What's On Suncoast? August 22 - 29, 2025

The Suncoast Post asks, “What’s On, Suncoast?” Here are some ideas for exciting activities taking place in the area from August 22 to 29, 2025:

Yogativity – A Yoga Class for All Levels

Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 34235

Join Kelly for an all-levels slow flow yoga class at the base of the Finish Tower at Nathan Benderson Park! This grounding practice is designed to gently release tension—especially in the neck and shoulders—and help you transition into the calming energy of the evening. Participants will move mindfully, breathe deeply, and reconnect with balance and ease.

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Rooster & the Till

Location: 6500 N Florida Ave Tampa, FL 33604
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday through Tuesday closed

Rooster & the Till, located in Tampa’s Seminole Heights neighborhood, is a modern, chef-driven restaurant known for its creative small plates that blend global flavors with local ingredients. Its intimate setting and ever-changing menu entice diners seeking new culinary adventures. With bold dishes and warm hospitality, it’s become a must-visit for food lovers.

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Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise

Location: 2500 Main Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Hours: View days, times, and tickets HERE

Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise offers a family-friendly adventure sailing out of Fort Myers Beach. Guests can board a replica pirate ship for lively entertainment filled with music, games, and treasure hunts. The crew guarantees laughs with their pirate antics and interactive storytelling, providing the perfect blend of fun for all ages.

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Ember Korean Steakhouse

Location: Expo Hall at Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US 301, Tampa, FL 33610
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 12 p.m. – 9 p.m., Friday/Saturday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., Tuesday 3:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Ember Korean Steakhouse blends traditional Korean flavors with a modern dining experience in Fort Myers. Guests enjoy premium meats grilled tableside, complemented by creative side dishes and flavorful sauces. The sleek atmosphere is ideal for casual dinners and special celebrations, with attentive service and bold cuisine providing a memorable culinary journey.

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Lure of Florida Fishing – Exhibit

Location: Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Hours: Exhibit runs through January 11, 2026 – Ticket information HERE

Explore the stories, people, and traditions that have made Florida a world-class fishing destination at "Lure of Florida Fishing." Featuring handcrafted lures, vintage photographs, and secret fishing maps, this immersive exhibit highlights how tarpon fever and celebrity anglers shaped Florida’s identity and tourism industry.

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For more details about these events and activities, you can visit The Suncoast Post. Enjoy your time on the Suncoast!

BRADENTON, FL — Independence Day lands on a Friday in 2025, launching a star-studded three-day weekend filled with fireworks, festivals, and other Fourth of...

News Release 25-044 - Deputy-Involved Shooting in Venice

Date: August 13, 2025
Location: 208 Golf Club Lane, Venice

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is currently investigating a deputy-involved shooting that took place this morning at a residence in Venice.

At 10:58 a.m., deputies from the SCSO’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit, along with patrol units, arrived at the scene to execute an active warrant. Upon arrival, they confirmed that the subject, later identified as Anthony Bottoni, was inside the residence. Deputies issued verbal commands for him to exit, but he refused to comply.

Given the circumstances, deputies decided to force entry into the home. Once inside, they discovered that Bottoni had armed himself with a firearm. In response to this escalating situation, deputies withdrew to the backyard and called for assistance from the SWAT team and the Hostage Negotiation Team.

In a matter of minutes, Bottoni exited the residence while still armed. Deputies once again instructed him to drop his firearm. When he did not comply, one of the deputies deployed a Taser in an attempt to incapacitate Bottoni. However, the device was ineffective, and the situation intensified when Bottoni aimed his firearm at the deputies. Faced with a clear and immediate threat to their safety, the deputies responded with deadly force.

After the shooting occurred, deputies promptly attempted life-saving measures on Bottoni. Emergency services, including the Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD), arrived shortly thereafter and took over medical efforts. Despite their attempts to revive him, Bottoni was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The investigation into this critical incident is ongoing. The decedent, Anthony Bottoni, was identified as being born on May 6, 1993, and was a resident of the address where the shooting occurred. Authorities have confirmed that the next of kin has already been notified. Fortunately, there were no other reported injuries stemming from this incident.

The SCSO is committed to transparency and will provide updates as more information becomes available. As this is an active investigation, further details may take time to be released to the public.

The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information related to this incident to contact their office directly.

Two Bodies Found Under Semi-Truck Behind Sarasota Store Identified as Murder-Suicide

Sarasota County detectives have classified the deaths of two individuals discovered under a semi-truck behind a local store as a murder-suicide. This tragic incident has raised serious concerns among community members, prompting discussions about domestic violence awareness and mental health resources.

The authorities reported that the bodies were identified shortly after the discovery was made. The identities have not been made public, pending notification of the next of kin. This event has shocked many in Sarasota, a close-knit community known for its vibrant culture and family-oriented atmosphere.

Onlookers described the scene as unsettling. Witnesses reported seeing law enforcement and emergency responders arrive at the location, drawn by the chilling call that something was amiss. The semi-truck parked behind the store had become an unexpected backdrop to a deeply disturbing situation.

Detectives have not disclosed specific details about the circumstances leading up to the deaths, nor have they revealed the relationship between the two individuals. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is actively investigating the incident, examining any possible motivations behind the tragic decision that led to this outcome.

Authorities stress the importance of mental health resources and encourage anyone who may be struggling with emotional distress to reach out for help. Domestic violence is often surrounded by stigma, yet finding support from professionals can be a critical step toward healing for those affected.

As the investigation continues, community members are left grappling with unanswered questions. Local mental health advocates are stepping forward to offer support and resources to those in need, emphasizing that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

It is essential for the community to come together in these trying times, fostering discussions that can lead to greater awareness about mental health challenges and the resources available. The hope is that through education and open dialogue, future tragedies can be prevented.

Sarasota County detectives are encouraging anyone who may have information related to this case to come forward. As the community mourns the loss of life and grapples with the implications of this tragedy, a collective effort to understand the signs of distress and promote mental health awareness has never been more crucial.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the crucial need for support systems in our neighborhoods. As more details emerge, the community's response will undoubtedly highlight the resilience and solidarity that can emerge even in the face of deep sorrow.

Local leaders are calling for a deeper investigation into widespread issues of domestic violence, suggesting that enhanced support systems could be crucial for individuals who might feel trapped in difficult situations. This incident has sparked a conversation around creating more accessible resources, support groups, and community outreach programs.

The tragic events surrounding this case have ignited a sense of urgency among mental health professionals and advocates. They stress that the signs of struggling relationships often go unnoticed, and proactive measures are vital in addressing these issues before they escalate to tragic outcomes.

For those interested in staying informed about the ongoing investigation and further community discussions, local news outlets and mental health organizations will provide updates and resources. In moments of crisis, it is critical to remember that help is available, and no one has to navigate difficult times alone.

As Sarasota grapples with this loss, community members are reminded to look out for one another and foster an environment where open conversations about mental health and domestic issues can occur without fear of judgement. Together, the hope is to create pathways toward healing and support for those in need.

In a recent City of Sarasota Code Compliance Hearing, significant concerns surrounding ongoing construction violations and delays in permit processing were brought to light. The meeting, which took place on August 14, 2025, revealed the struggles of property owners in securing the necessary permits for renovations, highlighting systematic issues in the permitting process. One particularly troubling case involved a homeowner who reported ongoing construction despite a stop work order. This homeowner detailed how, despite the clear directive to halt, work continued without interruption. Moreover, there had been no progress on a permit application that was submitted several months earlier. The city's representative at the hearing noted that crucial information needed to process the permit had not been received from the homeowner. This led to the suggestion that they should contact their contractor for updates. Unfortunately, the situation remained unresolved, prompting the magistrate to continue the case until September 18. This extension was intended to give the homeowner additional time to address the permit issues and respond to the city's requests. The second case discussed also illustrated the complexities faced by homeowners navigating the permitting landscape. Here, the homeowner had embarked on renovations without securing the required permits, resulting in escalating frustration stemming from a perceived lack of communication from city officials. During the hearing, the homeowner expressed confusion regarding the permit process, revealing a crucial gap in information dissemination. In response, the magistrate advised the homeowner to visit the city's permitting office for further assistance. To ensure this matter received timely attention, a follow-up hearing was set for October 9. Both of these cases shed light on the ongoing challenges residents encounter when dealing with the city’s permitting process. City officials have urged homeowners to prioritize communication with both their contractors and city staff. This dialogue is key to expediting resolutions and ensuring compliance with local building codes. The hearings served as a sober reminder of the importance of adhering to regulations and obtaining proper permits, as violations can lead to legal complications that are often costly and time-consuming to resolve. As the city continues to manage its growth and development, these discussions highlight an urgent need for better systems in place that facilitate smoother interactions between city departments and residents. Enhanced transparency and improved communication channels may help alleviate the frustrations many property owners currently experience. The hope is that through these ongoing dialogues, the permitting process can be streamlined, ultimately benefiting both the city and its residents by fostering a more efficient, compliant environment for home renovations and construction projects.