Good morning, Sarasota.

Lido Ambassador Association received a $9,594 Sarasota County Neighborhood Initiative Grant on May 28 to restore its hurricane-damaged front gardens at 800 Benjamin Franklin Drive.

Led by volunteer Marie Souza, the effort will upgrade lighting and plant native species to save water and boost safety.

On Monday, May 25, residents at Bird Key gathered at the local yacht club to honor veterans during a Memorial Day ceremony; color guards marched and bagpiper Gemma Briggs played Amazing Grace + community members observed a moment of silence.

Southern Living ranked the South’s top 50 beach towns using over 10,000 survey responses, naming Anna Maria Island (11th) and Siesta Key (15th) among Sarasota-area picks.

Both offer natural beauty and coastal charm for visitors planning beach trips.

Twenty-one Florida counties ended the 2025-2026 school year on May 28, while 20 counties finish today and six counties will conclude in June (with Miami-Dade ending on June 4); local districts set dates individually, and Sarasota’s schools closed on May 27.

WeatherTiger predicts a less active hurricane season in 2026 with 1 to 3 major hurricanes, but warns that Florida may see a higher risk (30%) of a big storm as El Niño strengthens.

Residents are advised to review their emergency plans.

Yesterday, Myakka River State Park’s Big Flats Marsh transformed as vibrant tickseed blooms filled the area and local wildlife such as deer and turkeys were seen.

The state flower typically bloomed at May’s end (a scenic treat for nature lovers).

The Sarasota County Commission approved the Economic Development Corp. contract for fiscal year 2027 today, keeping a $1.6 million budget flat as it supports business retention and expansion.

The plan aims to boost local commercial development by increasing site-ready opportunities for growth (a measure to help small and mid-sized businesses).

Adagio, a dual-tower condo development at Ringling Blvd and South Pineapple Ave, received partial sign-off by the Development Review Committee on May 20 (pending adjustments to awning width, façade length, and habitable space) at the former U.S. Garage site.

Director of Building Services will review final changes.

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.

Lady Disdain: A Hilarious Fantasy Romance

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Asolo Repertory Theatre — $31.50 — Experience a witty romantic comedy with a battle of wits and voices between rival audiobook narrators.