Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: BrickTop’s, Sugar Champagne Bar, Balos, Just Salad: Restaurant Openings, Closings

Make time for Open House in Parkridge - 11-2pm on the Sarasota Patch calendar

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Saturday August 29th Patch AM
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Good morning Sarasota! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • New Sarasota restaurants, bar changes and a beloved sushi spot relocating
  • Why Sarasota tourism is surging while the rest of Florida slips
  • Why auditors say Sarasota's tax collector payout may have broken state law.

Also on today's calendar: Open House in Parkridge - 11-2pm and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What has a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: An afternoon t-storm; humid, with a high of 92 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: Humid; a p.m. t-storm or two, temps: high: 91, low: 74.
  • Monday: Humid with a thunderstorm, with a high of 90 and low of 75 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. BrickTop's, Sugar Champagne Bar, Balos, Just Salad: Restaurant Openings, Closings (patch.com) — Food lovers in Sarasota have plenty to track as new spots like Balos in downtown Sarasota and BrickTop's at University Town Center join the scene, while JPan Sushi prepares to relocate. Sugar Champagne Bar has dropped its steep minimum tab, Bread Bandits has expanded from Sarasota into Lakewood Ranch, and a Bradenton Just Salad and BubbaQue's add more nearby dining options.
   

2. Why Sarasota County Tourism Is Booming While Florida Struggles – WENG 98.1FM, 107.5 FM & 1530 AM (wengradio.com) — Sarasota County is bucking Florida's tourism slump, drawing 156,000 visitors in July and generating nearly $146 million in direct spending. Local leaders credit the "Cultural Coast" brand—pairing beaches with arts, dining, and downtown experiences—for stronger hotel performance, more jobs, and higher tax revenues that support community services and schools.
   

3. Auditors say Sarasota tax collector's $100,767 payout violated state law (suncoastsearchlight.org) — State auditors say a $100,767 payment to Sarasota County Tax Collector Mike Moran from his former agency, the Florida PACE Funding Agency, violated Florida law and lacked documentation of any work performed. The same audit details broader financial control problems and questionable travel spending at PACE, findings now expected to be forwarded to state law enforcement for review, potentially affecting local trust in tax-backed programs.
   

4. Charlotte County middle school teacher suspected of abuse has troubling past (mysuncoast.com) — Sarasota County authorities have charged a Punta Gorda Middle School teacher with multiple counts of sexual battery involving a boy, and investigators say prior concerns about his conduct span several states and years. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is still investigating and is asking anyone with information or additional concerns to contact them directly.
   

5. New shopping center coming to Palmer Ranch in Sarasota Co. (mynews13.com) — A massive mixed-use center is rising on the former Sarasota Square Mall site in Palmer Ranch, bringing new restaurants, shops and apartments within walking distance for nearby residents. Phase one opens next year, with a downtown-style core and housing added through 2028, while neighbors weigh the benefits of convenience against expected increases in traffic and noise.
   

📸 Around Sarasota

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Sarasota

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota Announces Change to January 14 Sticks and Strings Lunch & Listen Concert —Kelly Fores Read on Patch
  • Easterseals Southwest Florida welcomes families to new school year —Sharon Kunkel Read on Patch
  • You just never know how you're going to meet people...
    I was at Charlie's Steak and Hoagie today. The line was out the door, and the tables were sparse at best. By the time I placed my order, every table… (Nextdoor Bee Ridge Park)
  • My neighbors dog slipped out of the house this AM and his name is Andi .
    Please be on the lookout for him and contact me . Thank you … We live in Palmer Ranch Cobblestone (Nextdoor McIntosh Rd)
  • Mr. Electric posted a job opening for Customer Service Dispatcher in Sarasota. Apply here.
  • Government Jobs posted a job opening for Juvenile Assessment Center Screener - R14041 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 bottle (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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