Daily
Sarasota
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Bay Park Conservancy will host a three-year anniversary celebration from Oct. 1 to Nov. 2 with over 80 free events at The Bay, a park that has drawn more than 880,000 visitors since its opening in October 2022. The free events include music, movies, dance, guided kayak tours and fitness classes — offering a variety of activities for local residents. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ On Tuesday evening in Bradenton, community members gathered in GT Bray Park to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot at an event in Utah, as local officials recalled his commitment to Christian values and announced a future vigil at Indian Mound Park — reinforcing his lasting impact on the community. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Homeowner Mary Jo Weidrick said a coyote attacked her 11-year-old cat outside her Bahia Vista Street home and now she has installed a device that flashes lights and sounds an alarm at night—local officials advised using noise and water to deter coyotes. ABC 7
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ The morning commute on I-75 northbound near Clark Road was delayed by a crash involving multiple vehicles—blocking the right lane and creating a backup over 5 miles with delays exceeding 15 minutes. ABC 7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota philanthropist Hugh Culverhouse Jr.’s $350,000 challenge spurred record contributions—totaling $707,938—to Florida Humanities to help sustain museums, libraries, and cultural programs after federal funding cuts. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Farm at McIntosh Middle School opened on Sept 9, giving students a 30,762-square-foot space for agricultural and horticultural projects. More than 1,600 sixth and seventh graders and high school classes will use animal arenas, a greenhouse, a food lab, barns and a kitchen for hands-on learning in farming and STEM. Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota County has opened bids for $30M in hurricane recovery funds to build multifamily affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households. County staff will review projects that must provide at least five rental units and ensure a 20-year affordability period—applications are due Oct. 24. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Starting Sept. 22, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office will send a post-call survey to some 911 and non-emergency callers to ask if the call-taker was courteous and if the call was answered promptly—using the new PowerEngage system to collect feedback via text or online responses. Residents can reply STOP to opt out—while the survey is designed solely for feedback and not for reporting emergencies. Observer
- ➤ Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will move ahead with phase two of its master plan after the city commission denied Laurel Park resident Kelly Franklin’s appeal, and the project adds a new learning pavilion and conservatory designed to withstand hurricanes — the plan will remove some trees and plant nearly 200 new ones. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Sarasota County Fire Department now uses the Butterfly iQ3 ultrasound system to help paramedics conduct live telemedicine consults with EMS medical directors—this tool lets them check for injuries such as a collapsed lung or heart injury. The device, carried in EMS vehicles, was purchased using state grant funds to enhance emergency care. ABC 7
- ➤ Hundreds will participate in the LifeStory 5K/10K on Saturday, September 20 to support suicide prevention by raising funds for Centerstone—an organization that provides mental health and substance use services—to help save lives this National Suicide Prevention Month. ABC 7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Senior quarterback Daniel Pangallo transferred from Spoto High to Venice High after a rough start that led to him being benched in Week 3. Coach John Peacock said he will evaluate Pangallo before allowing him to play this week—Pangallo joined Venice for better academics and a stronger football program. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Senior quarterback Joel Morris—recognized as a three-star recruit—threw four touchdowns and completed 15-of-24 passes for 279 yards in Booker's 42-0 win over Naples, boosting team confidence ahead of the FHSAA Class 3A state tournament. The win has set the stage for Booker as the team aims to win its first state championship. Observer
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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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