Daily
Sarasota
Wednesday, November 12th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 12th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Temple Beth Israel in Longboat Key will host a seminar on combating antisemitism on November 16; StandWithUs speakers Carly Gammill and Julie Paris will lead the talk—attendees can submit written questions to learn how to identify and fight antisemitism. Observer
- ➤ Ed Van Stedum, who runs the Youth and Teen Fishing Tournament for the Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club, won the Leroy Smith Volunteer of the Year award at the Community Appreciation Awards held on Nov. 6 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing—showing his team's early dedication. He said he was surprised by the nomination—calling the award a pleasant way to give back to the community. Observer
- ➤ Jessica Muroff, who led United Way Suncoast for six years, will become the new president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota on Jan 20—succeeding Roxie Jerde, who retired on June 30. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On November 10, the Marine Corps Birthday Luncheon at Marina Jack honored the 250th birthday of the Corps as Elliott Metcalfe—a former public defender who started the event in 2003—returned as the guest of honor and his wife Becky cut the birthday cake. The gathering, which grew from 14 guests to 100–200 Marines, celebrated the deep bond among service members. Observer
- ➤ Local aerialist Nik Wallenda has teamed with LECOM to secure three-year naming rights for his new black Wonderland Circus tent—complete with plush seats and cupholders under the Believe theme. The deal replaces his borrowed tent from earlier editions and brings new partners as Wallenda prepares his upcoming holiday show. Observer
- ➤ A wide range of arts and entertainment events will take place in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and Longboat Key from Nov. 13 to 19 — including concerts, theater productions, art exhibits and community festivals that cater to all ages. Local venues and organizers offer a vibrant schedule that spans holiday markets, music shows and community gatherings aimed at enriching local culture. Observer
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Hollywood producer Adam Hendricks—known for his film work—spoke to Booker High School film students in Sarasota on Nov. 4, sharing insights on production techniques behind films like M3GAN. He also announced plans with David Shapiro to launch a Studio Lab at Suncoast Technical College next year that will offer local filmmakers hands-on training. Sarasota Magazine
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mote Marine commemorated Veterans Day on November 11 by hosting the Combat Wounded Warrior Challenge Dive at the aquarium, where veterans joined a mission to help save Florida’s coral reefs — it marked the first dive at Mote SEA for some of the 14 participants who have long worked with the lab. The event highlighted a strong partnership that blends veteran service with coral protection efforts. FOX 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, downtown Sarasota streets were closed from 3 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a Veterans Day parade that began at 10 a.m. at Main Street and Orange Avenue — the route ended at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park and caused travel delays. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Sarasota County officials are holding a public meeting today at Church of the Holy Spirit in Osprey from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to discuss plans to replace the 98-year-old swing bridge with a design that improves safety and hurricane evacuations — a presentation of revised options will begin at 5:15 p.m. ABC 7
- ➤ Retired SPD Captain Demetri Konstantopoulos honored his law enforcement family during a touching November 7 ceremony — recalling 28 years of service — and he started as deputy chief for Sarasota County Schools Police on November 3. Observer
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ The Humane Society of Sarasota County has several dogs available for adoption in Sarasota—residents interested in a new pet should contact the society for further details. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ County administrators left the downtown building and moved to temporary offices while waiting for the new county administration building on Apex Road to be completed in 2026 — Benderson Development now owns the 2.88-acre parcel and its two parking lots and said it may reveal adaptive reuse plans by the end of the year. The proposed plans include mixed-use spaces such as live-work structures, apartments, and retail stores. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Venice High volleyball team was voted the Herald-Tribune Top Team for October with 52.34% of the vote—their six-match win streak included a district championship and a regional playoff win over Lakeland George Jenkins. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ On Nov. 4, junior Donovan Plakyda tied for fourth at the FHSAA Class 3A Region 3 championship in Lutz as Lakewood Ranch won their fourth title and advanced to the state tournament. He expects to finish in the top five at the state tournament (Nov. 11-12) at Howey-in-the-Hills and was named East County Athlete of the Week. Observer
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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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BrickUniverse Sarasota 2025
10 AM – 4 PM — Robarts Arena — General Admission from $20 — Experience incredible LEGO builds and hands-on activities for the whole family.
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