Good morning, Sarasota.

Six months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated the island, residents in Manasota Key express deep concern as many homes remain unlivable while repair work continues — locals worry that an influx of new and larger developments may change the community’s familiar character.

Today, the 18th annual Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival Grand Tasting began at the Ringling Museum courtyard—local chefs and winemakers provided varied tastes and live music to thousands of guests.

Organizers raised $26,000 in a raffle to support hospitality workers hurt by recent storm closures.

Since 2010, investments by the CareerEdge Funders Collaborative have generated an extra $42.1 million in wages and raises for Sarasota workers and created 2,000 jobs, boosting the local economy.

The collaborative and Chamber continue to offer training programs that address labor shortages in high-demand fields like health care, construction, and manufacturing—preparing workers for sustainable growth.

USF Sarasota-Manatee's 30th Brunch on the Bay event raised over $400,000 for student scholarships as nearly 575 guests enjoyed fine dining from 21 local restaurants under a large tent outside the new Student Center and Atala Residence Hall.

The event returned after a four-month postponement due to last year's hurricanes — building on a three-decade tradition that has provided over $1.2 million in scholarships for about 2,500 students.

Registration is underway for Big Waters Land Trust's Bay Explorers Summer Experience program for underserved youth ages 14 to 18 in Sarasota and Manatee counties, which offers a five-day field trip with transportation, meals, supplies and a $100 stipend.

Suncoast Science Center’s Fab Lab Summer Camp begins in June for rising students in second through eighth grades and will provide week-long STEAM sessions in morning or afternoon tracks.

Sarasota County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program purchased a conservation easement on Feb.

4 that protects 14.5 acres at the Elling Eide Center near U.S. 41—land managed privately by the center and conserved by Big Waters Land Trust. The protected land on Little Sarasota Bay now shields a key piece of shoreline habitat from future erosion and flooding.

SRQ Magazine today announced its Readers’ Choice Awards for local restaurants and dining.

Sarasota diners voted for winners that include The Breakfast Company for best local breakfast, FOOD+BEER for best local burger, Arts & Central for best new restaurant, Selva Grill for best local ceviche, Siesta Key Summer House Steak & Seafood for best local steak, Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine for best local Indian food, Kore Steakhouse for best local Korean, Mademoiselle Paris for best local brunch and Brick’s Smoked Meats for best local barbecue—each recognized for delicious flavors and friendly service.

Sarasota’s housing market stays busy as buyers face longer market times and rising costs, and experts say home values are forecast to grow by 2.4% over the next year.

Investors and first-time buyers are drawn to the area — while luxury homes and rentals still perform strongly — keeping the market a top choice for many.

Justin Layman Concert

1-5 p.m. — Siesta Key Oyster Bar — Check website for ticket prices — Enjoy a live performance by Justin Layman in a vibrant atmosphere.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of eclectic music and unique performances with singer-songwriter Scott Curts.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Visit Artist's Website — Experience the musical talents of Bri Rivera, a passionate vocalist and musician from Puerto Rico.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds with RJ Howson

11 PM – 2 AM — 975 Cattlemen Rd — Tickets required — Experience a night of electrifying blues music from the renowned Fabulous Thunderbirds and friends.

Dom Dom Hair Cutting Class

10 AM – 3 PM — Spa Hollywood — Refreshments provided — Learn valuable hair cutting techniques and leave inspired.

Childhood Matters: Uniting Leaders for Change

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection — $75 — Engage in meaningful conversations about early childhood development with expert Dr. Dan Wuori.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a local artist rooted in Puerto Rican musical traditions.

Venice Sharks Tooth Festival

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Centennial Park — Free entry — Enjoy live music, food trucks, and fossil vendors at this community celebration.

Sarasota Polo Club Popup

10 AM – 4 PM — Sarasota Polo Club — Tickets available online — Enjoy a vibrant day of polo and art with live entertainment and delicious refreshments.

Architecture Walking Tour

1-2 p.m. — Sarasota Art Museum — Free entry — Discover the rich history of Sarasota’s architecture with expert insights from Marty Hylton.