Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 12th of April.
Good morning, Sarasota.
🏘️ Community
Tim Tebow will speak at the Downtown Baptist Church’s second annual Good Friday celebration in Payne Park on April 18 from 5-8 p.m.—the event offers free food, an Easter egg hunt with 40,000 eggs, and live music.
Additional local events include the international Under-21 Golf Croquet World Championship at Wellfield Park from April 14-18—services for Parkinson’s Awareness from the Neuro Challenge Foundation and nearly $170,000 in animal welfare grants supporting local nonprofits.
💼 Business
131 Main has opened at Center Point Plaza in Lakewood Ranch and now serves upscale steak and seafood with fresh ingredients and original art that creates a small gallery feel.
The restaurant, which opened to the public on April 9, is limiting seating to small groups to keep quality high and is adding about 100 local jobs—ensuring every detail meets its strict standards.
🚨 Crime
Sarasota police confirmed that Taeler Bennett died Friday after she was critically injured in a February hit-and-run along North Washington Blvd near 7th St that killed her two young children—investigators said driver June Fenton was arrested in early March.
🎭 Culture
At Asolo Rep, the play Good Night, Oscar shows how troubled celebrity Oscar Levant battled inner demons during his 1958 appearance on The Tonight Show with Jack Paar when he delivered a stirring piano performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue before collapsing.
Max Roll leads the cast with a portrayal that blends humor and heart—capturing Levant’s bittersweet legacy.
🎓 Education
Former Myakka City Elementary principal Tom Redmon was honored at a reunion at Myakka City Methodist Church on April 5 — where he shared memories of his years at the school — as the community looks forward to the reopening of the Myakka City Historic School House this fall.
The renovated building will become a community events center and library with new amenities such as running water and air conditioning.
🏈 Sports
Prep baseball and softball teams in Sarasota are set to enter the playoffs in a few weeks following a strong spring season.
Top players from Riverview, Sarasota, Cardinal Mooney and Booker have led their teams with high batting averages and strong pitching numbers.
🎉 Sarasota Events
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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.
Spring Concert
GCHFA, a non-profit in Sarasota that provides full band, orchestra, choral, recorder, and general music classes for homeschooled students, celebrates 15 years. Join us for our free Spring Concert at North Port HS PAC at 6:30 pm to see every group perform including alumni and teachers for our big finale!
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.
Sunset Day Party
4-8 p.m. — Georgies UTC Restaurant & Bar — $30 – $750 — Enjoy a lively sunset atmosphere with HipHop and R&B beats spinning by live DJs.
Guided Walks at Glebe Park
12-2 p.m. — Glebe Park — Free entry — Explore the natural beauty of Siesta Key while observing migratory birds in the shade.
Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant performance by Puerto Rican musician Bri Rivera in the heart of Sarasota.
🏠 Sarasota Real Estate
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💼 Sarasota Job Board
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📣 Sarasota Announcements
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