Good morning, Sarasota.

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport recorded 597,796 travelers in March—its highest monthly total ever, marking an 8% increase from March last year.

The January opening of a new five-gate Concourse A and the addition of nine nonstop routes boosted recovery after Hurricane Milton—officials expect higher numbers for the rest of 2025.

Leland Harper, 63, already jailed for sex crimes in Sarasota County and Oregon, faces four new charges for attempting to pay $30,000 to hire someone to kill a family in May—he will have his pre-trial detention hearing on Thursday, April 17th.

The film 'My Guardian Angel' premiered at the Sarasota Film Festival (April 14th).

Florida lawmakers are considering a change to replace the northern mockingbird with the American flamingo as the official state bird and the Florida scrub-jay as the state songbird—this would be the first time both are recognized.

The Senate bill has cleared committees while the House version is pending, and if approved, the change will take effect July 1.

Longboat Key town commissioners approved an amendment on April 7 that lets property owners replace storm-damaged or dead trees one-for-one instead of two-for-one.

A second vote will finalize the change as it aims to ease costs in hurricane recovery.

Sarasota Police announced that a section of S.

Osprey Avenue—between Main Street and Ringling Blvd—is closed until May 30 for underground road work. Drivers from Mound Street will face delays and should use alternate routes.

Town officials on April 7 reported that accelerating the Broadway Roundabout project with FDOT has brought about roughly $1.7M in extra costs—primarily for relocating utilities, design updates, and landscaping.

Staff said the project will gain momentum later this year with bids coming in February or March.

Sarasota County environmental staff recommended ending the stormwater management agreement as a 40% expansion in its service area may force the city to add staff, buy equipment, and manage flood risks by 2027 or later — city officials have raised questions about the potential costs and service changes if the city takes over.

Adventurous sailors raced on Sarasota Bay during the Bird Key Yacht Club Regatta as Donna Hillmyer’s team won first in the PHRF Spinnaker division after Saturday’s competition.

The club will hold a farewell gathering on April 26 to mark the end of the season before a new clubhouse is built.

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.

Trivia Night

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Hillview in Southside Village — Gecko's Bucks prizes — Gather for a fun filled evening of trivia with friends and family.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy an eclectic mix of original music and covers by the talented Scott Curts accompanied by his loyal dog Apollo.

City of Sarasota Tree Giveaway at The Bay

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The Nest at The Bay — Free entry — Discover tree care tips during a lunchtime discussion with local arborists.

Earth Day Celebration at The Bay

11 AM - 1 PM — The Bay Park — Free entry — Celebrate nature with hands-on activities for families while learning about sustainability.