Saturday, April 11th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 11th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Venice Sharks Tooth Festival begins today at Centennial Park with live music, food trucks and family activities planned through Sunday in downtown Venice (featuring shark-themed trivia, an ABC7 booth offering free swag, and free trolley service from Venice High School). ABC 7
- ➤ The 10th annual Giving Challenge will run from noon April 15 to noon April 16 while residents pick up free trees (first-come, first-served) at The Bay on April 18 to celebrate Earth Day; a document shredding event is offered on April 18 at the Manatee County Fairgrounds. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hanami Sushi Cocktails & Grill opened on April 10 at 1525 Fourth St in the Rosemary District. The new restaurant from the owners of Tsunami Sushi offers sushi, hibachi, Japanese favorites and craft cocktails with cherry blossom decor (inspired by Japan). Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ IKEA will open a 48,000 sqft store at University Town Center near 147 N. Cattleman Road late this summer. The new store will offer flat-pack furniture + Swedish deli items that fit local living styles. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ A luxury pop-up featuring brands including Balmain, Miu Miu, Prada, Valentino and Cavalli is open today at The Edge Sales Gallery, 1801 Main St. The event — part of future upscale plans for downtown — offers locals a preview of retail that may soon expand with Waldorf Astoria Residences Sarasota. Sarasota Magazine
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ New College is hosting the 28th Sarasota Film Festival, which began yesterday with the premiere of 'Deep Water' at Sainer Pavilion (including bayfront receptions and outdoor concerts) and will run for 10 days to bring filmmakers and audiences together. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A Consumer Reports study released Friday, Apr. 10 finds that six national and regional retailers offer lower grocery prices than Walmart while local chains like Publix charge significantly more. The report based on late summer 2025 shelf data shows Target is nearly 6% above Walmart prices. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida law bars bat removals during their maternity season, which begins April 16 and lasts to Aug. 14. Homeowners must use legal one-way exclusion devices before April 16 + wait until after the season if bats roost in their structures. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ In Avondale, the century-old Pearsall House—a Mediterranean Revival home with modern upgrades like solar panels and a new kitchen—is on the market at $3,975,000, offering 4,000 sqft of living space on a quarter-acre lot for buyers seeking historic charm with modern comforts. Sarasota Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Lakewood Ranch's Louka Coue was named the 2026 Boys Soccer Player of the Year by the Herald-Tribune from a 15-player poll of top First-Teamers. Voters can cast their ballot until Wednesday, Apr. 15 at 10 a.m. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Spirit Fest® Metaphysical, Holistic, & Crystal Expo
10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. — Sarasota Fairgrounds — Diverse ticketing options — Explore Florida's largest metaphysical and holistic expo with crystals, workshops, and wellness products.
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
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