Daily
Sarasota
Saturday, May 17th, 2025
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Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Julie Fanning serves as the new chair of Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance during its 20-year milestone and brings two decades of marketing experience to boost growth and member engagement. She aims to increase membership to 800 by 2026—up from 750 as the alliance recently passed $1 million in revenue. Observer
- ➤ Retailers such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, Samsung, AJ Madison and Maytag are starting early Memorial Day sales and offering up to 50% off on major appliances (like refrigerators, washers, dryers and more). Customers in Sarasota can shop these deals now (with some offers ending May 28 while Maytag specials continue until May 31). Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Longtime supporters Jack and Priscilla Schlegel pledged $10 million for the Sarasota Orchestra's planned Music Center at 5701 Fruitville Road—adding to over $70 million in donations already raised. Orchestra CEO Joe McKenna said the active campaign is in its early phase and will expand over the summer and fall as design details and naming opportunities are finalized. Observer
- ➤ Benny Sato Ambush stepped down as artistic director of Venice Theatre after more than four years of guiding the company through its recovery from COVID and Hurricane Ian—now the theater will search for his replacement under interim leadership. He said he will return to Boston to pursue new projects as the theater continues its restoration with rising steel beams. Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City residents can sign up for a free Arbor Day Foundation tree giveaway to receive one of 200 small trees delivered to their homes—this event builds on strong interest at The Bay Park tree giveaway in April. Residents may also join the Neighborhood Canopy Program, which offers larger trees for a $100 fee with professional installation, with registration ending Aug. 22 and planting scheduled for early September. Sarasota Magazine
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ National Safe Boating Week begins tomorrow as boaters are urged to check that every passenger has a proper life jacket and to take a safety class before heading out. Florida law mandates that children under six in boats less than 26 feet wear vests — rules that aim to reduce drowning risks — while experts advise carrying a marine radio and filing a float plan. Z105
- ➤ Judy Young, chief nursing officer at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, leads with an empathy-first approach—drawing on decades of hands-on nursing experience—and now guides nearly 400 staff as the hospital prepares for a planned $120 million expansion of its 120-bed facility. Observer
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Sarasota.
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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.
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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.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 PM — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy the vibrant sounds of Puerto Rican music from local talent Bri Rivera.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy an eclectic evening of music as Scott Curts showcases his unique loop styling alongside his trusty companion, Apollo.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Sarasota
Welcome to the Daily Sarasota, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Sarasota, Florida community. If you like the Daily Sarasota, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Sarasota.
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