Hello Sarasota! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Goodwill Columbus Day Sale and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why do some birds fly south for the winter? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Sarasota Man Shot By Deputy After Opening Fire On Law Enforcement (patch.com) — Residents near Bee Ridge Road and Cattlemen Road awoke to a major law enforcement response after deputies tracked a shooting suspect back to his Hoyer Drive home in Sarasota. Officials say 39-year-old Casey King fired at deputies before being shot multiple times, then taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital in critical but stable condition. He now faces multiple attempted murder charges against law enforcement officers, with more charges expected.
2. Sarasota County official who led troubled stormwater division during Debby resigns (wusf.org) — Sarasota County's transportation director Spencer Anderson, who previously oversaw the troubled stormwater division during Tropical Storm Debby's 2024 flooding, has resigned and will leave Nov. 6 for a job in Monroe County. His departure follows major restructuring of Sarasota's stormwater operations, ongoing neighborhood frustrations over flood protection, and a $400 million road-building initiative he has been managing.
3. School zone speed cameras capture 34,000 violations in one year (yourobserver.com) — If you drive through Sarasota school zones or busy intersections, new data show automated cameras captured more than 34,000 speeding violations and nearly as many red light offenses in a year, generating millions in fines. City officials say the systems have cut speeding by about 70%, while clarifying that cameras operate all school day, even when flashing lights are off.
4. Embracing Our Differences returns for 2027 season (yoursun.com) — Sarasota residents can look forward to the free Embracing Our Differences outdoor art exhibition returning to Bayfront Park from Jan. 16 to April 18, 2027. The long-running show will feature 50 billboard-sized works and inspiring quotations about inclusion, with opening festivities planned on Jan. 16 and a companion exhibit at St. Pete Pier.
5. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' 2026 Orchid Show brings art, light and color to life with hometown artist (mysuncoast.com) — Sarasota's Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is debuting "The Orchid Show 2026: Christian Sampson," turning its renowned orchid collection into an immersive blend of light, color and art. With installations throughout the conservatory, museum and outdoor spaces, the show highlights Selby's scientific orchid work while giving locals a fresh, dreamlike way to experience a beloved Sarasota attraction.
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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: "Why do some birds fly south for the winter?" — Because it's too far to walk..! (Thank you Theresia F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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