Cold & Closed: Cold Snap Coming to SRQ

Happy New Year! With the holiday week, we went light on the events but still brought you some important updates on Sarasota life.

In today’s edition of the Sarasota Scoop:

• A Local Favorite Closes

• Brace for the Cold

• Where to Watch the College Football Quarterfinals

• Events to start the year

Lastly, we want to hear from you — make sure to vote in the poll at the end!

Thanks for reading,

Carson

📰 Local News

MADE Restaurant Closes Its Downtown Doors

A cherished chapter in Sarasota's culinary scene ended yesterday as MADE Restaurant, a cornerstone of downtown dining for nearly 12 years, served its final meal.

The establishment, known for elevating American comfort food, announced its closure through a heartfelt social media post that caught many loyal patrons by surprise.

Since 2013, Chef Mark Woodruff and Michael Ripatranzone transformed their space at 1990 Main Street into a dining destination that perfectly balanced sophistication with comfort.

Their dishes – from a meticulously crafted gourmet burger to a bold Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich that rivaled Nashville's finest – earned them a dedicated following among locals and visitors alike.

Their Sunday brunch became particularly legendary, drawing crowds that made reservations essential.

In his final message to patrons, Woodruff's words – "Closed up a dream today" – reflected the emotional weight of Woodruff’s decision.

Read more: Herald-Tribune

Brace for a Chilly Weekend: Sarasota's Unexpected Cold Snap

Sarasota residents should prepare for an unusually cold weekend as arctic air pushes deep into Florida.

Forecasts predict overnight lows dipping into the mid-30s, with wind chills making it feel even colder.

This cold front marks one of the season's most significant temperature drops, prompting local officials to open cold weather shelters. Plant enthusiasts should protect sensitive tropical vegetation, and pet owners are advised to bring animals indoors during the coldest hours.

For those unaccustomed to such temperatures: dress in layers, protect outdoor pipes, and check on elderly neighbors.

While this weekend's cold spell is unusual for our subtropical area, temperatures should return to normal by early next week, bringing back the warm weather that makes Sarasota famous.

🔦 Restaurant Spotlights

This week feature’s College Football’s first ever Quarterfinal round, which means New Year’s day is packed full of football.

Consider a few of our favorite spots to catch a game:

Gecko's Grill & Pub
📍 1900 Hillview Street, Sarasota
💲💲
🌟 Watch for: Plenty of TVs, solid pub food, and a laid-back vibe.

FOOD+BEER
📍 1525 4th Street Unit B, Sarasota
💲
🌟 Watch for: Craft beers, good burgers, and a cool, casual atmosphere.

The Parrot Patio Bar & Grill
📍 3602 Webber Street, Sarasota
💲
🌟 Watch for: Tons of TVs, a big outdoor patio, and a menu with something for everyone.

🐶 Bagera found a home!

Last week, we featured this adorable pup looking for a home. We’re happy to report she was adopted!

If you’re interested in adopting a dog, head over to Nate’s Honor Rescue.

Last Minute NYE Plans

Still need something to do tonight? Checkout the downtown Sarasota block party.

NYC might have a big ball, but we have a giant pineapple!

Thursday, January 2nd

Animal Encounters: Turtle Time

📍 Mote Aquarium, Sarasota

🕦 8:30am - 10am

🔗 details

JumpJump Children Multiverse

📍 JumpJump Children Multiverse, Sarasota

🕦 9am - 12pm

🔗 details

Music on Main

📍 Lakewood Ranch Main Street

🕦 6pm - 9pm

🔗 details

UTC Live on the Green

📍 The Green at UTC

🕦 6:30pm - 9:30pm

🔗 details

Dale Jones Comedy Show

📍 McCurdy's Comedy Club

🕦 Multiple showings all weekend

🔗 details

Friday, January 3rd

Movies Under the Stars

📍 The Green at UTC

🕦 7pm

🔗 details

Wonderland: Illuminate

📍 Big Top at UTC Mall

🕦 7pm

🔗 details

Green Light Go @ Gator Club

📍 Gator Club, Sarasota

🕦 9:30pm

🔗 details

Saturday, January 4th

Sarasota Farmers Market

📍Downtown Sarasota, Main St & Lemon Avenue

🕦 7am - 1pm

🔗 details

Kids DIY Workshops: Activities & Crafts

📍 Home Depot 4111 Cattleman Rd, Sarasota

🕦 9am

🔗 details

Space Saturday at The Bishop

📍 Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Bradenton

🕦 10am

🔗 details

Kids Open Gym

📍 EVO Gymnastics, Sarasota

🕦 6:30pm

🔗 details

Sunday, January 5th

Siesta Key Farmers Market

📍 5211 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key

🕦 9am - 2pm

Shop local! Just show up

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