“The Siren is the iconic cocktail of Sarasota,” says Heidi Finley. “As soon as you walk into Jack Dusty or anywhere on the property, you’ll see a Siren in someone’s hand. It is a very, very popular cocktail that everybody enjoys.”

Finley knows her cocktails. Once the lead bartender at The Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, she has now become the Food and Beverage Manager for the resort. She is also the winner of Marriot’s prestigious Masters of Craft competition in the beverage category. Even she is not immune to the allure of the Siren’s song.

“The Siren is really a riff on a classic cocktail, the French 75, which is originally made with gin. We can make the Siren with gin, vodka or tequila, so it’s a very versatile cocktail. I do love it with gin more than any other spirit,” Finley says. “What we add to that is fresh lemon juice, elderflower liqueur and then wonderful cranberry, grapefruit and orchid ice cubes. As the ice melts, the flavor and the color of the cocktail evolves, emulating Sarasota’s striking sunsets. We finish off the drink with prosecco to add a little bit of effervescence.”

The resulting drink is bright, citrusy and floral with flavors that are layered yet smooth and accessible. It’s no wonder it lures so many people in. Locals often stop by to sip on a Siren before a night on the town, and returning guests are ready to order them at check-in. There’s no better time than right now to succumb to the Siren’s song. Jack Dusty has just kicked off their Siren Social Hours promotion, which started July 1st and will run through October 15th. Stop by and enjoy a Siren for $25 and you can also some of Jack Dusty’s delectable bar bites - sweet and smoky blistered Shishito Peppers, rich and tender Wagyu Sliders and unctuous and savory Smoked Fish Dip - for half-off. The deal runs Sunday through Friday evenings from 3pm to 6pm and is available to patrons seated in the bar area. This call is definitely one worth answering. 

Pictured: Jack Dusty's iconic cocktail the Siren is at the center of a supernaturally good promotion running now through October 15. Photo by Cecilia Marty.

Oysters Rock Hospitality is proud to be named Hospitality Business of the Year at the 2025 Frank G. Berlin Sr. Sarasota Business Awards, presented by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by Visit Sarasota County, this award recognizes hospitality businesses that create exceptional guest experiences, demonstrate industry leadership, and contribute to Sarasota’s vibrant tourism sector.  

Café on St. Armands invites guests to an intimate culinary experience, Mediterranean Soul: A Guided Olive Oil Tasting, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 6 PM in the Gallery Room. Led by Tim Fanning of Ootopia Extra Virgin Olive Oil, this unique event features a guided tasting of four distinct Greek olive oils. Each oil’s character, from delicate and grassy to bold and peppery, will be highlighted through a chef-curated progression of Mediterranean-inspired bites. Guests will begin with a welcome splash of bubbly. An optional wine pairing will be available for an additional charge, featuring selections chosen to complement each course.

Tuesday, July 15, 6pm,, Café on St. Armands , 431 St. Armands Circle , Sarasota. 

Anna Maria Oyster Bar UTC is marking its second birthday with a weeklong celebration filled with giveaways, tasty treats, and plenty of Five Star Fun. From Monday, July 14 through Thursday, July 17, 2025, guests can join the festivities all day. The celebration features: Margarita Monday — Enjoy one free small margarita. Taco Tuesday — Get one free AMOB taco with any beverage purchase. Mocktail Wednesday — Sip on one free small mocktail. Birthday Bash Thursday — The grand finale with games, giveaways, happy hour all day, an oyster cookout, and a Key Lime Pie birthday prize topped with a sparkler.

Monday, July 14 through Thursday, July 17, Anna Maria Oyster Bar UTC , 5405 University Parkway University Park. 

During its regularly scheduled City Commission Meeting on Monday, July 7, the Sarasota City Commission unanimously approved a rezone request for the Mira Mar building on South Palm Avenue, changing the 1.2-acre site from downtown core to downtown bayfront zoning. The zoning approval comes after the first city commission unanimous approval for the comprehensive plan amendment on May 19, 2025. Today’s vote gave final approval for the Seaward Development plan to renovate and restore the historic portion of the building that occupies nearly 400 feet on Palm Avenue and add new retail, restaurant and office space, plus build two residential condominium towers behind it. 

To learn more click here

Local music school Music Compound is turning up the heat in July with its Summer Masterclass Series. With three events in July, the series will feature: 15-year-old piano phenom River Eckert (July 17); pro drummer (and son of world-famous drummer/singer Phil Collins) Nic Collins as well as other renowned drummers and clinicians for a drum clinic (July 19); and a vocal workshop with MC instructor Jenn McDonald (July 26). These events have been designed to inspire and educate music performers and fans alike. 

To learn more click here

Sarasota Youth Opera invites families to explore the magic of opera at a lively and interactive Family Day at the Sarasota Opera House on Saturday, August 23, from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. This free event offers an engaging and welcoming introduction to opera for children and adults alike.
Visitors can enjoy singing sessions, acting games and workshops, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic opera house. Other hands-on activities include costume and makeup demonstrations, crafts, a photo booth, and the chance to win fun prizes. Ice cream and an on-site food truck will also be available to enjoy throughout the afternoon. Family Day offers a glimpse into what makes Sarasota Youth Opera a unique and inspiring program. Attendees will get a taste of the creativity and talent fostered by the Youth Opera and learn about opportunities to get involved in our Youth Opera program and the Youth Opera fall production. 

To learn more click here

Join us for the inspiring 10th Annual SRQ Women Who Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon, celebrating local women leaders who significantly impact our community. Enjoy a dynamic program featuring the introduction of the esteemed 2025 Leadership Circle inductees, engaging PopUp Boutiques, and opportunities to network during our post-event reception. 

Get ready to be inspired at the Annual Giving Coast Luncheon: Philanthropic Agenda & Good Hero Awards, recognizing local changemakers. Join us in bringing the philanthropic community together on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Michael's On East and help celebrate the nonprofit spirit of our area. Featuring a panel of distinguished philanthropic leaders discussing giving trends, the honorable Good Hero Awards, and the interactive Giving Tree Program, this event will be nothing short of spectacular. Also highlighting the acclaimed SRQ Lifetime Good Hero Achievement Award, the program will uplift attendees and spark meaningful change.