Good morning, Sarasota.

Residents in Sarasota are advised to prepare a go-bag for hurricane season with essential supplies like nonperishable food, water, and first-aid items; experts recommend a 72-hour kit to help families stay safe during emergencies.

Vehicles are backed up on I-75 North near Sarasota today (at mile marker 207) as shown by the FDOT 511 Traffic Cam, and details remain unknown.

Samuel Ray, co-owner of local restaurants Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill and the new Hanami Sushi Cocktails & Grill, died on May 1 at 1:11 p.m. after launching the downtown spot.

Victor DeRenzi, longtime Sarasota Opera maestro, will be honored as Visit Sarasota County’s 2026 Voice of Sarasota during National Travel & Tourism Week on May 7 at the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Courtyard.

The award recognizes his role in showcasing our county as a top tourism destination.

This week (May 3-9), arts events enliven Sarasota with a play about pioneering musician Sister Rosetta Tharpe at Asolo Rep, a starry-sky concert by Sarasota Orchestra at Holley Hall, a pride festival, a Broadway talk at Selby Gardens and a dance showcase at the Opera House.

Three major concerts this week offer pop-rock, heavy metal, and British nostalgia to local fans.

America performs Friday at Van Wezel, Raven headlines Sunday at Oscura in Bradenton, and Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone is set for a Sunday show at Venice Performing Arts Center.

Florida students will finish the school year on different days, with most closing after Memorial Day May 25, Madison County ending on May 21 and Miami-Dade on June 4.

Sarasota schools will close on May 27 (according to local district schedules).

Hurricane season in Florida begins June 1 and residents should update their emergency kits and review evacuation zones to be prepared for strong storms (Florida has been hit by more hurricanes than any other state since 1851).

The 21st Annual Dick Vitale Gala took place Friday, May 1 at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota to benefit pediatric cancer research.

Dick Vitale (with wife Lorraine) and local sports figures and survivors joined the event to support the cause.

On Friday, May 1, Dick Vitale held his 21st annual gala at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota to honor college basketball coaches Geno Auriemma, Tom Izzo, and Kelvin Sampson while raising funds for pediatric cancer research — part of a series that has raised over $100 million since 2006.

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.

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.

Live Music with Scott Curts

5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy eclectic performances from singer-songwriter Scott Curts as he captivates with his unique loop style.

Mystical Visions Concert

6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Check venue for entry details — Enjoy the energetic vibes of a female fronted pop/rock cover band playing hits from the 60s to today.