Daily
Sarasota
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Retired K-9 Cody was honored yesterday with a final ride past police headquarters — celebrated for his loyal service with Officer Nick Dominus from 2014 through 2021. The 12-year-old dog’s career is remembered as a lasting legacy in the community. ABC 7
- ➤ The NAACP Sarasota Branch president said Jesse Jackson’s legacy remains vital to the younger generation as he urged locals to keep hope alive and continue learning from his civil rights work. His remarks highlight the enduring impact of Jackson’s efforts on the community. ABC 7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Sarasota Opera kicked off its 2026 Winter Festival on Feb. 14 with Puccini's La bohème and will present four operas through March 28 at its 100-year-old Opera House, which also hosts director DeRenzi’s final season after 44 years; he said he will announce his future plans on June 1. Observer
- ➤ Tripadvisor released its 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards for best beaches yesterday — Florida beaches captured seven of the top 15 spots, including Clearwater, Siesta and St. Andrews State Park. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Visit Sarasota County launched online guides & digital passes to promote 100-year celebrations across cultural sites and events in the county. The resources detail free heritage tours, concerts, and exhibits that invite locals and visitors to engage in the centennial festivities. Observer
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy secured a permanent facility at 5591 Fruitville Road to serve as its future training hub, with renovations scheduled to begin in the spring. It launched a fundraising campaign to support classroom, lab, and equipment upgrades that will prepare students for construction careers. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ The A. Jean Battie Education Awards were announced to offer funding for innovative projects that support local educators and students in Sarasota. Details on the award schedule and application process are expected soon (additional information will follow). ABC 7
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Lucky Pelican Bistro remains a community favorite in Lakewood Ranch as GM Desmond Hill and manager Petro Demko lead a team that serves consistent coastal comfort food. The restaurant offers a warm space for family meals and special celebrations. Observer
- ➤ Several Tampa Bay beaches, including Siesta Beach in Sarasota County and Clearwater Beach, ranked among the nation’s best on Tripadvisor based on millions of traveler reviews — a sign of strong visitor appeal due to soft white sand and clear Gulf waters. Z105
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Between Feb. 2 and Feb. 6, upscale residential properties sold in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands and Bird Key. A Tencon Beach condominium on Gulf of Mexico Drive topped sales at ($3.6M) while other transactions saw notable price gains in both condos and historic homes. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota Paradise played a preseason match on Feb. 13 at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch that drew a few hundred fans; the team will take the field for its season opener on March 7 when ESPN+ airs the game (ticket prices range from $13 to $63). Observer
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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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The Mirror Crack'd
3:30-4:30 p.m. — Asolo Repertory Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling performance showcasing mystery and drama.
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.
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