Good morning, Sarasota.

City leaders plan to extend the Circus Trail by three and a half miles, linking Circus Boulevard with Bobby Jones Golf Club and 17th Street Park.

The project, part of the Sarasota in Motion master plan, will boost safe access for walkers, runners and cyclists in the design phase.

Il Panificio opened its new downtown restaurant on May 5 at 1995 Main St. near Hollywood 11, offering pizzas, sandwiches and Italian treats while its original spot on Main Street readies for redevelopment (the Sota project is underway).

Kayla Taylor, a Ph.D. candidate at Embry-Riddle, was honored on May 8 with the 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award that includes a $10,000 grant for her research in artificial intelligence in aerospace systems.

The Zonta Club of Sarasota nominated her (highlighting her role in expanding opportunities for women in STEM).

Saharan dust is expected to reach Florida from mid-June through mid-August, bringing hazy skies and lower air quality that may affect residents with asthma.

The dust could also add bright colors to sunsets while limiting tropical storm development.

Hurricane Preparedness Week offers tips on staying safe after a storm and runs from May 3–9; residents are urged to wait for official clearance, check for hazards like downed power lines, and use generators only outdoors (at least 20 feet from home) to prevent carbon monoxide risks.

Residents can explore six top Sarasota burger restaurants — including Alpine Steakhouse and Butcher Shop on S.

Tamiami Trail, Cask and Ale on Main St, Indigenous in Towles Court, Lucky 8 in Southside Village, Patrick’s 1481 downtown, and Shakespeare’s English Pub on S. Osprey Ave — which each offer their unique take on the classic burger.

A proposed mixed-use project in downtown Sarasota may replace local businesses with a five-story, 324-unit residential building on the block between 4th Street, Gillespie Avenue, Fruitville Road and Osprey Avenue.

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.

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.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience the unique loop stylings of singer-songwriter Scott Curts with his charming companion Apollo.