Good morning, Sarasota.

Drivers between Palmetto and Bradenton saw American flags lining Green Bridge this morning.

Palmetto resident Shannon Glasgow led the project in tribute to his late father and local veterans (22 flag poles mark the sacrifice) with the display set to remain through July 4.

United Way Suncoast is expanding its Summer Care Program to offer nearly 1,000 scholarships and tutoring for students to attend summer camps and child care programs, with over a third of nearly 700K in funding going to Sarasota and nearby counties.

The program helps prevent learning loss for working families.

Whole Foods is expanding its footprint with a new store opening in Jacksonville on May 21 and additional locations under development in Doral, Valrico, Bradenton, and Sarasota; one store’s design pays homage (to a historic newspaper building) on its site.

Sarasota’s marine life faces threats from plastic pollution as microplastics contaminate dolphin breath samples and local fish.

Fifth-generation Sarasotan Jon Thaxton urges consumers to use reusable containers and reduce single-use plastics — a shift that may help protect wildlife and lower tourism-related costs.

NOAA's 2026 Hurricane Awareness Tour will take an informative stop at SRQ on May 4 at Sheltair (814 Clyde Jones Road) where the public can see four aircraft, including the Lockheed WP-3D Orion, and meet hurricane experts during National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

Sarasota County has installed colorful storm surge poles at Siesta and Manasota beaches to show rising water levels ahead of hurricane season — a measure to boost community safety.

A pole will be added at North Jetty Beach before summer.

The Climate Adaptation Center in Sarasota released its forecast for the 2026 hurricane season—predicting 12 named storms, five hurricanes, and two major hurricanes—and noted that warmer Gulf seas and an emerging El Niño could shift storm tracks later in the season.

Cardinal Mooney football celebrated its 2025 state championship on Thursday, Apr.

23 when players and coaches received custom rings that highlight their season record of 14-1 and playoff wins. Head coach Jared Clark said the rings simply mirror the team’s journey+ memorable moments that continue to drive the Cougars forward.

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.

Poetry Mic Featuring Georgia Court and Judith Rosner

12-1 p.m. — Bookstore1 — Free entry — Enjoy local poets share their original works and engage in discussion afterward.

Jazz Thursday with Barbara King and The Spirit of Jazz

5:30-8 p.m. — Sarasota Art Museum — Check website for pricing — Experience lively jazz rhythms and delightful bites at this vibrant monthly gathering.