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🌱 Patch AM: Why deputies raided a Clark Road casino-style operation this week

Also, don’t miss 2026 Sarasota Guitar and Amp Show on the Sarasota Patch calendar

Sunday May 31st Patch AM

What's up Sarasota! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • Why deputies raided a Clark Road casino-style operation this week
  • Which Sarasota restaurants are closing, moving, or making big bets next?
  • Why Sarasota now has Florida’s lowest child measles vaccination rate

Also on today's calendar: 2026 Sarasota Guitar and Amp Show and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: The top potato won what? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: An afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 87 and low of 78 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Monday: A shower and t-storm; humid, temps: high: 87, low: 78.
  • Tuesday: An afternoon t-storm; humid, with a high of 88 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Sarasota County gambling crackdown results in seizure of cash and slot machines (wftv.com) — Law enforcement shut down two suspected illegal gambling spots in Sarasota County this week, seizing dozens of slot machines and more than $62,000 in cash. One location was on Clark Road in Sarasota, and the investigation by the Sheriff’s Office is still ongoing.    

2. Death, closures and big moves rock Sarasota dining scene (heraldtribune.com) — Sarasota’s dining scene saw major changes in May, from a beloved restaurateur’s death and a Five-O Donut Co. closure to new spots like Carvel, Amalfi Bakehouse, and expanded downtown locations. Local favorites such as The Breakfast House are planning big moves, while The Bay park readies future waterfront restaurants and Alpine Steakhouse earns national burger recognition.    

3. Amid measles resurgence, Sarasota's child vaccination rates are among the lowest - WSLR+Fogartyville (wslr.org) — Sarasota currently has the lowest childhood measles vaccination rate in Florida, worrying health experts as cases climb statewide and globally. Local voices, including a Bradenton parent and Sarasota school board candidates, debate vaccine choice versus public health just as massive World Cup crowds are expected in nearby Miami, raising concerns about highly contagious diseases spreading back into our community.    

4. Siesta Key Health and Rehabilitation Center ownership and CMS rating in Sarasota County, Florida, for Q1 (sarasotareview.com) — If you have loved ones in Sarasota County nursing homes, new federal data show Siesta Key Health and Rehabilitation Center holds an average three-star rating and has recently incurred significant fines. The report also compares ratings, ownership, and resident counts across 22 local facilities, giving families a clearer picture of long-term care options in our area.    

5. WWII airman to be laid to rest at Sarasota National Cemetery (mysuncoast.com) — A long-missing World War II airman will finally be laid to rest with full military honors at Sarasota National Cemetery on June 8, and the public is invited to attend. After decades listed as missing in action, Tech. Sgt. Charles C. Palmer Jr. was identified through an archaeological dig and DNA, giving his Sarasota-area family long-awaited closure.    


📸 Around Sarasota

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Village On The Isle Raises $10,000 for American Cancer Society —Kasey Brennan Read on Patch
  • UPDATE: a sweet lady found him and kept him safe until animal control got him.
    We picked him up this morning and he's home safe. 🫶 Hello! We just moved here and have lost our beloved lab. Has anyone found a yellow lab about 70… (Nextdoor Arlington Park)
  • For All of my wonderful neighbors who posted great concern and compassion.
    I just wanted to let you all know that I'm taking my new little baby girl here to the doctor today and she made it fine through the night. I'll be… (Nextdoor Melrose Place)
  • Walmart, Inc. posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in Sarasota. Apply here.
  • MyUS.com posted a job opening for Partner Shipper I in Sarasota. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Sarasota here.

Ok Sarasota! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A championchip (Thank you Timothy G. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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