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Wednesday, May 7th, 2025

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Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of May.

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Downtown Sarasota’s O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill reopened last weekend after closing in September when Hurricane Helene’s storm surge damaged the area—owners updated the deck with new paver bricks and renewed the thatched huts while adding two indoor bars and waiting on permits for the outdoor bar to open by summer.  Sarasota Magazine

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium received federal approval as a secondary care facility for manatee rehabilitation — the move now brings in two patients, Cabbage and Sleet. The laboratory plans to build a larger facility at its Aquaculture Research Park with a $5 million state request — a step to ease Florida’s shortage of tanks for rescued manatees.  Observer

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • At its May 5 meeting, the Sarasota City Commission upheld the Planning Board’s approval to relocate the driveway for the Hyatt Regency redevelopment. Kolter Urban will demolish the old hotel and parking structure to build the two-tower project—1000 Boulevard of the Arts—that includes a 174-room Hyatt-centric hotel and 117 luxury condos.  Observer
  • Town officials in Longboat Key met with Kimley-Horn representatives on May 1 to review updated Broadway Roundabout plans that will improve safety at the intersection of Broadway Street and Gulf of Mexico Drive. Bids are expected in early 2026 and construction is planned for fiscal year 2026 as the town tackles revised designs and increased costs—efforts that align with its complete streets vision.  Observer

HEALTH NEWS

  • DOGE terminated almost $42 million in HIV research grants for Florida universities—including FSU, FIU, and the University of Miami—as part of nearly $2.5 billion in health care grant cuts that critics say will severely impact efforts to end the HIV epidemic in a state with high new diagnosis rates. The move mirrors ongoing review efforts by state officials, who began asking universities for grant details in February.  Sarasota Herald-Tribune

SPORTS NEWS

  • Cardinal Mooney is preparing for a strong season as it relies on top recruiting prospects like defensive lineman Elijah Golden and interior offensive lineman Da’Ron Parks. Golden has secured official visits with Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma while Parks is set for visits from Auburn and Kentucky—moves that boost the Cougars’ recruiting efforts.  Sarasota Herald-Tribune
  • The Herald-Tribune, with sponsor Carl Reynolds Law, is honoring Sarasota and Manatee high school sports teams by inviting local voters to choose the Top Team for April—nominations come from coach-submitted stats and voting will run until 9 a.m. Monday, May 12.  Sarasota Herald-Tribune

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Thu, 5/8/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 5/9/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 5/10/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 5/11/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 5/13/25

    View event
  • Scott Curts Live Performance

    5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the eclectic sounds of accomplished local musician Scott Curts as he performs with his German Shepherd companion, Apollo.

    Thu, 5/15/25

    View event
  • Bri Rivera Concert

    6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a standout voice in the Sarasota music scene.

    Fri, 5/16/25

    View event
  • 2025 Sarasota Guitar and Amp Show

    10 AM – 3 PM — Sarasota Municipal Auditorium — Check website for entry details — Explore new and vintage guitar gear with fellow enthusiasts.

    Sat, 5/17/25

    View event
  • Joe Gatto's Let's Get Into It Tour

    1-9 p.m. — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of improvisational comedy with Joe Gatto and special guest Mark Jigarjian.

    Sun, 5/18/25

    View event
  • ABPA Annual Meeting and Business Conference

    12 AM - 10 PM — The Westin Sarasota — Registration details vary — Attend a dynamic business conference with unparalleled networking and industry insights.

    Mon, 5/19/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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