Daily
Sarasota
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Community Foundation of Sarasota County's Giving Challenge raised $16.7M in a 24-hour online event ending Thursday, Apr. 17 that benefited 751 nonprofits with contributions from nearly 51,000 donors + a 1-to-1 match from the Patterson Foundation totaling $6.5M. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Suncoast Remake Learning Days is hosting a 15-day celebration for families with interactive events like Big Truck Day and craft jams across Sarasota and surrounding counties until May 2 (details available from local organizations). Sarasota Herald-Tribune
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hob Nob Drive-In in Sarasota will reopen on Apr. 21 after nearly two years closed (serving burgers, shakes, and draft beer) and will offer counter service from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ This week, Sarasota will host multiple arts events from visual exhibitions at Sarasota Art Museum (starting April 19) to symphonic concerts at Van Wezel and enSRQ at Sarasota Opera House. Productions including Emma, Big Fish and Venice Symphony’s Ode to America will run through April 25 at local venues. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ AAA data shows that national gas prices fell by 7 cents to $4.076 earlier this week due to a ceasefire while Florida prices remained nearly steady at about $4.093 on April 17 (AAA figures). Sarasota drivers may see little change in fuel costs this weekend. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida law does not forbid full-time RV living, but most local governments enforce ordinances that limit how long residents can live in their RVs. Sarasota residents should verify county rules before choosing this lifestyle. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Governor Ron DeSantis has boosted local restaurant sales with Instagram posts featuring his dining experiences, including his recent visit to Sarasota’s Yoder's of Pinecraft & eight other eateries. He started the series during the pandemic to support family-owned spots across the state. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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.
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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.
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Sarasota Kentucky Derby
4-8 p.m. — ALEUR-Event Collective — Check website for prices — Celebrate Derby Day in style with mint juleps, live entertainment, and contests.
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
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
~ Theodore Roosevelt
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