Good morning, Sarasota.

Local faith leaders—Pastor Danny Preston and Deacon Humberto Alvia—urge the county to allocate disaster recovery funds for a Newtown Family Center that will support children and families in the Newtown neighborhood.

The center will deliver essential services such as health care, social services and job training with an expected return of nearly $5 for every $1 invested.

The Church of the Redeemer in downtown Sarasota has partnered with philanthropist Hugh Culverhouse Jr. to form the Culverhouse Benevolence Fund with a $200K matching gift—parishioners and community members facing economic hardships, including children at nearby Alta Vista Elementary, can receive aid.

On Nov. 14, the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance held its annual Sandies awards at the Grove to honor local business leaders and volunteers.

The program recognized winners like David Otterness, Bree Carotti, and Dianne Kopczynski for their community contributions.

A motor vehicle crash at I-75 Exit 10 near Fruitville Road in Sarasota is blocking two left lanes—causing delays until further notice.

Florida surpassed its record of 93 orbital launches set in 2024 when SpaceX, Blue Origin and ULA added to the tally, and officials expect the count to reach 100 before Thanksgiving – marking a historic milestone for the Space Coast – as the launch season continues.

This achievement shows the growing pace of space missions in the region.

Sarasota Art Museum features an exhibit named 'Art Deco: The Golden Age of Illustration' that displays 100 rare advertising posters from the 1920s—demonstrating how fine art merged with commercial design during that era.

Senior Curator Rangsook Yoon said the collection, loaned by art collectors Bill and Elaine Klouse, reflects the rise of mass consumer culture in the early 20th century.

Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival returns for its 15th year drawing dozens of artists and offering a boost to local businesses — the event runs Nov 14-17 with daily hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and extended hours today until 9 p.m.

A Miami-based Somerset Academy has applied to share unused space at Brookside Middle and Emma Booker Elementary in Sarasota and at Palmetto's Lincoln Memorial Middle and Bradenton's Sara Scott Harllee Center in Manatee for the 2027–28 school year under Florida’s Schools of Hope provisions, while Mater Academy had submitted a similar request earlier. Both school districts plan to contest the filings within 20 days—district meetings with the charter operators are not scheduled.

SNAP payments are expected to resume soon in Sarasota as the federal shutdown ended—many families still struggle with food access while local food banks face a surge in demand.

Local nonprofits, retailers and philanthropists are stepping up to support those in need as Florida DCF urges recipients to meet work requirements for quick benefit restoration.

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center earned an A rating for fall from The Leapfrog Group, marking its third top score in a row and the first under new CEO Robbert Anderson.

The 120-bed hospital is building a 60-bed expansion that is expected to be completed in early 2026.

The Saenz family opened Cabo Breeze Mexican Grill & Tiki Bar in Sarasota County to offer a Latin fusion menu that gives diners a mini vacation feel—combining classic dishes with modern twists—and creating a fresh dining spot for the community.

The Riverview girls and Sarasota boys swim teams won the Class 4A state title trophies in Ocala (Nov.

14th) and accepted their awards in a short ceremony. Both teams celebrated a strong win in state competition.

Sarasota and Manatee residents can vote for the preseason Boys Soccer Player of the Year as 19 high school candidates are featured by the Herald-Tribune.

Voting will close on Thursday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m.—voters are encouraged to support the athlete they believe will lead the season.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PMP Certification Classroom Training

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Regus - Sarasota Courthouse — $1599 — Comprehensive 4-day training for aspiring project managers featuring PMBOK standards and mock exams.

Ryan Faraday Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Cost info unavailable — Experience a captivating evening of live music with professional guitarist Ryan Faraday and his band.