Good morning, Sarasota.

Yesterday, the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce hosted its 20th annual Meet Greet Eat social, where residents met local business owners and learned about new offerings from Longboat Key Provisions and Brista Commons shops (including a special birthday display by Noel Ladd).

On Apr. 16, local organizers announced the final donation total from the Giving Challenge to support community programs.

They said the funds will strengthen local services + spur future participation.

Mademoiselle Paris, a French restaurant and bakery, will soon move its downtown location to a larger Main Street spot (formerly Cuba 1958) to better serve its customers.

Ringling College Town Hall has revealed its speaker series for 2027 featuring top TV stars+athletes scheduled to visit Sarasota.

This week in Sarasota and nearby areas, free concerts and shows will offer blues, country, rock and metal.

Highlights include a three-day Punta Gorda festival, Jon Langston at Joyland Saturday, a metalcore set at Oscura in Bradenton Saturday, Fogartyville on Sunday & Martin Sexton Monday at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre.

Voters in Sarasota County will decide in November whether to renew the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection and Parkland programs for 20 years at a .25 mil ad valorem rate plus authorize bonding up to $250 million to protect wildlife habitat, water quality and open space.

Officials have installed dredging equipment along Phillippi Estate Park (using hydraulic pumps) as work is set to begin soon near the mouth of Phillippi Creek.

The project follows past flooding and is part of broader measures to manage flood risk in Sarasota.

Ron Cornella, a longtime liver transplant survivor who received innovative care in 1980, now lives an active life with his wife in Sarasota and frequently promotes organ donation during National Donate Life Month — living 15 minutes from his daughter and grandchildren and enjoying pickleball and golf.

In-Studio Sarasolo Performance

3-4 p.m. — Sarasota Contemporary Dance — Ticket prices vary — Experience an intimate solo performance at this vibrant dance venue.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fresh Fridays: Season 5 Finale

7-10 p.m. — Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association — Free entry — Experience a vibrant outdoor block party with live music and dining in downtown Sarasota.