Daily
Sarasota
Friday, October 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of October.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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. Observer
- ➤ 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. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ 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. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. Observer
- ➤ 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. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ 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. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ 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. ABC 7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ 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. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ 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. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ 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. Observer
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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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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.
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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.
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Justin Layman Live Performance
5:30-9:30 p.m. — 3 Bridges Brewing — Check for entry details — Enjoy a night of Folk, Rock, and R&B melodies with local singer-songwriter Justin Layman.
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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.
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.
~ James Clear
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