Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 28th of May.
Good morning, Sarasota.
🏘️ Community
Isabel Norton, a respected community leader who guided local library and Girl Scout efforts + helped set rules for public meetings, died May 22 at 86.
She is remembered for raising millions for local causes and for a gentle spirit that touched many lives in Sarasota.
Hexrock, Sarasota’s first climbing gym and community hub, will open to the public on Saturday, June 6 — the 24,000 sqft facility offers climbing, podcasting, a coffee bar and diverse programs including youth camps and events for older adults.
ABC7 released a new hurricane guide for Suncoast families on Wednesday, May 27.
The guide gives clear steps for protecting homes and gathering emergency supplies to help residents prepare for hurricanes.
🎓 Education
Students in Sarasota ended their 2025-2026 school year on May 27 while six other counties did the same.
Across Florida, most districts will start classes on Aug. 10 as some counties wrap up the school season later.
🌲 Environment
Vermont banned the toxic herbicide paraquat, citing potential links to Parkinson’s disease, and set a transition to a full phase-out by December.
Florida restricts paraquat use to licensed applicators through regular training, leaving open whether local measures may eventually tighten regulations.
Today, the National Hurricane Center’s tropical outlook shows no disturbances in the Atlantic for the next two to seven days.
Hurricane season starts June 1, so Florida residents should prepare (even if predictions point to a below-average season).
🏛️ Government
State legislators appropriated $10 million for the Nathan Benderson Park boathouse and events center (pending Gov. DeSantis' signature), a move that will support a 100,000 sqft indoor sports facility and response center now aiming for May 2028 completion ahead of the World Rowing Championships.
Florida residents receiving SSI checks will be paid on Monday, June 1, and Social Security benefits will arrive on Wednesday, June 10 — recipients who began receiving benefits before May 1997 get paid on the third.
Contact local Social Security offices if checks are delayed.
🏥 Health
Sarasota mother Erin NesSmith lost her daughter to fatal seizures in July 2024 after years of vaping and now urges state lawmakers (Sens.
Ashley Moody and Rick Scott) to boost anti-vaping education and prevention efforts.
📰 Real Estate
Stock Custom Homes sold a 5,012 sqft Sophia IV home for $6,775,000 in April—confirming rising demand for luxury homes in Lakewood Ranch near I-75, shops and restaurants.
The company will soon launch an $8 million spec home to cater to affluent buyers.
🎉 Sarasota Events
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of eclectic blues and rock with professional musician Ryan Faraday.
2026 USRowing Youth National Championships
Four days of elite racing — Nathan Benderson Park — General Admission 4-Day Pass: $94 — Watch the nation’s top young rowers compete for national titles in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mystical Visions Performance
6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Enjoy the energetic sounds of a female fronted pop/rock cover band playing hits from the 60s to today.
🏠 Sarasota Real Estate
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📣 Sarasota Announcements
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