Good morning, Sarasota.

The tenth annual Giving Challenge raised $16.7 million for 751 nonprofits in Sarasota after over 50,000 donors gave during its 24-hour online event that ended April 16 (with The Patterson Foundation providing a $6.5 million match), boosting the initiative’s cumulative impact since 2012.

United Way Suncoast's 34th annual Week of Caring kicks off Global Volunteer Month with over 40 volunteer events to boost educational opportunity, financial security, & community resiliency.

Volunteers are updating Angel's Attic today with new paint, mulch, and ceiling tiles.

Lakewood Ranch’s free soccer club, founded by Carrie David in 2024 (now serving 153 players), provides a welcoming space for all ages to play and connect at local fields.

The club offers community members an affordable way to enjoy soccer and de-stress.

Sarasota County Schools hosted the Career Skills Challenge at Suncoast Technical College’s North Port campus where students from Woodland, Brookside, and North Port High competed in STEM projects within the 'Sustainability for Florida’s Skilled Future' theme to gain practical career skills.

Floridians can help the environment with simple actions like planting home gardens, conserving water, and signing up for local volunteering.

Experts advise using sunny spots for growing vegetables and fixing leaks (saving up to 1,661 gallons a year) as small fixes add up to big results.

On April 22, the American Lung Association reported that nearly half of U.S. children breathe unhealthy air while Florida’s cities avoided the worst 25 pollution rankings; 35 counties, including Sarasota (grade B), received mixed scores on ozone and particle pollution, and experts urged Florida policymakers to act.

From April 6 to 10, several high-end residential transactions took place in Longboat Key, Lido, St. Armands and Bird Key, including a Lighthouse Point home that sold for $13,505,000 to Bishop’s Bayou LLC.

The deals featured properties with varied histories and notable price gains.

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.

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.

Inside the Art World

11 AM - 12 PM — Sarasota Art Museum — Free entry — Explore the latest trends and gossip in contemporary art with expert Elana Rubinfeld.

VELVET CORE Women's Pilates Retreat

9:30-11:30 a.m. — Suncoast Therapeutic Equine Partners — Cost not specified — Embrace horses, sound baths, and pilates in a scenic outdoor setting.

Mother's Day Buffet Brunch

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Phillippi Estate Park — Cost varies — Celebrate moms with a delicious buffet featuring breakfast classics and fun activities for kids.