Good morning, Sarasota.

Sarasota County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 2 to mark the completed restoration of the 1916 Edson Keith Farmhouse at Phillippi Estates Park—the first floor now serves as an interpretive center and the second-floor rooms have been restored.

On Wednesday, the Sarasota Orchestra unveiled its conceptual plan for a new music center on Fruitville Road that will include a main 1,800-seat hall, a 700-seat recital/flex space, and an education wing arranged around a central courtyard—designed to allow smooth movement and feature ample natural light. The project is estimated to cost between $375 to $425 million, will break ground in early 2027 — and aims to open for the 2029-2030 season as fundraising continues with a $60 million gift from an anonymous donor.

After co-founder Derek Han died of COVID in 2021, pianist Wu Han accepted the role of artistic director to preserve his legacy — and executive director Joan Sussman joined to steer the La Musica Chamber Festival, which will run April 11 through 17 at the Sarasota Opera House.

Three concerts with pre-concert talks beginning at 6:15 p.m. are planned for the event.

Nehemiah Columbus, a Suncoast Polytech student, overcame depression and was honored with a STRIVE Award for his renewed mindset.

He works at Pizza Hut and will start psychology courses at State College of Florida this fall—hoping to help others feel valued—showing his strong determination.

Alta Vista Elementary received a $50,000 STEM classroom makeover grant from FPL to upgrade a classroom with new tech and enhanced specials such as art, music and PE.

The new space will feature tools like 3D printing, tablets and robotics — a project aimed at giving Title 1 students a head start with modern skills.

Volunteers with Longboat Key Turtle Watch repainted about 500 stakes on March 25 and 26 to mark sea turtle nests for the season that starts on May 1.

The group will begin mid-April patrols to monitor the nests & inform the public of any issues.

After Hurricane Milton removed its walkway, Anna Maria Island City Pier remained cut off from land, and city officials said engineers nearly finished plans for a storm-resistant connection—restoring safe access to the iconic pier.

Cirque St. Armands Beachside on Lido Key replaced the old Holiday Inn and now features Ringside, a signature restaurant that offers bold flavors, Gulf seafood favorites and creative cocktails for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Local host families in Lakewood Ranch are providing bedrooms and baths for Korn Ferry Tour caddies as part of the upcoming LECOM Suncoast Classic from April 16 to 19—Eileen and Bill Wright are already hosting two caddies and say golf fans need not apply.

The tournament committee continues to seek willing hosts to help players and caddies with affordable lodging.

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.

Elton John Tribute Concert in Sarasota

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a detailed re-creation of Elton John's iconic '70s performances with Rus Anderson.