Daily
Sarasota
Thursday, February 12th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Jan. 29, the Sarasota Garden Club held its Civic Beautification Awards ceremony, honoring local sites like Lefty's Oyster and Seafood Bar, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and William Raveis Real Estate for enhancing community appeal. The club also awarded plaques and certificates to 14 other local organizations. Observer
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Tide Tables, a popular waterfront seafood restaurant in Cortez where fresh fish is cut on the dock, was named to USA TODAY’s Restaurants of the Year 2026 list as it celebrated its 12th anniversary. It is owned by locals Bobby & Gwen Woodson and Karen Bell. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Feb. 21, the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation will host a roundtable at Crocker Church (1260 12th St.) from 10 a.m. to noon featuring four homeowners sharing their restoration stories of historic houses, with audience questions welcomed to learn about preserving local architecture. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Arts and entertainment events span Feb. 12 to 18 with a tribute to the Allman Brothers (today) at Venice Community Center and shows by the Gipsy Kings at Van Wezel along with a Pops Orchestra tribute at Neel Center later in the week. Residents can enjoy outdoor movies and theater. Observer
- ➤ A local food review highlights 10 Sarasota restaurants that should have made USA TODAY's annual top restaurants list - featuring favorites such as Tide Tables in Cortez and Alpine Steakhouse, each known for signature dishes that invite diners to explore local flavor. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota County fire officials warned of an elevated wildfire risk on Feb. 11 — urging residents to take precautions and stay informed about local safety measures. ABC 7
- ➤ Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota is caring for three cold-stunned manatees rescued from Bear Creek and 25 green sea turtles rescued off Florida’s east coast. The rehabilitation is underway at its Sea Turtle and Manatee Rehabilitation Hospital. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida lawmakers are reviewing a proposal that would let public universities limit nonresident admissions (to give Florida residents preference). Lawmakers say the bill, now in committee, could give university boards authority to set enrollment caps when it is approved. Z105
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ On Feb. 2, the City Commission approved a land use change for the Marian Anderson brownfield site so developer Newtown Gateway LLC can rezone 9.22 acres for light industrial use and market a warehouse while planning 45,000 sqft of medical clinic and 51,600 sqft of office space along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way (the decision includes a condition that bans outdoor refuse processing). The move clears the way for future redevelopment of the nearly 14-acre property with plans to address environmental challenges. Observer
- ➤ On Feb. 9, project leaders toured a new four-lane extension of Bourneside Boulevard that will serve Lakewood Ranch Southeast with water, sewer, and park infrastructure. Builders will start home pads in May and market homes in 2027. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Local golf fans can support two pro tournaments this April when the LECOM Suncoast Classic runs April 2-5 at Lakewood National — a longtime favorite — and the Senior PGA Championship follows two weeks later at The Concession. Observer
- ➤ Mark Sobolewski, a former Sarasota High assistant and minor league player, began his role as Riverview High baseball coach on Feb. 10 during the season opener while proudly sporting maroon. He now leads the Rams as he aims to improve a program with a challenging past in a storied local rivalry. Observer
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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.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience an evening of captivating music from a talented guitarist and vocalist.
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Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of eclectic music styles from talented singer-songwriter Scott Curts.
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Mystical Visions Band Performance
6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Enjoy a lively night of pop/rock covers from the 60’s to today with the energetic Mystical Visions.
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Circus Sarasota
1-2 p.m. — Nathan Benderson Park — Various prices — Experience the thrill of Circus Sarasota with a variety of performances suitable for all ages.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Cost info not provided — Enjoy the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented musician from Puerto Rico, in the heart of Sarasota.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — No cover charge — Experience the soulful sounds of Ryan Faraday, a talented musician from Boston, now grooving in Sarasota.
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Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Enjoy a vibrant evening of eclectic music with accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts.
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 reason to win the game is so that you can be free of it.
~ Naval Ravikant
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