Good morning, Sarasota.

On Saturday, Sarasota County fire station number four on Old Bradenton Road held an open house where neighbors met firefighters, EMTs, and support staff.

The free event featured car safety seat checks—bike helmet education—and a blood-mobile donation site by Suncoast Blood Centers.

Longboat Key Fire Rescue joined Carry the Load on May 15 by walking roughly four and a half miles along Gulf of Mexico Drive to honor fallen heroes, with first responders and volunteers showing strong support for this national relay.

Fire Chief Paul Dezzi, Fire Administration & Communications Manager Tina Adams and Firefighter Paramedic Chris O'Brien represented Longboat Key in their fourth year of participation; volunteers started the walk on May 1 and will eventually join others in Dallas near Memorial Day.

Sarasota police are looking for two suspects who stole a forest green utility-style golf cart with a manual dump bed and light bar from Marie Selby Gardens early Saturday after witnesses saw them climbing a stairwell in a secured parking area—officials said—and they ask anyone with information to call the department.

Benny Sato Ambush, who has led Venice Theatre as artistic director since 2021, announced he will leave in June to return to his Boston-area home and resume his directing career.

Interim director Murray Chase will manage the theater’s transition and the ongoing restoration of its main stage — efforts that support Venice Theatre’s next chapter in local arts.

Giancarlo Guerrero—a six-time GRAMMY Award-winning conductor—is set to begin his first full season as Music Director of the Sarasota Orchestra when the season starts on September 28 with his first performance on October 4 featuring Hidden Treasures.

The season, themed The Sound of Change, celebrates American musical heritage and comes as the Orchestra makes progress on its new Music Center slated for opening in the 2029-2030 season.

Florida Studio Theatre will host its 15th Sarasota Improv Festival in July with returning groups and seven companies making their debuts in local venues.

The two-day event will feature a mix of musical and sketch comedy performances—along with daytime workshops for improv enthusiasts.

Bird Key Yacht Club is replacing its 22,300-square-foot clubhouse with a new FEMA-compliant structure that includes added deck space, a new tennis court and relocated bocce courts—changes designed to address neighbor concerns about light, noise and traffic.

The Planning Board unanimously endorsed the plan on May 14, and the project now awaits City Commission approval—ensuring the club meets modern standards and community expectations.

Venice High’s Powell-Davis Stadium is receiving a $12 million facelift that upgrades the AstroTurf playing surface, bathrooms, concession stands and scoreboard—improvements prompted by the team’s state championship win.

The renovations will support more sports on campus and come as the spring football game schedule is set for May 20—23.

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.

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.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Check event page for details — Experience the vibrant sounds of Puerto Rican musician Bri Rivera in Sarasota.