Vote For Your Favorite Places In Sarasota

1. There are just nine days left in voting for the Sarasota Patch Readers' Choice poll. Winners are determined by poll votes this time around. Nominations were closed July 20.

There are 25 categories ranging from restaurants, to best blog, best entertainment venue and best place to get your car fixed.

Vote today by Voting ends Aug. 17.

2. Comedian Caroline Rhea will play four shows at this weekend. You know Rhea from The Biggest Loser, WB's Sabrina The Teenage Witch, The Caroline Rhea Show and more. Shows are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday and 9:15 p.m. Saturday. Tickets cost $19 and $23 and there is a two purchase minimum in the showroom.

3. We're capturing all the buzz being tweeted, recorded and more about the 2012 Republican National Convention. Visit this link and keep checking back throughout this month and through the convention, Aug. 27-30, about what people are saying about the event.

4. Friday night is  when the Gulf Coast League Orioles take on the Gulf Coast League Rays. The rookie league game is free and starts at 7 p.m. — the only night game of the season.

“We know that many families and working adults are unable to attend the day games that are typical of the Gulf Coast League schedule,” said Laura Williams, Orioles Director of Florida Operations. “This night game is a wonderful opportunity to welcome fans into Sarasota County’s jewel of a ballpark and provide an affordable, family-friendly outing.”

The East Gate opens to fans at 6 p.m. with free parking in the East Lot, located at the corner of 12th Street and Tuttle Avenue. Concessions will be available for purchase, but fans may bring in their own refreshments, with the exception of alcohol. Hard-sided coolers, thermoses, glass bottles and cans may not be carried into .

5.The Fabulous Independent Film Festival is this weekend at .

The second annual festival runs Saturday and Sunday with 12 films and three parties celebrating diversity in the LGBT community. In association with the , a nonprofit organization, the festival is organized by broken rules productions.  Tickets are $8, opening and closing night films are $10, now available on www.fabulousiff.com and at Burns Court Cinemas on the days of the festival.