Daily
Sarasota
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 15th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The second annual Operation Warrior Resolution Golf Classic to support local veterans will be held April 27 at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Organizers aim to raise $30,000, up from $24,000 last year. Observer
- ➤ The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office held its 2026 Block Party Food Drive from March 13 to April 11, collecting a van full of food and nearly $3,000 to help ease food insecurity – over 1,125 citizens, local businesses and All Faiths Food Bank joined the effort. ABC 7
- ➤ Yesterday, local philanthropists Hugh and Eliza Culverhouse donated $100,000 to Season of Sharing to help area families cover essential bills amid rising costs + financial pressures, continuing their long legacy of support for neighbors in need. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is hosting ‘Alexander Calder: The Nature of Movement’ where a horticultural team creates kinetic art inspired by Calder’s mobiles using living plants + metal shapes. The exhibition runs through May 31 near Sarasota Bay. Observer
- ➤ Director Renny Harlin and producer Gene Simmons bring Deep Water to the Sarasota Film Festival, where the film premieres before its theatrical release on May 1 in 2,500 theaters (highlighting local film culture). Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ Siesta Beach was ranked No. 1 in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Beaches for 2026 report; the beach’s powdery sand and clear waters continue to draw visitors (Sarasota County officials highlighted the honor). Observer
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota County high school students Ashton Turner and Spencer Treadway received STRIVE Awards from the Education Foundation on April 14 for overcoming serious challenges — Turner recovered from a sports injury while Treadway turned personal loss into strength. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Almost 80% of Florida is under extreme drought—fueling 61 wildfires burning over 7,000 acres and prompting burn bans in 26 counties, including Sarasota. Officials urge residents to conserve water as they monitor unfolding conditions. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fiona Tenuta, a seventh-grader at Sarasota Middle School, designed the new I Voted sticker that shows a chill flamingo lounging at the beach. The sticker will be used in Sarasota County for the Nov. 3 gubernatorial election (over 175 entries were submitted). ABC 7
- ➤ Florida taxpayers must file their federal tax returns by 11:59 p.m. today. Those who need more time can request a six-month extension before the deadline and should avoid mailing returns last minute (mail delays might result in a late postmark). ABC 7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dick Vitale, 86, a Lakewood Ranch sports announcer, will begin immunotherapy next week for newly discovered melanoma — his 21st annual gala will be held May 1 at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Sarasota Sharks Swim Team celebrates 65 years by hosting the five-day YMCA Masters Nationals at Selby Aquatic Center, drawing over 600 elite Masters swimmers from nearly 50 YMCAs; the event also features a Giving Challenge to upgrade facilities and expand youth programs (supporting future growth). Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Senior Chris Schrum helped the boys weightlifting team win both styles on April 9 at Frostproof High School (he placed first in Olympic at 435 pounds and second in Traditional at 465 pounds), earning him Sarasota Athlete of the Week recognition. Observer
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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.
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Trey Wanvig Band Live Performance
1-4 p.m. — JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe — Free entry — Experience the soulful blues sounds of 22-year-old Trey Wanvig on a Sunday afternoon.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy the vibrant sounds of Puerto Rican musician Bri Rivera in an engaging evening of live music.
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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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Sarasota
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