Daily
Sarasota
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Wahlburgers opened its counter-service restaurant with a full bar at Concourse B today. The restaurant, founded by the Wahlberg family, will offer travelers a fun dining option — adding a celebrity twist to the airport experience. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Visual artist Charisse Pearlina Weston was awarded the 2026 Hermitage Greenfield Prize on March 11 and will receive a six-week fellowship + a $35,000 commission to create new work for a Sarasota premiere exhibition in 2028. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ The Hermitage Artist Retreat has taken over the former Englewood Arts Center from Ringling College, which closed the facility last year to consolidate its programming on Tamiami Trail. The new owner will use the 10,000 sqft center on McCall Road for multidisciplinary arts and public events. Observer
- ➤ At the Sarasota Jazz Festival happening today through March 14 at the Municipal Auditorium, the Jazz Club announced plans to acquire a permanent venue for its 70 affordable events from Labor Day to Memorial Day. President Ed Linehan said the move will offer the club more control over its schedule. Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida lawmakers passed a bill that allows retailers to round cash payments to the nearest nickel, aiming to simplify transactions now that pennies are no longer minted, and Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign it soon. The optional measure will not affect noncash transactions. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Officials at Sarasota airport reported TSA wait times were 0-15 minutes and advised travelers to arrive two hours early before departures; delays at larger Florida airports have been longer amid staffing shortages and a partial government shutdown. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Local homeowners are advised to perform preventive A/C tune-ups before summer hits by cleaning filters, vents, and drains to maintain efficiency and lower bills. Regular maintenance can help avoid costly repairs when temperatures rise. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Booker girls basketball lost 81-48 to Bishop Moore in the FHSAA Class 4A state semifinals on March 10 at Jacksonville’s UNF Arena — marking their fourth state semifinal loss in six seasons. Observer
- ➤ On March 7, Sarasota Paradise debuted as a pro team in USL League One at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch with a 1-0 loss to AC Boise, drawing over 2,500 fans after a two-hour weather delay. The club played three seasons in USL League Two before this milestone event. Observer
- ➤ Sarasota Sailors boys basketball returns to the Class 7A State Final Four Friday, Mar. 13 (3 p.m.) at the University of North Florida Arena in Jacksonville. The team, featuring returning players and key transfers that fueled a 28-3 run last season, looks to build on its winning formula. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ The Herald-Tribune is inviting votes for February's top high school team nominees, including Booker Girls Basketball and Lakewood Ranch Boys Soccer, as local coaches submit scores and stats. Voting will run online until 10 a.m. Monday, March 16 — check the poll at heraldtribune.com. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Entry fee unknown — Enjoy an evening of diverse musical styles from an accomplished local artist.
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Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an eclectic mix of music as Scott Curts performs live, accompanied by his German Shepherd, Apollo.
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Mystical Visions Concert
6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Enjoy the vibrant sounds of a female fronted pop/rock cover band playing hits from the 60’s to today.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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