Daily
Sarasota
Thursday, November 13th, 2025
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 13th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ All Faiths Food Bank held the Bowls of Hope event at Ed Smith Stadium on November 9, where nearly 50 local restaurants served meal samples to raise funds for a community facing SNAP cuts from the shutdown. Organizers distributed food boxes and resource lists to guests—helping to meet rising needs amid ongoing food insecurity. Observer
- ➤ The Florida Center for Early Childhood will host its second annual Wonder Gala fundraiser on December 5 at 6:30 p.m. at The Ora on McIntosh Road in Sarasota—where families' transformative stories will be shared to support early education and care programs. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Longboat Key has a long history of enforcing sign codes since its incorporation in 1955—residents and town leaders have repeatedly clashed over symbols like pirate, pelican, and leprechaun statues that mark the island’s character. Today, a new dispute over an arched sign at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort continues the ongoing effort to balance modern growth with historic charm. Observer
- ➤ The Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota is helping neighbors hurt by the federal shutdown by giving over $100,000 in food funds to 200 families at a Title I school and will expand its support to other areas next week—philanthropist Hugh Culverhouse Jr. is matching donations up to $200,000 to boost the impact. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ A North Port family facing eviction from job losses, rising costs and health issues was helped by the Season of Sharing program, which paid their August rent—this support gave them a brief reprieve even as they face reduced SNAP benefits and a loss of Medicaid next year. The family stays united by sharing meals and games while managing ongoing financial and health challenges. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Architecture Sarasota will host MOD Weekend from November 14–16 with tours, lectures, and parties celebrating Sarasota School of Architecture landmarks, including an award presentation honoring the World Monuments Fund and tours of eight homes that have never been open to the public—an invitation-only party for the opening of the Design Within Reach store in UTC is held today. Organizers say the Strategic Framework: 2030 impact report will guide future efforts to protect these modernist landmarks. Observer
- ➤ On Nov. 9, students and local arts groups performed in 'You Raise Me Up,' the finale of the 2025 Living Arts Festival at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium—showing local arts education and giving awards to community organizations. Judges such as Mary Burke Kramer, Thea Lobo, and Syesha Mercado chose winners. Observer
- ➤ Doug Staley won the It's Read Everywhere contest with a photo taken in the Swiss Alps during his two‑week trip—his image earned more than 785 votes from 78 entries. He will auction a private flight from Orion Sky Charters to help the Child Protection Center at a fundraiser gala on April 10 at The Ritz‑Carlton Sarasota. Observer
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ An iconic empty building in downtown Sarasota will be transformed into a mixed-use campus by Benderson Development. Officials say the project will feature retail and living spaces — more details and a timeline will be announced as plans progress. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Seaward’s Mira Mar Acquisition Company presented its redevelopment plans to the Sarasota Development Review Committee on Nov. 5 after the project secured a Comprehensive Plan amendment to restore the historic Mira Mar on South Palm Avenue and add two 18-story condo towers. The project—covering 1.42 acres and featuring 38,000 square feet of commercial space—is set to begin its historic rehabilitation next month with the new towers completing by the end of 2028. Observer
- ➤ Colonial Brick Company of Chicago has proposed an 11-story, 18-unit condo tower at the southwest corner of Cocoanut Avenue and Fourth Street on a site where a previous plan failed. The design includes 1,500 square feet of retail space and five public parking spaces—details that will be resubmitted for further review by the Sarasota Development Review Committee. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Taryn Nguyen, a senior at Braden River High, won her fourth district title and will compete at the state championship on Nov. 18 at Mission Resort and Club. She will join Daytona State College in the fall to continue her golf career. Observer
- ➤ Veteran Rickard Jensen founded the Veterans Dragon Boat Team at Nathan Benderson Park to help veterans paddle together and compete in races. The team, which recently won a gold medal, pays fees for equipment while Jensen uses his truck—turned into a moving advertisement—to seek sponsors for a new event tent. Observer
- ➤ Palmetto High football has earned an 18-2 record over the past two regular seasons under head coach Eric Sanders while local families and businesses provide game day meals— the Tigers will host playoff quarterfinals on Friday, Nov. 14 and aim to build on their strong season. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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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MTC Legacy Trail Run
7 a.m. — Cafe in the Park — Free entry — Test your limits in a 60K ultramarathon for a great cause along the scenic Legacy Trail.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.
~ Henry Ford
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