Good morning, Sarasota.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County gave $1,400,592 in grants to 30 local groups to help with hurricane recovery, mental health care, school programs and arts events.

The grants will help these groups serve people of all ages—supporting summer learning, health services and local events.

On Aug. 23, the team manager of Hap's Honda BMX Racing discovered their trailer was broken into + $1,500 in equipment was stolen, and community members quickly raised funds to replace the loss.

Local musicians Eddie Tobin, Steel Pan Dan, and Chad Tallman now perform at venues like Euphemia Haye and Cha Cha Coconuts, offering residents and visitors close-up live music on Longboat Key and St. Armands.

Their shows add to the island’s vibrant scene—providing regular evenings of familiar tunes and island charm.

Mary Bensel, executive director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, is preparing a packed holiday season to recover from last autumn’s hurricane damage by scheduling shows—like Dr. Seuss’ musical and Broadway’s MJ—that will bring festive cheer through next spring.

Mote hosted a ribbon cutting earlier this week at its Aquaculture Research Park in Sarasota to launch three research facilities that aim to restore Florida’s disappearing seagrass meadows—Ron and Marla Wolf Seagrass Restoration Center for Ocean Sustainability Greenhouse Facility, Biogeochemical Carbon Sequestration Lab, and Publix Seagrass Genetics Research Hub. The centers will test stress effects on seagrass, advance carbon capture methods, and identify resilient plant varieties for long-term marine ecosystem sustainability.

State transportation crews are removing 'Gulf of Mexico' references from street signs on Longboat Key due to a state law, but town officials stress the roadway's name and addresses remain unchanged—town authorities plan a workshop on Oct.

20 to discuss renaming State Road 789.

The Sarasota County Commission has adjusted its budget planning schedule to consult constitutional officers sooner to address a forecasted $25.22 million shortfall in fiscal year 2028 — spending increases and slower property value growth are major factors.

Commissioners warned that a statewide referendum on reducing property taxes in November 2026 may force spending cuts or a tax increase.

Longboat Key is nearly finished with design plans to replace its 50-year-old sewage pipe with a new plastic pipeline that will run under Sarasota Bay to carry waste to a Manatee County treatment center.

Voters approved a loan for the $30 million project, and work on the underwater pipe is expected to begin in mid-2026—temporary impacts on wetlands will be kept low.

This fall, Sarasota hosts many Halloween events from October 1 to 31, including ghost tours on Anna Maria Island, a revived light show at Historic Spanish Point, and a family-friendly pumpkin festival at Fruitville Grove.

Visitors can join walking tours, costume contests, and bar crawls — offering spooky fun across the region for all ages.

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.

3rd Bass Live Concert

7 PM – 12 AM — Big Top Live — Tickets starting at $75 — Experience the unforgettable music of 3rd Bass in Sarasota.

Garden In Bloom Fundraiser Gala

5-11 p.m. — Meadows Farmers Market — Ticketed event — Enjoy a magical evening of live music, food, art, and community at this inaugural gala.