🍦Valentines Day & Old Favorites

Happy Tuesday, Sarasota!

The sun's warming back up after last week's cold snap, and the local dining scene is heating up right along with it.

We've got new restaurants opening their doors, a beloved Sarasota landmark making a comeback, and plenty of reasons to get out and explore this week.

Before we dive in, please take the time to answer the below poll. Thank you in advance!

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In today’s edition of the Sarasota Scoop:

• Local headline roundup

• Featured event

• Tons of local events!

Thanks for reading,

Carson

Before we get started, a quick message. Sarasota Scoop costs have put me at the point where I must now decide how to offset the costs if the Scoop is to continue.

I’d like to hear from you all, the readers, on what you think is the best path forward.

🧠 Think You Know Sarasota? Trivia!

📰 Local Headline Roundup

Shebeen Irish Pub Finds a New Home

The beloved Siesta Key Irish pub has officially relocated to the mainland. Now operating out of the former Sarasota Brewing Company building on Gateway Ave, The Shebeen opened February 1st with more space (room for 135 guests!), a stunning stone fireplace, and all the fish and chips you can handle. Owner Eileen Carrigan says the move solves the parking headaches that plagued the old location. Your sausage rolls and leek-mushroom croquettes aren't going anywhere.

More Info

Sarasota Magazine Drops 2026 Best Restaurants List

The annual list is out, featuring 33 of the best spots across Sarasota and Manatee counties. Local favorites like Indigenous (Chef Steve Phelps' sustainable seafood haven), Owen's Fish Camp (those pimento cheese biscuits!), and Pho Cali made the cut. Worth bookmarking for your next dinner debate.

More Info

Contribute to the Scoop!

Sarasota Scoop is 100% free to read, independently owned, and locally operated (heck, it’s just me).

Your contributions go toward keeping the Scoop going so we can have more fun and build more community. I appreciate any and all support! — Carson

Thursday

Sunrise Beach Walks

📍Nokomis Beach Park | 🕦 8:00 AM | 🔗 details 

Wine & Chocolate Walk

📍Centennial Park | 🕦 4:00 PM | 🔗 details 

Galentine's Day at Boca Boutique

📍Boca Boutique | 🕦 4:00 PM | 🔗 details

Sarasota Senior Expo

📍Robarts Arena | 🕦 All Day | 🔗 details 

Friday 

Cracker Trail Welcome Picnic

📍Manatee Village Historical Park | 🕦 10:00 AM | 🔗 details 

Mastering Reading Apps and Clubs

📍Sarasota Art Museum | 🕦 1:00 PM | 🔗 details 

SEA & Do: That's A Moray - The Science of SEA-duction

📍Mote Aquarium | 🕦 2:00 PM | 🔗 details 

Saturday

Venice Half Marathon

📍Legacy Park | 🕦 6:30 AM | 🔗 details

Welcome Week Open House 2026

📍CoolToday Park | 🕦 9 AM | 🔗 details

Thunder By The Bay - Motorcycle & Car Scenic Dice Run

📍3000 Ringling Blvd Sarasota | 🕦 9:30 AM | 🔗 details

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival 2026

📍Star Fish Company Market | 🕦 10:00 AM | 🔗 details 

Wellen Park Fine Art Festival

📍Downtown Wellen Great Lawn | 🕦 10:00 AM | 🔗 details

Club Pilates and Pints at Big Top Brewing Co.

📍Big Top Brewing Co | 🕦 10:00 AM | 🔗 details

Valentine's Day at Arts A Blaze

📍Arts A Blaze | 🕦 4 PM | 🔗 details

Circus Sarasota 2026

📍Under the CAC Big Top | 🕦 6:00 PM | 🔗 details

Guppies Getaway: Kids Night Out

📍Mote Science Education Aquarium | 🕦 6:00 PM | 🔗 details

Comedy Show: Jeff Dye

📍McCurdy's Comedy Theatre | 🕦 6:30 PM | 🔗 details

Meet Loaf: The Ultimate Meat Loaf Tribute (Party on the Plaza)

📍CoolToday Park | 🕦 7:00 PM | 🔗 details

Variations on America (Sarasota Orchestra)

📍Van Wezel | 🕦 7:30 PM | 🔗 details

La bohème (Sarasota Opera)

📍Sarasota Opera House | 🕦 7:30 PM | 🔗 details

Florida Cracker Trail Annual Ride

📍Florida Cracker Trail | 🕦 See details | 🔗 details

Sunday

Sunday Polo

📍Sarasota Polo Club | 🕦 10am | 🔗 details

Mobile Plant Clinic

📍Bob Gardner Community Park | 🕦 9:00 AM | 🔗 details 

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