Daily
Sarasota
Monday, March 17th, 2025
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Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 17th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Christ Church of Longboat Key is advancing a plan to repurpose the empty 1.3-acre lot at 6350 Gulf of Mexico Drive—adding parking and outdoor space for its congregation. The church is working with landscape architects on a long-term project with no set timeline while honoring existing tenant leases. Observer
- ➤ Sarasota County held a groundbreaking ceremony on March 13 for a new park in Kensington Park—its site was once a wastewater plant torn down in 2020. The park will open by summer—fulfilling a nearly decade-long promise for local residents. Observer
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ An Arizona man riding a motorcycle died after an 81-year-old sedan driver turned into his lane at an intersection on March 15th, with three Suncoast residents injured in the crash. ABC 7
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A recent report revealed that Florida ranks second among Southern states for drunk driving fatalities—1,122 people died in alcohol and drug-related crashes in 2022—and calls for stricter laws to improve road safety and prevent further loss of life. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Florida Studio Theatre received a legacy gift of $1.25 million from the late Mary Jo Reston in her will — the theatre accepted a $250,000 gift in February 2025 after receiving $1 million in July 2024 and now honors her as a platinum underwriter in perpetuity. Observer
- ➤ Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota is hosting the first North American tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical (winner of 10 Tony Awards) with shows set from March 18 through March 23. ABC 7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing new legislation to impose stricter rules on citizen petition drives—this includes mandatory background checks on petition gatherers, a $1 million bond for sponsors and a limit of one initiative per election cycle. GOP lawmakers advanced these bills this week while critics argue the measures will bar citizens from directly changing the state constitution. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ The Sarasota County Fire Department is boosting response efforts in March with an extra rescue unit on Siesta Key and a fire/rescue boat patrolling weekends along with extended lifeguard coverage on Lido, Siesta and Casey Keys to ensure spring break safety. Fire Station 13 will have a UTV for beach emergencies — officials advise visitors to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and swim near lifeguards. ABC 7
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Local baseball fans from nearby counties gathered at Ed Smith Stadium for a family-friendly Orioles spring training outing—many enjoyed meeting players and collecting autographs. The Orioles will face the Detroit Tigers on Friday, March 21 at 6:05 p.m. ABC 7
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Live Performance by Bri Rivera
Bri Rivera, a talented musician and vocalist raised in Puerto Rico, showcases her musical journey and skills in Sarasota, Florida.
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Justin Layman Live at Siesta Key Oyster Bar
Justin Layman will perform live at Siesta Key Oyster Bar in Sarasota, Florida.
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March Networking Happy Hour at The Fat Rabbit Pub
This event offers networking opportunities for business growth and socializing at The Fat Rabbit Pub in Sarasota, encouraging attendees to meet new people while enjoying drinks and food.
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Tony Monaco & Eric Alexander Live at SRQ Jazz Fest
7-10 p.m. | Sarasota Municipal Auditorium | Cost info not provided | Experience a night of jazz with organist Tony Monaco and saxophonist Eric Alexander at the Sarasota Jazz Festival.
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Free Outdoor Pilates Class at UTC
Experience a high-intensity, low-impact Pilates workout led by local instructors at UTC FIT, suitable for all fitness levels.
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National Symphony Orchestra Concert
Concert time to be announced | Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall | Ticket prices vary | Experience Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 and Korngold's Violin Concerto performed by Hilary Hahn.
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Live Performance by Justin Layman
Justin Layman will be performing live at The Ugly Grouper in Holmes Beach.
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Justin Layman Live Performance
Experience a live performance by Justin Layman at Siesta Key Oyster Bar in Sarasota.
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Jim McCue Live Performance
3-11 p.m. — McCurdy's Comedy Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Jim McCue at this popular Sarasota venue.
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Romeo and Juliet Ballet Performance
19:30 on Friday, 14:00 & 19:30 on Saturday — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Tickets required — Experience the Sarasota Ballet's premiere of Prokofiev's iconic score with Sir Frederick Ashton’s choreography.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.
~ James Clear
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