Daily
Sarasota
Friday, October 17th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Oct. 14, 30 local dog lovers joined the Barks and Brews event at The Green at UTC to support Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center. Teagan Nickols led the parade with her Shih Tzu Mushu and his son Emmett in Wizard of Oz-themed costumes—Mushu as the scarecrow, Emmett as the tin man, and Nickols as Dorothy. Observer
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ REI will close three flagship stores in New York, Boston and New Jersey by late 2026, but its Florida stores in Boca Raton, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Palm Beach Gardens, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Tampa and Winter Park will remain open. The co-op’s new strategy under CEO Mary Beth Laughton aims to rebuild its business amid a 6.2% revenue drop in 2024—this may lead to fewer local classes and a smaller gear selection. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Former Lakewood Ranch barber—Barry Rainwater—has published his new 344-page science fiction thriller '2025: Gardens and Creeks,' which is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The book is set in Talladega National Forest and shows his creative journey from cutting hair to writing. Observer
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport was voted the best resort airport by USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards—its food, shops and beach access made it a favorite for travelers. The airport serves 69 nonstop destinations and will handle 4.5 million passengers this year, which is expected to boost local economic growth. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ On Oct 15, USA TODAY’s 10Best lists recognized Florida airports with 21 rankings for amenities like dining, art — and lounge services, with Tampa International Airport earning top honors. The rankings underscore the state’s role as a key travel hub boosting tourism and benefiting local communities including Sarasota. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ New College of Florida has become smaller, more expensive, and shows lower academic quality under its current leadership—rising transfer numbers mask a drop in first-time college students and a 59-place fall in national rankings. College officials claim the school is surging with more transfers, but its high costs and declining core student metrics signal a challenging shift. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ More than 80 'No Kings' protests will occur in Florida on Oct. 18th, including an event at Payne Park in Sarasota from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET where participants must follow local rules—such as keeping a safe distance from first responders. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Florida recorded 30 Vibrio vulnificus cases — a serious infection contracted through eating raw seafood or exposing open wounds to warm, brackish water — with the latest case reported in Lee County on Oct.16. Five deaths have been confirmed in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, and St. Johns counties. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ The FDA warned consumers today to stop using ground cinnamon products with high lead levels — including brands sold in Florida — after issuing several alerts this month. Consumer Reports published on Oct. 15 that many protein powders have unsafe lead levels and advised against their daily use to prevent long-term health issues. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Brooke Garris from Saint Stephen's Episcopal volleyball team was named Girls Athlete of the Week for Sept. 29-Oct. 4 after her team swept The Classical Academy of Sarasota with eight kills and four blocks—she won the poll with 52.65% of the vote and shared how she worked hard to come back after a serious injury in a Q&A. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Tampa Bay lost in overtime in extras to the Capitals on Tuesday in Washington—Ryan McDonagh opened the scoring before Washington’s Jakob Chychrun scored the game-winner. Coach Jon Cooper said the team earned three out of four possible points on the back-to-back road trip—highlighting improvements despite the loss. ABC 7
- ➤ Sarasota Christian quarterback Ben Milliken was named the Herald-Tribune Boys Athlete of the Week for Sept. 29 to Oct. 4 after he set a school record with 7 touchdown passes and 250 yards. The senior said his favorite moment was a comeback win and he aims to play at the next level — showing strong team dedication as he improves his skills. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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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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.
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Live Music by Justin Layman
4-8 p.m. — Munchies 420 Cafe Tiki Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of Folk, Rock, and R&B with local talent Justin Layman.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
When you can't win by being better, you can win by being different.
~ James Clear
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