Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of August.
Good morning, Sarasota.
🎭 Culture
Sculptor Rigoberto Torres is casting community members at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art for the upcoming exhibition Nuestro Vaivén, which runs from Oct 4 to March 8.
Torres casts local participants such as Bélen Lopez and works with photographer Karen Arango and salon owner Ada Toledo to show a diverse view of contemporary Latino art.
🌲 Environment
The Heritage Ranch Gopher Tortoise Preserve is a 640-acre refuge that now shelters 346 tortoises and has room for nearly 300 more as Lakewood Ranch grows.
Equipment manager Todd Ness and his team use prescribed burns and mechanical rollers—methods that help native plants grow—to keep the habitat healthy for the tortoises and other wildlife.
🏛️ Government
The nearly 100-year-old Blackburn Point Swing Bridge in Osprey connects the mainland to Casey Key and opens on a set schedule for boat passage while carrying one lane of traffic.
Sarasota County is making temporary repairs as it studies replacement options — with plans for either a swing or draw bridge in the future.
After hurricanes Helene and Milton caused severe flooding and $10 million in damage, the Purple Ribbon Committee recommended that the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall remain operational—with urgent storm-proofing and maintenance—until a new performing arts center is built.
The Sarasota City Commission approved the report and directed interim City Manager Dave Bullock to develop an action plan to keep the venue running.
🏥 Health
Parrish’s Mark Latcheran suffered severe acute pancreatitis and went into a coma at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, where ICU staff led by Dr. Ryan Dunn used a risky prone ventilation treatment—an approach that saved his life.
Latcheran later thanked the hospital team for their care as he began to recover and resume work.
Florida banned the sale of 7-OH—an opioid 13 times stronger than morphine—on Aug.
13 after health officials warned that it could lead to addiction and more overdose calls. The drug is now temporarily on Schedule I and awaits further legislative action for permanent placement.
🏈 Sports
Brad Knight will defend his Sarasota City Championship title at Bobby Jones Golf Club after last year's win when he drained a 25-foot putt under intense pressure.
The tournament, featuring five divisions and over 60 registered golfers, will be held Sept. 27—28.
The Herald-Tribune previews high school football games on Friday, Aug.
22 in the Sarasota and Manatee area and offers predictions for key matchups such as St. John Bosco—Manatee and Naples—Riverview. Portell outlines recent team changes and projected scores to help fans know what to expect this season.
🎉 Sarasota Events
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PMP Certification Training in Sarasota, FL
9 AM – 5 PM — Regus - Sarasota Courthouse — Contact for pricing — Gain essential project management skills and knowledge through an interactive 4-day training course.
Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy an eclectic evening of music with accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts and his canine companion, Apollo.
Justin Layman Live Performance
1-5 p.m. — Siesta Key Oyster Bar — Free entry — Experience the unique blend of Folk, Rock, and R&B music from local Singer/Songwriter Justin Layman.
Scott Curts Live Performance
5 p.m. — Marina Jack — Check venue for entry fees — Enjoy an evening of unique loop-style music from accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts.
Bri Rivera Concert
6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Visit Artist's Website — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented musician rooted in Puerto Rican tradition, as she lights up the local music scene.
Discussion on Plato's Phaedo
10:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. — Friends of the North Sarasota Public Library — Free entry — Engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the nature of the soul and Socrates' beliefs on immortality.
Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the eclectic sounds of singer-songwriter Scott Curts with his unique loop styling accompanied by his beloved dog, Apollo.
Sarasota Bradenton Home Show
10 AM - 7 PM — Robarts Arena — Free entry — Explore the latest in home improvement and renovation ideas from expert exhibitors.
Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Check the artist's website for details — Enjoy an evening with talented Puerto Rican musician Bri Rivera in the heart of Sarasota.
Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Check local listings — Experience the unique loop styling of accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts in a scenic Sarasota venue.
🏠 Sarasota Real Estate
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💼 Sarasota Job Board
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📣 Sarasota Announcements
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