Good morning, Sarasota.

Mama G's bakery is expanding in Sarasota as it plans new openings at UTC and Venice plus a restaurant moves into its Gulf Gate location; the South Trail property is leased and listed at $2.05M.

University Town Center will welcome 13 new retailers and eateries, including five restaurants opening this summer and Ikea starting soon at the West District.

Dick’s House of Sport is planned for a 2027 debut, and the tenants will add over 86,000 sqft to the center (Benderson Development reported expansion).

Officials from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office are searching for a missing Asian man in his early 20s after he was seen entering the water near Siesta Key Beach on Tuesday and the search resumed Wednesday morning when personal items were discovered on the beach.

Tonight, from 7 to 11 p.m. at Hobart K.

Swan and Janis F. Swan Live Oak Arrival Court, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers a rare display of its night-blooming Selenicereus (Queen of the Night). Visitors may also view the bloom via livestream on the gardens Facebook page.

Residents across Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties will join Fourth of July celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday with events like a Spirit of 76 street party in downtown Sarasota on July 3 and a parade with picnic in Venice on July 4.

Rock Lee has been Marina Jack’s Deep Six Lounge’s piano man for 33 years of nightly performances since May 1993.

To honor his self-taught talent (without sheet music), the bar commissioned a portrait celebrating his role in engaging local audiences.

Urbanite Theatre is closing its season with Who Is Eartha Mae? which stars Jade Wheeler portraying Eartha Kitt with musical numbers and personal storytelling from Eartha's early struggles to her career highlights.

The play runs through June 21 at Urbanite Theatre and tickets are available by calling (941) 321-1397.

Gas prices fell on Wednesday across Florida, giving relief to drivers as the Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice metro area's regular fuel average dropped to $3.798 (down from Tuesday's $3.850) while state prices trailed the national rate; experts warn prices may rebound if U.S.-Iran talks falter.

Local restaurants have begun charging for extras (including bread, butter and condiments) as rising costs force menus to unbundle items once provided free.

This shift, linked to broader inflation trends, has changed how Sarasota diners experience their meals.

At North Lido beach, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and partners are using dead fish crow effigies (which are replaced every few weeks) to keep crows away from endangered shorebirds during nesting season.

The effort comes as food scraps and beach trash attract predators.

Google is seeking federal approval to release 32 million non-biting male mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia—16 million a year—in parts of Florida and California over two years to reduce disease-carrying populations, with the Environmental Protection Agency now reviewing the project.

Parrish’s Emmaline Van Beck (the Herald-Tribune 2026 Softball Player of the Year) shared her story in a video interview, showing her journey and hard work on the field.

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.

Ryan Faraday Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of eclectic tunes from a seasoned guitarist and vocalist originally from Boston.