Daily
Sarasota
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Wellen Park in North Port continues its progress as it builds new neighborhoods and services despite an ongoing legal challenge over de-annexation now before the Florida Supreme Court. This development is set to boost local jobs + increase access to essential health care and education for residents. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Saucy, a KFC spinoff offering dozens of dipping sauces, opened this week at 5484 Lena Road in Lakewood Ranch. The quick-bite restaurant (3800 sqft with 42 indoor and 24 outdoor seats) serves chicken tenders and creative sides. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ This week, Sarasota’s arts scene will feature a season finale concert at the Sarasota Opera House on May 16, a circus-fashion fusion on May 14, a photography exhibit at the Ringling, a limited-run play at Westcoast Black Theatre and a folk-themed cabaret at Florida Studio Theatre starting May 12. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ This week, local venues host diverse live concerts. Reggae bands perform at Big Top Brewing today, jazz pioneer Herbie Hancock headlines at Van Wezel tomorrow, and a free indie festival lights up downtown on Saturday. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hurricane Preparedness Week runs from May 3-9, 2026 and urges Sarasota residents to enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (via SMS) and follow NOAA guidance during storms to stay safe. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Community resource officers in Venice will start issuing water restriction citations on Monday, May 11 because drought rules allow each property one sprinkler day per week, with watering allowed only during (8 p.m. to midnight and 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m.). ABC 7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Florida health officials reported that hantavirus has been linked to hispid cotton rats with just three human cases recorded since 1993, and residents should follow CDC cleaning tips (using disinfectants and gloves) to reduce exposure in areas where rodents are common. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Venice High held an intrasquad scrimmage yesterday at Powell-Davis Stadium to prepare for the 2026 season as Coach Peacock directed practice to build chemistry between rising juniors Noah Patton and Tyree Mannings Jr. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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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Sarasota Fine Art Show
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Sarasota Art Museum — Free admission — Discover a vibrant juried art show featuring diverse original works from talented artists.
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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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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Sarasota
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