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Hey Sarasota, hope your week’s off to a good start! A new Girl Scout cookie, a trillion-dollar bill’s local wins, a chili cook-off, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
New resilience blueprint unveiled: Sarasota urban planner Philip DiMaria shared a three-step plan to address flooding on St. Armands Circle, raising sidewalks and building elevations, rethinking parking, and proposing a central observation deck — see what’s in the plan.
Trillion-dollar bill’s local impact: The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, has funded Sarasota and Manatee projects, including $3 million for Valor Commons and $800,000 for New College’s greenway, plus Bradenton’s 51st Street West extension — see which projects got funded.
Sweet sales, lasting impact: Girl Scout cookie season is underway around the Suncoast, debuting Exploremores, a rocky road inspired sandwich cookie. Proceeds stay local to support troops, STEM, arts, outdoor adventures, and community programs — see how sales support programs.
Market leadership gains momentum: Moody’s upgraded Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s credit rating to Aa3 after excellent performance. The system is investing $1 billion, including a new North Port hospital, strengthening care for families — read the full story.
Gold continues to hold strong: After its best year in decades, gold remains near historic highs as investors look for stability amid inflation and debt. American Hartford has a free guide that covers everything you need to know. They’re also offering up to $25,000 of free silver on qualified accounts – check it out here.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
Compare car insurance rates (it’s free): The average car insurance bill is roughly $175/month. I was paying more until I took a few minutes to compare quotes where I live. I ended up switching and cut my premium in half. Even if you’re not ready to switch, it’s worth checking – this comparison tool makes it easy.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Regional economy sees boost: Pirates spring training is underway in Bradenton, their 58th season here, bringing an estimated $40 to $45 million over six weeks. Expect busy hotels and restaurants around Sarasota and Bradenton. The first home game is February 22, drawing fans who often return within a year. Get all the details.
New pizza spots arriving: Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza will open in the Sarasota area soon, with locations planned at University Town Center and The Marketplace at Heritage Harbour, plus another at The Meadows at The Heritage Harbour in Bradenton. The company is in the process of acquiring a license from Walmart. See all planned locations.
Putt, sip, repeat: When you want weeknight fun that’s easy to rally the crew, PopStroke Sarasota serves two outdoor putting courses, on-course drink delivery, a rooftop bar, and a scratch-made menu, so you can swap doomscrolling for friendly smack talk, sharp short-game vibes, and plenty of laughs.
Modern, but livable: Home Resource brings contemporary pieces that play nice with real life, from statement sofas to sculptural chairs and outdoor furniture built for summer. Need one wow piece or a full refresh? Their team makes layout decisions simple, so your space feels modern and livable.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
The weight loss game has changed: New GLP-1 medications work with your body’s natural hormones to help reduce appetite and support steady weight loss under medical supervision. Remedy Meds connects you with licensed clinicians online to see if you’re a good candidate. They’ll evaluate your health, provide transparent pricing, and ship medication straight to your door.
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📆 Around town this week
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.
This week
🐦 Birding Trip to the Celery Fields @ Audubon Nature Center | Tuesday (2/17) at 9:00 AM – Whether you can ID a Least Bittern at 50 yards or still call everything a duck, the Celery Fields deliver. Wander marshes, ponds, and oaks scouting limpkins, gallinules, and wrens, then hit feeders for migrants. It’s free, open to all, and Tom handles RSVPs, carpools.
🎭 Mardi Gras 2026 @ Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center | Tuesday (2/17) at 7:00 PM – Craving Mardi Gras without TSA? Kid Red of Louisiana Gumbo and The Pontchartrain All-Stars throw an annual benefit blowout for WSLR+Fogartyville, with Bart Delarmi on bass, Christine Berstling on sax, the Blums driving the groove, and Saint David preaching on guitar. Beads optional, dancing inevitable.
🎪 Circus Sarasota @ Nathan Benderson Park | Wednesday (2/18) at 1:00 PM – Big Top season is back, and Benderson Park is swapping oars for acrobats. Circus Sarasota delivers world class aerialists, daredevils, and old school thrills you can actually look up at. Grab popcorn, a seat, and your inner kid, because this town still knows circus.
This weekend
🦋 Butterflies and Blossoms Spring Plant Sale and Garden Tour @ Butterflies and Blossoms | Saturday (2/21) at 8:30 AM – Ready to trade big-box begonias for the good stuff? Head to Butterflies and Blossoms on Grove for a backyard plant sale and tour with Florida natives, rare finds, used pots, free plants, a DIY succulent station, and two giveaways. Park up front, wander in.
🎨 Bayfront Winter Art in the Park @ JD Hamel Park | Saturday (2/21) at 10:00 AM – If you’ve been craving a market that puts creators first, not cover bands, booze, or food trucks, head to JD Hamel Park on the bay. Eighty booths of handmade art, clever gifts, and wearable finds, with bay breezes and zero hype.
🌶 12th Annual Chili Cook-Off @ Red Barn Bar | Sunday (2/22) at 2:00 PM – Warm up taste buds at the 12th annual chili cook-off benefiting the Humane Society of Sarasota, where $5 gets you a vote that counts, plus raffles, Dirty Byrd, and on-site adoptions. Come for the spice, leave with a happy heart, and maybe a new co-pilot.
🎻 Side-by-Side Concert @ Riverview Performing Arts Center | Sunday (2/22) at 4:00 PM – If you’ve been craving proof the kids are more than alright, Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero lines up our pros and the Youth Philharmonic for a side-by-side that trades ego for goosebumps. Come for the maestro, stay for the future, and the volume.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Sarasota report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 80°F – Low: 59°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny. High near 80, with temperatures falling to around 75 in the afternoon. East wind 5 to 9 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. East wind around 7 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 78°F – Low: 60°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 78. South wind 6 to 9 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. South southwest wind around 5 mph.
This house is wild
Recipient of eleven awards, this four-bedroom residence in a historic Sarasota enclave by Jonathan Parks and Michael Gilkey pairs British Colonial sensibility with modern simplicity. Set on a 20,000-square-foot lot outside the flood zone, it features walls of glass, curated gardens, a pool, and a screened patio. A first-floor primary wing, ensuite guest spaces, and upstairs balconies overlook lush grounds.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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