Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 28th of April.
Good morning, Sarasota.
🏘️ Community
Sarasota's annual Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25 in downtown and conclude at J.D.
Hamel Park around 11 a.m. with a ceremony featuring veteran Charlie Halley (nicknamed The Comet).
The Manatee Chamber of Commerce and its Manatee Young Professionals program hosted the 2026 Gala and Awards on April 27.
The event honored local young professionals and employers for community service and leadership (37 nominations were submitted), including winners like Shawn Osborne and Aubrie Stevens-Polson.
All Star Children’s Foundation named Stephen Fancher (previous chief advancement officer) its new chief executive officer on Monday, Apr.
27; he led the organization’s growth and will drive efforts to support children in foster care in the community.
Satchel's Last Resort Animal Shelter raised $47,000 at its 6th annual (Get Your Mutt Movin' 5K run) to support rescue animals, while CareerEdge Funders Collaborative reported its 2025 efforts delivered a $3.85 million boost to the local economy.
ULA Atlas V rocket launched yesterday (Monday, Apr.
27) from Cape Canaveral, lighting up the sky and being seen in several states. SpaceX will attempt a Falcon Heavy launch on Wednesday, Apr. 29 from Kennedy Space Center.
💼 Business
Following nearly two years of hurricane repairs, new stores have opened on St. Armands Circle.
Le Shop now serves coffee and pastries at 28 S. Boulevard of the Presidents, Acadia Jewels opened in January, and Chocolate Emporium will open in June — offering fresh choices for local shoppers.
🎭 Culture
Sarasota Orchestra music director Giancarlo Guerrero connected with audiences as he announced innovative plans for the 2026-27 season, which include performances by top soloists, guest conductors, and fundraising for a new music center on Fruitville Road.
📰 Economy
Gas prices in Florida continue to fall with the state's average below $4 a gallon.
On April 27, AAA reported Florida's average was $3.941 as prices varied among counties, with Franklin County showing the highest price while the national average remained above $4.
CareerEdge trained 447 workers and helped 217 boost wages in 2025 after offering 540 certifications while working with local employers to meet workforce needs.
The program’s investment in talent, which brought more than $2.5M in wage gains, is set to strengthen Sarasota’s economy into the future.
🌲 Environment
Mote Marine Laboratory documented the first loggerhead sea turtle nest of the 2026 season yesterday at Venice Beach; monitoring continues along 35 miles of nesting beaches (from Longboat Key to Venice) until Oct.
31.
🎉 Sarasota Events
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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.
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.
Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Check venue for entry fees — Enjoy an eclectic musical experience with accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts and his loyal German Shepherd companion, Apollo.
Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of vibrant Puerto Rican-inspired music with local talent Bri Rivera.
🏠 Sarasota Real Estate
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📣 Sarasota Announcements
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