Morning Sarasota! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: 🌸💕FREE $1000 PERMANENT MAKEUP Raffle Grand opening CC STYLING STUDIOS 10 year re-grand opening🌸 and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Sarasota tourism surges as visitor spending nears $146 million (bluewaterhealthyliving.com) — Tourism in Sarasota is surging, with July visitation up 8.6% and direct visitor spending nearing $146 million, helping support more than 21,000 local jobs. Thanks to a 6% Tourist Development Tax, that influx of visitors is also funding arts, beach maintenance, and community improvements, as national rankings continue to spotlight Sarasota's beaches, culture, and airport.
2. Sarasota Opera Receives $30,000 Grant for Youth Education Programming (broadwayworld.com) — Sarasota Opera just secured a $30,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to expand youth opera education and community programs across Sarasota County. The funding supports hundreds of hours of instruction, school-based initiatives, special youth performances, and the Aficionado Dinner that recognizes major local donors who keep opera thriving here.
3. Sarasota County commissioners get update on Nathan Benderson Park project (mysuncoast.com) — Sarasota County is moving ahead with a 100,000-square-foot indoor sports complex at Nathan Benderson Park, backed by $10 million in state funding and aimed to open before the 2028 World Rowing Championships. The storm-ready facility will add basketball courts, a new boathouse, and event space, expanding year-round sports options and boosting sports tourism for local residents and businesses.
4. Sarasota County approves arts grants without DEI debate, leaving Urbanite behind (suncoastsearchlight.org) — Sarasota County commissioners have approved $2.1 million in 2027 tourist-tax arts grants for 33 organizations, but Urbanite Theatre lost its $40,230 award after refusing to sign new anti-DEI contract language tied to a recent state law. The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County will administer the grants under the revised rules, while questions remain about how DEI compliance will be monitored and enforced.
5. Manatee County rejects flock license plate cameras as DeSantis weighs in (mysuncoast.com) — Manatee County commissioners have unanimously rejected installing Flock license plate reader cameras at county facilities after residents raised privacy concerns and a Sarasota officer was accused of misusing the technology. Sheriff Rick Wells says his office has no plans to add cameras, while Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling for legislative changes so the tools don't create a "surveillance state."
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Sarasota PatchAM possible:
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
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 jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Sarasota Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.