Good morning, Sarasota.

On April 28, Sarasota police responded to an out-of-control boat near the Ringling Museum after a boater fell overboard and the unmanned vessel circled the bay at about 40 mph; when tow line attempts failed, a marine unit chased the boat and an officer leaped onto it—allowing colleagues to board and stop the vessel while the injured boater said a larger boat had cut in front of him.

On Monday, Sarasota police boarded an unmanned boat speeding 40 mph in the Intracoastal Waterway near the Ringling Museum—switching off its engine to stress the importance of emergency engine cut-off switches in preventing dangerous incidents.

Teacher Appreciation Week will begin on May 5 and end on May 9—Teacher Appreciation Day is on May 6—and local businesses in Sarasota are offering discounts and gift ideas like gift cards and handwritten notes for teachers.

Workers removed the old street signs and put up temporary ones on Longboat Key as part of the town’s undergrounding project; the town will install 40 backlit street signs and six block number signs over the next month—using surplus funds to complete the upgrade.

This work is tied to the overall utilities project nearing its final phase after years of delays.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital unveiled the $75 million Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute this week at its downtown campus to serve as a hub for clinical research and innovation.

The facility spans 82000 square feet over 5 floors, includes classrooms, simulation labs and an auditorium that seats 400, and is named after benefactors Jerry and Karen Kolschowsky following their $25 million gift.

The Wellness Space opened in Waterside at 561 Lakefront Drive, Unit 208, where founders Maria Luedeke and Kyle Schoenberg offer self-care classes like yoga, meditation, and breathwork to help locals nurture their well-being.

The studio has a team of four full-time staff and features spaces for relaxation, consultations, and red light therapy — services designed to bring holistic wellness and personal connection to the community.

A St. Pete homeowner who was rebuilding after Hurricane Helene had his mortgage sold and now faces foreclosure threats from a new company after a forbearance period ended.

He filed a police report and a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Office — a move to challenge the foreclosure process.

Laura Cole, vice president of Lakewood Ranch, told attendees on April 23 that the community’s 55 square miles will be built out by 2036 after a record quarter of 616 new-home sales and progress toward 48,829 planned units—she added that open space, diverse housing options, and a new hospital expansion in the next five years will boost growth.

Alyson Bermudez, New College of Florida’s first softball coach, died Sunday after battling a rare cancer at age 32.

She led the team for two seasons since 2023 and her loss has deeply affected students and staff—her memory continues to inspire the school community.

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.