eclectic expressions exhibit, summer circus spectacular, pour your own epoxy workshop, and more. 
Happy Friday, 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 weekend ahead.
📰 In the news
Local happenings: Sushi bar opens in Lakewood Ranch, former deputy ships custom pet wheelchairs worldwide, and a giant sloth claw appears at Bishop Museum — catch up here.
State-level stories: Island town racing to build a costly pipeline, thousands of flood damaged vehicles hitting driveways, and a road trip to Florida’s secret beachfront speakeasies — see what else is brewing.
National headlines: Federal judge orders fresh review of gray wolf safeguards, OPEC+ output increase pushes oil under seventy dollars, and a mislabeled pasta recall — peruse the best of the rest.
Highlights this week
- Explore journalism’s past, present and future
- Grab free sandbags at three stations
- Explore Florida’s marshes and wetlands
- Create a custom epoxy charcuterie board
- Compare home equity loans for free
🫶 We got your back
Pizza: Think you’ve had every slice in Sarasota? These pizza spots prove otherwise.
Cuisine: Florida’s food scene is a delicious identity crisis… Cuban sandwiches argue with salami, Greek divers swap nets for aprons, and key lime pies refuse to be green. These must-try Florida dishes make every bite a new adventure.
Organize: You spend a weekend lining up matching containers only to find chaos three weeks later. These real-life bulletproof hacks fit your messy, beautiful life, and these sustainable organization tips actually stick.
Florist: In need of a last-minute gift, a romantic gesture, or just some color in your life, Gulf Gate Flowers arranges petal-powered masterpieces that speak volumes without saying a word.
Family: 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.
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📆 Around town this weekend
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.
Today
📸 Branding Event| Friday (8/8) at 10:00am – That LinkedIn headshot from 2017? Yeah, it’s time. Step into the spotlight with fresh, professional digital photography that captures the best version of you. Whether you’re job-hunting or just tired of cropping your ex out of your profile pic, this event’s got your glow-up covered — but space is tight, so register ASAP.
🗣️ Positively Speaking Toastmasters | Friday (8/8) at 6:00pm – Positively Speaking Toastmasters is gathering locals who’d rather sharpen their public speaking than binge another true crime podcast. You’ll test-drive your next pitch in a zero-judgment zone, score feedback over coffee, and walk away sounding like you actually know what you’re talking about.
This weekend
🖌️ “Eclectic Expressions” Exhibit @ Arts Advocates Gallery | Saturday (8/9) at 2:00pm – From bold brushstrokes to serene sketches, this juried exhibit is a monthly-changing lineup of professional artists showing off their best. Hosted by the Island Gallery and Studios crew, it’s the perfect afternoon wander — and it won’t cost you a dime. One stroll through and you’ll get why they call it “eclectic.”
🎪 Summer Circus Spectacular @ Historic Asolo Theater | Saturday (8/9) at 2:00pm – High-flying, jaw-dropping, and just the right amount of silly — this grand finale performance wraps up the summer season with flair. World-class circus artists light up the stage in a show that’s as thrilling for grown-ups as it is for wide-eyed kids.
🤣 Greg Warren @ McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre | Saturday (8/9) at 6:00pm – Former peanut butter salesman turned stand-up comic? Yep, Greg Warren’s got jokes—and they’re as sharp as they are unexpected. Catch him live at McCurdy’s for an evening of observational comedy that’ll have you laughing so hard you forget how weird grocery stores really are.
🎤 Justin Layman @ Munchies 420 Cafe | Sunday (8/10) at 4:00pm – Justin Layman is rolling into town with three albums and two decades of Florida road-singing under his belt, blending folk, rock, and R&B like a backyard BBQ meets a vinyl record store. Expect honest lyrics, soulful guitar riffs, and zero corporate showmanship.
🎶 Vince at Nite@ Gilligans Island Grill | Sunday (8/10) at 6:00pm – Wrap your weekend with smooth tunes, good drinks, and coastal vibes courtesy of Vince @ Nite. This laid-back set at Gilligans Island Grill is the perfect excuse to extend your Sunday fun — no cover charge, just good music and even better company.
Next week
💧 Pour Your Own Epoxy @ Painting with a Twist | Monday (8/11) at 6:00pm – Ready for a new Sarasota pride project and an excuse to BYOB it? At this hands-on epoxy workshop you’ll pick premium walnut, swirl in two custom hues, then wait six weeks for your one-of-a-kind charcuterie board or lazy susan to finish its little diva act.
🔪 Murder by Malbec @ Pesto | Tuesday (8/12) at 6:00pm – Prosecco on arrival sets the scene for cracking tomato-asiago bisque, gorgonzola-spiked greens, plus a murder mystery with crab-topped salmon, chicken saltimbocca, osso bucco, or veggie pasta. A delicious excuse to get out and dress up.
🐶 Barks & Brews: Luau Paw-ty @ The Green at UTC | Tuesday (8/12) at 7:00pm – Who knew Fido was such a hula pro? Slide over to The Green at UTC for a luau paw-ty, complete with tiki cocktails, live island tunes, splash pads, pet-friendly vendors, and all for the love of Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
🎶 Live music & entertainment
- 8/8 Marcel Almanzor @ Gilligans Island Grill – 1 pm
- 8/8 Greg Warren @ McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre – 6 pm
- 8/8 Hot Club SRQ Trio @ Arts & Central – 6 pm
- 8/8 Johnny D & the Rockett 88s @ Gilligans Island Grill – 6 pm
- 8/9 Billy Lyon Band @ Gilligans Island Grill – 6 pm
- 8/9 The Bootleggers @ Joyland – 8:45 pm
- 8/10 Patrick & Evan @ Gilligans Island Grill – 1 pm
- 8/10 Vince @ Nite @ Gilligans Island Grill – 6 pm
- 8/11 Matt Dendy @ Marina Jack – 5:30 pm
🏠️ Price is right – Sarasota edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
Listed by: Dan Fairchild (DALTON WADE INC)
High ceilings and wood-look porcelain floors set the stage for some seriously stylish lounging at this lakefront stunner in the Founders Club. The kitchen is all about chef cred, with stone counters, GE Monogram appliances, and a built-in Subzero ready for midnight snacks. Movie nights get an upgrade in the dedicated media room, while the primary suite’s dual walk-ins and spa-worthy bath bring the five-star hotel vibes.
Step outside to a custom pool and gas-heated spa, outdoor grill center, and a fireplace for those rare chilly Florida evenings. Gated golf course community perks and water views complete the package.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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