Good morning, Sarasota.

Temple Beth Israel will honor Barry and Suzan Friedman during its 47th annual gala on Feb.

22; the couple, who help boost membership and organize events, will be recognized for their long-standing role in community leadership on Longboat Key.

The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle partnered with The Exchange to turn donated items into grant funds for local nonprofits.

The program awarded $103,000 in grants in 2025 + a second cycle gave $24,250 to 18 groups.

At its weekly meeting at Marina Jack on Jan.

28, the Rotary Club of Sarasota held its first awards ceremony for local first responders — two police officers and one firefighter — as part of its centennial celebrations; James Thompson expects the program to last for decades.

Fire crews monitored hot spots Tuesday after a brush fire burned about 4 to 5 acres near I-75 on Monday afternoon.

Dry conditions, frost, and winds helped the blaze spread rapidly as crews ensured the area remained contained.

Bad Bunny, fresh off his Grammy wins, is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show this weekend — he aims to spotlight Latino culture and identity in a community with strong ties to Puerto Rico.

Art Center Sarasota marks 100 years by featuring its members' work in all four galleries & hosting a centennial exhibition that displays 228 pieces from over 700 members; the show will run until Feb.

21.

Charisse Pearlina Weston was named the 2026 Hermitage Greenfield Prize recipient; she will receive a $35,000 cash award and a six-week fellowship with a commission to create work premiering in Sarasota in 2028, and the award will be presented Sunday, Apr.

12 at Michael’s on East amid programs from Apr. 10-13.

North Port fire crews worked Tuesday to extinguish hot spots and smoke from a 60-acre brush fire near I-75, causing lane closures as a burn ban remains in effect in Sarasota, Manatee, Polk, Citrus and Hillsborough counties.

Officials warn dry conditions and frosts could lead to a severe wildfire season.

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is using low borrowing costs to fund more than $1 billion in projects.

It is building a $507 million North Port hospital opening in 2028 and a Venice rehab pavilion starting this year (with a cancer center opening Spring) to serve the community.

Out-of-Door Academy girls soccer beat Saint Stephen's 5-2 at Thunder Stadium on Monday night—scoring three quick goals to break the tie.

Junior Maggie Yull led the comeback as the team prepares for a region semifinal on Feb. 9 against Fort Myers Evangelical Christian.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Special event — Experience the unique loop styling of singer-songwriter Scott Curts as he performs alongside his German Shepherd companion, Apollo.

Mystical Visions Concert

6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Check for admission details — Enjoy a lively performance by a female fronted pop/rock cover band playing hits from the 60’s to today.

PokeKon-Fest - Sarasota, Florida

10 a.m. — Sarasota Municipal Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Immerse yourself in the ultimate celebration of all things Pokemon at this exciting festival.

The Children's Cup Golf Tournament

9 AM – 2 PM — Laurel Oak Country Club — Varying prices — Enjoy a day on the green supporting local child abuse services.

Inside the Art World

11 a.m. — Sarasota Art Museum — Free entry — Explore contemporary art insights with expert Elana Rubinfeld in an engaging atmosphere.

Ryan Faraday Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy the sounds of professional guitarist Ryan Faraday as he showcases his talents in a lively setting.

ABBA Nova Tribute Band Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Tree Fort Productions — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying magic of ABBA with powerhouse vocals and stunning '70s costumes.

Mystical Visions Live Concert

6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a night of classic and contemporary pop/rock hits performed by a vibrant female fronted band.

38 Special Concert

8:00 p.m. — Thunder By The Bay — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying Southern Rock sounds of 38 Special.

Live Performance by Bri Rivera

5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — No cover charge — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a standout musician from Puerto Rico.