Daily
Sarasota
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Temple Beth Israel will honor Barry and Suzan Friedman during its 47th annual gala on Feb. 22; the couple, who help boost membership and organize events, will be recognized for their long-standing role in community leadership on Longboat Key. Observer
- ➤ The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle partnered with The Exchange to turn donated items into grant funds for local nonprofits. The program awarded $103,000 in grants in 2025 + a second cycle gave $24,250 to 18 groups. Observer
- ➤ At its weekly meeting at Marina Jack on Jan. 28, the Rotary Club of Sarasota held its first awards ceremony for local first responders — two police officers and one firefighter — as part of its centennial celebrations; James Thompson expects the program to last for decades. Observer
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Fire crews monitored hot spots Tuesday after a brush fire burned about 4 to 5 acres near I-75 on Monday afternoon. Dry conditions, frost, and winds helped the blaze spread rapidly as crews ensured the area remained contained. ABC 7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Bad Bunny, fresh off his Grammy wins, is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show this weekend — he aims to spotlight Latino culture and identity in a community with strong ties to Puerto Rico. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Art Center Sarasota marks 100 years by featuring its members' work in all four galleries & hosting a centennial exhibition that displays 228 pieces from over 700 members; the show will run until Feb. 21. FOX 13
- ➤ Charisse Pearlina Weston was named the 2026 Hermitage Greenfield Prize recipient; she will receive a $35,000 cash award and a six-week fellowship with a commission to create work premiering in Sarasota in 2028, and the award will be presented Sunday, Apr. 12 at Michael’s on East amid programs from Apr. 10-13. Observer
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ North Port fire crews worked Tuesday to extinguish hot spots and smoke from a 60-acre brush fire near I-75, causing lane closures as a burn ban remains in effect in Sarasota, Manatee, Polk, Citrus and Hillsborough counties. Officials warn dry conditions and frosts could lead to a severe wildfire season. FOX 13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is using low borrowing costs to fund more than $1 billion in projects. It is building a $507 million North Port hospital opening in 2028 and a Venice rehab pavilion starting this year (with a cancer center opening Spring) to serve the community. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Out-of-Door Academy girls soccer beat Saint Stephen's 5-2 at Thunder Stadium on Monday night—scoring three quick goals to break the tie. Junior Maggie Yull led the comeback as the team prepares for a region semifinal on Feb. 9 against Fort Myers Evangelical Christian. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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.
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38 Special Concert
8:00 p.m. — Thunder By The Bay — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying Southern Rock sounds of 38 Special.
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Live Performance by Bri Rivera
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — No cover charge — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a standout musician from Puerto Rico.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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