Tuesday, March 17th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Voting begins today in the Sarasota Pizza Bracket contest (the readers' choice poll for 2026) as residents cast their ballots to select their favorite pizzeria. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ On March 14 at Nathan Benderson Park, local teams pulled a 20-ton bus to raise $22,455 for Inclusion Revolution, a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities find work. Participants included members from Sarasota Ford & team Haven Crew who competed in the event. Observer
- ➤ Children First celebrated 65 years of supporting families with early education and services in Sarasota while marking 30 years of President & CEO Philip Tavill's leadership. The organization invites community support at its Giving Challenge on April 15–16 when every donation is doubled by The Patterson Foundation. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ Wade Tatangelo is the new executive editor of the Herald-Tribune, effective immediately. With nearly 25 years in local journalism (from roles in dining and entertainment), he will lead newsroom operations and shape digital strategy for coverage of community news. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Kenneth Feld, a Sarasota area businessman and head of Feld Entertainment, appears on Forbes’ billionaires list with a net worth of $2.5 billion, down from $2.9 billion last year. His family’s storied brand revived the Ringling Bros. show this year and keeps a long local tradition alive + inspiration. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Robert de Warren, an internationally renowned ballet creator, was featured yesterday in a profile that highlights his creative influence on Sarasota’s local ballet scene and lasting contributions to the arts. ABC 7
- ➤ Sarasota Opera presents Carlisle Floyd's opera Susannah at the Sarasota Opera House, reviving the 1955 American debut in a production that uses intimate direction to explore themes of moral conflict and isolation. The show runs now, highlighting strong performances that bring the story to life. Observer
- ➤ Azara Ballet, a local dance company (founded in 2022), is set to perform its season finale with two queer focused pieces on March 20-21 at Riverview Performing Arts Center. The troupe embraces inclusion over traditional ballet norms and is led by artistic director Joshua Stayton. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ Sarasota Film Festival announced celebrity guests including director Renny Harlin and rock star Gene Simmons for its 28th edition from April 10-19. The festival will open with 'Deep Water' starring Aaron Eckhart and Ben Kingsley, and tickets go on sale March 20. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Masō brings a fresh dining twist to Sarasota by blending supper club charm with a speakeasy vibe. Locals can savor curated small plates + classic cocktails in a setting that revives vintage style while offering modern flair. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Milhaus secured financing for a 231-unit complex planned for the bayfront peninsula — the project will offer upscale condos for local residents as construction begins soon. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ For the week of March 9-14, the Herald-Tribune held its Boys Athlete of the Week vote, sponsored by Central Florida Behavioral Health Network. Nominees such as baseball standout Tyler Brown & basketball’s Isaiah Jenkins received votes online until 10 a.m. Friday. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ The Concession Golf Club hosts the Senior PGA Championship from April 16-19, with former Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger considering a playing role if he decides by Friday, March 20. The event is set to boost local tradition as the community embraces its growing golf legacy. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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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Get Your Mutt Movin' 5K Run & Walk
8-11 a.m. — Payne Park — Fundraising for animal rescue — Help support Satchel's Last Resort Animal Rescue while enjoying a community 5K run and walk with your furry friends.
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Polo Match at Sarasota Polo Club
1-6 p.m. — Sarasota Polo Club — Check the event page for ticket prices — Enjoy a beautiful day of polo action and festivities at the Sarasota Polo Club.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Cost info not provided — Experience the captivating sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented Puerto Rican musician making waves in the Sarasota 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
Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.
~ James Clear
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