Good morning, Sarasota.

Euphemia Haye, a celebrated restaurant on Longboat Key that opened in 1975, closed suddenly on April 23 leaving longtime employee Teal O’Fee and her colleagues shocked and saddened by the abrupt end of a 50-year run—owners noted that there is local interest in keeping the property in use. Details on the restaurant’s future are still awaited.

Amazon’s Project Kuiper rocket is set to launch from Cape Canaveral’s Launch Complex 41 on April 28 during a two‐hour window that starts at 7 p.m.—the Atlas V will carry the first low‐Earth orbit satellites, and locals along Brevard County’s beaches and parks are encouraged to arrive early to catch the view.

Almost 100 wildfires are burning in Florida, affecting 3,832 acres while extreme drought continues to put many areas at risk—Bee Island Fire in Sarasota County is now 95% contained.

Experts say little rain is expected soon to ease the dry spell.

Eighteen Florida counties issued burn bans amid extreme drought and a forecast of little rain for at least another week — NOAA noted that severe fire risks persist as many areas remain dry.

Sarasota is giving away 50 trees today at 11 a.m. at The Bay Park where residents must show proof of local residency to claim one of eight species—this expansion follows a busy Friday morning when 100 trees were given away in about one hour.

A sub-adult great white shark named Dold pinged off Marco Island on April 24 at 1:15 p.m., marking his ninth visit this month as scientists track his movements.

Tagged by OCEARCH on Feb 28, Dold (11-foot, 2-inch, 761-pound) has traveled over 1,300 miles in two months, including a previous ping off Sarasota on April 17.

Sarasota County will face a deficit in its sports stadium fund by fiscal year 2027 if maintenance costs for Ed Smith Stadium and CoolToday Park continue as planned - county commissioners directed staff on April 23 to develop funding options using tourism development tax revenues, with proposals expected in May. The effort aims to cover the shortfall and avoid further red ink in the coming years.

Parts of the Nokomis Beach parking lot on the east side of Casey Key Road will be closed beginning April 28 as a staging area for the North Casey Key Road reconstruction project designed to repair hurricane damage and boost storm resilience.

The project is estimated to cost 36—40 million with most funds provided by FEMA, and closures will continue through fall 2027.

Community input is sought by the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization to set priorities for over $2 billion in transportation projects during free workshops on April 28 at 4:30 p.m. at State College of Florida in Bradenton and on May 6 at the Bishop Museum of Science—other local news includes Artist Series Concerts naming Keren Shani-Lifrak as its new executive director starting May 1 and Rod & Reel Pier planning a temporary reopening in May.

Spring high school football in Florida starts soon as teams begin 20 practice days on Monday, April 28, with Venice High defending its Class 7A state title from last season.

Local coaches and players are working to fill key roles and improve facilities—teams like Booker, Cardinal Mooney, and Manatee aim to advance further in state play.

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.

G.O.A.T.s Concert

5:30 PM — Sarasota Orchestra — Cost info not provided — Experience a concert showcasing the greatest musical pieces from various genres and eras.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Entry details not specified — Experience the eclectic musical stylings of accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts in a delightful waterfront setting.

Justin Layman Live Performance

6 PM – 12 AM — Swordfish Grill — Cost Info Unavailable — Experience the captivating Folk, Rock, and R&B fusion of singer-songwriter Justin Layman.