Daily
Sarasota
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ All Faiths Food Bank is moving its 13th annual Walk to End Summer Hunger to Riverview High School on March 28. The walk site opens at 7:30 a.m., with a short program at 8 a.m. and the walk beginning at 8:30 a.m. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Nextdoor’s ranking names Gulf Gate as Sarasota’s friendliest neighborhood today; the score reflects local residents’ help and pride in a community known for its mom-and-pop restaurants and midcentury homes. The data comes from online activity showing strong neighborly ties. Sarasota Magazine
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Venice Fire Rescue, with help from Sarasota County Emergency Services Beach Patrol, rescued a sailor off the Venice Inlet Sunday after his sailboat lost its sail in 5- to 7-foot Gulf waves, transferring him from the disabled boat via jet ski to rescue boat 51 (all crews returned safely). ABC 7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Florida named a segment of U.S. 41 near Osprey as the Dickey Betts Memorial Highway — honoring the local Allman Brothers guitarist whose legacy still inspires the community. The Florida House passed the bill Tuesday, affirming his lasting influence on our music scene. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Sarasota Orchestra presents Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony from March 19-22 & guest conductor Katharina Wincor leads the series that also features works by Brahms and Dvořák. Tickets are available at the box office or online. Sarasota Magazine
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Florida regulators approved a $6.9 billion rate increase for FPL last November — the largest utility rate hike in the nation — prompting local calls for lower bills, while visitors can watch manatees at Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Plant as warm water discharges offer a refuge amid recent cold weather. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Florida health officials released tests on Feb. 25 that found elevated arsenic in candy and glyphosate in bread, with Sara Lee Honey Wheat and Black Forest Gummy Bears among those affected. The National Confectioners Association criticized the report for lacking transparency. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ MLB spring training began Feb. 20 at Sarasota ballparks as the city reflects on its 19 players who reached the majors. Local stars like Casey Kelly (returned from overseas), Ryan Miller (signed a minor league deal) and Dalton Guthrie (recently with the Phillies) highlight local talent. Observer
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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.
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Sarasota Ukulele Festival & Concert
11:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. — Sarasota Orchestra — $35+ — Enjoy workshops, a champagne reception, and a lively concert featuring Them Uke Boyz and Uke 66.
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Beginning Bird Photography Workshop
8:30-10:00 a.m. — Sarasota Audubon Nature Center — $10 – $20 — Enhance your bird photography skills in a beautiful natural setting with experienced guidance.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy the captivating sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented Puerto Rican musician, as she lights up the local music scene.
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
Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.
~ Naval Ravikant
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