Thursday, April 3rd, 2025

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Sarasota.
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 3rd of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ 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. Observer
- ➤ 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. Observer
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ 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. Observer
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. FOX 13
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ 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. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Sarasota.
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. Observer
-
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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

Stay Connected Anywhere with This Powerful Portable Charger
Never worry about dead batteries or missed calls again. This high-capacity, portable power bank is a game-changer for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. With the ability to charge up to five devices at once, it’s perfect for families, professionals, and travelers alike.
Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful output ensures your phone, tablet, earbuds, and more stay fully charged no matter where you are. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted productivity.
Whether you’re commuting, on vacation, or working remotely, this charger is your ultimate power solution. Stay connected, stay powered, and never miss a moment.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Sarasota.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A happy person isn't someone who's happy all the time. It's someone who effortlessly interprets events in a way that benefits them.
~ Naval Ravikant
About Daily Sarasota
Welcome to the Daily Sarasota, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Sarasota, Florida community. If you like the Daily Sarasota, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Sarasota.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Sarasota and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Sarasota
A free Sarasota community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailysarasota.com/sitemap