Good morning, Sarasota.

Residents broke ground on a new donor-funded community pavilion in Lido Shores on May 26 to replace the pavilion lost to Hurricane Helene; designed by Damien Blumetti and built by New Pass Dock & Seawall, the shelter will be set 75 yards inland with storm-resistant features and an accessibility ramp.

Hosted from June 1 to 13, the Sarasota Music Festival features four public concerts at Holley Hall and the Opera House with fewer shows but more interaction between faculty and student musicians.

Replacements like Michael Stephen Brown add fresh talent to the longstanding mentoring tradition.

Selby Gardens will soon hold a one-night viewing party for its Queen of the Night cactus bloom.

The public can attend from 7 to 11 p.m. at Hobart K. Swan and Janis F. Swan Live Oak Arrival Court on the downtown campus once the bloom date is confirmed.

Last week, economist Sean Snaith told Sarasota County commissioners that although local unemployment remains low, slow job growth and rising delinquencies mirror national trends + global tensions and inflation may pressure home sales and future job markets.

Sarasota-based UnidosNow received a $600,000 commitment from the Johnson Scholarship Foundation on June 1 to support its Future Leaders Academy through 2029 — the Barancik Foundation is matching the first year's funds to help first-generation Latino students succeed in college.

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season began yesterday and runs until Nov.

30 — the National Hurricane Center reported no disturbances as of 8 a.m. on June 1, though forecasters will monitor tropical waves in the Gulf, western Caribbean and southwestern Atlantic.

Firefighters in Charlotte County rescued a bobcat kitten from a brush fire on May 24, taking her to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife in Sanibel.

The kitten (4-6 weeks old) is stable and will be closely monitored for smoke inhalation risks.

Sarasota County Commission will soon select seven members for the Siesta Key Beautification Task Force — which will advise on streets, landscaping and signage improvements over 24 months.

The group will work to support upgrades that strengthen the key’s village charm and infrastructure.

Anne Folsom Smith, a well-known Sarasota interior designer and longtime board member of the Sarasota Orchestra, was first thought to have Alzheimer’s until friends pushed for a second opinion; after a successful surgery (fenestration) at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville to treat her NPH, she is now regaining energy and returning to work.

A Sarasota wedding trend guide recommends couples choose useful keepsakes—like high-quality edibles, mini cocktail kits, or small collectibles—over generic favors that guests often forget, and local planners say a well-chosen memento tied to the wedding’s details is likely to be treasured.

A 1930s bungalow at 300 S.

Osprey Ave. in Laurel Park has been renovated while preserving its original charm after a $1 sale saved it from demolition in 1996. Michelle and Paul van Deventer finished extensive work (overcoming hurricane delays from 2024) that blends vintage details with modern updates.

Carter Cox, Venice’s Herald-Tribune 2026 Baseball Player of the Year, is featured in a video interview today that highlights his season and local impact.

Jayla Griffin, a rising senior guard for Cardinal Mooney basketball, was named Sarasota Athlete of the Week after averaging 15.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game following her transfer from Bloomingdale High.

She plans three official visits this summer before deciding on her college commitment.

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.

Tasting the City - Sarasota Food Tasting Event

5:30-8 p.m. — BMW of Sarasota — $100 — Discover culinary delights from local restaurants while enjoying live entertainment and giveaways.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of tropical tunes from a rising star in the local music scene.