Daily
Sarasota
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Sarasota Herald-Tribune, founded by David and Dick Lindsay in 1925, celebrates 100 years today and has grown with the community—weathering economic shifts and ownership changes while continuing to serve local readers. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Bradenton Beach Merchants Association will kick off the Sundown Get Down street party on Oct. 11 on Historic Bridge Street with a tribute to first responders and a cornhole tournament that marks the town’s one-year reopening after hurricanes Helene and Milton. Other events include a free lecture by Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat on Oct. 9 at Mildred Sainer Pavilion and the announcement of Youth Leadership Sarasota Class 2026—along with Fresh Fridays and YMCA youth programs this week. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Ranch Nite Wednesdays have returned in Lakewood Ranch after summer break—offering food trucks, live music and recreational cornhole through May. Local families praise the event for its fun, safe setup that gives everyone a midweek break. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ This week, Sarasota and Bradenton host a busy concert series featuring an annual electronic dance fundraiser headlined by DJ R3HAB—local venues also welcome award-winning blues acts and Americana singer Alice Wallace across events from Friday to Sunday. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Hermitage Artist Retreat on Manasota Key has waited almost a year for Sarasota County to fix hurricane damage from last fall, a delay that has stopped it from hosting artists and free programs; CEO Andy Sandberg said the retreat offered to use Bach Land Development to complete repairs in 30-40 days (if permits are given) but the county must follow FEMA rules (which may push repairs to late 2026). Sarasota Herald-Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is accepting online applications for the 2026 goliath grouper harvest permit with a $10 fee to enter the lottery and costs of $150 for residents or $500 for nonresidents if awarded. The harvest will run from March 1 through May 31 with only 200 permits available in most state waters — anglers should apply soon. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ An appeals court panel declared Florida’s ban on open carry unconstitutional on Sept. 10, making it legal to carry firearms openly while restrictions still apply in places such as schools and courthouses—lawmakers are expected to address the inconsistencies in the state’s gun laws. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ On Sept. 23, Venice City Council approved a $172.5 million budget for 2025-26 and adopted a rolled back property tax rate that will cut revenue by about $419,000. One council member voted against the tax reduction—this measure will save homeowners with a $300,000 home roughly $18, with a $500,000 home about $30, and with a $1 million home around $59 per year. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota Memorial Health Care System was named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals based on survey ratings by over 17,000 healthcare workers who evaluated wages, work conditions and career opportunities. The hospital—Sarasota County’s largest employer—was ranked among the top five healthcare employers in Florida and added this award to a growing list of honors. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ In Sarasota, Michael’s on East closed Sept.14 for a remodel and will reopen Oct.7, Tommy Bahama reopened on Sept.24, and Kilwins reopened on Sept.27 after a hurricane closure—Munchies 420 Cafe closed permanently in Gulf Gate. In Bradenton and Venice, Whataburger and Potbelly will open at SeaFlower Village Center in fourth quarter while The Breakfast Company will launch its first south Sarasota County branch in spring. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ High school football games in Sarasota and Manatee counties ended Friday, Oct. 3 as FHSAA and SSAA teams completed Week 7 contests. Live updates reported scores from games including Bayshore at Hawthorne and Booker at Sebring, highlighting playoff implications. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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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