Daily
Sarasota
Friday, March 21st, 2025
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Sarasota.
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Gulf Coast Community Foundation is accepting applications for the 2025 Leadership Institute—a free two-month program at the Sarasota Philanthropy Center starting in May. Up to 25 community leaders will be selected and the online application closes on April 22. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Al and Margie Perna (83 and 82) have served as ushers at Ed Smith Stadium for almost 30 years, greeting fans with their warm presence at each game. They remain a beloved part of the stadium experience as fans continue to recognize and appreciate them. ABC 7
- ➤ Dr. Sharon Pindar was hired as the first on-staff veterinarian and medical director at Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center in Lakewood Ranch and will help set up a new clinic to offer affordable pet care while reducing outside costs. She works with Executive Director Dari Oglesby on a $16 million expansion—plans include bringing on more vets and new services to keep more pets with their families. Observer
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Sugar Champagne Bar will open on March 28 at 127 S. Pineapple Ave—offering upscale champagne, cocktails and small plates with a $150 minimum reservation tab. Owner Ronnie Shugar invested millions to create a Parisian-style venue and plans to expand the brand nationally. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ringling College of Art and Design students will display 20 art pieces on March 29 at the Dogs Inc. campus to highlight the bond between guide, service, and companion dogs and their handlers. Junior Anna Wilkinson led the project using her volunteer experience with dogs—her digital art uses bright colors to encourage support for nonprofits like Dogs Inc. Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On March 17, the City Commission voted 4 to 1 to uphold the Planning Board decision to allow a 33 foot driveway for the 1000 Boulevard of the Arts project, denying Quay 1 and 9’s appeal over pedestrian safety concerns. The move clears the way for two towers with condos and a hotel—further review will occur during the site plan process. Observer
- ➤ City officials and the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation will revisit their delayed implementation agreement for the new Performing Arts Center before May 5. The discussion has focused on cost sharing and design changes—aimed at moving the project from concept to the next phase—while a firm public commitment remains to be secured. Observer
- ➤ Sarasota County is asking residents for input on how to spend a $210 million federal grant for hurricane repairs — funds that may help cover home repairs or reimburse past work. Officials are still working on the plan and ask for opinions by April 3. ABC Action News
- ➤ Protesters gathered outside New College of Florida on March 20th during its Socratic Stage Immigration Roundtable that featured Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Border Czar Tom Horman. The group A Better World is Possible organized the demonstration to protest what they described as inhumane border policies, and Horman said he would not have come to speak if no protests were held. ABC 7
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Sarasota.
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Mark Metcalf, a junior at Sarasota High and fourth-generation Sailors player, moved back to live with his grandparents to keep his family’s baseball legacy alive—he made an impact in a recent win by stealing bases, scoring on errors, and leading the team in key stats. His return has boosted the team after a difficult season and renewed the storied tradition at Sarasota High. Observer
-
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.
-
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.
-
Live Performance by Justin Layman
Justin Layman will be performing live at The Ugly Grouper in Holmes Beach.
-
Justin Layman Live Performance
Experience a live performance by Justin Layman at Siesta Key Oyster Bar in Sarasota.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Dine with Local Tastemakers
6-8 p.m. — Arts & Central — $3 prepayment required — Enjoy a casual dinner with lamb sliders and octopus while connecting with like-minded locals.
-
On-Site Tour at Alderman Oaks Retirement Residence
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Alderman Oaks Retirement Residence | Free entry | Explore a senior living community committed to quality care and vibrant lifestyle options in the heart of Sarasota.
-
Camp Time Fun Week
Daily activities — Sun Outdoors Sarasota — Pricing varies — Enjoy a week of classic camp activities, crafts, and local music at this vibrant outdoor celebration.
-
Game Show Experience
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Calusa Brewing — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Step into the spotlight and experience the thrill of your very own game show at Calusa Brewing.
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.
Stay Connected Anywhere with This Powerful Portable Charger
Never worry about dead batteries or missed calls again. This high-capacity, portable power bank is a game-changer for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. With the ability to charge up to five devices at once, it’s perfect for families, professionals, and travelers alike.
Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful output ensures your phone, tablet, earbuds, and more stay fully charged no matter where you are. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted productivity.
Whether you’re commuting, on vacation, or working remotely, this charger is your ultimate power solution. Stay connected, stay powered, and never miss a moment.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Sarasota.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Time magnifies the margin between success and failure. It will multiply whatever you feed it.
~ James Clear
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.
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
Sitemap: https://dailysarasota.com/sitemap