Daily
Sarasota
Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A community celebration for St. Patrick's Day on Lakewood Main Street featured music, Irish beer, and festive costumes on March 17 — organized by EZ Restaurant Group and Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center, with beer proceeds benefiting the rescue center. Observer
- ➤ Margie's Market opened today in Newtown, operated by All Faith's Food Bank to fill a need for free fresh and nutritious food. Located at 1781 Dr. Martin Luther King Way (inside the Goodwill Manasota Job Connection Center), it also offers vital support services for residents. FOX 13
- ➤ Residents in Esplanade (Lakewood Ranch) came together on March 11 to raise over $40,000 and pack 1,000 Comfort Cases backpacks with essential items for local foster kids. The backpacks were delivered to nonprofits across Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. Observer
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Blu Kouzina opened its second location today at University Town Center (located at 295 N. Cattlemen Road Unit 4 near Ford’s Garage); the popular Greek restaurant now offers indoor and outdoor seating for about 200 with a full bar happy hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On April 10, the Sarasota Film Festival will open with the ocean survival film Deep Water directed by Renny Harlin and starring Aaron Eckhart & Sir Ben Kingsley, while Julian Schnabel will receive the Achievement in Directing Award at the closing night screening. Sarasota Magazine
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Southwest Florida have exceeded $4 per gallon today as crude oil prices rose above $95, with some drivers paying over $100 to fill larger vehicles (diesel costs near $5.30 per gallon may boost transport expenses). Z105
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On March 12, the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch held a Books for Kids luncheon at the Country Club where Ted Lindenberg praised 175 volunteers who deliver 4,000 books monthly to 11 Title 1 schools in Manatee County and urged more helpers for outreach in Myakka City + beyond. Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ MacDill Air Force Base issued a shelter-in-place order Wednesday morning after a threat was made and a suspicious package was found at the visitor center, officials said (adding that the base remains on heightened alert) with further details to follow. ABC 7
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Florida Realtors reported that closed home sales in February rose to 18,379 (a 3.9% increase) with median prices steady at $412,000 and average prices edging up, challenging national reports of falling home values. The data shows Florida’s market remained steady despite lower list prices. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ According to the analysis by the Realtor Association of Sarasota & Manatee, Sarasota County saw a drop in single-family home prices while condo sales surged; Manatee County had a slight rise in single-family prices as both counties recorded rising closed sales with many cash buyers. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Braden River High’s softball team counts on seven freshmen who boosted offense after early wins and tough losses last week (their first losses after six wins). Coach Keith Jans said the young players are learning from adversity and gearing up to improve in upcoming games. Observer
- ➤ Alex Bates, a Riverview senior and state runner-up, vaulted 4.05 meters at the Ram Invitational on March 13 at Riverview High School — he plans to build on his success as he prepares for upcoming meets. Observer
- ➤ Coach BJ Ivey said the Sailors nearly won a championship on March 14 when they lost by three points to Miami Columbus at the Class 7A final, thanks to a culture of care that turned a struggling team into one that competes with Florida’s best (even without star players). Observer
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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.
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Ringling Underground - April Showcase
8-11 p.m. — The Ringling Grillroom — $15 / Free for Members & Students w/ID — Experience captivating live music and a showcase of emerging student artists in a vibrant museum courtyard.
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Easter Brunch Buffet
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — PIER 22 — $70 adults, $25 children under 10 — Delight in a festive brunch buffet featuring seasonal favorites and stunning waterfront views.
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