Good morning, Sarasota.

Sarasota-based Petrichor expanded from selling homegrown fungi at local farmers markets to building a shipping-container mushroom farm and in-house beverage facility, and it opened its Petrichor Café in Northgate in October 2025 where customers can try drinks like Lightning (a lemon-blueberry seltzer with mushroom extracts).

Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources announced the 2026 Off the Page festival featuring Anthony Horowitz, Brad Meltzer, Nathaniel Philbrick and Kate Quinn.

The month-long celebration kicks off Sunday, Nov. 1 at Selby Library and spans all 10 branches, offering talks, workshops and family activities free to attend.

Archaeologist Marion Almy from Sarasota-based ACI has spent nearly 50 years uncovering buried history with over 6,500 projects from Indian Beach to conservation lands.

Now 79, she co-leads with her daughter Maranda (a bioarchaeologist) to help developers and governments balance progress with cultural resource protection.

State wildlife officials urge beachgoers to stay 50-ft away from nesting sea turtles and shorebirds during Labor Day weekend as hatchlings emerge and nesting continues on local beaches.

They advise turning off outdoor lights and cleaning up beach gear to protect the wildlife.

Rain and scattered thunderstorms are forecast this Labor Day weekend for Sarasota and nearby areas (with periodic heavy showers that may cause localized flooding) while a persistent drought remains.

Officials expect short-term moisture to ease water deficits before an anticipated super El Niño brings steadier rains this winter.

Manatee County reported a new cyclosporiasis case on Saturday, September 5th, raising its total to 13, while Sarasota County maintained 11 cases.

The combined 24 cases show a slight increase as health officials continue to monitor the situation.

Marsha Panuce of Donte’s Den explains the 3-3-3 rule that helps newly adopted dogs adjust to a new home — advising owners to let pets decompress, settle in, and bond by gradually introducing routines and gentle training over time.

Baltimore Orioles announced their 2027 Grapefruit League schedule with 15 home games at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, including eight weekend matchups and split-squad games on Feb.

21 and Mar. 7. The team will face nine opponents and will open a new +$23 million player performance center to boost training.

Venice beat Lakeland 32-25 in a double overtime game on Friday, as critical plays + penalties allowed the Indians to secure their win.

Dorien Jones rushed for around 250 yards and scored three touchdowns in a hard-fought victory.

High school football Week 3 showcased top performers as Braden River earned its first 3-0 start and standout plays emerged from players at Wellen Park (Curtis Bowdre, Noah Wireman) and Venice, contributing to key wins over their rivals.

Upcoming games on Sept. 10 and 11 will offer more competitive action.