🍦3 Local Restaurants for a Special Occasion

Happy Tuesday, Sarasota!

Hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Easter weekend.

Before we get into this week’s Scoop, I have a quick favor to ask: follow us on social media if you don’t already. Here’s a link to our Facebook and Instagram pages.

The highly requested Guide to Sarasota’s Outdoor Gems is in production. I plan to have it released next week.

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In today’s edition of the Sarasota Scoop:

• Rise in residential permits across Sarasota

• Shipley wins a local nail biter

• Best restaurants for a special occasion

• Tons of local events!

Thanks for reading,

Carson

📰 Local News

📈 Sarasota sees major rise in residential permits

What’s new: Sarasota County saw a sharp increase in residential building permits in 2023, driven largely by property owners who chose to demolish and rebuild homes rather than renovate.

Why it matters: FEMA’s 50% rule requires that if the cost of repairs exceeds half the value of a structure, the entire home must be brought into compliance with modern building codes. That’s prompting more full teardowns and new construction.

Between the lines:

• The majority of new permits stem from voluntary demolitions where property owners opted to start fresh, often due to the difficulty and cost of updating older homes to current code.

Driving the decision: Many homeowners have found that the cost to repair older homes — even without storm damage — exceeds 50% of the home’s value, triggering the FEMA code compliance threshold.

Read More

🏌️Shipley gets first pro win in Lakewood Ranch

Neal Shipley, the 2024 Masters and U.S. Open Low Amateur, pulled out his first professional victory after a 5-hole playoff at the LECOM Suncoast Classic.

The tournament was played at Lakewood National and featured a slate of up-and-coming golf stars.

Shipley won on a 7-under par 64, and came from behind to force the playoff.

Missed the tournament? We posted about the event in last week’s issue. make sure you’re following our social media & checking out the newsletter to stay in the know!

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⭐️ Restaurant Feature: Special Occasions

Looking for somewhere to celebrate a big night? Maybe an anniversary or birthday?

The Sarasota restaurant scene is overflowing with worthy spots. There’s a place for every occasion, but when it comes to a special occasion you want confidence in your pick. If you’re paying up, it better be right.

This list is by no means exhaustive but rather just a few favorites. These 3 higher-end places are fitting for a special night & worth the price tag.

Remember, if you end up visiting, tell them the Sarasota Scoop sent you!

Marcello
📍 4155 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
🔗 website
🌟 Intimate and romantic Italian food that will transport you to an old school NYC Italian spot

Adeline
📍 1920 Hillview St, Sarasota
🔗 website
🌟 Elevate an already special dining experience by booking a seat at the Chef’s Table and get a front row seat to culinary excellence

Dry Dock
📍 412 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key
🔗 website
🌟 Celebrate with: Fresh seafood, breathtaking waterfront views, and a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.

⭐️ Featured Event: Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner

Wine lovers, this one’s for you. The Grove in Lakewood Ranch is hosting a one-night-only wine dinner featuring five courses paired with standout selections from Duckhorn Vineyards.

Duckhorn Vineyards showcases some of the best Napa Valley has to offer. This is an intimate dining experience paired with acclaimed wines.

Expect bold pours, thoughtful pairings, and a guided tasting led by the pros. Reservations are limited, so don’t wait if you’re thinking of going.

 🔗 tickets

Thursday

Earth Day Make & Take Planting

📍 Theory of Play, Sarasota | 🕦 9:30am - 11am | 🔗 details

Master Gardener Tour

📍 Osprey Junction Trailhead, Osprey | 🕦 10am - 11am | 🔗 details

Friday

Arbor Day at The Bay

📍The Bay Park | 🕦 9am | 🔗 details

Argentine Adventure

📍Manatee PAC, Bradenton | 🕦 5:30pm - 9pm | 🔗 details

Ballet: Movements of Genius

📍Sarasota Ballet | 🕦 Multiple Shows | 🔗 details

Music in the Park: Sweet Fleet

📍Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion | 🕦 6pm - 8pm | 🔗 details

Concert: George Durham

📍Centennial Park, Venice | 🕦 7pm - 9pm | 🔗 details

Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner

📍The Grove, Lakewood Ranch | 🕦 7pm | 🔗 details

De Soto Investiture & Coronation Ball

📍Bradenton Area Convention Center | 🕦 See details | 🔗 details

Show: Cosmic Worlds

📍Venice Performing Arts Center | 🕦 7:30pm | 🔗 details

Saturday

Venetian Cup Regatta

📍Higel Marine Park, Venice | 🕦 8am - 5pm | 🔗 details

Pilates in the Park

📍Waterside Park, Lakewood Ranch | 🕦 8:30am - 9:30am | 🔗 details

Big Truck Day

📍CoolToday Park | 🕦 9:30am | 🔗 details

Fire and Police Public Safety Day

📍Venice Community Center | 🕦 10am - 2pm | 🔗 details

Earth Day at The Bay

📍Common Ground at The Bay Park | 🕦 11am - 1pm | 🔗 details

Suncoast Boat Show

📍Marina Jack, Sarasota | 🕦 See details | 🔗 details

De Soto Grand Parade

📍Manatee Avenue, Bradenton | 🕦 6:30pm | 🔗 details

Comedy Show: Billy Gardell

📍Town Center Green, LBK | 🕦 4:30pm - 8pm | 🔗 details

Live Music: Easy Street Band

📍McCurdy's Comedy Theatre | 🕦 Multiple Shows | 🔗 details

Brigade: A Heart Tribute Band

📍The Bazar, Sarasota | 🕦 5pm - 8pm | 🔗 details

Sunday

Mobile Plant Clinic

📍Bob Gardner Community Park, LWR | 🕦 9am - 11am | 🔗 details

Devereaux-Kaiser Collector Car Show

📍Sarasota County Fairgrounds | 🕦 9am - 2pm | 🔗 details

Garden Music Concert Series

📍Selby Gardens, Sarasota | 🕦 1pm - 3pm | 🔗 details

Ride the Beaches

📍Sharky's on the Pier, Venice | 🕦 See details | 🔗 details

PLAN AHEAD

Mother's Day Brunch

📍Sarasota Art Museum | 📆 May 11th | 🔗 details

Country Hits: Songs From Nashville

📍Ed Smith Stadiums | 📆 May 2-3 | 🔗 details

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