Daily Sarasota Logo Daily Sarasota

Saturday, March 7th, 2026

SHARE

Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 7th of March.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • The Library Foundation raised a record $509,240 at its 14th annual Love Our Libraries Luncheon last month with bestselling author Harlan Coben to support public libraries; upcoming events include a lecture by former ambassador Paul Jones on March 12 and a rare plant sale on March 21 in Lakewood Ranch.  Sarasota Herald-Tribune

CULTURE NEWS

  • Sarasota-Manatee Originals invites locals to celebrate homegrown talent at Set the Bar held at Ed Smith Stadium on Sunday, Apr. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. Twenty-five bartenders mix inventive cocktails + restaurants compete in a bar bites contest at this interactive event for adults.  Sarasota Magazine
  • Herald-Tribune dining editor Wade Tatangelo shared his top picks for five timeless Sarasota restaurants that locals love for their classic charm. His selections point food lovers to classic dining traditions in the area.  Sarasota Herald-Tribune

ECONOMY NEWS

  • Tourism data shows Sarasota County had 68,900 visitors in January, a 12.7% drop compared to last year, and spending fell by 8.5% despite a 6% rise in room rates. Industry partners are working to keep the destination competitive.  ABC 7

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Sarasota and Manatee County schools will have spring break from Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20 — families are encouraged to plan local activities as school calendars vary statewide.  Sarasota Herald-Tribune

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • A wastewater spill of 14,000 gallons occurred Sunday under the Ringling Bridge after Hurricane Milton’s erosion shifted a wastewater valve. Environmental experts say Sarasota Bay remains healthy with high water flow and a 20% rise in seagrass, though they advise against swimming until further testing clears the area.  FOX 13

LIFESTYLE NEWS

  • Lakewood Ranch resident Mark Thornsbrough regained independence with guide dog Gracie from Dogs Inc., which approved his application in September 2024 and helped him resume safe daily walks & renew his love for life.  Observer

SPORTS NEWS

  • The Sun's sports reporters preview Florida basketball’s regular season finale against Kentucky scheduled for 4 p.m. today and detail Florida football spring practice where quarterbacks Tramell Jones Jr. and Aaron Philo battle for the starting job at the Gators' camp.  Sarasota Herald-Tribune

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • The Mirror Crack'd

    3:30-4:30 p.m. — Asolo Repertory Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling performance showcasing mystery and drama.

    Tue, 3/10/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Wed, 3/11/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Thu, 3/12/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 3/13/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 3/14/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 3/17/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Wed, 3/18/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Thu, 3/19/26

    View event
  • Open Mat

    6-7 a.m. — TeamAlves Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school — $20 mat fee for non-team members — A welcoming occasion to grapple and refine your techniques from the week.

    Fri, 3/20/26

    View event
  • Bri Rivera Live Performance

    5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — No cover charge — Enjoy an evening of vibrant music from local sensation Bri Rivera, steeped in Puerto Rican tradition.

    Tue, 3/24/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Don't look for happiness. Look for meaning.

~ Ryan Holiday

About Daily Sarasota

Welcome to the Daily Sarasota, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Sarasota, Florida community. If you like the Daily Sarasota, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Sarasota.

Advertising Opportunities

Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Sarasota and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.

Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.

Community, delivered

Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe to Daily Sarasota

A free Sarasota community newsletter.

Daily local news
We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
6AM City
A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here