Daily
Sarasota
Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota’s Gamma Xi Boule broadened its work after a 30-year celebration by awarding $80,000 in scholarships, completing affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity, and hosting Black Men’s Health Day in Newtown. The group will see new leadership as Ronald Johnson succeeds Vincent Forderingham. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Pilatus Aircraft broke ground on a 71,000 sqft sales facility at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. The $200 million project will add roughly 200 jobs over five years and eventually assemble U.S. planes. Observer
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota High principal Ryan Chase was named NASSP Florida High School Principal of the Year and led the school to its first A grade since 2019 with a 97% graduation rate, and he personally engages with students + staff while supporting new programs like No Cap Get Your Cap. Observer
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officials from the Southwest Florida Water Management District have declared a Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage that will limit outdoor water use from early February until July 1 in counties including Sarasota due to a one-foot rainfall deficit, imposing restrictions on lawn irrigation, car washing and decorative fountains. Z105
- ➤ Sarasota County has protected more than 42,000 acres through its long-running land acquisition program and the referendum will appear on the November ballot to extend it 20 more years. The program preserves key natural areas and wildlife habitats, including local mangroves. FOX 13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Orangetheory Fitness in Sarasota is offering a limited-time $2 per day membership deal to help residents meet their New Year’s fitness goals. The promotion runs until Saturday, Jan. 31 plus offers expert coaching and full-body workouts for all fitness levels. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Local high school baseball teams are preparing for the FHSAA regular season starting Feb. 9 as coaches and returning players fine-tune rosters and adjust strategies (each team faces its own set of challenges and opportunities). Observer
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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.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Check out the talents of guitarist Ryan Faraday as he showcases his skills with a mix of Roots, Blues, Rock, and Soul.
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Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Special event — Experience the unique loop styling of singer-songwriter Scott Curts as he performs alongside his German Shepherd companion, Apollo.
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Mystical Visions Concert
6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Check for admission details — Enjoy a lively performance by a female fronted pop/rock cover band playing hits from the 60’s to today.
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PokeKon-Fest - Sarasota, Florida
10 a.m. — Sarasota Municipal Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Immerse yourself in the ultimate celebration of all things Pokemon at this exciting festival.
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The Children's Cup Golf Tournament
9 AM – 2 PM — Laurel Oak Country Club — Varying prices — Enjoy a day on the green supporting local child abuse services.
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Inside the Art World
11 a.m. — Sarasota Art Museum — Free entry — Explore contemporary art insights with expert Elana Rubinfeld in an engaging atmosphere.
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
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
~ George Bernard Shaw
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