Good morning, Sarasota.

Heroes’ Village opened Wednesday in Sarasota’s Newton area to offer 10 two-bedroom apartments for veterans, built through a partnership between the City of Sarasota, Gulf Coast Community Foundation and St. Vincent de Paul CARES.

Residents will begin moving in from mid-May to June — the agency is set to provide wrap-around services like health care and job assistance.

Bob Smith and his Lakewood Ranch golf and poker friends raised $84,017 for the Stillpoint Mission, surpassing last year’s record and helping serve more people each Friday.

Heritage Golf Group will host five fall fundraising events while Aqua-Tots Swim School issued drowning safety tips, urging parents to stay close and use Coast Guard-approved life jackets—advice to keep children safe in and near water.

The Manatee Community Foundation named Jacob Kinsel as Director of Finance and Operations to strengthen financial oversight and support local philanthropy.

Venice Police Chief Andrew Leisenring joined the Child Protection Center board and Jeffrey McCurdy was elected to the Barancik Foundation board—each appointment set to boost essential community services.

DeSoto County deputies arrested 41-year-old Donald Carl Woods on Tuesday after they found him illegally possessing a firearm and narcotics—this eight-time convicted felon, wanted from Georgia, now awaits extradition.

Sandy Rodriguez’s exhibition Currents of Resistance opened at The Ringling as part of the Hermitage Greenfield Prize series and features paintings made with traditional, regionally sourced materials that blend local culture and nature—offering a fresh view on history and resistance.

Creative Kids SRQ hosted its first block party Youth Art Fest on April 26 along Palm Avenue where young artists displayed and sold their work.

The event featured live music by Compound + drew about 1,000 people, and the organizers plan to take the show to other cities in the future.

Suncoast Remake Learning Days festival is underway in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties, offering over 380 free events for hands-on learning and engaging students+families.

The festival runs from April 19 to May 3 and is supported by The Patterson Foundation+local schools and community organizations.

M/I Homes is adding a new collection of two-story townhomes to Palmera at Wellen Park with floor plans from 1,702 to 2,813 square feet, featuring two-car garages, gourmet kitchens, loft spaces, and private lanais—designed for families and retirees.

The homes include open layouts and Energy Star certified construction—located near schools, shops, dining, and coastal beaches.

On April 26, 100 youth football players learned safe tackling techniques at a Nextlevelz clinic at the East Manatee Bulldogs field in Lakewood Ranch—20 local coaches from several schools taught proper form to reduce head and neck injuries.

The event aimed to ease parents' concerns and build players' confidence by emphasizing a head up approach and proper leverage.

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.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a rising talent in the local music scene.