Good morning, Sarasota.

Sarasota Housing Authority held dual groundbreaking ceremonies on Sept.

17 for Cypress Square II & Lofts on Lemon II, projects that will add 208 affordable apartments to help families find housing. Cypress Square II offers 108 units with some for Section 8 and will be finished by summer while Lofts on Lemon II will provide 100 one-bedroom apartments with occupancy starting in fourth quarter.

Temple Emanu-El Religious School held an outdoor Rosh Hashanah celebration on Sept 21 at Phillippi Estate Park, where students and families enjoyed a beekeeping demonstration, apples and honey, and a Tashlich ceremony designed to cast away last year's troubles.

Rabbi Michael Shefrin said the event was meant to celebrate the start of the Jewish New Year while appreciating nature—marking a fresh, open-air beginning.

Key Chorale will start its 41st season on Sept.

27 with a concert called 'Coronation: Music Inspired by Royalty' that will feature Handel’s 'The King Shall Rejoice' and Mozart’s Coronation Mass. The event will include soloist Mary Wilson along with 100 singers and a professional orchestra—showing the group’s strong role in our local arts scene.

Registration is open for the 2025-26 catalog at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel — 567 Bay Isles Road — with three key programs that include a free falls prevention workshop on November 20 from 10 a.m. to noon, a film screening and discussion with Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates on March 5, and a talk by Rev Kenneth Blyth on March 10. The center will also offer Kid Dutch’s New Orleans jazz series on January 20 and February 10 to complement the season's events.

On Sept. 16, some Myakka City residents asked Manatee County to protect the Myakka River when its water looked almost like chocolate milk—an indication of rising pollution that some linked to nearby golf courses.

Commissioners voted 6-0 to have staff produce a protection plan by Sept. 22, and a local resident said he would review current codes to show how the river could be safer.

Sarasota County is still recovering from the 2024 hurricane season when storms Helene and Milton caused over $1.7 billion in damage and led nearly 9,400 people to evacuate—county officials now warn residents to know their evacuation zones, check flood insurance, and update emergency plans as officials monitor new storm systems. The county also has updated its debris removal efforts and released an emergency preparedness guide to help residents get ready for future storms.

Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi reflected on the 2024 storm surge — noting key lessons to boost preparations for the upcoming hurricane season — during a recent review.

Her insights aim to improve local readiness as officials plan for future storms.

Local eateries in Sarasota and Bradenton are celebrating National Breakfast Month by offering signature dishes such as pork roll sandwiches from Bagels & Brews, traditional German Frühstück at Mama G’s Bakery, seasonal pastries at Project Coffee, and hearty huevos rancheros at Guerrero’s Bakery.

Condo owners, managers and homeowner association leaders met on Sept 18 at Longboat Key Club to learn about new state regulations following the 2021 Surfside collapse that claimed 98 lives.

David Novak and other speakers explained that increased rules—requiring more structural studies and reserve funds—have raised ownership costs and changed condo management on Longboat Key.

Gabe Milliken, a sophomore runner for Sarasota Christian, set a personal record of 18:09.97 for eighth place at the SSAA championships—he was named Athlete of the Week and aims to qualify for states this season.

Jordan Brown, a Lakewood Ranch senior at IMG Academy and a Princeton men's golf commit, finished sixth at the Curry Cup Championship held Sept.

10-12 on Stephen Curry's Underrated Golf Tour — earning him the title of East County Athlete of the Week. He plans to lower his scoring average and improve his putting at future tournaments — showing his strong work and focus on progress.

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.

We’ve Got Short Shorts at Sarasota Jewish Theatre

1:30-3:30 p.m. — The Players Centre for Performing Arts — $24 — Enjoy two contemporary comedic plays exploring faith and identity in a lively theatrical setting.

Cabana Dogs Live Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Freckled Fin Irish Pub — $ — Dance to high-energy beach rock and soulful tunes by Sarasota's own Cabana Dogs.

Tyler Farr Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — Big Top Live — Tickets available — Experience the electric country-rock sounds of Tyler Farr with his chart-topping hits and engaging stage presence.

SHARDS of SKELLY

3-4 p.m. — Sarasota Sahib Shrine Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical family Halloween show featuring hilarious fairy tales and a lovable skeleton hero.