Monday, February 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 2nd of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Architecture Sarasota partnered with Harvard GSD in 2025 to study Sarasota’s Bayfront — the project produced climate toolkits to guide updates to the Downtown Master Plan. The research examined stormwater management, biodiversity and historic trends to support resilient urban planning. SRQ Magazine
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Detwiler’s Farm Market, a 22-year community staple known for fresh produce and friendly service, announced its seventh location at Braden River Plaza in November. The family business has weathered hurricanes and a pandemic to continue offering affordable quality to local customers. SRQ Magazine
- ➤ Pork Roll Pete’s offers New Jersey style bagels and pork roll that have become a community hit since opening last summer — owner Pete Ferraro plans to add locations as locals drive from nearby areas for a taste of authentic ingredients. SRQ Magazine
- ➤ TurboTax has opened local TurboTax Stores (Expert Offices) to offer in-person or online tax help. Eligible new expert‑file customers can file by Saturday, February 28 to pay a flat $150 fee. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Suncoast Venture Studio plans to build a local tech ecosystem by developing business ideas in-house that boost Sarasota’s growing economy. Founded in April 2025, the studio is working on four ventures and expects to create 200 jobs + raise up to $100M in investment capital over the next five years. SRQ Magazine
- ➤ Business owners Karen Ferguson and Evan Potter started PlanIT Events in 2018 to bring celebration planning to life and have since expanded into decoration, catering + a full-service bar. They left previous jobs to focus on providing adaptable, personalized service for local events. SRQ Magazine
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota Ballet will host the Martha Graham Dance Company in February as part of Program Five of its season. The company will perform four works including We The People, Immediate Tragedy, Errand, and En Masse. SRQ Magazine
- ➤ The Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Festival evoked authentic Scottish culture with Highland games, bagpipes, dancing and imported weather on Jan. 31 in Sarasota. Organizers from Suncoast Scots ensured that attendees bundled up and enjoyed cultural activities + local spirit all evening. Observer
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Dr. John Wilkerson, Lakewood Ranch High’s band director, earned a Citation of Excellence Award and an Outstanding Jazz Educator Award after his band's national performance last June — local educators now await the Educator of the Year decision while Parrish Community, Braden River soccer teams, and Buffalo Creek’s drumline claimed wins. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Snow flurries were seen drifting over Sarasota on Feb. 1 after officers posted a video and the National Weather Service confirmed reports from Tampa Bay. Temperatures remained cold with lows in the 20s and 30s. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Christ Church will add 58 parking spaces after the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board gave unanimous approval on Jan. 27. The new lot on the vacant property across from the church will serve churchgoers only (no paid parking allowed). Observer
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota’s real estate finished 2025 with modest softening while Naples saw rising home prices. Analysts predict Gulf Coast sales will increase by about 5% in 2026 – driven mainly by strong demand for single-family homes. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy the sounds of professional guitarist Ryan Faraday as he showcases his talents in a lively setting.
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ABBA Nova Tribute Band Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Tree Fort Productions — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying magic of ABBA with powerhouse vocals and stunning '70s costumes.
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Mystical Visions Live Concert
6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a night of classic and contemporary pop/rock hits performed by a vibrant female fronted band.
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
The quieter you become, the more you can hear.
~ Ram Dass
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