Good morning, Sarasota.

Photographer Damon Powers captured the phases of last night's partial lunar eclipse in Sarasota by taking hourly images of the moon during the five-hour event — a unique series that showcases each stage.

The Sarasota High School girls basketball team earned the FHSAA Class 7A Academic State Champion title on Aug.

28 by achieving the highest team GPA. Coach Sara Nuxol and the athletic director praised the players for balancing sports and studies—an honor celebrated by the community.

New College is launching a major expansion after the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus transferred on July 1 (boosting local research and education).

The plan will add labs, academic programs and housing along Sarasota Bay to benefit students and the region.

Sarasota County officials said Benderson Development Co. must provide written guarantees to cover a $34 million gap for the planned $80 million gymnasium at Benderson Park; the county and state contributed $20 million and $10 million while Benderson will chip in 20% (or $16 million).

Florida's minimum wage for non-tipped workers will rise to $15 on Sept.

30, 2026, following a voter-approved amendment; starting Sept. 30, 2027, the rate will adjust with inflation to help maintain purchasing power.

Spend your summer weekend exploring the Rosemary District's mix of dining and culture, from Friday dinner at Hanami and Saturday morning yoga at The Bay to a visit to the Historic Leonard Reid House and local art-filled streets where new condos blend with longtime community hubs.

Demolition has begun at the Mira Mar, Sarasota’s first hotel from the 1920s, as Seaward Development plans twin 18-story towers — a project that will include a museum displaying historic artifacts.

Demolition finishes in October and the condos will open in early 2029.

The Ness House, a landmark home built in the Sarasota school-style and renovated by architect Tim Seibert, sold for $2.562 million on Aug.

11 after 83 days on market in Siesta Key. The four-bedroom, five-bath residence spans 4,000 sqft on nearly an acre along Heron Lagoon.

The Crusaders overcame the Cougars on Friday night with a final score of 47-46 after a late rally nearly erased a 27-point deficit (a holding penalty canceled the game-winning two-point conversion).

High school football teams from Sarasota + Manatee played Week 2 games on Friday, Aug.

28, 2026. The Herald-Tribune updated scores live as local teams returned for regular-season play.