Daily
Sarasota
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Sarasota Bay Park will add three waterfront restaurants including one called The Rusty Anchor, a 700+ space parking garage, and shoreline upgrades to fend off flooding. The project is managed by Bay Park Conservancy with funding from a state grant and nearly $10 million from the city. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Splash (a two-year-old search and rescue cadaver otter) is trained by Michael Hadsell of Peach River K9 Search and Rescue Association to locate human remains using a unique whisker technique in low-visibility water and he often works with partner K9 Nova in Englewood. ABC 7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Trader Joe’s announced its new store at 8199 S. Tamiami Trail + this will be the company’s second Sarasota location as part of a broader Florida expansion that includes plans for West Palm Beach, Kissimmee, and Maitland. No opening date has been provided. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota National Cemetery will host a tribute with music, poetry (and Gold Star memories) during Memorial Day weekend to honor America’s fallen troops. The event invites community members to reflect on legacies while gathering at the cemetery. ABC 7
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Fuel prices in Florida rose to an average of $4.521 a gallon on May 20 (a 20-cent jump from the previous week), prompting many motorists to reevaluate summer travel plans as AAA forecasts heavy highway use this Memorial Day weekend. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Noah Moise, a fifth grader at Tuttle Elementary, is named Florida AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year today for his leadership in guiding younger students from car to class and will receive a $300 gift card while the school gets a $100 voucher. ABC 7
- ➤ Braden River High School held its graduation ceremony on May 19 at LECOM Park where 420 students received diplomas and celebrated their high school careers. Graduates recalled fond memories and looked forward to pursuing college, jobs, or other paths. Observer
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Conservation efforts boosted sea turtle nests on Longboat Key from 9 in 1969 to 1,473 in 2025, showing a healthier Gulf ecosystem. Local volunteers and new ordinances protect nests from coastal lights and development to help turtles navigate back home. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota Memorial Hospital campuses and HCA Florida Englewood Hospital earned straight A safety grades from The Leapfrog Group, showing a strong record in preventing medical errors — a rare feat achieved by only 15% of hospitals. The ratings are based on patient safety measures and consistent care practices. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of vibrant Puerto Rican-inspired music with local talent Bri Rivera.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience an evening of live music from a talented guitarist and vocalist hailing from Boston, now based in Sarasota.
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Live Music with Scott Curts
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy eclectic performances from singer-songwriter Scott Curts as he captivates with his unique loop style.
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Mystical Visions Concert
6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Check venue for entry details — Enjoy the energetic vibes of a female fronted pop/rock cover band playing hits from the 60s to today.
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2-Day Sound Healer Certification with Tuning Forks
9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Wild Ginger Apothecary — $895 — Explore the art and science of sound healing using tuning forks over two immersive days.
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Sarasota Fine Art Show
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Sarasota Art Museum — Free admission — Discover a vibrant juried art show featuring diverse original works from talented artists.
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Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience the unique loop stylings of singer-songwriter Scott Curts with his charming companion Apollo.
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Asian Food Festival
2-11 p.m. — JD Hamel Park — Free entry — Experience Florida's largest Asian food festival with 80+ vendors, live entertainment, and cultural showcases.
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A Day Out With Dad
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — The Mall at University Town Center — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled Father's Day event with activities for the whole family.
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Bri Rivera Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Cost info unavailable — Experience the vibrant sounds of Puerto Rican music with local talent Bri Rivera.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.
~ Beverly Sills
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