Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of May.
Good morning, Sarasota.
Siesta Key Watersports must vacate its Stickney Point location by Thursday, May 14 after county commissioners approved buying the plaza for a waterfront park.
The business operated there for 20 years and now faces an uncertain move.
On Tuesday, May 5, Mademoiselle Paris opened its new downtown location at 1766 Main St (the former Cuba 1958 site) with an accordion performance outside.
The French restaurant and bakery will soon close its nearby spot at 1605 Main St in the Wells Fargo building.
Local quilting artist Peg Green presents her new series on ancient goddesses at All Angels Episcopal Church; the work, which blends archeological inspiration + personal style, opened on May 2 and will be on view through the end of June.
Duke Energy Florida has announced a $90.5M refund for overcharged hurricane restoration costs that will reduce fuel charges from June through September.
Customers will see an automatic monthly savings of about $5.62 on their bills.
Alta Vista Elementary’s SWAG program helps 4th and 5th graders explore career goals and build life skills (attendance, accountability, achievement, and attitude) and will soon include middle school students; the initiative features field trips, classroom activities, and a vision board project.
Lakewood Ranch High School's music department earned the Best Communities for Music Education Award for the second year (given by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation) for its strong community support and dedicated teaching that help students build valuable skills.
Superintendent Terry Connor said the district will reassign 136 teacher roles (including 99 probationary and 37 annual contract positions) as contracts approach their June 30 expiration and external hiring is paused amid financial adjustments.
Hurricane Preparedness Week runs May 3-9 as NOAA urges residents to board up windows and secure outdoor items if a storm is forecast; locals are advised to check their evacuation zones and prepare a go-bag (with essentials) for safe shelter ahead of the hurricane season starting in June.
Sarasota City Commission authorized FDOT to design a trail realignment that will extend Circus Trail from Fruitville Road through Bobby Jones Golf Course and Nature Park to 17th Street Regional Park.
The design stage is set to complete this fall, and construction is expected during the 2028+2029 FDOT fiscal year.
On May 1, Dick Vitale hosted his 21st annual gala at The Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota where 15 pediatric cancer survivors were honored — raising $21 million for research and nearly doubling last year’s total.
On May 2, Noelle Tenaglia led Riverview High's relay team to win the 3,200-meter race at the FHSAA Class 4A-Region 3 championship in Punta Gorda — beating Sarasota High by nearly 10 seconds and earning the title of Sarasota Athlete of the Week.
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.
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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