Daily
Sarasota
Thursday, October 16th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ TD Bank will launch Sarasota’s first Dog ATM on Friday, Oct. 17 at its Clark Road branch where dogs will get free biscuits by stepping on a paw print mat — the event will include a doggy block party with a DJ, caricaturist and giveaways. The ATM is part of a rollout covering 14 sites and builds on previous biscuit giveaways at branches in Sarasota’s pet-friendly community. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ At Gulf Gate Library, children read aloud to and hugged three gentle therapy dogs from Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs and the Humane Society of Sarasota County during their weekly visit, helping them relax and enjoy reading. Volunteer Bob Hulvat—who has worked with the therapy dogs for 10 years—said the event brings calm to the kids. Observer
- ➤ Local businesses in Siesta Key are joining the Scarecrow Stroll—an event organized by the Chamber of Commerce that runs from Oct 1 to 31 where residents vote for their favorite display. Participants like Tunaskin Aquatic Apparel and local restaurants created themed scarecrows inspired by Stranger Things and Encanto to showcase their creativity and engage the community. Observer
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Guppy's Longboat Key is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a Philly-themed party tomorrow on Oct. 17—after hurricanes delayed its planned October 2024 opening, the bar now offers live music by The High Rollers and cheesesteak specials served on seeded rolls. Observer
- ➤ Sarasota tourism spots have been polished up and are open for visitors after hurricanes affected the 2024‑25 season—local merchants on St. Armands Circle and Siesta Village now expect a busy winter season. Updated landscaping and reopened businesses signal that the city and local hoteliers are gearing up to welcome back snowbirds and seasonal guests. Observer
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Scouts from Scouting America and Girl Scouts learned automotive skills at Suncoast Technical College during sessions on Sept.23 and Oct.7—where they practiced tire changes and oil changes. The college and the groups plan to offer more classes after the holiday season—covering HVAC, plumbing, and electricity. Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ After a Florida court invalidated the open carry ban, Publix announced today that customers can openly carry firearms in its 900 stores while chains like Costco, Target and Walmart continue to restrict such displays+The decision has divided public opinion as gun rights advocates welcome the change and some shoppers worry about safety in crowded aisles. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ The town of Longboat Key extended its waiver on building permit fees—valid through December 31—for those rebuilding after hurricanes Helene and Milton. It will also offer refunds for permits paid in error up to six months after the initial payment if proof of storm damage is provided. ABC 7
- ➤ Sarasota County received a federal permit to dredge Phillippi Creek after residents experienced repeated flooding from sand and sediment buildup. Crews will remove over 49000 cubic yards from eight creek sections in the next 4 to 6 weeks while further flood prevention projects are planned. FOX 13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Two-year-old Hudson Hill, a Sarasota toddler, needs a bone marrow transplant at NIH to fight Doc8 Immunodeficiency Syndrome — a rare condition caused by both parents carrying a recessive gene that has placed him among 250 diagnosed. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota’s ultra-luxury real estate market relies on smart financing and tax strategies to preserve wealth—investors use tools like private loans and 1031 exchanges to keep funds liquid for $20M+ property sales. Sarasota Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Wes Wilcox, a 39-year-old who returned to organized basketball after a five-year break, broke the Sarasota Bunker League scoring record by averaging 39 points in six games—his past 60-point outing on Sept. 15 showed his strong comeback. He now leads his team and aims to continue his record-breaking season. Observer
- ➤ Kingston Kokoefer, a sophomore safety at Out-of-Door Academy, intercepted two passes on Oct. 10—earning him East County Athlete of the Week honors as his team won 19-7 over Seffner Christian. Observer
- ➤ SunCourt Sports, a new tennis, pickleball and fitness community, opened Oct 15 at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and offers affordable membership with a $500 initiation fee and $150 monthly fee—directed by Paul Lederman, a seasoned instructor from Lakewood Ranch. Observer
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Bri Rivera Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Cost Info Not Provided — Enjoy the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a standout vocalist from Puerto Rico, in the heart of Sarasota.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The greatest teacher is your last mistake.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Sarasota
Welcome to the Daily Sarasota, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Sarasota, Florida community. If you like the Daily Sarasota, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Sarasota.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Sarasota and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Sarasota
A free Sarasota community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailysarasota.com/sitemap