Good morning Sarasota! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Fun Bunco Event - Play, Eat, Enjoy -Open to the Public and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the chicken go to the gym? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Brick-Oven Pizza Chain With NY Roots Expands Into Southwest FL (patch.com) — Southwest Florida pizza fans can expect several new Grimaldi's locations, with a development deal that specifically includes Sarasota, Lee and Collier counties. The coal-fired, brick-oven chain, founded in Brooklyn and now based in Arizona, is partnering with Fort Myers-based UNIV Hospitality to grow its family-friendly, upscale presence across the region while keeping other Florida locations company-owned.
2. FL Gun Shop Hires Kyle Rittenhouse 5 Years After Kenosha Shooting Acquittal (patch.com) — Kyle Rittenhouse has relocated to Sarasota with his wife and is now working at local gun shop Shark Coast Tactical, where he was introduced on the store's podcast. He describes having longtime ties to Southwest Florida and says his notoriety from the 2020 Kenosha shootings has complicated past job searches, while his new employer emphasizes simply needing a salesperson.
3. 25th year commemoration of 9/11 to be held at Sarasota National Cemetery (yourobserver.com) — Sarasota residents are invited to a 25th-year 9/11 commemoration and concert at Patriot Plaza in Sarasota National Cemetery on Sept. 11 from 5 to 6:15 p.m. Local leaders, clergy, first responders and veterans will participate, with guests encouraged to honor individual victims by name and contribute photos or memorabilia to a special Fallen Photo Gallery.
4. Sarasota County approves arts grants without DEI debate, leaving Urbanite Theatre behind (watermarkoutnews.com) — Sarasota County commissioners approved $2.1 million in 2027 tourist tax arts grants but reallocated Urbanite Theatre's $40,230 share after the company refused to sign new anti-DEI compliance language. The decision leaves Urbanite without county cultural funding while other local arts groups move forward under rules tied to Florida's recent DEI law, raising questions about future oversight and enforcement.
5. Public Wins Access to Ziegler Investigation Records as Appeals Court Reverses Secrecy Order (thebradentontimes.com) — A state appeals court has overturned a Sarasota judge's order that kept Sarasota Police Department investigative records on Christian Ziegler secret and ordered many destroyed, clearing the way for public access. The ruling limits officials' ability to hide closed criminal files and sends the case back to Sarasota circuit court, with local attorneys and a Sarasota-based nonprofit leading the transparency fight.
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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: He was working on his pecks (pecs). (Thank you W F C. for sending it in!)
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