Daily
Sarasota
Friday, October 31st, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Carol Siegler, a 100-year-old philanthropist, celebrated her birthday on Oct. 23 in Plymouth Harbor with community events that honored her legacy of giving back. She has supported projects like the livestreaming setup at Temple Emanu-El — advice from her life urges everyone to surround themselves with kind, involved people. Observer
- ➤ Church of the Redeemer and Alta Vista Elementary School joined forces on Oct. 29 to host the school's first trunk-or-treat—volunteers set up creative stations like a bubble party and Jurassic Park arch that delighted children. Local teachers and church staff worked together—bringing fun activities and unique decorations to boost community spirit. Observer
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Euphemia Haye, a long-loved restaurant on Longboat Key, reopened by Memorial Day weekend after new owners Jason and Rachel Ghormley took over earlier this year. They plan to keep the classic menu while making small updates—like adding butter packets for bread—to please both longtime fans and new guests. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Asolo Rep is presenting Come from Away— a Broadway musical retelling the true story of stranded airline passengers in Gander— to bring quality theatre and community spirit to Sarasota. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ Lou Newman, a 94-year-old retired wildlife photographer from Plymouth Harbor, still goes out several mornings a week to capture local birds and nature at Lido Beach—he continues his work after intensive rehab following a serious 2023 car accident. Observer
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Visit Sarasota County reported that tourism spending, visitor numbers, and lodging occupancy in September dropped from last year while the average room rate increased from $200.72 to $206.65. The report noted that more visitors from Central Europe did not balance the decline in in-state travelers—pointing to challenges for the local tourism economy. ABC 7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews in Sarasota are installing a new water main along US 41 to replace an old eight-inch asbestos cement pipe that had aging issues, with the $29 million project approved in 2019. Drivers will face closures along North Tamiami Trail for the next three years as the work boosts capacity for the next 50–60 years—an upgrade designed for long-term safety. FOX 13
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ The Lobster Pot is a family-owned restaurant at Siesta Key Village that mixes New England seafood with Portuguese flavors. Founded in Provincetown in 1943, the Medeiros family will mark its 25th anniversary this November—customers can savor fresh Maine lobster and other special dishes. Observer
- ➤ Local picnic planners from Siesta Summer, Sun Served Bespoke Picnics and Posh Picnic Co. offered tips to create a flawless al fresco meal by planning smart, managing weight when hauling gear and choosing the best times and sites for a relaxed day out — advice that helps Sarasota residents enjoy picnics even when weather changes occur. Observer
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The Lido Shores estate, once home to Mack and Charlotte Vick and known for its grand parties and social drama in Sarasota, is now being listed for $20 million. The new owners—who bought the property in 2002—have kept its nearly unchanged beachfront style, attracting attention with its storied past. Observer
- ➤ Residential real estate sales from Oct. 13 to 17 in Sarasota and nearby areas saw a two property sale on Big Pass Lane top the week at $3 million, with the homes built in 2006 and 1993 having sold for lower figures before; additional deals include a condo on S Pineapple Ave for $1.26 million and a home on Fishermans Bay Drive for $1,114,500 plus other transactions in Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch and Osprey. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota Christian cross country runner Gabe Milliken won the Herald-Tribune Boys Athlete of the Week for Oct. 13-18 after receiving 42% of the vote and running a three-mile race at the Out-of-Door Invitational in 16:27.2—he set a new personal record of 17:10. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Magdi El Shahawy, a 1986 Sarasota High School graduate and current associate athletic director for academics at the University of San Diego, led the Hall of Fame ceremony at Michael’s on East on Oct 26. He reflected on his decades-long sports career and the lessons learned from high school football days—he stressed that doing extra and keeping family first have always been the core of his success. Observer
- ➤ Local high school football previews for Sarasota and Manatee counties outline key FHSAA and SSAA matchups on Oct. 30 and today—featuring predictions for games like Bayshore over Lakewood Ranch and Riverview over Manatee. The detailed analysis, including team records, key player stats and playoff stakes, guides local fans’ expectations for a busy weekend—setting the stage for regional postseason battles. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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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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.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the musical talents of Ryan Faraday, a seasoned guitarist and vocalist from Sarasota.
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Off the Page: Isaac Eger
6-7:30 p.m. — Selby Library — Free entry — Author Isaac Eger explores Florida's ranching history and the significance of the Great Florida Cattle Drive.
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