SRQ DAILY Oct 9, 2025
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"The nice thing about our course is that spectators can literally follow the entire race on a bike, plus the turns add a bit of complexity for the rowers. "
Rowing has become as synonymous with Nathan Benderson Park as trick or treating is to Halloween or apple pie is to America—it’s just a part of the park’s identity. This weekend, Nathan Benderson Park, in partnership with Visit Sarasota and Sarasota Crew, is hosting the Benderson Chase, a two-day regatta and rowing festival that will bring over 800 athletes and 1,500 spectators to Sarasota.
Like many fall races in the world of crew, the Benderson Chase is a head race, meaning that instead of boats starting side by side and racing to the finish line, boats have a staggered start and race against the clock. In doing so, the course is much longer than a traditional championship regatta—4,500 meters compared to 2,000 meters—and will take rowers around the entirety of the lake at Nathan Benderson Park.
“A lot of times these fall races will occur on a long, straight stretch and are quite honestly, boring to row and not as fun for the spectator,” says Rick Brown, Director of Operations and Development at Sarasota Crew. “The nice thing about our course is that spectators can literally follow the entire race on a bike, plus the turns add a bit of complexity for the rowers. We even have one section where the rowers get to choose an inside lane that's slightly shorter, but a little bit harder of a turn to make than the outside lane.”
The Benderson Chase, which will also include an Oktoberfest event on October 11, will feature boats of all sizes from single person boats to doubles, quads and eights. In a head race such as the Chase, strategy becomes an element of the competition—not only do rowers need to pace themselves accordingly for the increased distance, but the turns of the course require the ability to adjust on the spot. “The tricky thing is that you don’t know whether you’ll pass anybody or if somebody will be catching you or where that will happen on the race course. You just have to plan your race and then have the ability to know that different situations will arise at different times,” says Brown. “On a course like this, you might have to go lighter in a spot where it’s not advantageous to pass a boat and then be strategic on exactly when you make that push to try and pass that boat, which is fun.”
October 11-12, Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, 34235 
Rowers race at Nathan Benderson Park. Provided photo.
Sarasota Paradise today announced that Mika Elovaara has been appointed the club’s Head Coach and Technical Director as the organization enters its inaugural professional season in USL League One in 2026. Elovaara has been serving as the Head Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development & Methodology for the Richmond Kickers since 2019. In 2023, Elovaara took on a dual role as Technical Director for Richmond United, aligning player development pathways under unified methodology in the Richmond soccer community. Beyond his role with the Kickers, Elovaara is a nationally acclaimed coach educator, developing course contents and presenting at the national convention for United Soccer Coaches and being the only active professional coach teaching the United States Soccer Federation A Senior License.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of art? Join us for the FIRST Art Walk of the academic year and experience 7 stunning exhibitions, and delicious bites from 4 food trucks, and so much more! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable cultural journey.
Sarasota’s most iconic fine-dining destination is bringing the Golden Age of Glamour back to Sarasota. Michael’s On East officially reopens today, unveiling a dramatic redesign that reimagines the restaurant in the glamorous Art Deco style of the 1930s supper-club era.For nearly four decades, Michael’s On East has set the standard for fine dining in Sarasota. Today, the restaurant begins its 40th anniversary year with a bold transformation: reimagined dining rooms, an elegant new piano lounge, and a bar that feels both timeless and modern. Every detail of the renovation pays tribute to the Golden Age of Glamour—featuring Art Deco murals, patterns, and shimmering chandeliers—while embracing the energy and elegance of today. Guests are invited to be among the first to experience the reimagined Michael’s On East and join the year-long celebration as we begin to celebrate 40 years. Visit us online at BESTFOOD.com
Downtown Sarasota is gearing up for a community-wide celebration this holiday season with Downtown Sarasota Black Friday on Friday, November 28, 2025. The event, hosted by the Downtown Improvement District in partnership with the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, will feature free parking, exclusive merchant promotions, live music, raffle prizes and branded shopping guides and bags to make downtown the place to be for holiday shopping. This one-day event aims to bring thousands of shoppers downtown, boosting local business visibility and highlighting Sarasota’s thriving urban core as a hub for commerce and connection.
Discover the power of music to bring people together! Off-Key Chorale, a free singing program for individuals affected by Parkinson’s, is expanding to five Florida counties this fall. Created by Key Chorale’s Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins and offered in partnership with Neuro Challenge Foundation, the program helps participants strengthen their voices, build social connections, and enjoy meaningful fellowship—all in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. With no prior singing experience required, Off-Key Chorale is a heartwarming story of community, resilience, and the joy of music—perfect for local news coverage or lifestyle features.
The countdown begins for opening night of Fall season at Sarasota Opera, when a world-class cast takes the stage to bring Mozart’s Così fan tutte to life. A witty, classic opera that comically explores the traps and confusions of love and betrayal, Così fan tutte, or The School for Lovers, follows the story of two naive young soldiers who prank their brides-to-be to test their faithfulness. But the sisters to whom they are betrothed have plans of their own. Find out who ends up schooling whom in Mozart's delightful comedy with a masterful score. Immerse yourself in a world of duplicity, disguises, and delightful deception in 18th century Naples, set to Mozart's beautiful music. Opening night is Friday, October 31 with five performances through November 15.
Sarasota County Schools is proud to announce that 33 of its students have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and college scholarships that began in 1955. Per the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, over 1.3 million juniors in about 20,000 high schools entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of National Merit Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of National Merit Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.
Sarasota High School Theatre presents "The Outsiders", a play adaptation on the novel by S.E. Hinton, on October 22, October 23, October 24 & October 25. Ponyboy Curtis is a teenager caught between two rival groups: the Greasers and the Socs. The Greasers, including Ponyboy and his brothers, come from the working class, while the Socs are wealthy and privileged. After a violent encounter leads to tragic consequences, Ponyboy and his friend Johnny go on the run, forcing them to confront hard truths about class, loyalty, and identity. As tensions escalate and more lives are affected, Ponyboy struggles to make sense of the world and find his place in it. This coming-of-age story is a powerful exploration of friendship, loss, and the enduring hope for understanding across divides. *Content advisory: The play is very true to the book, which was written for students in middle grades. This play contains themes that may be heavy for younger viewers (death, gang violence, loss, and substance use). We recommend children 12 and under be accompanied by an adult.
Sarasota High School’s Theater (2155 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota.Show Dates & Times: Wednesday, October 22 – 7:00pm, Thursday, October 23 – 7:00pm, Friday, October 24 – 7:00pm, Saturday, October 25 – 7:00pm.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), Manasota Branch, launches the fourth season of its Freedom School program on October 18. This free initiative invites students and their families to explore the full story of Black history through engaging sessions that foster confidence, cultural pride, and meaningful connections. Freedom School meets on Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. at Girls Inc, 201 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. To register, volunteer, or learn more, please email ProgramDirector@ASALH-ManasotaFL.org or visit ASALH-ManasotaFl.org/.
Don’t miss the chance to see our Historic Spanish Point campus transformed into “Spooky Point” where you can follow an eerily lit path and encounter fantastic creations and bootanically-themed decorations along the way. Equal parts creepy, campy, and cute, this walk-through show is fun for all ages.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens - Historic Spanish Point, 401 North Tamiami Trail Osprey, FL 34229
Giuseppe Verdi, the most influential Italian Opera composer of the 19th century, willed his vast fortune to build a retirement home in Milan, Italy for ageing opera singers and musicians, and the young music students who are mentored by and live among them. Many of the residents are living legends, who, because of Verdi, are living the third act of their lives with passion, dignity and purpose. This documentary uncovers the incredible stories of these living treasures found at Casa Verdi today.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
A ‘not-so-scary’ Spooktacular returns to Venice featuring a harmonious collaboration of symphonic sounds and storytelling. Become entranced by Bernard Herrmann’s Psycho: A Short Suite for String Orchestra and travel to otherworldly dimensions with music from The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and other mystical medleys.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave building 5, Venice, FL 34285
The monthly Saturday Night Sketch Club offers chill, creative vibes with costumed models or themed still lifes, and refreshments. Come solo or bring a friend. No experience needed.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Kate Hamill's bold adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel brings fresh energy and wit to the stage. Emma Woodhouse prides herself on being a matchmaker with a flawless record, but when love takes unexpected turns, rivals emerge, and emotions run high, Emma is forced to realize that true love may have been right in front of her all along. This sharp, heartwarming comedy explores women's social standing and the tangled themes of love, friendship, and personal growth.
FSU/Asolo Conservatory, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Come From Away tells the inspiring true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in the remote town of Gander, Newfoundland in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. As fear and uncertainty gripped the world, the people of Gander responded with open arms. Through music, humor, and heart this hit Broadway musical celebrates the power of human connection, reminds us that kindness can bring people together in the unlikeliest of times, and affirms that hope can arise in the unlikeliest places.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Tr. Sarasota, FL 34243
This year, we shine a spotlight on Moderns That Matter, a curated collection of iconic landmarks and everyday spaces that define Sarasota’s unique architectural identity and vibrant sense of place.This thoughtful inventory showcases 100 years of architectural excellence and celebrates Sarasota’s role as a global epicenter of design innovation. Throughout MOD Weekend, many of these standout locations will welcome visitors with tours and special programming, offering a rare opportunity to experience Sarasota’s built heritage up close.
Back by popular demand, Encore is a compelling evening of audience favorites that have defined Azara Ballet’s artistic voice. This richly woven program features two poignant works by Martin Flowers—Kodumaa and Lost & Found—alongside Joshua Stayton’s striking Symphony, Leiland Charles’ ethereal Divine Serenity, and Olivia Huseonica’s heartfelt Is This What Love Is. Together, these pieces offer a dynamic and emotionally resonant journey through themes of identity, connection, and transformation.
Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231
Experience the energy, beauty, and intensity of classical music that meets rockstar status! Hear masterpieces including Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C Major featuring a stunning solo by Principal Cellist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Robert DeMaine, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave Building 5, Venice, FL 34285
Astral Mixtape creates groundbreaking original music with classical instruments and electronics. By combining their wide-ranging listening interests with a lifetime of classical training, they have created a personal musical language all their own. Their live performances synthesize the spectacle of pop, the spontaneity of jazz, and the experimentation of contemporary music. This program includes original works that combine music by Rimsky-Korsakov, Vaughan-Williams, Astor Piazzolla, and Andrew Lloyd Webber with contemporary electronics.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota FL 34236
Feast your ears on a rich blend of classic jazz standards and exciting new arrangements, perfect for kicking off the holiday season. Don’t miss this musical harvest of harmony, groove, and gratitude! Led by Pete BarrenBregge with special guest vocalists Jeremy Gaynor and Michelle Amato.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave Building 5, Venice, FL 34285
SCFD is proud to welcome the community into the fire stations, continuing the tradition of open houses. These open houses are a wonderful opportunity for residents to engage directly with neighborhood firefighters. Visit our website to view the open house schedule.
Multiple Location, Multiple Locations
Toss some fun into your Thursday! Join us at Waterside Place for a fun morning of Casual Cornhole! Whether you’re a cornhole pro or a newbie, don’t miss this chance to show off your tossing skills and have a blast with friends! Grab a partner or go solo, we’ve got enough beanbags and boards to keep everyone entertained!
Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch, 7500 Island Cove Terrace Lakewood Ranch , FL 34240
The Sarasota Farmers Market Vendors Incorporated (“SFMV”) has been established as a not for-profit organization under laws of the State of Florida, continuing the 40+ year tradition of enhancing and improving the quality of life in Sarasota. Our charitable mission is to create a social opportunity for residents and visitors to gather and interact, to bring foot traffic to downtown Sarasota sustaining the economic viability of the entire downtown area, and to provide a venue for other not-for-profit organizations benefiting Sarasota.
Sarasota Farmer's Market, N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join us every Sunday morning at 9am for a walk to the Bayfront and back on a route that is just under 2 miles. Meet at 99 Bottles Downtown Sarasota and end at the same location in approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on pace. This weekly walking social club is an opportunity to connect with other locals.
99 Bottles, 1445 2nd St Sarasota, FL 34236
Every Wednesdat at 6 pm a 5k Fun Run starts and ends at 99 Bottles. Course runs through Downtown Sarasota and along the Bayfront, all skill levels, all fun. Each time you finish a run, you must get yout card punched to get an attendance credit and receive 99 bottles prizes. All runners are expected to obey all traffic laws, be courteous to other runners, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, etc.on the route and to know your limits - running and/or drinking!
99 Bottles, 1445 2nd St Sarasota, FL 34236
The Ringling Museum of Art hosts a significant collection of Creative Prints produced by Japanese artists who believed in the practice of self-designing, self-carving, and self-printing their own work. The Creative Print movement was inspired by early 20th-century European prints that called attention to self-expression and artistic exploration through the medium of woodblock prints.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
The Sarasota Art Museum partners with the Jazz Club of Sarasota to present live jazz on the second Thursday of every month on the Marcy and Michael Klein Plaza. Enjoy a beverage or food in the Bistro and extended hours in the galleries and shops! Concert begins 5:30 pm.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
This promises to be a memorable evening of music that speaks to the heart, the mind and maybe even your feet! Doors open 6:30 pm for dinner and beverage service.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First Street at Cocoanut Ave, Sarasota
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