Wednesday, November 5th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 5th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Construction is underway on a new 6-foot lane along 1.4 miles of Legacy Trail between Shade Avenue and Beneva Road near downtown Sarasota—this work will add capacity and improve safety. The project will be completed in spring and is part of a larger plan to enhance the trail for its many users. Observer
- ➤ Lakewood Ranch Jewish Club, founded in 2010, has grown to 500 active members who meet for cultural, educational and social events to build community bonds—members volunteered at All Faiths Food Bank on Oct. 16 and plan to form new groups such as a singles meetup, book club, and Yiddish circle. Observer
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rabbit Rabbit is an eco-friendly gift shop located in the Rosemary District on Boulevard of the Arts that offers handmade jewelry, accessories, tableware, décor and more. Owner Amanda Gilliland personally selects each item and asks customers to love color—supporting local indie artists as well. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ Many Florida restaurants and coffee shops will offer free or discounted meals on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, to honor veterans and active-duty military—deals include free Patriot French toast at Another Broken Egg Cafe, a free Original Grand Slam at Denny’s, and a meal offer at Olive Garden. Readers should check with local restaurant locations to confirm the details as offers may vary. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Eat, Drink, & Shop by the Bay brought about 40 local vendors to the street beside J.D. Hamel Park from Nov. 1-2 to offer food, drinks and crafts at an event managed by John Hendershott through his company MY Promotion—he helps vendors recover from COVID’s impact—and the event will return in January, February and March. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Via Nova Chorale, led by Steven Phillips, merged with Choral Artists and now has about 50 singers after changing its name from Musica Sacra—its first season will include four concerts at First Presbyterian Church. Observer
- ➤ Renowned Spanish guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas will perform the beloved Concierto de Aranjuez with Sarasota Orchestra on December 6 and 7 at the Van Wezel stage—he has earned international acclaim as an ambassador of Spanish guitar and a celebrated soloist with Sony Classical. His performance will offer Sarasota audiences a chance to experience a master at work. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ Art Center Sarasota celebrated its 100th birthday this year with a season featuring art classes, local exhibits, and special events that honor its long history. Founded as the Sarasota Art Association in 1926, the center remains a free resource for locals and will host an inaugural Artists + Illustrators Fair on Dec 6 — its legacy continues to shape art education and community engagement. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ Sarasota Orchestra released schematic drawings of its planned Music Center at 5701 Fruitville Road, which show a 1,800-seat concert hall, a 700-seat recital hall and an education wing (covering a 32-acre campus that includes 12 acres of wetlands and trails). The design will lead to a 2027 groundbreaking (a capital campaign is expected to follow) and aims to blend performance, education and community spaces. Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket is set to launch today from Cape Canaveral starting at 10:24 p.m. ET in a 44-minute window, and weather permitting, residents of Sarasota may see it as it carries Viasat’s ViaSat-3 F2 to boost broadband capacity — offering a rare chance to view a high-powered launch from a distance. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Sugar Champagne Bar opened in late March in a bubblegum pink space on South Pineapple Avenue where the owner set a $150 minimum for indoor dining after 6 p.m. The restaurant offers over 70 Champagnes and camp-style decor that sparks conversation among guests—reflecting a playful twist on upscale dining. Sarasota Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Lakewood Ranch High junior Addison Shear broke her personal best on Nov. 1 at the Tri-County Championship—finishing the 5K in 20:02.4, 54 seconds faster than before, and earning East County Athlete of the Week honors. She competed as one of 11 runners from her school in the race. Observer
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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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Bri Rivera Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Admission details unavailable — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented musician from Puerto Rico, in the heart of Sarasota.
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2025 Sarasota Shark Tank SCM Meet
4 AM – 4 AM — Selby Aquatic Center — Entry fees apply — Compete in annual short-course meters meet featuring exciting 25-meter sprints and relay events.
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Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sandsculpting Festival & Sunset Drum Circle
2-6 p.m. — Siesta Beach — Free entry — Experience stunning sand sculptures and enjoy live music at this community festival.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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