Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of October.
Good morning, Sarasota.
Kilwins on St. Armands Circle reopened today after closing for a year because Hurricane Milton damaged the shop — the celebration featured live entertainment and free treats.
This 40-year-old business marks a key moment in Sarasota's ongoing recovery from the storms.
Manasota BUDS supports local families with Down syndrome by offering New Parent Kits, playdates, scholarship programs, and community events—like the Buddy Walk on Oct.
25 at Bayside Community Church. The nonprofit began when two local families met in a church Sunday school and now serves over 250 families in the area.
Michael Garey, who helped revive the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key, passed the club presidency to Danielle Gladding on Sept.
25 at the Lazy Lobster—this change comes as the club plans new fundraisers like the Pancake Breakfast and Lawn Party.
In May, Home Resource in Sarasota hosted global executives including Kettnaker's Chief Operating Officer Alex Hensler and Leica's CEO Mattias Harsch for the premiere of the SOMA Media System.
The system hides a Leica projector behind a sleek cabinet—impressing over 40 designers and marking a key milestone in Home Resource's growth.
Two Sarasota firms, Seibert Architects and Halflants and Pichette Architects, were named on Forbes' Best Residential Architects list after a ten‐month evaluation of more than 20,000 firms.
The review honored the firms for blending Sarasota’s midcentury legacy with a modern design approach.
Olivia Millin, a 20-year-old independent artist from Lakewood Ranch, filmed a music video for her hit song TTYL in Times Square on May 11 and held the top spot on The Independent Music Network for three weeks since its Feb.
14 release—she plans to launch her own record label with new albums coming around Thanksgiving and in April.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is accepting applications for the limited Goliath grouper season from March 1 through May 31—applicants have two weeks to apply and permits will be awarded by random draw with one fish per person.
The Sarasota City Commission voted 4 to 1 on Sept.
2 to move the Main Street Complete Street project into design and engineering, starting a two-year planning process to boost walkability on a 1.2-mile downtown corridor while addressing merchant concerns over losing up to 100 parking spaces. The plan will test various parking configurations, including shifting some street parking to city garages, and will add wider sidewalks and improved landscaping to enhance the public realm.
Local health groups in Sarasota are boosting care for women by offering services like prenatal help, cancer care, and mental health support—each working with partners and donors to make treatment affordable and accessible.
These organizations are also funding research and hosting events to ensure women get the right information and care they need.
Urban Air Adventure Park opened on Sept.
27 at 6450 Professional Parkway in Sarasota, offering families fun with attractions like Sky Rider, climbing walls, a ropes course, slides, an indoor sports court, and a warrior course.
In Sarasota, Smoke & Fire opened this past summer on the corner of Clark Road and Sarah Avenue where Dr. Todd Horiuchi—an internist and pitmaster who uses oak wood for flavor—teams with Chef Nick Seth-Ward to serve Texas-style brisket, chicken, ribs and other local BBQ dishes, and the restaurant operates Friday-Sunday with unique menu items like Banana Dream for dessert.
The Herald-Tribune announced its midseason picks for Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year in the Sarasota—Manatee high school football season and is holding a vote.
Polls will close at 10 a.m. on Oct. 6 so local fans can choose their top player.
Dr. Sara Simmons from Coastal Orthopedics, who is also a skilled rower, won her age group in the women's quad sculls at the World Rowing Masters Regatta in Banyoles, Spain on Sept.
13—she finished over 6 seconds ahead of the next boat. Her Sarasota County Rowing Club teammates, including Jessica Archibald, Jill Veitkus, and Katrin Muff, also raced in other events, adding to the team's international success.
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.
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