Saturday, May 30th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 30th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Brock Leach, a former Tropicana CEO and dedicated philanthropist (67), died May 25 at his Sarasota home after a four-month battle with glioblastoma. He was known for his leadership in business and ministry that benefited local nonprofits. Observer
- ➤ Tech. Sgt. Charles Palmer, a missing WWII airman, will be honored with a proper burial when his remains fly to Bonita Springs on June 5 and a public viewing is set for June 6 before his interment at Sarasota National Cemetery on June 8. FOX 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Carvel opened at 8382 S. Tamiami Trail as the first of four planned locations by franchisee Bobby Enrico, bringing its popular ice cream & sweet treats to Suncoast guests. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Restaurants in Sarasota have earned recognition from the 2026 Michelin Guide. Lucky 8 received a Bib Gourmand award while Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery and Tralia were named Michelin recommended—inspectors praised standout dishes like crawfish bread pudding and sourdough pizza dough. Sarasota Magazine
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A Lakewood Ranch High School graduate has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy, joining 15 other seniors nominated by Rep. Vern Buchanan for service academy enrollment this fall (honoring their hard work and commitment). Observer
- ➤ Principal Carol Ricks hosted a Jump a Bucket event May 27 at Myakka City Elementary to celebrate students’ test successes with activities like Tape the Principal, Balloon Bump Dance Party (a fun showcase of both top scores and progress) and Tacky Fashion Show. Observer
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Turtle nesting season is well underway on Anna Maria Island as volunteers recorded 50 new loggerhead nests this week, totaling 80. The island's two nesting shorebird colonies include 40 black skimmer nests and 26 least tern nests (protective chick huts are in place). ABC 7
- ➤ Starting June 1, new fertilizer rules in Sarasota will bar use of nitrogen & phosphorus-based products to protect water quality. Experts say the ban will help prevent algae blooms and fish die-offs, urging residents to adjust lawn care to match local regulations. FOX 13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Easterseals Southwest Florida is offering free autism screenings and Summer SunSHINE programs while Lily Preschool now enrolls children (ages 3-5); its Malcolm Family Autism Center of Excellence will open in January 2027 (to expand local access to autism support). Sarasota Magazine
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ 1354 Westway Drive in Lido Shores (designed by Guy Peterson) offers 3,300 sqft of modern coastal living with private beach access, a lap pool, and indoor-outdoor spaces near St. Armands Circle. The estate was updated in 2022 and reflects Sarasota’s iconic modernist style. Sarasota Magazine
- ➤ A proposal to convert an abandoned Walgreens into a 24-hour 7-Eleven gas station at North Tamiami Trail and Myrtle Street has drawn mixed opinions; the plan (4,853 sqft store with 10 fueling stations and 30 parking spaces) awaits city approval amid residents’ concerns over noise and potential crime. ABC 7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Team Sarasota won nine medals at the Florida Special Olympics tennis tournament at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona on May 29 under coaches Ron and Brenda Shields; Tennis For Fun clinics (free for special needs athletes) will resume this November at Arlington Park. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Towles Court Artwalk
4-8 p.m. — Towles Court Artist Studios — Free entry — Explore local art and meet creators in a vibrant community setting with live music and refreshments.
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
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