Daily
Sarasota
Friday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Florida’s Venezuelan community celebrated Maduro’s capture on Jan. 8 while showing hope amid worries over family safety and pending TPS reviews, as local gatherings mixed optimism with uncertainty about future asylum processes. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Pura Vida Miami has opened a 3,400-square-foot restaurant at The Landings on S. Tamiami Trail, serving acai bowls, salads and clean dishes in a newly built space that replaced Sweet Tomatoes; the Miami-based chain now has two Sarasota locations. Observer
- ➤ Le Shop opened on St. Armand's Circle, offering European-inspired coffee, tea and natural wines along with fresh pastries from local bread makers — it is across from The Met at 28 S Boulevard of the Presidents and operates daily except Mondays. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Snook Haven in Sarasota County will reopen in summer 2026 after an $8.75M makeover that adds new amenities and boosts resilience (the renovation aims to restore this beloved local site). Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Parrish musician Cynthia Jordan — inspired by Siesta Key’s turquoise waters and powdery sand — has written 'The Beach,' a musical about hope and healing and is seeking local actors and venues for its Sarasota premiere. The show will highlight a journey toward love and renewal on stage. Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Urban Meyer was named to the New College board of trustees on Dec. 30 after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him along with professor Mark Bauerlein and attorney Debra Jenks (their appointments are subject to Senate confirmation). Meyer, who has lived in Sarasota since 2022, brings local experience to his role. Observer
- ➤ Florida’s new HALO law requires everyone to step back 25 feet from first responders when asked so they maintain their right to record police activities in public. Authorities say the public may observe law enforcement as long as they do not interfere, following reasonable limits on filming. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ A Sarasota restaurant that closed after hurricanes has reopened with fresh updates (as captured in a local video). Meanwhile, Pura Vida has opened its second location at The Landings, offering more dining choices to local residents. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A 10-story, 50-unit condo project was presented to the Development Review Committee on Dec. 17 and is set to change the southwest corner of Ringling Blvd and Osprey Ave as part of downtown redevelopment. The plan includes a podium with a gym, meeting rooms, and a pool deck. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Eighth-grader Eva Lopes ended her middle school career as Sarasota Suncoast Academy's leading scorer with 509 points during a championship win on Dec. 18 at Sarasota Baptist Church gym, finishing an undefeated season and is set to join high school this fall (enrollment pending). Observer
- ➤ The Herald‐Tribune announced that Cardinal Mooney’s Connail Jackson was named the 2025 Offensive Football Player of the Year — fans can vote until Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. to support the selection. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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Blue Man Group: North American Tour
7 PM — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Cost TBD — Dive into a thrilling blend of captivating music and interactive art with the Blue Man Group.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Visit Artist's Website — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented musician with roots in Puerto Rico.
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Justin Layman: Open Mic Night
5:30-9:30 p.m. — 3 Bridges Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of original music blending Folk, Rock, and R&B by local talent Justin Layman.
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Mystical Visions Concert
6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy a night of captivating pop/rock hits from a talented female fronted band.
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Birdwatching Guide at Celery Fields
3:30-5:00 p.m. — Sarasota Audubon Nature Center — Registration required — Discover essential birdwatching skills while enjoying the natural beauty of the Celery Fields.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera as she brings her Puerto Rican roots to the local music scene.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Entry details unavailable — Experience the vibrant sounds of professional guitarist and songwriter Ryan Faraday as he performs live.
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Château Lafon-Rochet Winemaker Dinner
6:30 p.m. — Mimi Brasserie and Speakeasy — $139 per person — Indulge in a stunning winemaker dinner featuring exquisite Bordeaux wines and a multi-course culinary experience.
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Florida Native Plant Gardening Workshop
10 AM – 12 PM — Sarasota Audubon Nature Center — Free entry — Discover the importance of native plant gardening and learn to incorporate them into your home landscape.
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Music by Justin Layman
1-5 p.m. — Fiorelli Winery — Free entry — Enjoy an afternoon of live music at the beautiful Fiorelli Winery.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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