Saturday, February 28th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 28th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Volunteers from Church of the Redeemer are assembling and loading 30 beds with 30 handmade quilts for children at Alta Vista Elementary today. The project supports ongoing Title I school initiatives and includes messages of hope on each item. Observer
- ➤ Sarasota police responded to a call about a pig on the road and found a 100-pound pig – noted for its black spots – near Lemon and Central at 1:30 a.m. The pig was taken by County Animal Services, and anyone with owner info is asked to call 861-9500. Observer
- ➤ The Sarasota Tiger Bay Club will host a panel discussion about Our Sidewalks on March 5 at 11:30 a.m. at Michael's On East with panelists Denise Kowal, Tom Edwards & Beck Lane; reservations are required with lunch included. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Frontier Airlines is ending flights from JFK and other New York airports as it shifts its focus to Florida markets this spring. The Denver-based carrier is launching 14 new routes, with changes affecting passengers at local hubs including Sarasota. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Aldi opened new stores in Cape Coral and Fort Walton Beach (Feb. 25) and Jacksonville (Feb. 26), marking a strong Florida expansion, while Sprouts anchored its third local location at downtown Sarasota’s Aster & Links building in late 2024 and is set to add more stores across the state. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Sprouts Farmers Market is expanding its Florida footprint with new locations planned for 2026 and beyond. The grocer is building on its presence at 8330 S. Tamiami Trail (Pelican Plaza Shopping Center) in Sarasota. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A new guide highlights summer camps and programs for kids in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Families can enjoy hands-on science at The Bishop Museum, soccer drills at Chargers Soccer Club, theater classes at Florida Studio Theatre and arts at Sarasota Art Museum — offering skill-building opportunities throughout summer 2026. Observer
- ➤ New College of Florida is set to take over the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, introducing a liberal arts hospitality program that blends in-class learning with internships & study abroad experiences. Existing hospitality students will complete their degrees under USF guidance as the transition strengthens local ties. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ According to FWC and USA TODAY reports, Florida waters did not show any red tide as of Feb. 26, easing concerns before spring break. The harmful algae is mostly seen in the Gulf + rarely appears on the east coast, so beachgoers can continue with their plans. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Florida residents can see the March full moon with a total lunar eclipse on Tuesday, March 3 at 6:38 a.m. ET, when the moon will turn red before sunrise — early forecasts predict good visibility. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening with the talented Ryan Faraday showcasing his musical talents.
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Spring Training: Pirates vs. Orioles
2:05-7:05 p.m. — Ed Smith Stadium — Cost unknown — Enjoy a split squad matchup as the Pirates take on the Orioles in an exciting spring training game.
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
Focus is saying no to good ideas.
~ Sam Altman
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