Daily
Sarasota
Saturday, January 17th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The historic Sarasota County Courthouse at 2000 Main St. was ranked No. 10 on LovevsDesign.com’s list of underrated civic buildings + it is one of only two Florida civic structures to be honored from a survey of 3,014 respondents. Observer
- ➤ DeSoto County residents rely on the All Faiths center in Arcadia for emergency food and rent aid as rising costs strain budgets; the Community Foundation’s Season of Sharing program has seen surging applications over the past year and continues to help those in need. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Business leaders gathered on Thursday at the Mote Science Education Aquarium for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Kick-Off Brunch, where Dr. Sean Snaith delivered an economic forecast and CareerEdge detailed plans to boost local career development. ABC 7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Chabad of Venice & North Port will host an annual Holocaust Memorial program on Feb. 4 at the Venice Community Center where Auschwitz survivor Sora Vigorito will share her firsthand testimony and New York Philharmonic violinist Vladimir Tsypin will perform, with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Hermitage Artist Retreat on Manasota Key is expanding its residency program after local families donated five historic homes on a 6.5-acre property valued at $12 million—an addition announced Jan. 15 that doubles its capacity as it recovers from hurricane damage. Observer
- ➤ Sarasota restaurants are serving up Chicago-style eats that celebrate Bears fan traditions and classic flavors. Tony’s Chicago Beef (at 6569 Superior Ave) along with Joey D’s and other spots offer hot dogs, Italian beef, deep-dish pizza, and cocktails, bringing a taste of Chicago home. Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed Monday, Jan. 19 when Florida and federal offices — along with schools — will be closed, while most stores and banks remain open in recognition of his legacy. The holiday is a paid day off and offers a long weekend for many. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ One Stop Housing broke ground on Sarasota Station Apartments Thursday morning as part of a 20-year vision to provide workforce housing for local workers. The project includes more than 200 affordable studio to two-bed units with rent around $1,000 a month and is expected to open by 2028. FOX 13
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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
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