Good morning, Sarasota.

The Dragon Boat Festival held Saturday at Nathan Bender Park in Sarasota drew teams from across the state.

Teams of 22—including rowers, a drummer and a coxswain—competed for first place, with one Orlando team made up of city, sheriff’s and police employees mentoring local kids.

The second annual SiestaCon took place yesterday at Roberts Arena in Sarasota—hundreds of fans gathered for panels, contests and vendor booths as the event grew from a small comic book celebration by a local store.

Sarasota Orchestra will perform a Discoveries concert on May 17 at the Sarasota Opera House (61 N.

Pineapple Ave.) featuring Vivaldi’s 'Spring' and 'Summer' pieces from The Four Seasons and music inspired by the composer (7:30 p.m.). Conductor Kalena Bovell will make her Sarasota debut while rising teen violinist Amaryn Olmeda adds energy to a program designed to help new audiences learn about classical music.

Hurricane Preparedness Week ended on May 10, giving residents essential tips to check their evacuation zones and assemble disaster supplies before hurricane season begins on June 1; NOAA said daily tropical outlooks will start on May 15 (early forecasts predict a volatile season).

Hundreds of people came to a town hall meeting on May 10th—officials explained government changes, answered questions, and shared what is coming next.

Sarasota County commissioners moved a new fare plan for the Breeze OnDemand transit system to a June public hearing that will raise the base fare from $2 to $3 and add a mileage fee after three miles—if approved, these changes will take effect on July 1.

The plan will also set a $1 companion fare while riders in the transportation-disadvantaged program continue to pay $1.50.

Michael Bennett, a 79-year-old former state legislator and county elections supervisor, filed his candidacy to run for the Sarasota City Commission and said he plans to bring senior leadership to ease issues like city manager hiring delays—he recently moved from Bradenton and switched his voter registration.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 PM — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy the vibrant sounds of Puerto Rican music from local talent Bri Rivera.

Bollywood Dance at The Bay with Megha Vaid

6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Nest at The Bay — Cost info unavailable — Enjoy the energetic vibes of Bollywood dance in a vibrant setting.

Justin Layman Live Performance

6 PM-12 AM — 3 Bridges Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of Folk, Rock, and R&B with local talent Justin Layman.

Bri Rivera Live Concert

6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Cost info TBA — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a talent from Puerto Rico who has captivated the local music scene.