Good morning, Sarasota.

On October 4, St. Boniface Episcopal Church in Siesta Key held its annual pet blessing led by Rev.

Nikki Seger, who read Genesis to honor pets—both dogs and a newly adopted cat from the Humane Society of Sarasota County. Parishioners also brought pet food donations to support local animal care.

Caragiulos will close its South Palm Avenue restaurant on Oct.

26 and reopen in a new 4,300-square-foot space at 1833 Ringling Blvd. in January 2026—continuing its legacy of serving Italian-American pizzas and pastas that has built a loyal following over 36 years.

Award-winning Burns Gallery moved to a 2,500-square-foot space on Central Ave with 20-foot ceilings and flexible walls — it soft-opened recently.

The gallery will host artist talks, book signings and design events with a grand opening planned in November and new projects in custom furniture and hand-painted linen coming next, according to owner Nikki Sedacca.

Sarasota County has faced a long-term housing shortage with over 2,600 units missing and home prices nearly double what many families can afford.

Officials are urged to ease land-use rules and issue more permits—steps that may help close the $247,243 gap between incomes and costs.

Today, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium opened its new Science and Education Aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park.

The 146,000-square-foot facility cost $132 million and shows 1 million gallons of exhibits — with sharks, stingrays, manatees, otters, penguins, and a giant octopus—and has three STEM labs for over 70,000 students.

Sarasota Community Day School students read pen pal letters from Israeli fourth graders on Wednesday as part of an international project started in 2017—students will write follow-up letters soon to continue building cross-cultural ties.

Suncoast Reef Rovers will host their annual underwater cleanup at the Venice Municipal Fishing Pier on Oct.

18 + the pier at 1600 Harbor Dr. S. will be closed until about 1 p.m. to let divers and teams from Venice Police and Fire Rescue remove debris. Volunteers will gather for a mandatory safety briefing at 9:30 a.m. before the cleanup begins, with lunch provided by Sharky’s on the Pier.

On Oct.6, the Sarasota City Commission approved a nearly $4 million deal to replace about 16,000 water meters with remote-read technology over the next 24 months — the new system will use current drive-by methods until the advanced network is active.

The council also approved contracts for federal lobbying and new parking garage cameras.

Five local high school girls volleyball teams are getting ready for the FHSAA playoffs as district games start Oct.

13 and state play begins Nov. 3 to 8; teams from Cardinal Mooney to Booker show mixed records and face challenges such as new coaches, injuries, and lost seniors—each working to build momentum before postseason play.

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.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Play

6-7:45 p.m. — Sarasota Polo Club — $15-$30 — Experience the spooky tale with a costume contest and encounter the Headless Horseman.

Repticon Reptile and Exotic Animal Show

10:00 – 11:30 AM — Sarasota Sahib Shrine — Admission varies — Explore reptiles and exotic animals while connecting with suppliers and enthusiasts.

Dovydas Concert

6-11 p.m. — Big Top Live — Tickets from $45 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Dovydas in Sarasota.

Live Music with Bri Rivera

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy captivating performances from a rising star in the local music scene, inspired by her Puerto Rican roots.