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Happy Tuesday, Sarasota. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Sarasota Brief serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead.
In today’s edition: Farmers’ market named best in America, Haunted Trails, Taste of The Bay, and more.
Let’s get to it.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Grassroots market gets spotlight: The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch was named the No. 1 market in America by American Farmland Trust after topping 1,263 competitors. The win includes $2,500 for marketing and outreach — read the full story.
City approvals inch forward: Redevelopment of Zenith at Five Points in Sarasota advanced after the Development Review Committee’s partial sign-off, clearing the way for 18- and 10-story mixed-use towers with 96 homes, seven affordable — learn more about it here.
Milestone in land conservation: Sarasota County completed its 100th land acquisition through the ESLPP, closing on the former Camp Venice RV Resort near Snook Haven Park and protecting 20 acres of Myakka River habitat — get all the details.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
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Fresh, feel-good eats in downtown Sarasota
Green Zebra Cafe keeps Sarasota’s healthy crowd well fed without rabbit-food vibes. This family-owned spot builds plates and bowls that feel like a treat. Açaí piled high, raw desserts that taste like cheating, and cold pressed juices hit the spot. Wellness shots and elixirs step in when your day needs a reboot.
Downtown goes full service in the evenings. By day, brunch runs long. At night, special dinner offerings keep things interesting.
A small, thoughtful list of biodynamic wines and beer rounds it out.
Menus span gluten free, dairy free, keto, paleo, vegan, and vegetarian options, all made in a sustainable kitchen with organic, local ingredients. Craving a feel good meal that doesn’t scream “diet”? Make plans and meet at Green Zebra Cafe for something satisfying.
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Advertising with us is as easy as it gets. Fill out this quick form and we’ll get you in an upcoming edition!
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🫶 We got your back
A dazzling coastal tradition: Siesta Key Crystal Classic returns Nov. 14-17 on Siesta Key Beach, where master sculptors turn quartz sand into massive art. Expect live music, 75 vendors, and the glowing Sculptures After Dark on Saturday. Tickets are on sale now. Parking fills fast, so plan ahead. See where to get tickets.
Contemporary voices take centerstage: Sarasota’s contemporary classical group ensembleNewSRQ has streamlined its name to enSRQ and kicks off its 10th season Oct. 27 at First Congregational Church, where it began. The “Tangled Whispers” program features Sebastian Currier, a new Amy Williams commission, Jerod Tate, and Elliott Carter. Founders Samantha Bennett and George Nickson continue hybrid in-person and livestream shows. Get all the details.
Pumpkin vibes, secured: Whether you’re hunting a porch-worthy pumpkin or just an excuse to pet goats, Fruitville Grove brings the full fall spread: pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, live music, craft vendors, pony rides, and pumpkin painting, so your weekend feels festive without leaving Sarasota.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
Break up with debt for good: These guys can help you cut ties, pay up to 30% less than you owe, and finally get some peace. This isn’t your average debt relief advice… it’s a financial fresh start, complete with a victory dance and happy cry or two when your balance hits zero.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Have an event to share? Submit it here for free →
This week
🌿 Hocus Pocus Terrarium Making Class @ Sun King Sarasota | Tuesday (10/21) at 6:30pm – Whether you still quote Hocus Pocus every October or just want an excuse to play with moss, this hands-on class lets you build a spooky little terrarium. Succulents, sand, and maybe a tiny broom. Kid-at-heart energy, zero glitter cleanup.
🐶 Bark-O-Ween @ Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex | Thursday (10/23) at 5:30pm – Think your dog wears a cape better than your neighbor’s lab? Hit the annual Bark-O-Ween at Arlington Paw Park for a judged costume parade, dog-friendly prizes, and a look at the freshly renovated grounds. It’s free, registration required.
🌅 Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens: A Special Performance and Discussion @ Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus | Thursday (10/23) at 5:30pm – Sunset at Selby means stories, strings, and a little real talk. Hear Hermitage’s Andy Sandberg dish on repairs after Helene and Milton and what’s next for Manasota Key, then enjoy violist Ralph Farris of ETHEL in the gardens. Registration required, five bucks, worth every minute.
👻 Haunted Trails @ Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex | Friday (10/24) at 5:00pm – This free haunted trail turns Arlington Park’s half-mile loop into a low-key carnival of games, tricks, and just-enough spooks. It is family friendly, costume friendly, and perfect if you count a stroll as cardio. Little goblins under five need a grown-up, obviously.
🤠 Voodoo Cowboyz: A Live Country Music Experience That Rocks @ Joyland | Friday (10/24) at 8:00pm – Saddle up for a country show with a rock ’n’ roll kick—twangy guitars, big choruses, and boot-stompin’ energy all night. Joyland’s dance floor will be calling, so dust off those boots and bring your best two-step. Expect crowd-pleasing hits, high-octane covers, and zero dull moments.
This weekend
🐩 Sarasota Dog-A-Ween Costume Contest @ Sarasota Farmers Market | Saturday (10/25) at 9:00am – Spooky season calls for dogs in ridiculous costumes, a parade at the Sarasota Farmers Market, and bragging rights you can dine out on till Thanksgiving. Toss in $15 to enter, benefit Donte’s Den, and enjoy prizes, pet-friendly patios, and a victory strut down Main.
🐉 Halloween Dragon Egg Hunt! @ Children’s Garden and Art Center | Saturday (10/25) at 10:00am – Morning at the garden means tiny dragons, sugar highs, and you calling it cardio. Kids in costume hunt 12 candy-stuffed eggs, chase the elusive Snuffy Egg, craft pumpkin wands, then score free Ben & Jerry’s. Advance tickets required, the hunt starts at 10:15 sharp.
🌸 Bloom by the Bay, SeaFlower’s Grand Opening Celebration @ SeaFlower Welcome Center | Saturday (10/25) at 10:00am – Whether you remember the gladiolus farm or just want free flowers, get a first look at SeaFlower’s coastal village on Bradenton’s mainland. Tour ten showcase homes, snag refreshments and activities, score a mural selfie, and earn a custom bouquet after all ten, plus prize entries.
💎 75th Anniversary Diamond Gala @ St. Martha Catholic School | Saturday (10/25) at 6:00pm – St. Martha is marking 75 years with a Diamond Gala, complete with gourmet dinner, live entertainment, and auctions that actually benefit the school’s classrooms, not your closet. Black tie optional, generosity encouraged. VIP mingling if you like feeling fancy.
🍷 Taste of The Bay Presented by Sarasota-Manatee Originals @ The Bay Park | Sunday (10/26) at 12:00pm – Taste of The Bay is serving up bites from locally owned favorites you recommend to guests, with The Rockefellers onstage and The Bay breezes doing their thing. Admission is free, you buy food with tickets, credit card only, so snack, sip, and sway without fuss.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🎶 Live music & entertainment
- 10/21 Bri Rivera @ Marina Jack – 5 pm
- 10/23 Scott Curts @ Marina Jack – 5 pm
- 10/23 Detroit Mike Duo and more @ JR’s Old Packinghouse Cafe – 6 pm
- 10/23 Saving Abel and more @ Big Top Live – 7 pm
- 10/24 The Bird Tribe @ Big Top Live – 7 pm
- 10/24 Dr. Dave Band @ Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse – 7 pm
- 10/25 Free Fallin (Tom Petty tribute) @ Big Top Live – 7 pm
- 10/25 Marko Coconut @ Bahi Hut Lounge – 7 pm
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🏠️ This house is wild
Listed by: Liz Arme (PREMIER SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY)
On Siesta Key’s north end, this 4-bed, 4-bath waterfront home spans 4,622 square feet, elevated above flood plain and angled to bay panoramas. Direct Intracoastal access, no fixed bridges, a new 95-foot seawall, and a 40-foot powered slip, Big Pass on speed dial. Heated saltwater pool and spa with smart controls and waterfall features.
Inside, a Sub-Zero and Dacor kitchen with wine fridge and wet bar fronts a cathedral-ceiling family room. The primary suite brings a balcony and spa bath, plus impact glass, a pool-entry guest suite, bonus room, and short-term rental eligibility near Village and beach.
Take a peek inside →
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