Daily
Sarasota
Friday, January 16th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Venice Planning Commission unanimously approved a new Home Depot store in Venice Crossing with accommodations designed for major commercial neighbors. The project is a key step for local development — construction details will be provided later. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ State regulators approved ending Duke Energy Florida's storm recovery charge early so customers will see lower electric bills starting February with savings of about $33 in February and an extra $11 in March. Business accounts will see 9% to 16% savings based on usage & rate class. Z105
- ➤ The popular Sips coffee shop on Longboat Key is expanding into a smaller 859-sqft space at 3172 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Construction is underway and the new shop – focusing on coffee, smoothies, juices, acai bowls, and baked goods – will open before the busy tourist season ends. Observer
- ➤ Aldi announced plans to open over 180 new stores nationwide in 2026 after opening over 60 new Florida locations last year. The chain will convert former Winn-Dixie sites in communities like Bradenton, Lakeland, and Sarasota — with a Deerfield Beach opening set for Thursday, Jan. 22. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Embracing our Differences outdoor art exhibit opens tomorrow at Bayfront Park, showcasing artwork from adults and students until April 18 (initial viewing runs 1-4 p.m. with weekly tours at 10 a.m.). Observer
- ➤ On Jan. 15, Sarasota County received an award from the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation for its work restoring the exterior of the historic County Terrace Building — originally built as the Sarasota Terrace Hotel by Charles Ringling in 1925 — at Ringling and Washington Boulevards. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kensington Kotuby, a 10-year-old at Ashton Elementary, set a new Kids World Record with 1,154 Skip-It jumps in 15 minutes and 29 seconds on Dec. 26, 2025. Her record has sparked local excitement among classmates and community members. Observer
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will deposit 200,000 to 300,000 cubic yards of sand at Lido Beach on Tuesday, Jan. 20 to restore 1.2 miles of shoreline. The $12 million project, part of a 50-year agreement with the city, will finish in early April while the beach stays open. Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ North Port officials will work with Big Waters Land Trust to set a conservation easement on more than 45 acres at Warm Mineral Springs, with plans to restore three historic buildings and renovate the spa to preserve its original design. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A Spanish colonial-inspired estate on Siesta Key was listed for $26 million today at 7366 Point of Rocks Road. The 10,600 sqft home — featuring an infinity pool that blends with the Gulf and multiple luxury amenities — promises an effortless indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Observer
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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.
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Defying Gravity
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of Broadway with the stunning performance of Defying Gravity.
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Suncoast Scots Highland Games and Celtic Festival
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Sarasota Fairgrounds — Free entry — Experience Scottish culture with traditional games, music, and a hospitality tent hosted by the International Clan MacFarlane Society.
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The Beat Goes On - Cher Tribute Show
7-9 p.m. — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Ticketed event — Experience a vibrant tribute to Cher's timeless hits in an iconic venue.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the captivating sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented musician hailing from Puerto Rico, as she showcases her musical journey.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Well done is better than well said.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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