Daily
Sarasota
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Insomnia Cookies will hold its grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2264 Gulf Gate Drive. The Philadelphia bakery, known for late-night treats, will serve cookies until 1 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and until 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday (its 16th Florida location). Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ Publix has introduced limited-edition ice cream flavors inspired by cookies, cakes, and drinks available now in half-gallon and pint sizes at local stores. Shoppers can choose from new treats and returning favorites for a limited time. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On March 2, the Performing Arts Foundation will present Concept 2.0 at City Hall—a reworked plan with a new site, a 2,200-seat theater, and a reduced cost of about $288 million. The proposal includes new parking garages (750 spots) and cooperation with the Van Wezel Hall. Sarasota Magazine
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Brookside Middle School will transform into the Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside for the 2026-2027 school year, offering courses in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, game development and marine science. Sixth grade applications are accepted through May 15 as part of the district’s Future Focused Strategic Initiative. Observer
- ➤ Gov. Ron DeSantis plans to transfer USF Sarasota-Manatee's campus—including its $53 million debt—to New College, which would halt new USF enrollments and impact 2,000 students. A community meeting is set for Feb. 25 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the campus’ Student Center Ballroom to oppose the move. Sarasota Magazine
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Drought Monitor shows 67.4 percent of Florida is in extreme drought, with nearly the entire state facing dry conditions. Thirty-five counties, including Sarasota, have issued burn bans and officials advise residents to conserve water + use care on smoky roads. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch approved a scaled-back one-story clubhouse at the Bobby Jones Golf Club on Feb. 19 — the new design saves $4 million upfront and cuts annual debt by nearly $450,000 to keep funds available for parks maintenance. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A clinical trial at Sarasota Memorial Hospital used robotic pets with elderly dementia patients and found benefits such as steadier vitals & shorter hospital stays. Nurse Joanna D'Elia, who started the study, said the findings will be presented at an upcoming American Geriatric Society event. FOX 13
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Frank Giuffre closed on the sale of 975 Cattlemen Road for $3.5 million on Feb. 10 and now plans to upgrade the building over four months (replacing siding, windows, doors, roof and decking) while seeking a new management team to revive the Cock and Bull brand. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ A new guide helps Sarasota pickleball players choose gear that boosts comfort and performance by outlining items like stabilizing sneakers, specialized shorts, and a sports bag (ideal for carrying paddles) for both men and women. Readers can update their wardrobe ahead of the next match. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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.
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A Night with Janis Joplin
Mar 11-26 — Keating Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the explosive energy of Janis Joplin and the legendary artists who inspired her.
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