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Saturday, November 7, 2026

Air show takes off in Punta Gorda; SMH breaks ground in Venice

Plus, Venice football lands the No. 8 seed in Florida's first Open Division.

The 5AM North Port team2 stories12 sources5 min read

WeekendTop story

The Florida International Air Show takes off at Punta Gorda Airport today and Sunday

The air show brings over 30 static displays and a giant flag

Over 30
static aircraft displays
1,500 sq. ft.
is about the size of the flag parachuters will jump with
50th
year in the sky for pilot Jeff Linebaugh
1983
year the volunteer-run show's organization was founded

Sources: Gulf Coast News and Weather, WINK News

If you need a weekend plan, the Florida International Air Show is at Punta Gorda Airport today and Sun., Nov. 8. Gates open at 9 a.m. both days, and the show starts at noon with aerobatics, parachute jumps and static aircraft displays.

  • In the lineup: MiG-17, TA-4J Skyhawk, Red Bull athlete Kevin Coleman
  • Also flying: Aarron Deliu, Franklin's Flying Circus, Chuters Jump Team
  • Not coming: Air Force F-35A team, after a military scheduling change
  • Weather: rain or shine

Veteran parachuters will jump in conjunction with the national anthem, and a giant Navy plane, the Warbird, is among the static displays you can see up close.

Gates open at 9 a.m. and the flying follows

WhatTime, Sat. and Sun.
Gates open9 a.m.
Opening ceremonies11:30 a.m.
Show startsNoon

Sources: Gulf Coast News and Weather, WINK News

Expect heavy traffic around Punta Gorda Airport, so we suggest arriving early. Tickets, parking information and full schedules are on the show's official website.

Health

Sarasota Memorial broke ground on an $82.5 million rehab pavilion in Venice

If you live in south Sarasota County, there's a big new building going up in Venice. Health Care leaders and hospital board members broke ground Friday morning on an $82.5 million rehabilitation pavilion at the SMH-Venice campus.

$82.5 millioncost of the rehabilitation pavilion at SMH-Venice

Leaders and board members broke ground on it Fri., Nov. 6.

Sources: ABC7 WWSB, Business Observer

  • Cost: $82.5 million
  • Size: four stories
  • Opening: expected summer 2028
  • Where: SMH-Venice campus

The Business Observer reports the four-story building is expected to be complete by summer 2028. ABC7 WWSB calls the project another major investment that expands access to advanced medical care in the growing south Sarasota County region.

Summer 2028when the new pavilion is expected to open

The four-story building is expected to be complete by then.

Sources: ABC7 WWSB, Business Observer

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Gifts for retirees, students, and healthy living

Asked

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Asked

Are you headed to the Florida International Air Show this weekend?

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News Notes

Volleyball

Venice was reverse swept, 3-2, by Horizon in the Class 6A semifinal on Fri., Nov. 6. It was Venice's first state semifinals appearance since 2022. The Lady Indians won set one when the Hawks couldn't return a volley on set point, with Venice up 24-21. Sarasota Herald-TribuneABC7 WWSB

Football

Venice made the FHSAA's first Open Division, a bracket of the top eight teams in Florida, as the No. 8 seed. Its pool includes No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas and No. 5 Lakeland. Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Venice made the Open Division as the eighth seed

The FHSAA's first Open Division, the top eight teams in Florida

8thof 8

Venice
St. Thomas Aquinas 1stLakeland 5th
St. Thomas Aquinas 1stLakeland 5th
1 No. 1 seedNo. 8 seed 8

Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune

View as table
PlaceRank of 8
St. Thomas Aquinas1st
Lakeland5th
Venice8th

Schools

Sarasota County Schools were again named an Academically High-Performing School District for 2025–26 by the Florida State Board of Education. Seventeen district-managed schools earned the designation, including Toledo Blade and Venice elementaries. ABC7 WWSB

Snook Haven

at 5000 E. Venice Ave. will reopen after an $8.75 million remodel, with a ribbon-cutting set for 8:30 a.m. Fri., Nov. 6. New amenities include a covered dining pavilion over the Myakka River, a performance stage and patio, a fishing pier and accessible parking. ABC7 WWSB

Airport plan

Venice is hosting workshops where residents can discuss the Venice Municipal Airport's master plan. Susan Lang, who lives a few blocks away, said, "We have homes literally a few hundred feet from the runway protection zone." Bay News 9

Home

Two home kitchen upgrades under $24 while sales last: super-absorbent dish towels that come in an eight-pack and include a hanging loop, and a water-absorbing stone sponge holder that’s minimalist, compact, and keeps counters and sponges dry with natural diatomite stone.

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Job

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Content marked with an * is advertising.

Asked

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Asked

How will you mark Veterans Day this week?

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Today’s puzzles

A new puzzle in each one every morning, played right here.

All 13 games

Quoted

Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.

— Cesar A. Cruz

Things to Do

Things to Do

North Port, FL

Saturday, Nov. 7

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The Buy

Around the Block

Around the Block

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Lost and found

This Kitty needs help.

“He/She is somewhat friendly. Will run and hiss if you don’t approach slowly. Has wounds on the right side of its face/neck. If anyone has the capability to help this little one get to a shelter, PLEASE help. I am unable to do so because of my situation. I live at Willow Creek Apts. Off of Pan American. Thank You.”

— A neighbor, Old North Port
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The Wrap

The Florida Philharmonic is mixing West Side Story, Pirates of the Caribbean and Game of Thrones into one pops concert, and yes, KPop Demon Hunters made the lineup too. From Broadway to a Galaxy Far, Far Away plays at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church in Punta Gorda on Sunday, Nov. 15. Now that's a setlist.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Sarasota County counts 4,928 sea turtle nests in 2026

Read yesterday’s edition

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Every source in this edition12 links · 8 outlets
  1. The Weather Channelweather.com
  2. Gulf Coast News and Weathergulfcoastnewsnow.com
  3. WINK Newswinknews.com
  4. ABC7 WWSBmysuncoast.com
  5. Business Observerbusinessobserverfl.com
  6. Sarasota Herald-Tribuneheraldtribune.com
  7. ABC7 WWSBmysuncoast.com
  8. Sarasota Herald-Tribuneheraldtribune.com
  9. ABC7 WWSBmysuncoast.com
  10. ABC7 WWSBmysuncoast.com
  11. Bay News 9baynews9.com
  12. North Port events calendar5amnorthportfl.com

Past issues

  1. Fri., Nov. 6Sarasota County counts 4,928 sea turtle nests in 2026
  2. Thurs., Nov. 5Venice tops the final Super 10 as playoffs begin
  3. Wed., Nov. 4Peace River forecast to crest Thursday as Sarasota County renews its land program
  4. Tues., Nov. 3DeSantis declares flood emergency for DeSoto and six other counties
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5AM North Portto me · Sat., Nov. 76:00 a.m.

Air show takes off in Punta Gorda; SMH breaks ground in Venice

Plus, Venice football lands the No. 8 seed in Florida's first Open Division.

The TLDR

  1. Florida International Air Show flies in Punta Gorda today and Sunday
  2. Sarasota Memorial breaks ground on $82.5 million Venice rehab pavilion
  3. Venice volleyball falls 3-2 in the Class 6A semifinal
Read this edition

More stories this week

From 5AM North Port’s other editions

All the news
WeatherThe Peace River is forecast to crest Thursday morning, with forecasts of 16.7 and 16.4 feetIf you live near the Peace River, keep an eye on it. Charlotte County Public Works crews are checking primary ditches, outfalls and structures that may see higher-than-normal water, and residents are urged to use caution around flooded roads. ABC7 WWSB's meteorologist said the river is expected to crest Thursday morning at 16.7 feet, though an update put it at 16.4 feet.Wednesday’s editionRead WeatherDeSantis declares a state of emergency for DeSoto and six other counties after heavy rainIf you live in DeSoto County or drive through it, the water isn't done yet. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency Monday for Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties. Heavy rain has fallen across parts of the state since Oct. 31, and high water has made for dangerous conditions in North Port too.Tuesday’s editionRead HealthA new two-story VA clinic is planned for Lakewood Ranch Boulevard in SarasotaIf you're a veteran in Sarasota County, here's what's coming. Bay Pines VA Healthcare System will replace the Sarasota VA Clinic with a new two-story clinic at 2390 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, according to the VA. The project is in the design phase. The Herald-Tribune says the building replaces the existing clinic on Bee Ridge Road.Tuesday’s editionRead

Around North Port

From Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Tampa Bay Times and 3 more newsrooms, gathered by 6AM News, 6AM City’s local news service.

More local news

  1. Sarasota Herald-Tribune12 hours ago

    Sarasota County waterfront restaurant with decades of history reopens

    Sarasota County waterfront restaurant dating back to 1948 reopens with new menu.

  2. Tampa Bay Times14 hours ago

    Florida’s most overpopulated jail is poised to reach an overcrowding milestone

    Despite a planned addition, the Sarasota County Jail is housing 300 more inmates than officials say it can safely hold.

  3. ABC7 WWSB19 hours ago

    Jury duty scam targets Sarasota County residents, victim loses more than $40,000

    A jury duty scam targeting Sarasota County residents is leaving some people frightened and, in one case, out more than $40,000.

  4. ABC7 WWSB23 hours ago

    Farmers Markets Saturday Forecast

    Humidity and dew points drop Saturday

  5. Gulf Coast News and WeatherNov. 6

    'It was, like, sputtering': Witnesses describe moments before DeSoto County plane crash

    A twin-engine plane crashed in DeSoto County, injuring two people who were rescued by first responders; the FAA is investigating the incident.

  6. Gulf Coast News and WeatherNov. 6

    Florida International Air Show takes off in Punta Gorda

    The Florida International Air Show, Nov. 7-8, will feature aerobatic performances, parachute jumps, and static aircraft displays this weekend in Punta Gorda.

    Also reported byWINK News