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🚘🚦 Traffic + Parking Changes & Valentine's Plans

Best Things To Do in SRQ: 2/12 - 2/16

In today’s edition of the Sarasota Scoop:

Thanks for reading,

Carson

📰 Local News

Town OKs Traffic-Calming Pilot

Driving the news: Town commissioners just approved a pilot plan to slow down traffic and boost safety near downtown.

Why it matters:

  • Residents say cut-through drivers are speeding in neighborhoods and putting pedestrians at risk.

  • The town will install speed humps, radar signs, and enhanced crosswalks to calm traffic without causing gridlock.

Between the lines:

  • Commissioners point to rising complaints and recent police data highlighting more traffic violations.

  • This six-month test will gauge whether the measures reduce speeding and collisions.

What’s next:

  • Crews will begin installations soon, with occasional lane closures and detours.

  • Officials will review the results later this year to decide if a broader rollout is needed.

Parking Overhaul: Airport Adds More Spots

What’s new: 

  • The local airport is expanding parking to handle a steady rise in passenger traffic.

  • Plans include more surface lots, digital payment options, and a new garage.

Why it matters: 

  • Recent surges in travel have left lots packed, prompting complaints from locals and visitors.

  • Officials hope the extra capacity cuts congestion, shortens wait times, and eases stress for travelers.

Between the lines: 

  • Construction begins this spring, with partial closures expected.

  • A revamped payment system will let drivers pay via mobile app to speed up exits.

What’s next: 

  • Completion is set for early next year.

  • Airport leaders will monitor usage to decide if further expansions are needed.

🔦 Spotlight: Valentine’s Night Out

Looking for the perfect spot for a memorable night out? Whether you're planning a special Valentine's Day dinner or just craving an exceptional meal, these Sarasota restaurants offer incredible flavors and atmosphere.

Here are three top picks for a dining experience worth savoring.

1592 Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails 

📍 1592 Main Street, Sarasota 

Located in downtown Sarasota, 1592 offers modern cuisine infused with fresh market produce, creating intuitive dishes with eclectic combinations of flavors.

Kore Steakhouse 

📍 1561 Lakefront Drive, Suite 111, Sarasota 

Experience a unique tabletop grilling adventure at this Korean steakhouse, known for its beautifully designed interior and welcoming atmosphere.

Ophelia's on the Bay 

📍 9105 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota 

A premier fine dining waterfront restaurant offering stunning views of Little Sarasota Bay, with a menu that changes nightly to feature fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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Thursday, February 13th

Open Play at The Roots

📍The Roots Health Center, Bradenton

🕦 9:30am - 10:30am

🔗 details

Jazz Thursdays

📍Sarasota Art Museum

🕦 4:30pm

🔗 details

Wine & Chocolate Walk 2025

📍Downtown Venice

🕦 5pm - 8pm

🔗 details

Wellen Park Night Market

📍Wellen Park, Venice

🕦 6pm - 9pm

🔗 details

Friday, February 14th

Strides 360

📍 Green at UTC

🕦 9am

🔗 details

Toddler Classes and Play

📍 Theory of Play, Sarasota

🕦 9:30am - 10:45am

Comedy Show: Lynne Koplitz

📍 McCurdy's Comedy Theatre

🕦 Multiple Showings

🔗 details

Thunder by the Bay Festival

📍Sarasota Fairgrounds

🕦 See Details

🔗 details

Saturday, February 15th

Sarasota Farmers Market

📍Downtown Sarasota, Main St & Lemon Avenue

🕦 7am - 1pm

🔗 details

Sarasota Fire Dept Station 3 Open House

📍 840 Apex Road, Sarasota

🕦 9am - 1pm

🔗 details

Main Street Market

📍Lakewood Ranch Main Street

🕦 10am - 2pm

🔗 details

Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest

📍 600 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg

🕦 1pm - 5pm

🔗 details

Circus Sarasota

📍 Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota

🕦 2pm

🔗 details

Pittsburgh Pirates Block Party

📍 Old Main St, Bradenton

🕦 6pm - 9pm

🔗 details

Beer For My Horses: Toby Keith Tribute Show

📍 CoolToday Park, Venice

🕦 7pm

🔗 details

Sunday, February 16th

Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market

📍 5161 Lakefront Dr, Lakewood Ranch

🕦 9am - 2pm

🔗 details

Sunday Polo

📍 Sarasota Polo Club, Sarasota

🕦 See details

🔗 details

Fine Arts Show and Sale

📍 Venice Art Center

🕦 9am - 4pm

🔗 details

Suncoast Model Train Show

📍 Bradenton Area Convention Center

🕦 10am - 4pm

🔗 details

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

📍 Cortez Cultural Center

🕦 10am - 4pm

🔗 details

PLAN AHEAD

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

📍 Ringling Museum, Sarasota

🕦 Feb. 28 - March 2nd

🔗 details

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