Daily
Sarasota
Sunday, April 13th, 2025
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Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 13th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, many residents gathered for the annual Venice Sharks Tooth Festival—a family celebration with live music, food, fossil collections and fun activities for kids. The festival is held at Centennial Park, 200 West Venice Ave and runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with events resuming tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ABC 7
- ➤ Sarasota sheriff deputies held a block party Saturday to show kids they are everyday citizens—deputies raced with children, served snow cones and gave tours of their tech while urging residents to call 911 if needed. ABC 7
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Taeler Joy Bennett, 29, died just before 5 a.m. Friday after being in a coma for two months following a Feb. 10 hit-and-run crash that killed her two young sons while they crossed the street near U.S. 301 and 7th Street—and police said 72-year-old June Fenton, driving a Lexus ES300, was arrested on March 3 on charges of leaving the scene of a fatal crash. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ A Sarasota jury convicted Howard China Smith III—son of local boxer China Smith—of second-degree murder and attempted robbery with a firearm for the January 2018 shooting death of 32-year-old Todd Reaves near his parents’ home at 31st Street and Maple Avenue; he was sentenced to life in prison with 24 years to run concurrently. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Trisha Roth, Media Specialist at Virgil Mills Elementary in her 9th year, is named this month’s Chalkboard Champion for using digital tools to teach computer skills and encourage independent problem solving. Her classroom methods help students tackle challenges by asking questions—showing how new approaches can build real understanding. ABC 7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new Florida bill called 'Make America’s Dogs Safe Again' will require dog breeders to register, be inspected and be listed in a public database in an effort to stop unethical practices in breeding. Introduced by Rep. Meg Weinberger, the measure is drawing criticism from the American Kennel Club—who warn it may expose breeders to risks—and will continue through Tallahassee’s legislative process. FOX 13
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ During Bird Key Yacht Club’s annual regatta, a mayday call sounded when a participant went overboard and Mark Smith of the Serendipity rescued him until Bob Keagy’s media boat arrived—allowing the man to get medical care for minor scrapes while race organizers praised the swift response. Observer
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Architecture Walking Tour
1-2 p.m. — Sarasota Art Museum — Free entry — Discover the rich history of Sarasota’s architecture with expert insights from Marty Hylton.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Visit Artist's Website — Enjoy a vibrant evening with local musician Bri Rivera, celebrated for her heartfelt performances and musical heritage.
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Spring Concert
GCHFA, a non-profit in Sarasota that provides full band, orchestra, choral, recorder, and general music classes for homeschooled students, celebrates 15 years. Join us for our free Spring Concert at North Port HS PAC at 6:30 pm to see every group perform including alumni and teachers for our big finale!
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Elton John Tribute Concert in Sarasota
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a detailed re-creation of Elton John's iconic '70s performances with Rus Anderson.
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Rainbow Full of Sound Concert
10 PM – 2 AM — 975 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL — Cost info not provided — Experience a unique musical fusion of Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin performed by Waynard Scheller's band.
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Celebrate John Williams
7:30-9 p.m. — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Tickets available — Experience the iconic music of John Williams from films like Star Wars and E.T. performed live.
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Dinner at Selva Grill
6-8 p.m. — Selva Downtown Sarasota — $3 contribution — Enjoy inventive Peruvian cuisine and cocktails in a chic setting.
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Sunset Day Party
4-8 p.m. — Georgies UTC Restaurant & Bar — $30 – $750 — Enjoy a lively sunset atmosphere with HipHop and R&B beats spinning by live DJs.
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Guided Walks at Glebe Park
12-2 p.m. — Glebe Park — Free entry — Explore the natural beauty of Siesta Key while observing migratory birds in the shade.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant performance by Puerto Rican musician Bri Rivera in the heart of Sarasota.
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Trivia Night
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Hillview in Southside Village — Gecko's Bucks prizes — Gather for a fun filled evening of trivia with friends and family.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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