Good morning, Sarasota.

Sarasota man Saladine Fageeh Monroe, 44, was convicted of second-degree murder + tampering with evidence after he fatally shot a 47-year-old man in his ex-wife's home in 2022; his sentencing hearing is set for June.

Trattoria Bella Napoli was crowned best pizza after residents voted from March 31 to April 3 (it received 62 percent of votes) in the Ticket/Sarasota Herald-Tribune Best Pizza Challenge.

The restaurant opened recently on Main Street in downtown Sarasota and is run by Chef Cesare Di Iorio, who uses a wood-fired oven to make authentic Neapolitan pizzas.

Mary Jo Reston, a longtime patron of Florida Studio Theatre, was honored as a Platinum Underwriter in perpetuity after leaving a $1.25 million bequest to support its programming.

The gift — which followed nearly two decades of her support — will help the theater maintain its artistic excellence for years to come.

Pine View student Ava M.—a senior active in several service programs—was named 2025 Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota/DeSoto Counties for her leadership and service, and she will represent the club at the state level before starting at the U.S. Military Academy to study chemistry and train as a field surgeon. This honor reflects her long-term commitment developed through programs like STAR Leadership.

On April 5, the 39th annual Run for Turtles on Siesta Beach supported Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program and saw young runner Eve Barniskis finish strong, with her mother praising her effort — the event drew over 1,000 participants and featured a 1-mile fun run and a 5K race. The funds raised will help mark nests, track trends, and collect data as the sea turtle nesting season runs from April 15 to October 31.

Diane Flanagan’s mobile home in Venice was damaged by Hurricane Ian in September 2022 and is now being replaced by a new 3-bedroom, 2-bath home under the Resilient SRQ program—this project is the first of 70 planned replacements, and residents hit by the 2024 hurricanes will soon be able to apply for help using part of the $55 million HUD funding.

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.

Dinner at Selva Grill

6-8 p.m. — Selva Downtown Sarasota — $3 contribution — Enjoy inventive Peruvian cuisine and cocktails in a chic setting.