Daily
Sarasota
Saturday, April 4th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ More than 1,000 locals participated in the Good Friday Stations of the Cross procession before dawn on April 3, 2026, walking Main Street with 27 clergy from 14 denominations along 14 stops ending at Church of the Redeemer—an event reflecting on Jesus’ final hours and looking ahead to Easter. FOX 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota County Schools plans to cut 180 instructional staff positions, including first-year teachers, and 79 classified roles next school year due to funding shortfalls from state vouchers and slower property tax revenue. The cuts come as public funds shift and inflation outpaces school funding. Sarasota Magazine
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Sarasota will host a tree giveaway to celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, Apr. 18 at The Bay, 1055 Blvd. of the Arts. Attendees can choose from 10 tree species on a first-come basis — city arborists will guide selections and proof of residency is required. ABC 7
- ➤ Scientists forecast a strong El Niño will emerge between June and August with a 62% chance, promising fewer tropical storms in Florida this season, though experts warn major hurricanes can still form + urging caution as the Climate Prediction Center monitors warm Pacific waters that shift Atlantic wind patterns. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota County is hosting a community forum on hurricane preparedness on April 11 at Riverview High School where local, state, and federal experts will share seasonal forecasts and disaster tips (doors open at 9 a.m. with presentations starting at 10 a.m.). Sarasota Herald-Tribune
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota’s Paisley Binswanger was selected as the 2026 Girls Basketball Player of the Year by the Herald-Tribune and readers can vote on the pick until Tuesday, Apr. 7 at 10:00 a.m. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ The Concession Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch will host the 86th Senior PGA Championship April 16-19 with 135 players (21 major winners and seven Hall of Fame members). The tournament is expected to boost the local economy. Observer
- ➤ Thunderstorms ended the first round of the LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood National Golf Club on April 2 in Sarasota, with Hunter Eichhorn posting a 62 before play was suspended after 6:30 p.m. — Rounds will resume at 7:45 a.m. April 3. Observer
- ➤ Payton Mangay-Ayam from Braden River was named the 2026 Girls Weightlifter of the Year and answered questions from The Herald-Tribune about her training & achievements. Her interview offers insight into her commitment ahead of future competitions. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ The 2026 Senior PGA Championship will take place at The Concession in Bradenton featuring major champions, Hall of Famers, and Ryder Cup Captains, promising top golf talent and regional excitement. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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Easter Brunch Buffet
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — PIER 22 — $70 adults, $25 children under 10 — Delight in a festive brunch buffet featuring seasonal favorites and stunning waterfront views.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Entry details not provided — Enjoy an evening of live music with local talent Bri Rivera, a standout in the Sarasota music scene.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Ryan Faraday, a talented guitarist and vocalist, as he showcases his musical prowess.
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Ally Venable Band Performance
7-11 p.m. — Encore Live — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the powerful soulful voice and rock'in blues guitar talents of Texas-born Ally Venable.
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Mystical Visions Concert
6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a night of classic and contemporary hits from a talented female fronted pop/rock cover band.
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Sarasota Cars & Coffee
8-10 a.m. — The Mall at University Town Center — $10 for show cars, free for spectators — Check out unique cars while enjoying coffee and supporting a local charity during Earth Month.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening with Bri Rivera, a talented musician from Puerto Rico, showcasing her musical journey through local tunes.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Details TBA — Experience live music from guitarist and songwriter Ryan Faraday, an engaging performer from Sarasota.
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Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an eclectic mix of music from accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts alongside his canine companion, Apollo.
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Mystical Visions Concert
6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Enjoy the tunes of a female fronted pop/rock cover band playing hits from the 60’s to today.
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