Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 29th of October.
Good morning, Sarasota.
🏘️ Community
A Change.org petition is urging Publix to reverse its decision to allow customers to openly carry firearms in Florida stores—organizers argue that the policy risks making shoppers, especially families and children, feel unsafe and has already gathered over 8,000 verified signatures.
The Herald-Tribune is holding a poll for the best high school mascot in Sarasota and Manatee counties—voting is open until 10 a.m. on November 1.
Rev. Bill Friederich left his role as care pastor at Longboat Island Chapel after years of service and will now lead at St. Andrew United Church of Christ in Sarasota.
He said his experience in music and community support will help him build new ties in his new position.
💼 Business
Casino Craft, started by Michael Christopher two years ago, rents casino gaming supplies and dealers for parties—converting blackjack tables into games like Texas Hold'em and three-card poker across Southwest and Central Florida.
The company offers full-service packages and single-table options and accommodates last-minute rental requests.
🎭 Culture
Ghost Hounds lead singer SAVNT will perform a free concert at The Bay in downtown Sarasota on Nov.
1 from 7—10 p.m.—he will share the stage with country star Brian Kelley as part of The Bay’s third anniversary celebration.
The Living Arts Festival Sarasota will take place Nov.
2-9 with marquee events at the Municipal Auditorium and an opening party at Art Ovation, and its theme is 'Up, Up and Away.' Organizers will honor teachers with cash awards and include youth performers from local schools — the second edition builds on last year's success.
🌲 Environment
Agape Flights of Venice is waiting for Hurricane Melissa to ease before flying to Jamaica later this week to deliver essential supplies like generators, tarps, and tents—its team will assess urgent needs in other Caribbean countries with partner ministries.
🏛️ Government
Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. ET Sunday, Nov.
2, 2025—when clocks fall back one hour—and will resume at 2 a.m. ET on March 8, 2026. Florida lawmakers have repeatedly introduced the Sunshine Protection Act to keep daylight saving time all year, but the measure has not passed.
North Casey Key Road is under a $44 million repair project that began this spring after damage from the 2024 hurricanes and will finish in March 2027.
The de Moya Group is constructing a temporary seawall and road detour and will install a permanent barrier—causing parking issues for local businesses.
🏥 Health
Harvest House is expanding its Wellness Within Reach program to offer free mental health therapy services to those facing homelessness and trauma in Sarasota and Manatee counties, building on a three-year pilot that helped 126 participants achieve stable housing — supported by $380,000 in local funding. The program will deliver 232 therapy sessions monthly and has hired clinical director John Lopez as it prepares for an official ribbon-cutting on Nov. 5 at 11:30 a.m.
📰 Real Estate
Florida homeowners learn that flood insurance is sold separately from home insurance and typically takes 30 days to become active, which makes it hard to secure coverage during hurricane season.
The federal program is currently shut down so new policies cannot be issued while Hurricane Melissa moves through the Caribbean.
🎉 Sarasota Events
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the vibrant tunes of Bri Rivera, a rising star in the Sarasota music scene.
🏠 Sarasota Real Estate
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💼 Sarasota Job Board
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📣 Sarasota Announcements
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