Daily
Sarasota
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ In Sarasota, a local project raised concerns among residents on Feb. 17 as unclear impacts left many asking for more details. City officials plan to share further information soon (details pending). ABC 7
- ➤ Former Israeli hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel spoke last night at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee “Ripped Apart and Reunited” event; they shared their captivity experience and urged support for global human rights + action while highlighting harsh conditions abroad that call for increased compassion + community dialogue. FOX 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Frontier Airlines is expanding its Florida service with 14 new routes and discounted GoWild All-You-Can-Fly annual passes. The airline already began flights between Miami and Chicago and Orlando and Pensacola on Feb. 13 (and will launch more from March 6 to April 3), and it serves Sarasota among other cities. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota Players will begin interior renovations this month at Payne Park Auditorium to build a flexible 200-seat theater — adding backstage, storage, and dressing space in the nearly century-old venue — with completion expected mid to late 2026. Observer
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ USF Sarasota-Manatee will become part of New College of Florida next semester, officials announced on Feb. 17 (details pending on program and campus resource integration). Local leaders expect to share more information with students and staff soon. ABC 7
- ➤ Since its transformation in 2023, New College’s donor support pushed its assets from $39 million to $54 million with over $7 million in gifts recorded in 2025. Nearly 2,500 donors contributed—a 90% increase over previous years—showing strong local confidence in the college's commitment to academic excellence and free speech. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Cheesesteak lovers can now compare styles as Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop opened at 6320 S. Tamiami Trail, offering Delaware-style cheesesteaks with American cheese and in-house roasted turkey, while a few miles south Johnny Longhots serves Philly-style cheesesteaks with Cheez Whiz. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ County commissioners approved an $18.1M purchase of a waterfront shopping plaza (mainland side of the South Bridge) that serves as an entry to Siesta Key, with plans to redevelop buildings into a public park. Affected business owners reported possible eviction within 60 days while closing papers are due by July. ABC 7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, the Lakewood Ranch girls soccer team won the Class 6A-Region 3 championship with a 6-5 penalty kick victory against Tarpon Springs East Lake, as goalkeeper Avary Shirley made key saves. The boys team lost 2-0 to New Port Richey Mitchell during the region final at The Ranch. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ This week in high school sports, Parrish won 10-0 over Southeast in baseball while Sarasota Christian edged Admiral Farragut 3-2 and North Port won 5-0 in softball. Bradenton Christian dominated girls lacrosse with an 18-3 win, and local tennis matches produced mixed results among high schools. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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.
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Mystical Visions Concert
6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Enjoy the music — Experience a lively evening with a female fronted pop/rock cover band playing classic hits from the 60's to today.
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Annual Mash Bash
5-8 p.m. — Plantation Golf & Country Club — Fun-filled event — Enjoy food, music, and themed activities inspired by the classic TV show M*A*S*H.
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Mystical Visions Live
6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Enjoy great tunes — A female fronted pop/rock cover band playing hits from the 60’s to today.
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Minnesota Twins vs Baltimore Orioles Spring Training
8:05 AM – 2:05 PM — Ed Smith Stadium — Free trial available — Catch the Minnesota Twins take on the Baltimore Orioles live in spring training action.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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