By Jane Bartnett
Beach walks
Sarasota County’s annual Sunrise Beach Walks program returns in February, offering self-guided morning walks at Siesta and Nokomis beaches.
The walks will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, and Thursdays at Nokomis Beach, 100 Casey Key Road. The series runs from Feb. 4 through March 26.
Participants must register on-site at the Beach Ambassador kiosk at Siesta Beach or at the Plaza Room at Nokomis Beach. A one-time $5 registration fee is required; only credit cards are accepted.
The Sunrise Beach Walks program has promoted healthy habits and outdoor recreation for more than 20 years, drawing nearly 400 participants in 2025. Those who complete four walks will receive a custom event T-shirt, and participants who complete all eight weeks will receive an additional gift.
For more information, visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.
Boater helped after vessel overturns in Gulf
Firefighters and paramedics from Sarasota County Fire Station 13 responded shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, to reports of an overturned Hobie Cat in the Gulf off Siesta Key.
A county lifeguard reached the boater by jet ski and assisted in righting the vessel. Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol deputies also responded. No injuries were reported, and no medical assistance was needed.
The call was dispatched at 2:11 p.m. The Fire Station 13 EMS unit arrived at 2:15 p.m. and cleared the scene at 2:32 p.m.
Tunaskin announces two events
The Tunaskin Siesta Beach Cleanup is scheduled for March 21. The second annual Tunaskin Siesta Key Coastline Cast Beach Fishing Tournament will take place Saturday, June 6.
Beach attendance on the rise
Attendance at Siesta Beach increased significantly as visitors returned to the Key following the 2024 storms. November 2025 attendance reached 432,000, and October 2025 recorded 443,000 visitors, compared with 304,500 in November 2024 and 52,000 in October 2024.
Galentine’s Day at Boca Boutique
Boca Boutique will host a Galentine’s Day celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12. The event will feature live music, games, prizes, sweet treats and beverages. The Flowerista Posies flower truck will be on site for custom bouquets. Register at bocaboutiquesrq.com/events. Boca Boutique is located at 6969 S. Tamiami Trail. Call 941-529-1000.
Sheeben Pub announces opening date
Shebeen Pub, formerly located on Siesta Key, will celebrate the grand opening of its new Gulf Gate location on Tuesday, Feb. 17, one month before St. Patrick’s Day. The pub is now located in the former Sarasota Brewing Company space at 6607 Gateway Ave.
The Phillippi Estate wins prestigious award
The Phillippi Estate (Edson Keith) Farmhouse received a 2026 Heritage Award in the category of historic structure adaptive reuse and organizational achievement. The restored farmhouse preserves an important part of Sarasota County’s early history. The award panel praised the project as a model collaboration among county staff, preservation professionals and community partners.
Lithium-ion batteries disposal
Following the holiday season, Sarasota County reminds residents to properly dispose of devices containing lithium-ion batteries. Electronics such as monitors, stereos, speakers, telephones (with batteries removed), televisions and vacuum cleaners may be placed in the garbage. Devices containing lithium-ion batteries should not be placed in regular recycling or curbside trash, as they can explode or cause fires. Sarasota County Household Hazardous Waste facilities accept these items. Call 311 or visit scgov.net for details.
Summer internship program now accepting applications
The Intern Sarasota County 2026 Summer Internship Program is accepting applications from students ages 18 and older, or age 16 with parental approval. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States; local, national and international students are welcome. Interns must be pursuing a diploma or degree through an accredited secondary or postsecondary educational program. The program runs from May 18 through Aug. 7. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The program offers competitive wages, hands-on experience, professional headshots, one-on-one mentoring and professional development opportunities. Visit scgov.net/government/internships for more information.
Sarasota County’s Mosquito Management Services seeks volunteers
Sarasota County’s Mosquito Management Services is seeking volunteers to assist with community outreach and education. Volunteers will work alongside staff, including animal ambassadors such as Bluey the Chicken. Duties include setting up and breaking down materials, distributing giveaways, answering questions and referring inquiries to staff. A volunteer application is required; applicants should select “Mosquito Outreach Assistant.” Additional volunteer opportunities are available. Visit scgov.net/government/human-resources/volunteer for details.
