Tuesday, March 31st, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 31st of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Families attended the Aqua Egg Hunt at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex on March 28, where children swam in a heated pool to search for hidden Easter eggs and meet Pete the Bunny. The city-hosted event drew local families who value community gatherings. Observer
- ➤ The new quarter-mile Alderman Multi-Use Recreational Trail opens today at 3:30 p.m. near the southwest corner of Payne Park, funded by a $400,000 federal grant for safe cyclist and pedestrian travel. A guided bike ride will begin at 4 p.m. with three stops. Observer
- ➤ The 6th Annual Get Your Mutt Movin+ event at Payne Park on March 28 raised about $45,000 for Satchel's Last Resort. The fundraiser featured a 5K run and walk and a pie eating contest for dogs, drawing strong community support. Observer
- ➤ Safe Children Coalition raised nearly $10M to build a state-of-the-art youth shelter on Sawyer Road. The facility will serve homeless children aged 10-17 with private rooms, counseling spaces, and a commercial kitchen and is set to open in fall. FOX 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Lakewood Ranch business owner Amber Hanratty launched Dirty Sara-Soda in January, serving up dirty sodas, beverages and lemonades with Sarasota inspired names at local school events and gatherings. The mobile enterprise, named by her son Bronx, has already booked new community events + plans to expand to a brick and mortar location. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The University Park Women's Club held its Lights, Camera, Legacy fashion show at The Grove in Lakewood Ranch on March 25 to celebrate 25 years, with models showcasing designs from local boutiques while funds were raised for the Women’s Resource Center (and Feeding Empty Little Tummies). Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida’s SNAP program will ban soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts for recipients starting April 20, 2026 — the change is meant to promote healthier eating statewide. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ On Monday, March 30, TSA security wait times at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport were under 15 minutes even as delays of up to three hours were reported at other airports across Florida amid a partial government shutdown — officials noted that travelers using TSA PreCheck and dedicated lines experienced shorter waits. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ The City of Venice named Kelsey Shope as the business liaison to guide local companies through permitting and planning processes; a meet-and-greet is scheduled today from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Venice Chamber (597 Tamiami Trail S.). Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Entry details not provided — Enjoy an evening of live music with local talent Bri Rivera, a standout in the Sarasota music scene.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Ryan Faraday, a talented guitarist and vocalist, as he showcases his musical prowess.
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Ally Venable Band Performance
7-11 p.m. — Encore Live — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the powerful soulful voice and rock'in blues guitar talents of Texas-born Ally Venable.
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Mystical Visions Concert
6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a night of classic and contemporary hits from a talented female fronted pop/rock cover band.
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Sarasota Cars & Coffee
8-10 a.m. — The Mall at University Town Center — $10 for show cars, free for spectators — Check out unique cars while enjoying coffee and supporting a local charity during Earth Month.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening with Bri Rivera, a talented musician from Puerto Rico, showcasing her musical journey through local tunes.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Details TBA — Experience live music from guitarist and songwriter Ryan Faraday, an engaging performer from Sarasota.
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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 from accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts alongside his canine companion, Apollo.
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
When you can't win by being better, you can win by being different.
~ James Clear
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