Daily
Sarasota
Wednesday, September 17th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of September.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Local author Alan Cross held a book signing at Three Island Monkeys on Sept 13 where he discussed his second book that examines Anna Maria Island’s unsolved 1980 cold-case murders involving four victims—he collaborated with the Holmes Beach Police Department to view crime scene photos that helped shape his theory. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Samantha Gholar is the new Herald-Tribune arts and culture writer covering Sarasota’s creative scene, where she blends social justice with art coverage. Her first assignment focuses on Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s season opener “Purlie” — a musical where a preacher fights oppression. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Local venues in Sarasota and nearby counties will host Oktoberfest celebrations with beer, brats and live music starting at Calusa Brewing on Friday and continuing through October 19—breweries, restaurants and parks will offer festive contests and family fun. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Florida Extension and Sustainability opened its new Educational Outreach Garden Greenhouse at 6600 Clark Road near Twin Lakes Park—funded by the Sarasota County Infrastructure Surtax and local foundations—to teach community members about sustainable landscaping and water quality. The facility, delayed from its planned 2024 opening by last year’s hurricanes, was built by Halfacre Construction and supported by years of advocacy by Master Gardener Volunteers. ABC 7
- ➤ Mote Marine Laboratory will open its new Science Education Aquarium on Oct. 8—a 146,000-square-foot, $130 million facility near Nathan Benderson Park that features a 400,000-gallon Gulf habitat, interactive classrooms for local students, and a dining area to support marine research and education. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ Samantha Biggs — assistant principal at Lakewood Ranch High School — earned the 2025 Yale Educator Award after a former student nominated her. With 11 years of teaching experience, she said the honor will not change her dedication to helping students. Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said that open carry is now the law after a Tallahassee appeals panel ruled that the gun ban was unconstitutional. He sent guidance to law enforcement to not arrest law-abiding citizens—while warning that the ruling does not let people use guns to threaten others. FOX 13
- ➤ Sarasota City Commission approved a $303 million fiscal year 2026 budget at a Sept. 15 special meeting that raised the property tax operating millage rate to 3.2730 to rebuild the depleted fund balance from hurricane recovery costs—an increase expected to add about $5.2 million. Interim City Manager Dave Bullock said FEMA reimbursements remain uncertain as the city works to restore its funds. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Brady Cleveland showed his skills on the field as a sophomore playing wide receiver and defensive back by catching 13 passes for 314 yards and scoring five touchdowns for The Out-of-Door Academy in their 3-1 start. He said he has played football since kindergarten and aims to break records, modeling his game after role model Josh Allen — his speed and passion promise a bright future. Observer
- ➤ After Week 4 of high school football, local rankings show that Cardinal Mooney leads with a balanced offense and defense—Venice is rising while Sarasota missed an undefeated start. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ At the Crutchfield-Hawkins Invitational hosted by Sebring High School on Monday, the Lakewood Ranch Mustangs won by nine strokes with Donny Plakyda leading the team and marking a third straight victory following wins on Sept. 8 and Sept. 13—on Saturday, the Venice girls won The Founders Cup at The Founders Club by 18 strokes as Evyn Cannon earned medalist honors with a score of 71. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Sarasota
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