Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of October.
Good morning, Sarasota.
🎭 Culture
At the Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival in Sarasota, Hollowgraves Haunted Manor opened after years of work by Englewood resident Stan Ambro, who built the attraction from trailers and animatronics once used at Jersey Shore parks.
The family-run project is a key part of the festival’s eight-day window and is planned to become a year-round attraction — showcasing decades of community artistry.
October is a busy month for arts and culture in Sarasota as many shows, concerts and festivals are planned across the city—residents can enjoy theater productions at Venice Theatre, film events at Burns Court Cinema and art exhibits at local galleries.
The events offer family fun and a chance to celebrate local talent.
Tony Award winner Idina Menzel will headline the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Gala on March 6 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall—raising funds for arts education and a new performing arts center.
Tickets for the concert-only event are on sale today at the Van Wezel box office.
🎓 Education
Two Sarasota County high school graduates, Sophie Beltran from Riverview and Angelina O’Leary from Suncoast Polytechnical, were recognized today by the Herald-Tribune for ranking in the top 5% with a 4.0 GPA.
Sophie overcame early challenges and bullying before a teacher’s support led her to join a national college prep program—while Angelina credited her father as her main inspiration.
🏛️ Government
At a Sarasota County Commission meeting on Oct.
8 the board will consider a resolution asking the Florida Legislature to designate the portion of U.S. 41 from North Creek to Blackburn Point Road the 'Dickey Betts Memorial Highway'—honoring the late rock musician whose family has deep roots in our community and who helped shape rock music with The Allman Brothers Band.
Florida flights continue to operate amid a government shutdown that began Oct.
1 as the FAA furloughs about 11,000 workers and over 50,000 TSA agents work without pay — some delays have been reported at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Airlines note that while air traffic control remains active, travelers may face longer lines and slower processing at security checkpoints.
🏥 Health
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is in-network with Cigna Healthcare as of October 1—restoring access for Cigna commercial plan members with hospitals, outpatient centers, and physicians from First Physicians Group.
The new two-year contract comes after the hospital went out-of-network in April 2020 when contract talks stalled.
Senior Friendship Centers is offering free and low-cost services for older residents in Sarasota and Venice, including flu and RSV vaccines, Medicare counseling, and scam-prevention workshops to help them face rising health and financial challenges.
The nonprofit has scheduled events beginning on Oct 7 with budgeting workshops and continuing with a flu clinic and Medicare updates on Oct 9—supporting seniors throughout the fall.
🏈 Sports
Parrish Community High quarterback Brycen Volz was named Boys Athlete of the Week for Sept.
15-20 after earning 48.1% of the vote while completing 13-of-20 passes for 211 yards and four touchdowns. He started playing football at age 7—introduced by his father—and now aims to play college football.
Venice High volleyball player Tien Murray—who began playing in sixth grade—was named the Herald-Tribune Girls Athlete of the Week for Sept.
15-20 after earning nine aces, 16 kills and six blocks in a win, and she said she now aims to inspire young players and boost team spirit.
The Herald-Tribune named contenders for the Sarasota—Manatee midseason Newcomer and Coach of the Year in high school football, and readers can cast their vote before polls close at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct.
7.
Riverview football players Toryeon James and Isaiah Belt scored a total of seven touchdowns in a 56-20 win over Sarasota last Friday — the team gained 707 yards — which started their season strong.
They earned their 15th win in a row — a sign of their strong run — and will play more games soon.
🎉 Sarasota Events
Submit an event →
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.
Art at Noon Gallery Talk with Christopher Wilson
12-1 p.m. — Sarasota Art Museum — Free entry — Engage in a discussion about the Art Deco exhibition with an architecture historian.
🏠 Sarasota Real Estate
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Sarasota Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Sarasota Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Sarasota.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.