Daily
Sarasota
Tuesday, October 21st, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 21st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Christ Church of Longboat Key will host its annual food drive for Our Daily Bread of Bradenton on Nov. 5—inviting community members to donate shelf-stable foods, hygiene products and other essential items. Observer
- ➤ Families enjoyed Boo! at The Bay on Oct. 18 when the park hosted Halloween activities with a spooky trail, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting and a showing of A Minecraft Movie. Attendees including Robert Banta, who wore a creative costume inspired by The Son of Man, watched the sunset from the park—still under development. Observer
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Premier Sotheby's International Realty named Kayla Fleeman as its new senior regional marketing director for Sarasota while Marvin B. Austin was promoted to vice president of finance at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. The Humane Society of Sarasota County named Connie Boros as executive director and Rebecca Blitz as senior director of advancement, and local legal and realty firms such as Fergeson Skipper, Icard Merrill, Douglas Elliman, Shumaker and Nikolaus Asset Management also announced new honors, leadership changes or acquisitions—moves that are set to boost local market activity. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Contemporary classical group enSRQ, led by Samantha Bennett and George Nickson, will begin its 10th season on Oct. 27 at First Congregational Church with a program titled 'Tangled Whispers' featuring modern compositions—reflecting a decade of presenting works written after 2000. Observer
- ➤ On Oct. 17, Asolo Rep on Tour performed an adaptation of Alice in Wonderland at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch using a three-quarter thrust stage that brought the audience closer to the action. The group will return on Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. for Shakespeare45—part of the Sights and Sounds series that presents live, classic book adaptations. Observer
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A Miami-based charter operator Mater Academy filed early notices to use nearly 100 public schools including Emma E Booker Elementary, Brookside Middle and Oak Park School, which has made parents and educators worried about sharing services. Lawmakers have not explained the process and districts now have 20 days to respond (school officials say sharing resources is a major concern). Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ The Community Foundation of Sarasota County directed over $1.2 million through its Strauss Literacy Initiative to boost youth reading skills by funding teacher coaching, student scholarships and literacy programs. Gulf Coast Community Foundation also gave a $50,000 grant to Embracing Our Differences for a reading day at Ashton Elementary School—further strengthening local support for education. Sarasota Magazine
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The National Hurricane Center said that as Invest 98L moves into the central Caribbean later this week, it is likely to become a tropical depression—if it reaches tropical storm strength, it will be named Melissa and could affect Florida if a dip in the jet stream steers it north. Residents are urged to monitor updates as the storm develops. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Patients in Sarasota and Manatee with Aetna Medicare Advantage plans from Intercoastal Medical Group were notified that their primary care doctors will drop from network after December 1—forcing many to reschedule appointments or choose new coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period from Oct.15 to Dec.7. CEO Geoffrey Simon said some specialists may remain in network even though the switch is unavoidable for many patients. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Herald-Tribune Girls Athlete of the Week poll—sponsored by Central Florida Behavioral Health Network—invites local readers to vote on nominees chosen by county coaches for the week of Oct. 13—18, and previous winner Cardinal Mooney volleyball player Kelsey Fisher earned 47.9% of the vote. The online poll opens each Monday and closes at 10 a.m. Friday, offering a range of cross country and volleyball athletes for community support. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Entry details not provided — Experience the soulful tunes of a Berklee-trained musician now performing in Sarasota.
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