Good morning, Sarasota.

Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy—one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen and the youngest fighter pilot to earn his wings in 1942—died at 100 on September 25 in Sarasota.

He flew 136 combat missions across three wars and was honored with a Congressional Gold Medal during his long military career.

The Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa opened in summer 2024 and is connected to the Bradenton Area Convention Center, which is finishing a $54 million renovation by November to add a large ballroom and meeting spaces—features that set Palmetto apart as a Gulf Coast destination.

Tourism officials say the project is expected to bring in $30-40 million annually—boosting regional business.

More than 100 events, including fall festivals and Halloween celebrations, are planned for October across Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties—residents can enjoy free movie screenings, live music and art exhibits at local venues.

Architecture Sarasota hosted a new speaker series called Downtown Sarasota: Beyond Our Borders with global urbanists like Gil Penalosa, Brent Toderian and Paul Kalbfleisch to share ideas on improving downtown planning and community spaces—Hoyt Architects also led an Urban Studies Speaker Series where experts such as Robert Gibbs and Wes Marshall discussed retail trends and safer transportation for a new master plan and city manager appointment.

Art Center Sarasota will celebrate its 100th year when its Centennial Season begins Oct.

9 with four new exhibitions and a community reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at 707 N. Tamiami Trail—additional events include a book fair on Dec. 6 and the revival of the Beaux Arts Ball on March 21.

Venice Fire Rescue tested its Skydio X10 drone on Sept.

25 at Higel Marine Park Boat Ramp—dropping a Restube inflatable device to aid a swimmer in distress. Fire Chief Kyle Hartley said the drone can deploy the rescue device in 30 seconds—reducing a typical five-minute response time and supporting fire surveillance and missing person searches.

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.

Annual Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival

10 AM – 5 PM — Selby Five Points Park — Free entry — Explore diverse crafts and a Green Market in the heart of vibrant Downtown Sarasota.