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🍦LWR Awards, BigTop Brew, and Back-to-School
Best Things To Do in SRQ: 7/31 - 8/3
Carson B
July 29, 2025
Happy Tuesday, Sarasota!
What are you doing these days to beat the heat? Shoot me a message or leave a comment and let me know your favorite Florida-heat activity.
In today’s edition of the Sarasota Scoop:
Thanks for reading,
Carson
🧠 Think You Know Sarasota? Trivia!
What nickname did Sarasota earn thanks to the influence of the Ringling Brothers in the early 20th century? |
📰 Local Headline Roundup
Lakewood Ranch Lands #1
Lakewood Ranch just claimed the top spot again as the best-selling multigenerational master-planned community in the country, according to midyear rankings from RCLCO and John Burns Research. The Ranch sold 1,227 new homes in the first half of 2025, edging out The Villages, which came in second with 1,031 sales. This marks the sixth time in seven years that Lakewood Ranch has earned the top ranking.
The community’s appeal, according to Lakewood Ranch Communities president Laura Cole, lies in its “amazing lifestyle, education, and business opportunities,” plus its ability to serve everyone from first-time buyers to retirees. Even with higher interest rates, sales are trending upward. Cole also pointed out that homes in the $500,000 to $1 million range are especially strong right now, thanks to buyers who are relocating from out of state and want something move-in ready.
Sarasota is a Buyers Market
The June numbers confirm a market cool-down in Sarasota and Manatee. Prices are slipping, listings are stacking up, and homes are spending more than three months on the market, giving buyers breathing room they have not felt in years.
Median single-family prices fell to $455 000 in Sarasota and $440 000 in Manatee, while inventory ballooned to roughly four thousand listings in each county. Sellers now net about 92-94 percent of their original ask, and condo buyers are balking at higher fees tied to new safety rules. Agents say this is a correction, not a crash, though hurricane season could sway winter pricing.
Sarasota Yacht Club’s Next Chapter
The Sarasota Yacht Club is getting a serious upgrade. They’re kicking off a $13.5 million expansion project that’s set to wrap by summer 2026. The plan includes a two-story events building, expanded parking, and better security. The new facility will have rooftop space, a 6,700-square-foot ballroom, and waterfront views—perfect for weddings and banquets.
The expansion was prompted by the growing demand for event space and the need for more capacity. Right now, events have to share space with the club’s dining and member areas. The new setup will give everyone a bit more breathing room.
Members won’t have to deal with major disruptions either. The construction is being phased to keep most services up and running throughout the process.
🔦Spotlight: BigTop Brewing Co
First stop on the Sarasota Scoop brewery tour… BigTop Brewing Co.
BigTop is a Sarasota institution and was one of the first craft breweries in Sarasota.
There’s much more to come in the upcoming Sarasota Scoop Brewery Guide, so no spoilers here.
In the meantime, head over to BigTop. There’s always a full slate of live music and fun house brews.
Thursday
Cinema at The Bay: The Greatest Showman
📍The Oval at The Bay | 🕦 7:30pm | 🔗 details
Friday
A Taste of Waterside
📍See details | 🕦 8am | 🔗 details
Ride and Paddle at The Bay (Guided Tour)
📍The Bay Park | 🕦 8:30am | 🔗 details
Networking Lunch
📍Claytons Siesta Grille | 🕦 11am | 🔗 details
ROAR! Story time
📍The Ringling | 🕦 Multiple times | 🔗 details
Loomis Bros Circus
📍Robarts Arena | 🕦 7:30pm | 🔗 details
Live Music: Ray Boucher
📍 Woody's River Roo | 🕦 See details | 🔗 details
Comedy Show: John Wynn
📍 McCurdey's Comedy Club | 🕦 Multiple shows | 🔗 details
Saturday
Bootcamp Workout
📍Sarasota Garden Club | 🕦 8am | 🔗 details
A Taste of Main Street
📍See details | 🕦 8am | 🔗 details
Back-to-School Bash
📍The Mall at UTC | 🕦 10am | 🔗 details
Back to School: Fuel the Future
📍Florida Blue Sarasota | 🕦 10am | 🔗 details
Family Art Making
📍The Ringling | 🕦 Multiple times | 🔗 details
Back to School Activity Fair
📍Venice Community Center | 🕦 10:30am | 🔗 details
Bubbles Under the Banyans
📍Selby Gardens Downtown | 🕦 10am | 🔗 details
Wine and Spirits Tasting
📍Michael's Wine Cellar | 🕦 1pm | 🔗 details
Artist Talk: Gee's Bend Quilters
📍Sarasota Art Museum | 🕦 1pm | 🔗 details
Diveheart Scuba Program
📍See details | 🕦 1pm | 🔗 details
Theatre: Dorothy's Dictionary
📍Florida Studio Theatre | 🕦 Multiple times | 🔗 details
Dance: A Tale of Duty and Valor
📍Sarasota Opera House | 🕦 7pm | 🔗 details
Sunday
Brunch at The Bay
📍The Nest, Sarasota | 🕦 8am | 🔗 details
Summer Circus Spectacular
📍Asolo Theatre | 🕦 Multiple shows | 🔗 details
PLAN AHEAD
Beertopia
📍Manatee County Fair Grounds | 📆 August 23rd | 🔗 details
Labor Day 77th Annual Regatta
📍See details | 📆 August 30th | 🔗 details
The Nutcracker in Venice
📍Venice Performing Arts Center | 📆 Dec 12th | 🔗 details
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