Good morning, Sarasota.

Senior vice president and trust officer Sonya Kristie marked her 20th anniversary on May 1 after starting as Caldwell Trust’s first intern and advancing through several roles.

Caldwell Trust—which already has offices in Venice and Sarasota—expanded to Vero Beach by hiring David L. Osgood as executive vice president and market director.

Twisted Pit BBQ opened on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch on May 19.

Co-owners Zach Zeller and Chef Evan Percoco spent a year perfecting details—like a faux backyard with custom concrete floors and region-inspired sauces—before launching the restaurant.

Visit Sarasota County will celebrate 20 years of Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week by expanding the event to 20 days—from June 1 through June 20—with more than 50 restaurants featuring a new Flavor Trail that awards prizes and hosts special on-air segments at the airport to boost local tourism; the campaign, which previously earned national media attention, will support small businesses and local talent going forward.

Sarasota Orchestra received a $10 million gift from supporters Jack and Priscilla Schlegel — the donation will help advance plans for a new music center with an 1,800-seat performance hall on 32 acres at 5701 Fruitville Road.

A $60 million anonymous gift received in February will add to the $400 million funding needed for the project that is expected to be complete in five years.

Today, Sarasota offered 300 trees to residents—200 trees ranging from 1 to 3 feet tall given for free and 100 trees with 2-inch trunks available at a deep discount.

The free trees come through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation while discounted trees will be delivered and planted in early September as part of the Neighborhood Canopy Program with registration ending Aug. 22.

The city of Sarasota is offering 200 free trees in the 1 to 3 foot height range in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, with available species including live oak, bald cypress, Thuja green giant, chaste tree, and crape myrtle.

Additionally, 100 discounted trees from the Tree Mitigation Fund will be delivered and planted in early September with residents paying $100 while the city covers costs up to $500 — registration for the Neighborhood Canopy Program closes Aug. 22.

Sarasota zoning does not allow recycled shipping container homes even though other municipalities permit accessory dwelling units—local critics say modernizing the zoning code could boost affordable housing and historic preservation.

On May 30th the Sarasota-Manatee High School Sports Awards will be held at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall—nominees for spring sports including baseball, flag football, lacrosse, softball, tennis, track & field and weightlifting will be honored.

Former MLB All-Star Dee Strange-Gordon will speak during the live show—winners for awards such as boys athlete, girls athlete, team and coach of the year will be announced.

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.

ADVERZO, LA MISMA EMPRESA & MORE

9 p.m. — Strobes Event Center — Tickets available — Experience a vibrant explosion of regional rhythms at this unforgettable concert in Sarasota.

Brunch + Bloom Networking Event

12-3 p.m. — Rose & Ivy - Steak, Sushi, Cocktails — Ticket required — Celebrate summer and network with an amazing group of women while enjoying entertainment and delicious bites.