Daily
Sarasota
Thursday, April 30th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 30th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Jean Craig Flynn, known locally as Jingle Jean the Swimming Queen, will turn 100 on May 7 at Gulf & Bay Club and keeps her energy high by swimming 27 to 30 lengths each day. Observer
- ➤ Longboat Key Police Department hosted its first Cops, Cars and Coffee meetup on Apr. 25 at Whitney Plaza as residents gathered to share their rides and learn about biking safety (and turtle season campaigns) during the event. The department may make it a regular meeting based on the positive turnout. Observer
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Today, Aldi opens at 1021 Lockwood Boulevard in Oviedo — two additional stores have been announced for May in Davie and Venice to offer local shoppers discount grocery options. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ This week, arts and entertainment events take place in Sarasota and nearby areas from Thursday to Wednesday (April 30 to May 6), featuring a saxophone concert at the Sarasota Yacht Club, community theater productions, a student playwriting festival, family shows, and a water ski performance. Observer
- ➤ Siesta Beach is the only US beach ranked among the world’s best by travel experts, and officials expect the honor to boost tourism. The popular spot features cool white quartz sand, clear shallow waters, and a wide shoreline. Z105
- ➤ Manasota ASALH received its largest grant in history of $450,000 from the Barancik Foundation plus a $150,000 community match on April 29 to expand its African American history programs in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ According to AAA, Florida gas prices increased 7 cents on April 29 to $4.153 per gallon following a 14-cent rise on April 28 (Monroe County reached $4.384) while the national average climbed to $4.229. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Town of Longboat Key announced plans to build a groin field near Gulfside Road during its next beach renourishment in 2028 to tackle erosion caused by natural ebb shoals and seawalls. Officials are modeling the project’s effects on neighboring beaches. Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Longboat Key Fire Rescue received 35 sets of protective gear funded by a $7,976.29 grant from the Florida Firefighter Cancer Decontamination program — letting firefighters wash their gear without service interruption. Observer
- ➤ Officials approved a $3.3 million contract for hurricane repairs and resiliency work at Ken Thompson Park on City Island to fix storm-damaged piers, boardwalks, and seawalls — work that will begin once the FEMA review pause is lifted. Observer
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ 83-year-old Paul Laramee works part-time while caring for his wife with Alzheimer’s, facing high housing costs and limited assistance. The Area Agency on Aging has launched a 'Know Us Before You Need Us' campaign (with local Senior Friendship Centers) to connect caregivers with support. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Barbara Wagner, 83, got notices to remove her shed that has stood in her backyard for 40 years. She and her daughter dispute the HOA's claim and plan to keep the shed despite warnings of legal action. FOX 13
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience an evening of live music from a talented guitarist and vocalist hailing from Boston, now based in Sarasota.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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