Good morning, Sarasota.

On October 17 and 18, members of Temple Beth Israel in Longboat Key held a candlelight and musical service to honor hostages and victims of the Israel-Gaza conflict—using blue candles for Israel and yellow for hostages—in response to a ceasefire that freed some hostages last week.

Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates said the tribute united the community with music and readings from survivors.

Italian pianist Alessio Bax will perform Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with Sarasota Orchestra from November 7-9 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall as part of the Masterworks season—led by music director Giancarlo Guerrero.

State Rep Fiona McFarland and Sen Joe Gruters must act to keep charter companies from taking over Sarasota schools as new Hope School applications raise local concerns.

Lawmakers are urged to allow a one-year grace period before any shared-campus plans are approved—giving families more time to plan and maintain local control.

New College of Florida has turned around after a hard year in 2023 by boosting enrollment above 900 and raising test scores to 1210 — numbers that show a clear improvement.

The school still faces challenges like parking and dorm space — but it is aiming to welcome up to 1,200 students soon.

At Tuesday’s school board meeting, hundreds of parents and students spoke against the proposed merger of Brookside Middle School and Suncoast Polytechnical High School under the Schools of Hope program — officials said discussions will continue to address enrollment and capacity issues.

Local authorities reported that manatees died when watercraft struck them near Sarasota waterways — they are investigating the incidents and urging boaters to slow down to protect the animals.

Yesterday, the National Hurricane Center warned that Invest 98L was expected to reach tropical storm strength as Tropical Storm Melissa once winds hit 39 mph.

Forecast models showed several possible paths and indicated heavy rain and gusty winds for parts of the Caribbean — while the chance of a direct U.S. impact remains low, Florida may see indirect effects.

Invest 98L became Tropical Storm Melissa on Oct.21 — forecasters said it could strengthen to a hurricane as it moved over warm Caribbean waters.

Officials noted that while a direct hit to Florida was unlikely, residents were advised to monitor weather updates as the storm’s path remained uncertain.

Earlier this month, a loggerhead sea turtle with boat strike wounds washed ashore in a residential harbor off Sarasota Bay, and Mote Marine scientists noted more injuries from boat propellers.

The agency urged boaters to follow slow speed zones—created to protect marine life—and use polarized glasses to better see sea turtles below the surface.

Florida's law to keep daylight saving time all year has not taken effect because Congress must approve the change, so residents will continue to adjust their clocks twice a year—debate remains nationwide as many Americans and state officials are divided over which time to keep permanently.

Sarasota County Commissioners are reviewing a scaled-down housing project near Celery Fields—proposing 85 homes and a redesigned layout to provide a wider buffer for the Bird Sanctuary.

The new plan revises earlier proposals for 170 townhomes and may shape future local development.

Passengers at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport have noticed TSA officers checking IDs and bags at the boarding gate, and officials say the random screenings are part of intelligence-driven security measures not tied to a specific threat—flights heading to New York or D.C. may face more checks, with the increase seen since this past summer.

Circle Chiropractic opened a new clinic on Oct.

6 at 8120 Lakewood Main Street, Suite B101 in Lakewood Ranch where owner Ben Duke and clinic director Greg Hengel offer natural care using stretching, exercise and spinal decompression therapy to help active adults ease pain and avoid surgery—methods that give patients a chance to stay active and healthy.

The historic Charles Ringling Building at 1927 Ringling Blvd. in downtown Sarasota will reopen in December as Venue 1927 under new owner Rafael Arguelles, who bought the property on Aug.

14 for $2.5 million. The three-story building will serve as an event space for up to 800 guests and house business offices on the top floor while keeping its Spanish Mediterranean Revival look.

Local swim clubs Lightning and Tsunami hope to call the new pool at Premier Sports Campus North their home if Manatee County agrees, since it will give young swimmers a long-course pool close to home.

Construction began in January and the 44,000-square-foot center will finish in summer or fall (it will include locker rooms, a therapy pool and walking trails) to support training and meets.

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.

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.

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.

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.