Daily
Sarasota
Tuesday, October 28th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 28th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ All Faiths Food Bank has launched its ThankFULL fundraising campaign to provide 14,500 turkey dinners and help supply 4.1 million holiday meals through December (with large turkey distributions planned in Sarasota and DeSoto counties in November). The Bowls of Hope fundraiser will take place on November 9 at Ed Smith Stadium to support the effort amid rising costs and reduced government aid. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Israeli hostage Omer Shem Tov thanked Sarasota resident Gisele Pintchuck—whose weekly display of his photo kept his story alive—after enduring 505 days in captivity following the October 2023 attacks. He visited Sarasota on Monday and shared his message of endurance at an event that drew hundreds and called for support for fellow hostages. ABC Action News
- ➤ Heroes’ Village is a new affordable housing community built exclusively for veterans, offering stable homes and a supportive neighborhood in Sarasota. Residents Jeff Hein, Steven Mitchell, and Paul-Stephen Varszegi share that the place boosts their confidence and care—helping them overcome past struggles with housing insecurity. Sarasota Magazine
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A quick pick ticket sold at a Publix in Holmes Beach won a $6.25 million Florida Lotto jackpot on Saturday, Oct. 25 per the Florida Lottery, and the winner has 180 days to claim the prize — a win that could make someone on Anna Maria Island a multimillionaire. This drawing is one of several lottery events that continue to draw local interest. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Two Pride groups merged to create the Gulfcoast Pride Festival on Oct. 25 in Sarasota—Sarasota’s largest Pride event featured headliner Zee Machine, live music, food and over 100 vendors, and Project Pride’s executive director said the merger builds a broader base for future civic programming. Observer
- ➤ Key Chorale and The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company will present Joy — Wonder on November 30 at the Sarasota Opera House, where live music and dance will showcase festive carols and new ballet works. The program will feature pieces by James Whitbourn and Ola Gjeilo to bring holiday magic to the community. Sarasota Magazine
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Community Foundation of Sarasota County invested over $1.2 million in reading programs and scholarships to help students with dyslexia and other learning challenges across Sarasota, Manatee & DeSoto counties. Local school districts and literacy groups will use the funds to improve teacher training and boost reading support for children. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bayfront Park’s bioswales on Longboat Key use native plantings to filter stormwater before it flows into Sarasota Bay—reducing flooding and limiting pollutants during heavy rains. Observer
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ ODA student Jules Whittemore leads six volunteers at Gulf Coast Music Therapy to help autistic children build communication and social skills through music—children like 12-year-old Everett and 10-year-old Zachary engage in sessions where donated percussion instruments add a unique sensory element. Observer
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Siesta Beach was named the No. 1 best beach by the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards after previous honors from Dr. Beach boosted its reputation. Local tourism officials say the ranking helps show that the beach is doing well after the 2024 storms—offering hope for more visitors. Observer
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Home sales in Sarasota and Manatee counties jumped in September as more single-family homes, condos and townhomes sold, even though prices fell and contracts took longer. The Realtor Association report showed that pricing adjustments and increased buyer power shifted the market balance — giving patient buyers a new chance. Sarasota Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Between Oct. 27 and Nov. 1, Saint Stephen's won the District 1A-11 boys title by edging Cardinal Mooney at Calusa Country Club—Lakewood Ranch claimed the District 3A-11 title at Jacaranda West with Grant McCall and Donovan Plakyda earning individual awards. In the girls events, Northside Christian won District 1A-11—Braden River’s Taryn Nguyen took the District 2A-12 individual title at Boca Royale. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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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Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the unique loop styling of accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts and his loyal companion, Apollo.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Visit Artist's Website — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented musician hailing from Puerto Rico.
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St. Armands Circle Art Festival
10 AM – 5 PM — St. Armands Circle — Free entry — Explore a vibrant gathering of local artists and their unique creations in a scenic island setting.
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Scotty Wright Quintet Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — John C. Court Cabaret — Tickets on sale September 1 — Experience an evening of captivating jazz with Scotty Wright and his talented quintet.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You have to go through the slow to find the fast.
~ Mark Manson
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