Daily
Sarasota
Friday, November 7th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 7th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is hosting its 9th annual Holiday Toy Drive from Dec. 1 to Dec. 15 to collect new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for children while benefiting programs like the Florida Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office & Teen Court of Sarasota. Donations can be dropped off at the headquarters in Sarasota and the South County Office in Venice during posted hours. ABC 7
- ➤ The Santa's Grand Arrival Parade will take place at The Mall at University Town Center on Nov. 8 and is expected to draw more than 15,000 spectators. Sheriff's officers and event organizers advise attendees to arrive early and use alternate exits—traffic is forecast to ease about 35 to 40 minutes after the event. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The annual St. Armands Art Festival will be held on Nov 8 and 9 at 1 St. Armands Circle from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—it will showcase mixed-media artists, painters and more from Sarasota and beyond. Admission is free. Observer
- ➤ This week, Sarasota and Manatee counties host a busy lineup of concerts with a mix of free hometown shows and ticketed performances at various local venues. The biggest concert is a free show by We the Kings— a Bradenton pop-punk band— at University Town Center on Saturday, while other events featuring international and local acts offer a wide range of music styles. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A local event called Taste of Newtown spurred redevelopment efforts by drawing community members and local support for new dining and retail options. The event held on November 6 helped boost plans to revitalize the area—fueling economic progress. ABC 7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Hale Law honored four Sarasota County high school students as Students of the Month for strong grades, leadership, and service. The winners—Makenzie Smith and Dominik DiBenedetto from North Port, Naomi Frometa from Booker, and Aaron Nielsen from Riverview—were nominated by school officials for their excellence in academics and community work. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Seven seniors became first-time authors after finishing a 20-week memoir writing program at Senior Friendship Centers that published their stories in Joyful Journeys, Vol. 1. The program — led by author Jason Cannon and supported by the Gussin Center for Creative Writing funded by Bob and Pat Gussin — brought their life histories to the community. Observer
- ➤ On Tuesday the school board shared its plan to turn four underused elementary schools, including Wilkinson Elementary, into K-8 campuses—giving kids one school for many grades. The board also proposed making Brookside Middle a magnet school focused on tech and robots—an idea aimed at using more than 5,600 empty seats and easing worries from parents and staff. ABC 7
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A home in Cocoanut Bayou on Cedar Park Circle sold for $4.3 million, making it the top sale of the week in Sarasota and nearby areas. Other transactions in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey and Nokomis ranged from about $500,000 to over $2 million, with several deals marking notable price increases from previous sales. Observer
- ➤ John Cannon Homes is Sarasota’s top custom home builder that has built over 2,500 houses including 400 near water since 1987. The company, run by John and his family, has earned over 450 awards—showing its strong care for quality and personal service. Sarasota Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ High school football teams from Sarasota and Manatee counties will compete in the SSAA state tournament second round on Friday, November 7, featuring Out-of-Door Academy versus Jupiter Christian (6:30 p.m.) and Donahue Catholic against Bradenton Christian (7 p.m.). Experts predict that Jupiter Christian will win 28 to 21 while Bradenton Christian will win 35 to 21. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Senior quarterback Joel Morris led Booker to a 9-1 season with 23 touchdowns and zero interceptions as he returned strong after a serious leg injury in 2024 — his hard work in therapy helped him regain his skill. Booker will play in the regional quarterfinals on Nov. 14 and Morris aims to bring a state championship home. Observer
- ➤ Local high school football teams from Sarasota and Manatee, including Cardinal Mooney, Venice and Booker, are preparing for the FHSAA playoffs as experts break down each region’s tough matchups — with top seeds facing strong rivals and lower-seeded teams ready to surprise. The analysis shows that challenging brackets in regions like Class 6A and 7A will test even the best teams. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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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33rd Annual Sertoma Golf Classic
9 AM – 2 PM — Laurel Oak Country Club — Supports community needs — Experience a day of golf with exciting contests and a chance to win big prizes.
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Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday season with the iconic Mannheim Steamroller performing their revolutionary Christmas music.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
~ Henry Ford
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