Tuesday, November 11th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 11th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Jessica Muroff has been named CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and will start on Jan. 20th, bringing over 20 years of nonprofit leadership from roles at United Way Suncoast and Girl Scouts of West Central Florida — her appointment follows the retirement of Roxie Jerde on June 30th after a national search. Observer
- ➤ The Lakewood Ranch Tribute to Heroes Parade made its November debut on Main Street after shifting from its traditional Memorial Day weekend slot. Veterans who attended a pre-parade meal at Town Hall said the event honored their service and kept military history alive. Observer
- ➤ On November 8 at University Town Center, thousands watched high-wire artists Nik and Lijana Wallenda perform a criss cross stunt during Santa's Grand Arrival Parade—Lijana made her first Sarasota appearance after a serious fall in 2017. The parade honored veterans, featured a fireworks show, and ended with a rock concert by We The Kings. Observer
- ➤ Two turkey giveaways for veterans and families are planned this month in Sarasota. Today, All Faiths Food Bank is hosting a turkey giveaway from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Palms—veterans and their families can receive a full Thanksgiving dinner, and on November 25 the Gail Baird Foundation will offer a resource fair from 10 to 2 at Payne Park with 300 turkeys, side dishes and special gifts. ABC 7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Veterans are using their military experience to start and grow businesses with help from the Veterans Florida x 26 West Entrepreneurship Program at the State College of Florida — the program provides workshops and mentorship to guide veteran entrepreneurs as they balance full-time jobs and new ventures. Local veteran business owners in Manatee County are actively boosting the regional economy with their leadership and problem-solving skills. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ At the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting held last week at The Ritz-Carlton, keynote speaker Jim Knight said that strong company culture is more important than a detailed business strategy because it energizes teams + builds loyalty. Leaders are encouraged to clearly define and live their values to create a positive workplace as they plan for a successful 2026. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Publix in Florida will be open today for Veterans Day and offer veterans and active military a 10% discount on groceries; the store remains closed only on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day—confirming its regular holiday schedule. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Florida Studio Theatre opens its mainstage season with Lucky Stiff, a musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty that brings a comic romp to Monte Carlo to the Gompertz Theatre. The production—featuring lively musical numbers, dynamic characters, and fast-paced action—will run through Dec. 28. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ On Nov. 10, 2025, the Wallenda siblings completed a historic crisscross skywalk at the UTC holiday event — their high-wire performance set a record and thrilled the audience. ABC 7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota County Schools approved a plan last week to rework a dozen campuses by repurposing older buildings + converting four elementary schools into K-8 sites to fill over 3,400 empty seats and work against enrollment losses to charter and private options. The district submitted the plan to state education officials just before Schools of Hope operators could legally request co-location. Observer
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota Memorial Health Care System broke ground on its new North Port hospital on Nov. 7, starting work on a nine-story facility on a 32-acre site that will open with 100 beds — expandable to over 400 beds — in a $507 million project. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch has been a key soccer venue known for hosting college tournaments and international friendlies until U.S. Soccer shifted to a new national training center in Georgia— the facility will host youth tournaments in January and February and a professional season for Sarasota Paradise beginning in March. The county is planning nearly $400,000 in upgrades as it continues discussions with local teams to boost the stadium's appeal. Observer
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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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Sarasota Campus Open House
3:30-5:30 p.m. — Galen College of Nursing - Sarasota — Free entry — Explore nursing programs and meet faculty at an informative Open House event.
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Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy an enchanting evening of eclectic music with accomplished singer Scott Curts and his loyal companion, Apollo.
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Bri Rivera Concert
6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Visit Artist's Website — Enjoy the vibrant performances of Puerto Rican musician Bri Rivera in Sarasota's lively music scene.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.
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