Good morning, Sarasota.

Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities will host a youth fishing clinic on May 3 at Summerfield Park Pavilion where nearly 100 kids have signed up to learn basic fishing skills from 12 to 15 volunteers.

Kids will visit four stations to learn fishing techniques such as knot tying and casting and will receive a free Zebco rod and reel when they finish — giving them a strong start in exploring the sport.

Ringling College will consolidate its community arts programs to the Museum Campus in Sarasota as the Englewood Art Center on McCall Road closes permanently on May 3; memberships will carry over for one year starting June 1—continuing a 50-year legacy in local arts.

The college will also explore future cultural uses for the historic facility.

Sarasota and Manatee counties imposed burn bans due to drought conditions that increased wildfire risks—Manatee’s ban is set until April 29 while Sarasota’s ban will lift when the drought index falls below 500.

Sarasota County will host a free hurricane preparedness workshop on May 8 from 6—8 p.m. at Riverview High School, where local, regional and national experts will share key tips to help residents prepare for the 2025 hurricane season.

Sarasota County jail has been overcrowded for 20 years and now holds an average of 1,129 inmates—officials say a 2026 referendum will ask voters to approve borrowing funds for a new jail costing between $650M and $700M.

Citizens to Protect the Ringling Museum held a town hall on Tuesday at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Fruitville Rd to oppose Gov. Ron DeSantis’s proposal to transfer oversight of the museum to New College by August 1 — supporters warned the change could risk accreditation and collections stability. A final decision on the transfer is expected the week of May 5.

The Sarasota City Commission delayed its vote on a resident appeal of staff approval for The Obsidian, an 18 story condo project that would be downtown's tallest building, and rescheduled the decision for a special meeting on May 13 at 9 a.m. Local residents oppose the project because they say its design violates city codes—raising concerns for nearby buildings.

Suncoast residents gathered at a local church on April 22nd to learn about a proposal to transfer control of the University of South Florida Sarasota Manatee and the Ringling Museum to New College of Florida.

Local leaders and a business owner questioned New College’s experience in managing larger institutions and noted that poor communication has left faculty confused + raised concerns about future workforce readiness.

Plymouth Harbor retirement community will add 153 new independent living apartments and a parking structure to reduce its five-year waiting list and ease parking shortages.

The project is under city review and will begin construction in 2027 with completion in 2029 — officials say the expansion will improve resident amenities.

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.

Education Foundation Ringling Bridge Run

7-11 a.m. — The Bay Park — Registration fees apply — Participate in a scenic run with options for everyone in the family.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Puerto Rican musician Bri Rivera in the heart of Sarasota.

Paper Electronics Workshop for Kids

5-6 p.m. — Alta Vista Elementary School — Free entry — Explore the magic of creating circuits with paper and LED lights in this hands-on STEAM workshop.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Visit Artist's Website — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented musician from Puerto Rico, in the heart of Sarasota.

Scott Curts Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — No entry fee information available — Enjoy the unique loop styling of accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts accompanied by his canine friend Apollo.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Tacos • Margaritas • Dancing — 5-10 p.m. — Kolucan Mexican Bar & Grill — Admission varies — Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with food, drinks, and lively dancing.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 PM — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the vibrant rhythms of Bri Rivera, a Puerto Rican musician making waves in Sarasota.