Hankering to visit a Florida state park? Give in to the urge. Our state parks promise to show the real Florida, and generally deliver on that promise. I’ve found the real magic often kicks in when I’m ...

Sarasota has long been defined by its ultra-white sandy beaches and glittering sunsets. But just nine miles east of I-75, you’ll find an environment just as beautiful, an enormous swath of primal ...

Considered one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks, Myakka River State Park stretches across 58 square miles of wetlands, hammocks, pinelands and prairies. The area also features a river and ...

When most people think of the Sarasota, Florida area, beaches usually come to mind—the beautiful white-sand variety, lined with warm, clear water. Most visitors don’t explore beyond the shore—or their ...

SARASOTA — On a muggy Sunday, visitors to Myakka River State Park wiped away sweat from their face and made their way through the remote interior of Florida's oldest and largest state park despite ...

Changes to the Myakka River State Park management plan could mean palm trees there could be harvested for timber; but environmentalists are urging people who oppose the changes to turn out to a ...

SARASOTA, Fla. — While alligator sightings may be common in Florida, seeing a big one can still be a bit scary and exciting. Michelle Riddle got a (safe) up-close look at a large alligator Friday ...

SARASOTA, Fla. - This gator decided to act as the gatekeeper to one local state park. Michelle Riddle captured photos of the large alligator laying down in the middle of the road in Myakka River State ...

The Myakka River is one of three rivers in Florida with the “wild and scenic” designation. Myakka River State Park, just a few miles east of Sarasota, boasts 12 miles of the river within its borders.

What is the meaning of “Myakka?” Depends on who you ask. Whatever the origins of the river’s name, the dry prairie surrounding it—well stocked with grasses, palmetto and other low shrubs—provided ...