Daily
Sarasota
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 15th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Baby Basics of Sarasota has supported nearly 156 families by providing essentials like diapers and wipes to low-income households—this nonprofit will hold its annual circus-themed fundraiser on November 17 at the Sarasota Yacht Club to raise donations for continued support. ABC 7
- ➤ On Thursday, Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m., Powered by Philanthropy will bring together donors, nonprofit leaders and community champions at St. Regis Longboat Key for a private tour, panel discussion and nonprofit showcase—focusing on changing local philanthropic trends. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ Local advocates call on Sarasota County to invest in building the Newtown Family Center—designed to support youth trauma healing and prevention—instead of expanding a jail with over $400 million, noting that 683 children aged 10–17 were arrested in 2022-23. The push for the center comes as community leaders seek cost-effective measures to break the cycle of reactive jail construction. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ John Brothers will serve as president and CEO of the Barancik Foundation starting Dec. 1 and comes with nearly a decade at T. Rowe Price Foundation along with four decades in global philanthropy. He is moving to Sarasota—drawn by its arts scene and local community spirit—and he plans to listen to local leaders as he guides the foundation’s work. Sarasota Magazine
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Caragiulos Italian American Restaurant will close its historic 69 S. Palm Ave. location after 37 years—and the family-owned restaurant will move to 1833 Ringling Blvd. with a planned reopening in January—while it holds a raffle for collectible artwork during its final weekend from Oct. 24 to Oct. 26. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ La Norma has reopened after a redecoration that added a homey feel with Sicilian touches—black-and-white photos from Catania and hand-painted Italian plates light the walls. Owners Daniela and Giuseppe Fornieri, who built the restaurant on solid financial planning, said indoor seating is now available and patio seating will return soon for seasonal residents. Observer
- ➤ M/I Homes donated $141,000 from the sale of a benefit home in Lakewood Ranch to Pelotonia, a nonprofit that funds cancer research. This donation is the third benefit home contribution by the company and follows last year's Sweetwater sale that raised $140,248—supporting ongoing research efforts. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ After a two-year break, Theatre Odyssey’s One-Act Play Festival returns to the Jane B. Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts on Oct. 18-19 — the festival, now in its 21st year, will present five one-act plays with a $1,000 prize for the winning script. Observer
- ➤ Since Oct. 8, Mote Science Education Aquarium — located at 225 University Town Center Drive near Nathan Benderson Park — has drawn visitors to its 146,000 square feet of exhibits featuring manatees, river otters and Humboldt penguins. The aquarium is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with 30-minute admission slots available online and parking options that include a scenic lot and drop-off for strollers and seniors. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The county commission on Oct. 8 offered Hermitage Artist Retreat a lump sum of $172,258 and shifted all future hurricane repair costs to the retreat—pending board approval on Oct. 18, the county will otherwise proceed with its design-build contractor and face a slower repair timeline. Hermitage officials had proposed handling repairs themselves and completing work by early 2026. Observer
- ➤ Manatee County leaders have discussed adding a Gulf Islands Ferry stop on Longboat Key to ease traffic since increased ridership has raised congestion, but they have not yet secured a public dock that residents support. The county will spend $3 million to add a new 92-seat ferry — a move that aims to enhance service and reduce road congestion. Observer
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A Riverdale Revised home on Regatta Way topped the week's residential real estate sales by selling for $2 million. Cass and Jason Adelman sold the 2019-built property during Sept. 29-Oct. 3 — it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,915 square feet of living space. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Cardinal Mooney moved into the No. 1 spot in the Week 9 FHSAA power rankings after beating Lakewood 35-12 on a three-game win streak. The top five teams are Vero Beach, Buchholz, Armwood and Lakeland — playoff brackets are set for each class if contests begin today. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Dovydas Concert
6-11 p.m. — Big Top Live — Tickets from $45 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Dovydas in Sarasota.
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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.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of live music with professional guitarist Ryan Faraday and his eclectic band mix.
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Live Music with Scott Curts
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of eclectic music and captivating performances by accomplished artist Scott Curts.
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