Daily
Sarasota
Tuesday, May 5th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 5th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Limelight Community Garden opened on April 29 in the Limelight District, offering residents a volunteer-run space to learn gardening and join for $40 a year — the project revives an area formerly filled with discarded materials. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Hermitage Greenfield Prize Dinner on May 4 raised $400,000 to support its mission and honored visual artist Charisse Pearlina Weston, who received a $35,000 commission and will have a world premiere at the Ringling Museum in 2028 (co-chairs pledged $250,000 for the Sandor Residency). Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Aksala Wealth Advisors reached $1 billion in assets under management on Monday, May 4 at 7:00 a.m. in Lakewood Ranch as local families entrusted the firm with their financial goals (the milestone highlights strong community ties). Sarasota Herald-Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ One hundred forty kids attended the Youth and Teen Fishing Seminar at Summerfield Park on May 2, where Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club experts taught knot tying, tackle, rules and casting. The club will host a women’s fishing seminar on May 9 at James Patton Park (registration is required). Observer
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hurricane Preparedness Week runs from May 3-9 to help locals ready themselves for the hurricane season. Officials advise stocking up on emergency supplies (like water, food, and medicine), planning evacuation routes, and checking insurance policies before storms hit. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ The Eta Aquarids meteor shower peaks today and tomorrow when Earth passes through debris from Halley's Comet. Clear skies are forecast across Florida & best viewing is between midnight and dawn in dark areas. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Sarasota County designated Hawkins Ranch (3,040 acres) as a priority protection site for its Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program, reinforcing efforts to safeguard the largest undeveloped tract bordering Myakka River State Park. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Pat Robinson, a longtime Sarasota official with 25 years of service and retiring on May 26, will lead SafeSRQ – a Jewish Federation security initiative focused on protecting local Jewish institutions; he will succeed Tom Baugher, who built the program into one of the nation's most comprehensive community security operations. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s AI program at the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute detected 75% of lung cancer cases early in 2025, more than double the national average. It now uses real-time identification to flag incidental nodules in scans and guide patients to prompt care. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ On May 1 at the Ritz-Carlton, Dick Vitale hosted his 21st annual gala that raised $21 million for pediatric cancer research for the V Foundation. Vitale, who recently learned of a melanoma diagnosis (his fifth bout with cancer), vowed to win his battle. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Readers can vote online for the Herald-Tribune Boys Athlete of the Week contest for April 27-May 2; the poll will remain open until 10 a.m. Friday and nominees come from coaches’ submissions from Sarasota + Manatee programs. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Davin Davidson, the Cardinal Mooney quarterback, committed to the Gators after his rating jumped from 3-star to 4-star following a strong season and Elite 11 performance. He said he is focused on winning another state title with his team this fall after finalizing his decision on April 9. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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.
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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.
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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.
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2-Day Sound Healer Certification with Tuning Forks
9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Wild Ginger Apothecary — $895 — Explore the art and science of sound healing using tuning forks over two immersive days.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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