Tuesday, August 26th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 26th of August.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A young girl was swept into a storm drain after a water main break on Sunday and remains in critical condition after emergency crews rescued her — investigators are reviewing the incident as road crews repair the damaged street. FOX 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Lakewood Ranch’s Aloha Ukulele club has about 50 members who meet to share music and joy as a nonprofit group; it was founded four years ago and offers free ukuleles and lessons to all skill levels. Led by president Alice Baumann, the club uses music—an instrument of joy—to help members escape daily stresses and connect through their shared love of strumming. Observer
- ➤ Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall announced an expanded season schedule that features Halloween shows like Haunted Illusions with David Caserta on Oct. 26 and holiday events including Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas from Nov. 14 to 16. The season includes musical and comedy acts such as Renee Fleming on Jan. 9, Dave Koz and Friends on Nov. 30, and Jerry Seinfeld on May 2 — with more comedians expected to be added soon. Sarasota Magazine
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Manatee County commissioners voted 4-3 to approve a contract that will build a roundabout on University Parkway at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, and local resident Carol Cooper said she will file legal action if public input was ignored—county officials claim the contract follows the rules and will pay Lakewood Ranch Corporate Park LLC over $3.2 million. Observer
- ➤ Local law enforcement leaders met at a South County Tiger Bay luncheon in Venice, where they discussed a $50,000 bonus email from ICE, staffing shortages, and budget needs including the deployment of deputies to the ICE facility—none said they would leave their local agencies. Officials also explained new recruiting ideas and noted ongoing challenges with facility space in North Port. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Manatee Memorial Hospital named Judy Young as its new chief nursing officer; she brings more than 38 years of nursing experience and previously led teams at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center—she will now manage all nursing and clinical services at the hospital. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Florida groups including business leaders and advocacy organizations are urging Congress to extend enhanced premium tax credits as 2.2 million residents face the risk of losing health coverage if the credits expire at year’s end. Experts warn that without the credits, premiums could soar up to 75%—a heavy burden on the state’s economy. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has been named one of Florida's best employers by Forbes based on anonymous employee surveys that rated workplace safety, professional growth, and company culture. The system, which employs nearly 11,000 people, was also recognized as a top employer for women and by Gallup as an exceptional workplace. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sarasota Bradenton Home Show
10 AM - 7 PM — Robarts Arena — Free entry — Explore the latest in home improvement and renovation ideas from expert exhibitors.
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3rd Bass Live Concert
7 PM – 12 AM — Big Top Live — Tickets starting at $75 — Experience the unforgettable music of 3rd Bass in Sarasota.
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