|
Subscribe | Get featured
It’s Friday, Venice! Let’s finish this week strong.
In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: A Bob Seger tribute, show jumping under the stars grand prix, and boater rescued in rough seas + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.
Today’s sponsor (FinanceBuzz) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.
|
📰 In the news
Where new stars emerge: Just up the road in Sarasota, a storied theatre is shaping the next generation of Black performers, spotlighting local talent and opening doors for aspiring artists across our region — read the full story.
Small craft in peril: On February 24, a boater was rescued in rough seas off Venice after his 18-foot sailboat lost its sail. Sarasota County Emergency Services Beach Patrol brought him ashore without injury — learn how responders acted.
Debris response funding update: Sarasota plans to raise solid waste rates to support a storm debris fund after Helene and Milton. The city has started collecting vegetative and construction debris for Sarasota County — read the full story.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you (or someone you care about) to clean up all that up – learn more here.
Highlights this week:
|
🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?
Together with our sponsor FinanceBuzz
Auto insurance premiums have been climbing across the country… and most folks won’t notice until it’s time to renew and they’re hit with a higher bill.
The frustrating part? Loyalty rarely gets rewarded. Insurers adjust prices constantly, and new customers often qualify for better rates than long-time policyholders.
I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.
This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.
|
🫶 We got your back
Vegan comfort, Venice-style: From curious carnivores to committed vegans, Plant SoulFood Kitchen serves a dedicated Vegan Menu, organic juices, smoothies, açaí bowls, and creamy cashew milk chia pudding. Plus, a coffee bar and playful mocktails for when you want the vibe without the buzz.
Find-the-good-stuff vibes: Rum Runners Antiques & Auctions turns a beautifully restored 1923 Nokomis landmark into real-deal treasure hunting, with multiple dealers and a strict no-reproduction policy. If your space craves history with character, browse slow and you’ll spot pieces that feel lived-in, loved, and ready for round two.
Wake-up-and-go beauty: Permanent Makeup by Cheryl A Doss RN shapes brows, defines liner, and boosts lip color so you wake up ready. For hectic mornings or gym-to-grocery days, her subtle, long-wear technique delivers a natural, polished look you’ll notice every day.
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.
|
📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
👩 Women Empowering Women Spring Luncheon @ Plantation Golf & Country Club | Friday (3/6) at 11:00 AM – International Women’s Day calls for a spring luncheon with good company, real talk, and a solid chicken salad at Plantation Golf and Country Club. Simone Knego headlines with stories that actually stick, then signs books, credit card only, so bring your curiosity, not crumpled cash.
🐎 Show Jumping Under the Stars Grand Prix @ Fox Lea Farm | Friday (3/6) at 7:00 PM – Whether you know a hunter derby from a happy hour, you’ll love this Friday double feature of under-the-lights show jumping and a two-round derby. Ten bucks gets you live music, free parking, and Made in Italy’s pizza, or spring for a VIP table, brag responsibly.
✈ Venice Airport Day @ Skyport Aviation | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Curious what happens at our airport besides seagulls and touch-and-goes? Swing by Skyport Aviation for a free, family-friendly look at aircraft, drones, and RC planes, basically plane-spotting with snacks, local vendors, and aviation pros who love talking hangars, history, and horsepower.
🥧 2026 “Pie in the Sky” Open Hangar @ Agape Flights | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – Whether you’re chasing island vibes or just a free excuse to nose around a hangar, Agape Flights is throwing a community party, no boarding pass required. Expect pizza slices, kid-friendly activities, and a peek at 46 years of faith-fueled aviation, Venice neighbors, and good cheer.
🧶 Wet Felting: Bowl @ The Artistic Flip Flop | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – Trade screen time for sudsy wool time at a wet felting bowl class with globe-trotting artist Lisa Lombardi. Layer colors, learn simple shaping and texture, and leave with a one-of-a-kind catchall your keys will actually respect. No experience needed, $45, limited seats, register online.
🎸 Bread Zeppelin and more @ Pines Island Park | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 PM – Think you still know every Zeppelin riff by heart? Plantation’s park dishes a double helping, with Bread Zeppelin on the classics and Good Bread on blues rock you can hear from a lawn chair. Bring a sensible sway, and your air guitar.
💐 She Blooms @ Bouquets Du Jour | Sunday (3/8) at 5:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to upgrade from grocery-store carnations, this is it. Bouquets Du Jour hosts a flower arrangement masterclass for International Women’s Day, with tips, lush stems, and zero pressure. Come for the blooms, leave with bragging rights and a centerpiece.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
|
📻 Venice report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 82°F – Low: 65°F – Precip: 27%
A slight chance of rain showers between 3pm and 4pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 4pm and 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny. High near 82, with temperatures falling to around 78 in the afternoon. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. East wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
—
Tomorrow – High: 82°F – Low: 65°F – Precip: 24%
A slight chance of rain showers after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. South southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Something in your house is about to break 🏠
It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major system and appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’re staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast.
It never happens at a convenient time, and most homeowners just eat the cost because they don’t realize there’s a better option.
American Home Shield covers repairs and replacements on most of your home’s major systems and appliances — old or new, no inspection required.
The best part? Select plans are 50% off now through March 9th.
This house is wild
This grand showpiece serves up serious space, offering 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and a 3-car garage. A dedicated den, a flexible bonus room, and a full media room dial up the fun and function. Named The Tranquility, it blends scale with calm, perfect for hosting, hobbies, and everything in between.
Take a peek inside →
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|
