Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of May.
Good morning, Sarasota.
Taylor Ranch Elementary’s Odyssey of the Mind club in Venice won the Ranatra Fusca Creativity Award and will fundraise at the Venice Farmers Market on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to cover expenses for its trip to the OM World Finals from May 21-24, while Choral Artists and the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble will perform a Memorial Day concert in Sarasota on May 24 at 4 p.m.—and the Sarasota Chorus of the Keys recently awarded over $6,000 in scholarships to three local high school seniors.
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport processed 488,887 passengers in April, a 10% rise from April 2024, and it handled 1,883,344 passengers in the first quarter, a 3.3% increase from last year; the airport is set to meet high summer demand & is committed to a good travel experience.
Florida's minimum wage will reach $15 by 2026 as set by a voter-approved amendment, even though lawmakers failed to pass bills on May 3 that would have allowed lower pay for apprentices and interns.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law that makes it harder for voters to propose future constitutional amendments, showing growing political resistance to further wage hikes.
Florida will ban possession and sale of psychedelic mushroom spores when Governor Ron DeSantis signs SB 700—part of a new Farm Bill that makes trafficking these spores a first-degree misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Some say the law will stop abuse while others worry it will slow research on mental health treatments.
Local officials reported that Clark Rd and Legacy Trail are closed today for scheduled maintenance work—drivers should follow posted detour signs and allow extra travel time until repairs are complete.
Florida homeowners should review their insurance policy and take photos and videos of their homes before hurricane season starts on June 1 and ends Nov.
30 — this helps with claims — and check for any gaps in coverage — a careful step to secure the best payout if storm damage occurs.
Derek and Kelly Nelson built a custom 5,292-square-foot home in The Lake Club in 2019 that combines sleek indoor spaces with a resort-style backyard featuring a pool and outdoor kitchen — a design echoing 36 years of local building expertise and a family-focused lifestyle.
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.
Namaste at The Bay with Jessica DuBose
9-10 a.m. — The Bay Park — Free entry — Enjoy mindful yoga led by Jessica DuBose in a beautiful outdoor setting.
AquaPalooza 2025
10 a.m.-4 p.m. — MarineMax Sarasota — Free entry — Kick-off Summer 2025 with live music, giveaways, and a vibrant gathering of boaters at New Pass Sandbar.
Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the musical talents of Bri Rivera, a rising star from Puerto Rico in the Sarasota music scene.
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