Good morning, Sarasota.

On May 11, local residents gathered at the petting zoo to support an animal sanctuary that cares for rescued animals and raises funds for its programs.

Venice Fire Department EMTs Rebecca Durham and Jessica Jones rescued a 9‑month‑old husky that was ejected from a rollover crash on I‑75 last week — reuniting the dog with owner Courtney Dean and her fiancé Brandon Clark at their fire station as the injured Poseidon ran to them.

Chick-fil-A will open a new restaurant at 6010 14th St. W. in Bayshore Gardens on Thursday, May 15 with hours from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and a drive-thru until 10 p.m.; owner Nathan Anderson, a Florida native who once ran a Colorado location, said he plans to donate $25,000 to Feeding America + offer free entrees for 100 local heroes to mark the opening.

Bayshore High’s Paw Print student journalists were honored by the Quill & Scroll Honor Society and Report for America Awards with five students recognized for their work under award-winning teacher Jean Faulk and mentor Gabriela Szymanowska.

Vin’s People also highlighted local scholarship awards and staff retirements—updates that reflect ongoing community achievements.

Scientific experts in South Florida predict that Sarasota beaches will see up to 40% more smelly sargassum seaweed in the near future.

The sticky seaweed may harm local health, environment and economy—prompting officials to boost monitoring efforts.

Three Venice residents applied to fill Seat 1 on the Venice City Council after Joan Farrell resigned on April 11 when a citizens' appeal to reject a shopping center plan was dismissed.

The council will choose and swear in the new member at Tuesday’s meeting + critics have questioned the appointment process, urging a special election instead.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital cardiologists performed a new less invasive valve replacement procedure using the Evoque system on high risk patients with tricuspid regurgitation, a condition where the valve does not close properly.

The treatment, approved by the FDA in 2024 and reimbursed by Medicare and Medicaid, lets patients return home quickly with improved symptoms — giving new hope to those who could not have open heart surgery.

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.