Sarasota Costco Poised To Open Friday

1. From kayaks to Kirkland beer, Costco is readying its Sarasota store opening for 8 a.m. Friday at the .

The wholesale clubhouse is having customers sign up for memberships at the mall.

When you join Costco in advance through Friday as a new Executive Member, you will  receive a $20 Costco Cash Card. When you join in advance as a New Gold Star or Business Member, receive a $10 Costco Cash Card. Memberships are $55 per year and $110 for Executive, which includes 2 percent annual rewards up to $750.

Costco will offer groceries, clothing and electronics to appliances, tire sales and installation, a pharmacy, optical services and much more. A gas station is planned for the store, too.

While the grand opening will be at 8 a.m., regular hours will be 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

2. It's Primary Election Day. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check out our election resources, including Sample Ballots and the League of Women Voters guide. Visit Patch tonight for election results.

3.  Edna the dolphin is expected to be released back into the Gulf of Mexico today after receiving care at .  who were tending to sea turtle nests. At one time, things appeared to be grim, but all the hours put in by volunteers and staff have Edna ready for her release. Stay with Patch for more on this story.

4. A new arts magazine is coming to Sarasota. WHOA magazine will relocate to Sarasota and is throwing a party to celebrate. WHOA stands for What's Happening with Original Artists. In addition to the magazine, WHOA has a website that includes a radio station, too. The magazine is published by Lisa Caruso and Anthony "Train" Caruso.

The party will be at 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18 at . Validated parking is available in the Hollywood 20 garage. 

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.

Parties include:

• Pre-party Fundraiser for the Fabulous IFF and the Harvey Milk Festival 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday at  $3 cover when Fab IFF is mentioned,

• Opening Night Party at  from 9:15 p.m. to midnight, Saturday

• Closing Night Reception at , 9:15 to 11 p.m., Sunday

For more information, visit the .