectators can expect a day of races in various boat classes, including the varsity eight, second varsity eight and varsity four. Admission is free, on-site parking is $15. 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota.

Perspective. Practice. Place with Former Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter

Wednesday, May 21, 1-4 p.m

Perspective. Practice. Place is a summit on arts, community and creative leadership, and a chance for artists, educators, cultural advocates and the community to come together to reflect on how creativity shapes lives, especially during times of challenge and change. The program will feature Deborah F. Rutter, former president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., as the keynote speaker, along with presentations from local arts leaders. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.

Wonder: Art + Healing Symposium

Thursday, May 15, and Friday, May 16

The Ringling Museum of Art presents the 2025 Wonder: Art + Healing Symposium. The event will examine wonder as the connective tissue between the arts and healing; explore the arts as agents of wonder; and look at the role that wonder can play in emotional, mental and physical healing. On Thursday, May 15, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., a public carnival of wonder will be held on The Ringling’s North Searing Lawn. Local organizations will be on site sharing their work along with art-making activities and workshops, food trucks, games and music. This is free to all Ringling guests with paid Museum admission. The evening will feature a keynote address by arts educator Jennifer Kuo in the Historic Asolo Theater, who will discuss public health and the arts. The keynote will be followed by “Ringling Wonderground” in the Museum of Art courtyard. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota.

Performances at the Point with Allie Sawicki

Wednesday, May 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Allie Sawicki is a folk/pop vocalist, songwriter and musician based in Central Florida who covers songs by Fleetwood Mac, Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse. She’ll perform at Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus, and food and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are $25 for Selby Gardens members, $35 for nonmembers, $15 for children ages 5-17, and free for children age four and under; they can be purchased here. Historic Spanish Point, 401 North Tamiami Trail, Osprey.

Jesus Christ Superstar

Saturday, May 17-Sunday, June 15

Under the hot Judean sun, tempers fray and a rogue apostle questions his Messiah, who in turns questions his God. The choices they make will change the course of the world forever. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera debuted 50 years ago, introducing the world to songs like “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Heaven on Their Minds.” Tickets begin at $38. Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.