Good morning, Sarasota.

A truck crash on I-75 near University Parkway is causing heavy traffic backups, and drivers are told to avoid the area — nearby side streets will also face delays.

A man named Jorge Daniel Martin, charged with a Thursday morning carjacking in Sarasota County, now faces extra charges in Charlotte County for kidnapping and sexual battery—he allegedly forced a woman to drive and assaulted her after stopping at a red light.

Sarasota Schools will end the on-campus therapy program that helped hundreds of children—administrators have not yet shared details on plans for future mental health support.

Rep. Nan Cobb passed HB 791 in the Florida House; the bill would allow hospitals, fire stations and EMS to install baby boxes—climate-controlled boxes where parents can safely leave newborns.

The measure builds on last year's rule that lets parents surrender a baby up to 30 days after birth without penalty.

Six months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton damaged every park in Sarasota, city crews have repaired many fishing piers, boat ramps and playgrounds while some facilities still need costly fixes.

City engineer Nikesh Patel said 16 projects are in design—sites like Tony Saprito Fishing Pier will begin repairs early 2026—using FEMA funds and improved materials to build back stronger.

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.

Rainbow Full of Sound Concert

10 PM – 2 AM — 975 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL — Cost info not provided — Experience a unique musical fusion of Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin performed by Waynard Scheller's band.

Celebrate John Williams

7:30-9 p.m. — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Tickets available — Experience the iconic music of John Williams from films like Star Wars and E.T. performed live.