Good morning, Sarasota.

Motorcyclists gathered in North Port on Saturday to honor fallen firefighter Victor Cleveland, a 17-year veteran who lost his battle with cancer in December 2025.

Proceeds from the benefit ride supported his family and a scholarship fund for future first responders.

At The Out-of-Door Academy this week, student-athletes hosted their third annual track and field concessions fundraiser at the Thunder Invitational meet, where local supporters purchased donated Chick-fil-A sandwiches + snacks to raise funds for pediatric cancer research in honor of the founders’ late father.

Last week, a diver was pulled to the surface when a boat snagged her dive flag off Venice Beach; Dive Florida owner (Troy Sorensen) said boaters must keep 300 feet away in open water to avoid injuries.

Nearly 1,000 worshipers joined the annual Stations of the Cross walk on Good Friday (Apr.

3) along Main Street, marking 30 years of interdenominational tradition as clergy and community members united in shared faith.

At Music on Main on April 3, musician Chuck Black performed with his band Silver Thunder (fulfilling a longtime dream) as local residents, including dancers Daniel Saikaley and Johanne Gordon, enjoyed lively cover songs and family fun in the community.

Families enjoyed Saturday at the historic Leonard Reid House when the Reid House Kids Book Fair coincided with Newtown's Spring Fling Easter parade, offering free books, author meet-and-greets, and activities that highlighted Black storytelling and culture.

Longboat Key Police Chief Russ Mager spoke with the Kiwanis Club on April 2 about his digital security efforts as part of education-based policing on the island + he stressed early online scam reporting helps law enforcement respond quickly and plans more outreach presentations.

Downtown brunch spots draw locals with unique dishes and a lively scene.

Favorites include C’est La Vie at 1553 Main, Cask and Ale at 1548 Main with live jazz, and State Street Eating House + Cocktails at 1533 State.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In-Studio Sarasolo Performance

3-4 p.m. — Sarasota Contemporary Dance — Ticket prices vary — Experience an intimate solo performance at this vibrant dance venue.