Good morning, Sarasota.

SRQ Magazine announced its Readers Choice Awards for Local People and Communities today, naming Russ Bobbitt of Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency as Best Business Leader and honoring local leaders in non-profits, family-owned businesses, faith groups and local chambers.

The awards highlight the work of those who shape Sarasota’s community—votes were collected from local readers.

On March 29, Gillespie Park celebrated its 100th anniversary after Sarasota County dedicated a historic marker on March 7 to honor the park’s Scottish roots.

The Gillespie Park Neighborhood Association organized the event which featured live music, fun projects, and a free tree giveaway from the City.

SRQ Magazine announced its Readers’ Choice Awards for Local Arts and Culture—The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art was named Best Local Museum and The Artful Giraffe won Best Local Gallery while awards in curation, visual arts, arts organizations, theatre and artistic direction honored Sarasota’s strong art scene.

Director Peter Amster is honoring genius Oscar Levant with Good Night, Oscar at Asolo Rep—actor Max Roll uses his piano skills to bring Levant’s mental health struggles, once shared on national TV, to life.

The production shows how humor and pain lived side by side in Levant’s challenging life.

Last week, gas prices dipped below $3 before rising to $3.15 and settling at $3.09 as rising crude oil costs and seasonal changes drove up pump prices — experts warned that price swings would continue into the summer travel season.

The Climate Adaptation Center forecast that the hurricane season will bring 17 named storms, 10 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes as ocean temperatures continue to rise.

CEO Bob Bunting warned that conditions in the Atlantic, Gulf and Caribbean will increase risks—especially for Florida—and urged residents to prepare for potential power and cooling disruptions.

New survey results show that Sarasota Bay's seagrass increased 19% (an addition of 1,912 acres) from 2022 to 2024, even as the bay withstood the 2024 hurricane season.

Executive director Dave Tomasko said improvements in wastewater treatment and stormwater management (in areas like the Upper Bay) helped support the ecosystem's recovery.

The Sarasota Planning Board rejected the alley vacation on Fourth Way for the Saravela multifamily project—because no site plan was shown—and the project will now move to the City Commission for further review.

Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed a plan to cut property taxes for Florida homeowners by removing the state part that funds public schools—this change would give each owner about a $1,000 break while shifting more tax costs to tourists and nonresidents.

Lawmakers must decide on the proposal during the current legislative session before May 2 and let voters approve it on the 2026 ballot.

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.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Visit Artist's Website — Enjoy a vibrant evening with local musician Bri Rivera, celebrated for her heartfelt performances and musical heritage.