Daily
Sarasota
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 23rd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On May 20, about 130 local cyclists held the Ride of Silence with a quiet 7-mile loop in downtown Sarasota to honor cyclists injured or killed, and to highlight calls for safer routes (including wider bike lanes). Observer
- ➤ Emma E. Booker Elementary School held a 9/11 ceremony on May 19 where a World Trade Center steel beam was shown (part of the Steel Across America tour). Brad Blakeman and Andrew Card led the event, honoring those lost on 9/11. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Lakewood Ranch restaurateur Zach Zeller recalled his pilot days and entrepreneurial beginnings while planning to shutter Twisted Pit BBQ + upgrade Peculiar Pub with a billiards table and games, as he expects his $4 million investment to pay off given shifting dining trends away from picnic-style service. Observer
- ➤ Family-run ventures shine in Lakewood Ranch—Jason Huh’s STEEL now offers a healthier soft drink while families behind Moo-Jitsu and Sip n Brew expand local business at community events and markets. Observer
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Lifeline Productions is presenting Cristela Carrizales’ solo performance Begin Again Badge at Cook Theatre from June 11 to June 21. The show blends humor with heavy themes like survival and healing, inviting audiences to experience a journey of personal recovery (and community connection) in Sarasota. Sarasota Magazine
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Seventy-nine graduates from the Out-of-Door Academy got their diplomas at Grace Community Church in Lakewood Ranch yesterday as they stepped forward into a new chapter, saying goodbye to friends and teachers. Observer
- ➤ Schools in Sarasota will end the 2025–2026 school year on May 27 as part of a varied Florida schedule where counties close between May 22 and June, Memorial Day on May 25 is a holiday, and classes resume on Monday, Aug. 10. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ CareerEdge is a workforce initiative that partners with local foundations, government, and businesses to train Sarasota residents for healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. Launched in 2010, the program has helped over 8,500 people gain skills while providing employers with a pool of certified workers. Sarasota Magazine
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ BoatUS Foundation Director Ted Sensenbrenner warns boaters to stay safe this Memorial Day weekend by wearing life jackets & checking equipment before heading out. Local boaters should be ready as busy conditions are expected starting Monday, May 25. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ In the heat of summer, Lakewood Ranch and nearby attractions offer cool indoor escapes through interactive aquariums, art studios and mall walker events — giving locals a fun way to beat the heat. Some spots require planning ahead to secure tickets. Observer
- ➤ Sarasota residents can score 20% off orders of $10+ at local restaurants with Restaurant.com's digital dining certificates (FOOD20), available through May 31 to help celebrate Memorial Day weekend. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The new Oulina model by John Cannon Homes in Kingfisher Estates at Waterside offers 4,700 sqft of modern design with indoor-outdoor living and playful surprises — including a hidden reading nook accessible via a decorative ladder. Jack Cannon said the home marks Lakewood Ranch’s shift toward bold contemporary style. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Braden River High School’s softball game is underway against Niceville at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood — the team trails 2-0 while Parrish Community High will face Pace High at 1:00 p.m. today. ABC 7
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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
Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.
~ Unknown
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