Daily
Sarasota
Thursday, May 8th, 2025
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Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Felicia Donson founded Mom’s Book Nook in early 2025 to honor her late mother by donating books to local children through schools and nonprofits — she hopes the project will inspire more reading opportunities. The nonprofit had provided hundreds of books by April 22 — it plans to keep growing through partnerships with local groups. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At Sarasota's oldest cemetery, established in 1886, professors from New College of Florida and students from Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences are creating high-resolution 3D lidar scans to preserve its history — including the original fence built by Bertha Honore Palmer to keep cows away from graves. ABC 7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Registration is underway for the 2025 summer semester from May 19 to July 11 at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College in Sarasota, where over 50 noncredit courses cover arts and entertainment, history, music, health, literature, philosophy, religion, and science. Program highlights include a screening of Little Satchmo, lectures on cancer biology and executive orders, and guided tours such as Newtown Alive on May 27 — all designed to help adult learners broaden their interests. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On May 7, Hurricane Preparedness Week focused on getting moving when a storm threatens as NOAA advised residents to cover windows, secure loose outdoor items, prepare go-bags, and check shelter options—guiding locals to help neighbors and follow evacuation orders if needed. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ AccuWeather warned that the first tropical storm of 2025 could form between May 15 and 22 if a Central American gyre develops—a change that may bring heavy downpours to South Florida. The system is unlikely to move toward the U.S. coast until after May 20. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ County commissioners approved emergency dredging plans to clear sediment from Phillippi Creek, with the first project to deepen high spots set to start this summer and a broader plan from Beneva to U.S.41 pending federal review. Officials allocated $241,000 for design + $3 million for dredging, and they urged residents to call Rep. Greg Steube + local officials to speed up the federal process. Observer
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Riverview junior Alex Bates switched from gymnastics to pole vaulting and cleared 4.20 meters on May 3 at a meet in Plant City—earning him a spot in the Class 4A state championships on May 9 and 10 at Visit Jax Track at Hodges Stadium. Observer
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 PM — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy the vibrant sounds of Puerto Rican music from local talent Bri Rivera.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
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