Daily
Sarasota
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Sarasota Police Department held its Spring Fest on April 14 at its headquarters, showcasing demonstrations from officer units, a junior SWAT obstacle course, a K-9 presentation, a petting zoo, and free food & DJ music for community members. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs through April 26 at the Cook Theatre in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts (5555 N. Tamiami Trail) in Sarasota, offering $40 tickets to local theater fans. Sarasota Magazine
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota County Schools are cutting jobs and increasing class sizes as underfunding and budget shifts to vouchers affect public education+prompting a free forum titled Stronger Together on April 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota at 3975 Fruitville Rd to discuss solutions. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Superintendent Terry Connor discussed challenges and optimistic plans for Sarasota schools at the State of the Community event on April 14 at the Carlisle Inn and Conference Center. Declining enrollment, rising fixed costs, and consolidations are prompting a new approach — the district is adjusting operations to manage financial pressure. Observer
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Scientists from the University of South Florida report a record sargassum bloom offshore and warn that Florida beaches may see increasing seaweed deposits this spring and summer if winds drive currents onshore. Conditions vary across locations, so checking local updates before a trip is advised. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ This fall, Sarasota will launch a $1.2M dune project on Lido Key from the Lido Beach Pavilion to near Ted Sperling Park to raise dunes by 2 feet + add native salt-tolerant plants for better storm protection, with over 30 beach access points maintained during upgrades. Observer
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Residents and business owners questioned developers at a Gillespie Park Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday night over a proposed 324-unit apartment project at 1899 Fruitville Road. The plan includes 36 affordable units, 433 parking spaces, and public space — a review that could take about a year before construction begins. Sarasota Magazine
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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.
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Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Enjoy a delightful evening with the eclectic sounds of singer-songwriter Scott Curts.
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
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
~ Thomas Jefferson
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