Daily
Sarasota
Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Sarasota Police Department is hosting Spring Fest 2026 on April 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 2099 Adams Lane + families can enjoy live music, free food, and officer-led presentations that highlight local law enforcement and community connection. ABC 7
- ➤ Sarasota deputies from the Sheriff's Office will join the Special Olympics torch run on Friday, April 17 at 8 a.m. at Gulf Gate Pavilion — the event will follow U.S. 41 to Bay Plaza and raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Florida. ABC 7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The historic Sarasota Opera House marks its 100th year as it continues serving as a hub for live performing arts with smart new presentations like Susannah featuring Hanna Brammer. A centennial concert with opera, ballet, and circus acts will be held Saturday, Apr. 11 at 1:30 p.m. downtown. ABC 7
- ➤ On April 18, Asolo Rep, Florida Studio Theatre and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will host Sarasota: A Theatre Trolley Tour, a free family-friendly experience that offers backstage tours, a student play plus a movement workshop ending with an ice cream social. Observer
- ➤ Asolo Rep premieres its actor-musician rendition of Fiddler on the Roof today with director Peter Rothstein leading 26 performers who play live instruments & use authentic costumes and scenic designs to evoke historic shtetls. This fresh take honors the classic essence while celebrating cultural roots. Observer
- ➤ Dimitri Syros is bringing back two local restaurant favorites as El Greco Kitchen and Market opens today at 4035 Clark Road with a simple Greek menu plus retail items, and Hob Nob will reopen this spring at Washington Boulevard and 17th Street with familiar favorites. Sarasota Magazine
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation raised nearly $1.4 million at its 24th Annual Gala last month to support art education initiatives at the foundation & Van Wezel Hall. Over 340 guests celebrated with Tony Award-winning performer Idina Menzel and honored local educators with the Appleton Award. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Manatee Technical College’s Aviation Maintenance Technician School will open at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport in January 2027 and offer both airframe and powerplant programs with local partners supporting a $10.7 million project to build classrooms, labs, and a hangar for 50 students. Observer
- ➤ A new documentary trailer titled (First They Came For My College) that examines the political takeover of New College since 2023 is now available. The film offers viewers direct insight into evolving campus changes. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Two Sarasota County high school students, Titus Roughton and Mya Mitchell, have overcome personal hardships to focus on education. Titus will study psychology at State College of Florida before transferring to USF, while Mya, a STRIVE Award recipient, will attend State College this fall to pursue a nursing career. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The National Hurricane Center is reviewing plans to extend lead times for watches and warnings to give residents more time to prepare using improved forecasts. Officials say the new system may use dynamic timing based on storm severity, a change discussed at a recent conference in Orlando. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sunshine Skyway Bridge will go cashless on April 12 at 5 pm. Motorists must use an electronic toll payment method+ to cross the bridge instead of cash. ABC 7
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota issued a permit to Mira Mar Residents to add twin 18-story condo towers that will house 70 luxury units and fund restoration of the historic Mira Mar building on South Palm Avenue + work will begin with stabilization and complete by the end of 2028. Observer
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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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In-Studio Sarasolo Performance
3-4 p.m. — Sarasota Contemporary Dance — Ticket prices vary — Experience an intimate solo performance at this vibrant dance venue.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Cost info not provided — Experience the melodic sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented musician from Puerto Rico.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — No cover charge — Experience the heartfelt sounds of Ryan Faraday, an accomplished guitarist and vocalist from Sarasota.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Start with repetition, not perfection.
~ James Clear
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