Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A Sarasota runner said high-speed e-bikes are putting walkers, runners + cyclists at risk on the Legacy Trail, a treasured community asset. He said riders have reached nearly 50 mph and urged banning e-bikes before a serious accident happens. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Disney lowered the annual pass down payment to $99—a 50% drop from $205—for Florida residents on Feb. 20. Monthly payments will range from $36+ based on the pass tier, and proof of Florida residency must be shown at purchase. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, renderings for the bayfront Sarasota Performing Arts Center show a new plan with revised design, different location, reduced cost and alternate parking — the concept features a main theater, multipurpose space and donor lounge near the 10th Street boat canal. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Award-winning journalist A’Lelia Bundles will speak on March 1 from 6-8 p.m. at the Donelly Theatre (1012 Orange Ave.) as part of Women’s History Month celebrations in Sarasota. Advance registration is required. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ The Sister Cities Association of Sarasota hosted a Lunar New Year celebration at the Green at University Town Center on Feb. 17, drawing around 400 people to enjoy cultural performances. Organizers said the event celebrates diversity & plans to expand it next year. Observer
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A Sarasota high school principal blocked two student articles criticizing the school board yesterday (an AI-generated review questioned their balance) but reversed his decision after a free speech group intervened. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida is in its worst drought since 2001 — in Sarasota, only 1.6 inches of rain have fallen recently, and water managers have imposed restrictions while planning further actions as conditions are expected to persist through March. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ The FWC is investigating what may have caused 25 manatee deaths in a week in Lee County, with several bodies found at a Fort Myers park — officials say cold stress, low seagrass, and water pollution may be factors. FOX 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Retired K-9 Coti, who served seven years with Officer Nick Dominis on patrol and SWAT duty, was honored Tuesday with a ceremonial final salute at police headquarters; he died Sunday at age 12 from age-related complications. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ New Trail Plaza opened on Tamiami Trail in North Sarasota with 96 affordable apartments and a family and children's center. The nearly $28 million project was developed by Blue Sky Communities with Community Assisted and Supported Living (CASL) to help local families access safe housing. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Atlanta Braves will begin 2026 spring training at CoolToday Park in North Port on Sunday, Feb. 22, with 16 home games including a warmup against Colombia, and tickets for the opener against the Twins are now available. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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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Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Enjoy a night of eclectic tunes from an accomplished singer-songwriter accompanied by his German Shepherd.
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
What looks like talent is often careful preparation.
~ Ryan Holiday
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