Daily
Sarasota
Friday, May 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Planning for Phase 3 at The Bay park now includes expanding boater access, building a new parking deck and converting asphalt to green space — work will finish in 2029. The park welcomed 1.15 million visits since opening last fall and officials are watching state tax reform for potential funding changes. Observer
- ➤ Sarasota hosts a lively Memorial Day weekend with a parade, boat party and food truck rally today, plus AquaPalooza on Sunday and an art festival at St. Armands Circle coming May 22–25. These events bring festive community spirit to local gatherings. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ FPL is investing in upgrades across Venice, North Port & Sarasota County in 2026 to reduce outages and speed up power restoration after storms. The planned improvements will include strengthening power lines, tree trimming, and inspections at crucial facilities. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Donatos Pizza announced plans on May 21 to open up to 25 new locations in Florida over the next several years, building on its six existing sites. The expansion will target high-growth metro areas (Orlando and Tampa) as the company meets growing demand from new residents. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Several arts events are in Sarasota this week. A debut musical, a sunset songwriting program, a museum exhibition and a country music show are among the events, with performances at Urbanite Theatre (May 28-June 21), Hermitage Beach (May 28), The Ringling (May 30-Nov. 15) and Sarasota National Cemetery (May 25). Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ On May 21, Sarasota Orchestra received an $11.7M gift from an anonymous donor that boosts plans for its Music Center on a 32-acre campus. New renderings show a venue for music + education and community connection that will shape future performances. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Florida gas prices spiked by 30 cents since last weekend to an average of $4.51 per gallon ahead of Memorial Day travel, and experts say drivers will pay roughly $17 more for a fill-up than last year. If the Iran conflict limits supply, prices may hit record highs later this summer. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On May 20, 66 seniors from Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy received their diplomas at The Ora in Sarasota in the school’s first commencement ceremony (marking a historic moment for the local education scene). Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City Commission approved the removal of fees for a new floating day dock built along the refurbished south seawall at The Bay park in Sarasota. Boaters can tie up their craft for up to five hours (per day) as federal funds prevent fees for 20 years. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ ODA seventh grader Zoe Buller from Longboat Key won district and regional titles and earned an 8th-place medal at the state championship by clearing 2.85m; inspired by her retired athlete parents, she aims to qualify for the USATF National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships while finishing seventh grade. Observer
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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
It is better to travel well than to arrive.
~ Buddha
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