Good morning, Sarasota.

On Sept. 13, Pineapple Kitchen on Lena Road hosted a Harvest Open House—free tasting event where samples like apple fritters were sold and part of the proceeds benefited Manasota BUDS, which supports people with Down syndrome in the region.

Volunteers such as Rachel Crauwels and Stacy Quaid joined to learn new skills and help the local nonprofit.

16-year-old Maddie Canty from Englewood earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for her project (A Hope for Kittens) that works to lower kitten euthanasia in Sarasota County by combining education, rescue efforts, and local policy change.

She spent 219 hours on the project, gave 21 presentations, mobilized volunteers, and helped secure a proclamation for Spay/Neuter Awareness Month.

A new Florida law now lets charter operators use Sarasota schools rent-free—forcing districts to cover costs like transportation and maintenance, and a local school board member warned that the Schools of Hope program threatens public education and urged lawmakers to amend the law.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium will open its new north Sarasota County Science Education Aquarium near University and I-75 on Oct.

8, with a sneak preview for members on Oct. 6—7 who must buy timed-entry tickets in advance. The facility spans 146,000 square feet on 12 acres and will serve K-12 science education in Sarasota County.

Florida Fish and Wildlife has listed the Myakka River as one of the top five rivers with many alligators, with over 230 alligators living along its 68 to 72 miles.

The river starts near the Manatee Hardee county line and flows into the Gulf near Charlotte Harbor + it is about 47 miles from Sarasota and 25 miles from Venice.

Sarasota police said that school zone cameras have cut speeding tickets by 60% citywide with 23,459 tickets given during the 2024–2025 school year as part of the School Zone Safety Program.

The program earned $394,266 for the state and $742,534 for Sarasota—showing that drivers are slowing down.

Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier warned that removing property taxes will cut the town’s main funding for police and fire—these taxes make up 75% of the general fund.

Gov. Ron DeSantis plans to put the tax elimination idea on the Nov. 2026 ballot, but local leaders say no clear plan exists to replace the lost revenue.

Sarasota has launched a website that gives residents monthly updates on storm repair projects at 14 coastal parks and assets—each listing includes estimated construction start dates and notes that repairs totaling $17.4 million will follow FEMA, state, and federal rules before competitive bidding begins. The site helps residents track progress as permits are finalized and work is scheduled.

On Sept. 13, Justin Whitman danced on stage at The Mall at University Town Center in his baby pink Vineyard Vines shirt to honor his late sister Alicia and support the Men Wear Pink fundraiser for the American Cancer Society—an effort that raised over $11 million nationally with more than $255,000 from the Sarasota-Manatee team. The event highlighted a community united in the fight against breast cancer.

The Manatee County Medical Society held an Oscars-themed gala at the Grove Ballroom in Lakewood Ranch on Sept.

13 to raise funds for scholarships and a Physician’s Wellness Program—280 guests came dressed on the red carpet to support healthcare professionals. Dr. Porter said the funds will help ease doctor burnout while event leaders provided a chance for new providers to connect.

Several Sarasota restaurants now offer a chef’s counter dining experience that lets guests watch chefs work up close; at Café Barbosso, new executive chef Shawn Cahall introduces a seasonally inspired five-course prix fixe menu & Adeline’s interactive counter by chef Drew Adams will close in early October. Arts & Central provides a kitchen bar where chefs interact with diners while Brine Seafood & Raw Bar features an oyster shucking counter for a unique culinary experience.

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.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy the captivating sounds of musician Bri Rivera, a standout talent from Puerto Rico, as she performs live on the waterfront.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Check event page for details — Enjoy the soulful sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented musician from Puerto Rico making waves in Sarasota's music scene.

Graphic Design Certificate Program

2-8 p.m. — American Graphics Institute — Check for tuition details — Enhance your design skills with a comprehensive graphic design certificate course.

Weekend Psychic & Holistic Expo

9 AM – 6 PM — Sarasota Sahib Shrine Event Center — Admission varies — Explore the realms of spirituality with psychics, mediums, and holistic products.

Community in Motion 5K & 1 Mile Walk

8:30-11:00 a.m. — Nathan Benderson Park — Registration fees apply — Celebrate fitness and community spirit at this annual 5K and 1 Mile Walk event.

Justin Layman Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — The Ugly Grouper — Free entry — Experience an evening of Folk, Rock, and R&B from the talented Sarasota singer-songwriter Justin Layman.

Stories of Sarasota: A Conversation & Book Signing with Jeff LaHurd

6-7 p.m. — Bookstore1 — Free entry — Explore Sarasota's transformation with acclaimed historian Jeff LaHurd in an engaging book signing event.