Daily
Sarasota
Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off returns for its 25th year tomorrow, October 19, drawing over a dozen fire stations from Sarasota, Cedar Hammock, Venice, Longboat Key, Englewood and North Port to compete for best chili and booth. Proceeds will support the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund—free tasting tickets are available for first responders, nurses, military, law enforcement and teachers. Observer
- ➤ On October 23, the Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens series will open at Selby Gardens with Artistic Director Andy Sandberg hosting a town hall on hurricane recovery—featuring a performance by world-renowned violist Ralph Farris. Local community events continue with the Senior Friendship Centers hosting the 'Joyful Journeys' authors series the same day while the Sarasota Medieval Fair returns on weekends in November with themed festivities. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Before retiring on October 17th, Rick Piccolo led Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport to be named Best Resort Airport 2025 by USA Today after topping a Top 10 list released October 15th. Paul Hoback will take over as president and CEO on October 20th as the airport celebrated the completion of Concourse A. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota and nearby areas will have many Halloween events—ghost tours, spooky walks, light shows, and pumpkin festivals—throughout October. Families and all ages will enjoy trick-or-treating, costume contests and fun activities at local venues. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ Venice Theatre staff celebrated placing the final steel beam on the historic 432-seat Jervey Theatre that was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022. The building, originally built in 1926, still needs interior work while community fundraisers work to complete the remaining $5 million of its $25 million restoration project. ABC 7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida law allows masks at No Kings protests as long as protesters do not use them to intimidate or commit a crime — the state laws, updated since 1951, restrict face coverings on public roads and properties. Protesters must avoid any actions that could be seen as threatening to prevent heightened penalties such as longer jail time or higher fines. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Publix recalled its Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream half-gallon container after concerns it may contain an undeclared egg allergen that can cause serious or life-threatening reactions. The recalled product is sold in several states, but stores in Sarasota, Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Tampa are not affected, and customers are urged to return it for a full refund. ABC 7
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota enjoys cooler fall weather that gives locals a chance to explore ten top attractions before tourist season arrives — from parks and museums to restaurants offering both indoor and outdoor experiences. The guide helps residents pick from local favorites to keep enjoying the charm of our community. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Palmetto High football team beat Manatee to win the Cross River Rivalry trophy—marking their first win over the team since 2022. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ High school football teams in Sarasota and Manatee counties played on Friday, Oct. 17 as they pushed for playoff spots. Live updates from both FHSAA and SSAA games showed key scores as the regular season ended. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Puerto Rican musician Bri Rivera in the heart of Sarasota.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Sarasota
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