Good morning, Sarasota.

Heroes' Village in Newtown is a new affordable housing community for low-income veterans and their families, with ten two-bedroom units.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 30 + the project, built on donated land with funding from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, will be managed by St. Vincent de Paul CARES to offer employment support and health care.

Florence & the Spice Boys opened its second location at University Town Center on April 25.

The restaurant features 145 seats and a full bar and now offers new menu items like kabobs and the Spice Boys burger to add to its Middle Eastern-inspired dishes.

A man was thrown from a boat Monday in Sarasota after another vessel cut him off near Marina Jack, and his unmanned boat went nearly 40 mph north of the Ringling Museum until officers slowed it with towlines and a plasma towline while he sustained minor injuries without wearing a life jacket.

On Friday, 16—year—old Cristian Lopez Sales collapsed during P.E. at Booker High School and was taken to the hospital where he later died from a medical emergency—his father said he is still confused by the school’s conflicting instructions and awaits further details from the autopsy and security footage review.

Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program reported three loggerhead sea turtle nests on Longboat Key, Siesta Key and Casey Key on April 26 — marking the start of the local 2025 nesting season.

The program previously monitored 35 miles of beaches and recorded nearly 4,400 nests from Longboat Key to Venice in 2024.

The Sarasota County Commission will hold a workshop to review recommendations from the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee on boosting affordable housing by using a portion of rising property tax revenue and requiring affordable units from developers.

The move comes ahead of a new study that shows the region may need up to 20,000 more rental units while planning for 14,000 new affordable homes over the next decade—efforts that signal strong local support for change.

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System opened the Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute on April 23, an 82,000-square-foot, 75-million-dollar facility that houses clinical and graduate education programs, research labs and a simulation center & was built with a $25 million gift from local philanthropists Jerry and Karen Kolschowsky.

Marisa Villar’s dog died months ago from pythosis — a rare fungal infection caused by the aquatic mold pythium insidiosum — and her two other dogs are now infected, a Sarasota veterinarian said.

Dr. Steven Pepper from the Fruitville Animal Clinic explained that hot, humid weather and standing water help the mold thrive, making it difficult to diagnose and treat.

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.

Sarasota Dragonboat Race

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Nathan Benderson Park — Fun for all ages — Experience the thrill of dragon boat racing combined with cultural festivities and tasty international flavors.

Mother's Day Brunch at Sarasota Art Museum

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Sarasota Art Museum — $75 per person — Celebrate Mother's Day with a gourmet buffet brunch accompanied by live music and museum admission.