Friday, April 10th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 10th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Leanna Ross, a longtime survivor of abuse, now walks with dignity after getting help from local faith-based nonprofit Selah Freedom. She works as a manager at a seeing-eye dog training center in Palmetto and shares her journey to inspire others seeking recovery. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ All Faiths Food Bank launched its 13th Campaign Against Summer Hunger on March 28 at Riverview High School to feed children facing economic hardship this summer. The effort uses $1 million in matching funds to double donations through May 15 (meals will be provided via schools and community centers). Sarasota Herald-Tribune
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hanami Sushi Cocktails & Grill opens today in Sarasota’s Rosemary District at 1525 4th St., Unit C following a yearlong renovation that transformed the historic Citrus Exchange building into a nearly 7,500-sqft restaurant. The venue will serve contemporary Japanese dishes, including sushi, hibachi, and craft cocktails. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Sarasota Film Festival features a documentary tracing the origins of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band. Occupational Hazard: The Original Coral Reefers will show Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. at New College of Florida’s Sainer Pavilion (5313 Bay Shore Road). Sarasota Magazine
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Florida's minimum wage will rise to $15 an hour on Sept. 30, 2026 following a 2020 constitutional amendment that increases wages by $1 annually (which also adjusts tip credits) with future changes based on inflation. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Former New College program director Jono Miller legally challenged the college's 210-page master plan—citing missing faculty and student input and factual errors—as he prepares to attend an administrative hearing later. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Colorado State University expert Phil Klotzbach predicts a somewhat below-average 2026 hurricane season with thirteen named storms, six hurricanes, and two major storms due to El Nino. The season runs from June 1 through November 30. Z105
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City Commission declined to add the extra $4 million needed for SHA’s McCown Towers—a project to build 96 senior housing units + secure 160 public parking spaces for the Rosemary District—leaving SHA President William Russell planning to seek funds from county recovery resources. Observer
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ A feature spotlights Florida's top brunch spots, including State Street Eating House + Cocktails in downtown Sarasota where locals enjoy creative dishes and cocktails on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The listing also profiles favorite venues across the state for weekend splurges. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ A 64-team National High School Softball Invitational (a showcase for top high school teams) will run April 1–3, 2027 at the nearly completed 17th Street Park Regional Sports Complex, which is scheduled to finish in December, and a six-team college tournament will follow at the same facility. Observer
- ➤ Lakewood Ranch's Avary Shirley was named 2026 Girls Soccer Player of the Year by the Herald-Tribune on April 9. Voting on the 15-candidate poll remains open until Tuesday, Apr. 14 (10 a.m.), inviting locals to share their pick. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Omgitswicks and Friends Comedy Show
3-4 p.m. — McCurdy's Comedy Theatre — Tickets available — Enjoy a hilarious performance featuring Omgitswicks and friends at a local favorite venue.
-
Mystical Visions Concert
6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience a lively female fronted pop/rock cover band playing hits from the 60's to today.
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
Skills are cheap. Passion is expensive.
~ Naval Ravikant
About Daily Sarasota
Welcome to the Daily Sarasota, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Sarasota, Florida community. If you like the Daily Sarasota, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Sarasota.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Sarasota and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Sarasota
A free Sarasota community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailysarasota.com/sitemap