Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of November.
Good morning, Sarasota.
Owner and operator Krishna Persaud has upgraded The Preserve Golf Club with new greens, a Thai restaurant called Napar and a fitness studio, and the public is invited to its soft reopening on Nov.22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—over $500,000 in renovations have improved the course, cart paths and clubhouse amenities.
Hart's Landing, an iconic waterfront bait shop that also served food and live music, was demolished this week after it sustained hurricane damage last year.
City officials plan to restore the docks and rebuild a resilient structure at the John Ringling Causeway site, coordinating with environmental and permit agencies to better protect the area from future storms.
Sarasota resident Paul Lidsky was named CEO of Diversified—a global technology solutions provider—after serving as the board chair since 2023; his over 40 years of IT leadership will guide the company’s market expansion and service delivery.
Florida-based Publix offers a range of Thanksgiving meals—including turkey, ham, and dessert options—starting at less than $10 per person and available for in-store pickup if orders are placed by Nov.
24. Publix will be closed on Thanksgiving, so customers should plan their orders in advance.
The 23rd annual Fall Art Show and Sale was held November 15 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall and featured artwork from local and retired artists.
Visitors called the handmade pieces gifts from the heart—showing their love for creative expression.
The Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival will return on Saturday, December 6 with an 11-hour event at Waterside Park featuring eight blues acts and better facilities.
Organizers led by Paul Benjamin expect to draw 1,200 to 1,500 fans—building on last year’s 1,000-attendee debut and offering a welcoming venue for local music lovers.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has launched a $60M expansion project that will add a new conservatory and learning pavilion overlooking Sarasota Bay—designed to enhance conservation and innovation at the gardens.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will break ground on Phase Two of its downtown Sarasota master plan on December 2 at 10 a.m.—with a new conservatory complex, learning pavilion and updated landscaping—and has reached 88% of its $118 million funding goal.
The expansion will boost research and education offerings while using 100% renewable energy and water harvesting.
Come From Away opened the Asolo Rep season with a musical that recounts how plane passengers and local townsfolk came together on Sept.
11. The play runs through Dec. 28 and features a dynamic ensemble with live music — bringing energy and heartfelt storytelling to the stage.
New College Foundation grew its endowment to a record $53 million under new management, adding nearly $8 million last fiscal year to support student research grants and internships in local education and health care.
An independent audit found no evidence of misused scholarship funds—refuting critics and reinforcing the foundation's commitment to the community.
New data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission show 587 manatee deaths recorded statewide as of November 7, exceeding totals from the past two years — including 26 in Manatee County and 11 in Sarasota County, with none linked to watercraft collisions.
The report also lists causes such as cold stress and perinatal issues as factors in the overall count.
Arlington Properties and Battery Global Advisors paid $18.42M for an 18-acre parcel west of Palmer Ranch to build Tapestry Sarasota, a 325-unit apartment community scheduled to deliver early 2027.
Developer Jeff Craft will use a nearby 13-acre site for a 57-unit luxury townhome community that will share a connected entrance with the apartments—adding new housing options along South Tamiami Trail.
Readers in Sarasota voted online for the Herald-Tribune Girls Athlete of the Week for Nov.
10-15, 2025—sponsored by Central Florida Behavioral Health Network. The nominees, including cross country runners Madison Muller and Atarah Robinson, swimmers Clare Custer, Sydney Hardy, and Taylor Schwenk, and golfers Avery Banfill and Anne Yu, were chosen by coaches with polls closing at 10 a.m. Friday.
Riverview High girls swimming won their fifth consecutive state championship on November 14 at Florida Aquatics in Ocala by beating Windermere (305) with a score of 395, marking the program’s first five-peat.
Sarasota High boys claimed their fourth state title in five years under new coach Andrew Antonetz by outscoring Riverview (208) with a team total of 231.
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.
Florida Turkey Trot
8 a.m. — Nathan Benderson Park — $23.14-$55.23 — Participate in a fun 5K run/walk with a Thanksgiving theme, complete with medals and mimosas.
Runaway Gin - Phish Tribute
7-8:30 p.m. — Big Top Live — Ticketed event — Experience the electrifying tribute of Runaway Gin, hailed as the world's most notable Phish tribute project.
Ezra Ray Hart Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the musical talents of Ezra Ray Hart live in Sarasota.
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