On any other night, the sound of hooves on the Sarasota Polo Field would give little cause for concern, but with the approach of All Hallow’s Eve they belie a more sinister presence. The headless horseman roams these grounds, they say, and only the new schoolmaster, Ichabod Crane, can get to the bottom of the gruesome mystery. Produced by The Players Centre For Performing Arts, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow comes to the Sarasota Polo Club tonight and tomorrow night, bringing a whole host of family-friendly activities before the show and even incorporating a real horse in the production.

A rare outdoor production from The Players, Sleepy Hollow sees a cast of 13 actors (and that one horse) bringing Washington Irving’s Halloween classic to life under the direction of Alyssa Goudy, taking over for Sara Logan, who directed last year’s production. “Sleepy Hollow is such an iconic tale,” says Goudy of stepping into the hotseat midway through production. “The opportunity to take this classic story and put my own little touch to it in bringing out Ichabod’s humor or Katrina’s sassiness or Brom’s toughness is really rewarding.”

And whereas last year involved a lot of experimentation (“Shooting from the hip,” says Goudy, or “panicking,” she jokes), being the first time producing a show outdoors with no control over the lighting and nominal control over the hoofed costar, this year sees the production ironing out the wrinkles for an even more exciting show. Beginning at 6pm sharp, the play lasts for a quick and rollicking hour, closing just in time for the sun to set with the audience applause. And swapping last year’s metal bleachers for single chairs, Goudy promises more comfortable, and less freezing, posteriors for the peanut gallery.

More than just a show, a $25 dollar ticket ($12 for kids under 15) grants access to not only Sleepy Hollow, but the Tarrytown walkthrough experience, which opens at 5pm, an hour before the show. Organized in conjunction with the folks from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Tarrytown brings food trucks, cinnamon popcorn and caramel apples to munch on, as well as face-painting, caricature artists and photo booths and games for kids and parents. “It’s just a chance to come out and have some fun,” says Goudy, “and to really get in the Halloween mood.”

With only two days left (tonight and Saturday night) in this production’s limited four-day run, time is short. Space is limited to 200 people per night, and tickets are going fast. “You can try to get tickets at the door,” says Goudy, “but I don’t guarantee it.”

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, a special production from Players Centre for Performing Arts, runs tonight at 6pm, with a final show tomorrow at 6pm. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for children under 15.

Pictured: A scene from last year's production of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" from The Players Centre for Performing Arts.

Sweat your asana off and feel good about the mat you lay your forehead upon during child’s pose with Jade Yoga Harmony mats. Jade Yoga breathes life into the green movement with products made sustainably and sourced entirely in the U.S. and in compliance with all environmental, labor and consumer protection laws. Unlike other mats, Jade Yoga’s contain no PVC, EVA or other synthetic materials. Arguably the most eco-friendly and best performing mat a yogi could hope for, Harmony mats are created with natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, a renewable resource. And the company stays committed to giving back to Mother Earth by planting a new tree for every mat that’s sold through their partnership with Trees for the Future—planting over one million trees so far. 

The 3/16” thick coaster for your hands and feet provide incredible grip and traction, as well as soft cushioning while still providing stability for those hard-standing poses to stick. Harmony mats come in a garden of cool colors to choose room with $5 donated to ovarian cancer charities for every teal mat purchased and $5 donated to breast cancer charities for every pink mat purchased. You can covet your own non-slip or skid, earth-friendly mat for your next vinyasa sess at any of these local studios selling Jade Yoga Harmony mats, $80.

Garden of the Heart, 1501 Edgar Place, Sarasota; The Yoga Shack, 514 Central Ave., Sarasota, 5712 Lawton Dr., Sarasota, 5302 Paylor Ln., Lakewood Ranch; Body Heat Yoga Studio, 2337 19th St., Sarasota; Yoga From The Heart, 2010 Pine Terrace, Sarasota. 

Photo Provided by Jade Yoga.

Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight has announced the official adoption of the agency’s first full-time Homeless Outreach Team (H.O.T.). H.O.T. unofficially launched in June 2018 and consists of a sworn deputy and two civilian case workers. The team works Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm, however, services are available to the public 24/7. Through outreach, referrals and agency-generated reports, the team works to establish relationships of trust with homeless individuals in order to educate, encourage and guide them to connect with social services and agencies throughout Sarasota County. Team members focus on housing, providing veteran assistance and identifying medical services for mental health and substance. Since June 1, 2018, H.O.T. has made contact with 300 homeless citizens, placed 80 citizens in beds and assisted 30 veterans. 

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office

Heritage Builders has announced that October 20-21 will be the model grand opening weekend of its latest luxury community, Sandhill Lake. Located on Clark Road, Sandhill Lake reflects sophisticated Coastal Florida architecture and features a variety of high-end appointments. Michael Saunders & Company is the exclusive marketing partner, bringing with it a successful track record of representing Heritage Builders’ and U.S. Assets Group’s other award-winning Gulf Coast communities, Ashton Oaks (Sarasota) and Grand Oaks (Venice). Developed with the ultimate Florida lifestyle in mind, Sandhill Lake provides customizable luxury living that showcases the latest design trends, offering four floorplans starting in the low $500s. Each home includes high-end standard finishes, such as custom cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, pocketing sliding glass doors and much more. Premium community amenities include private, gated entry; Residents’ Club with clubhouse, heated pool and spa and outdoor living area; and lush, tropical landscaping. 

Sandhill Lake

The master-planned community of West Villages Florida has announced the launch of a home search system on its website. The home search system allows users to search, print, save and share listings, in an easy, mobile-friendly way. They can search according to home style, price, number of bedrooms, community amenities and builder. There are currently eight nationally respected homebuilders in West Villages designing a wide variety of home options, with prices from the $200,000s to the $600,000s and up. 

West Villages Florida