Good morning, Sarasota.

Maria Martinez, a Sarasota woman without a license due to her undocumented status, was arrested on May 21 and referred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement—she was moved from Tampa to Miami and now Texas and faces a hearing next week while her family fears deportation back to Mexico.

The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation and the History and Preservation Coalition honored winners of the 2025 Sarasota County Heritage Awards at a sold-out ceremony at the Sarasota Art Museum.

The awards recognized individuals who worked to preserve local historic sites (including the Van Wezel Estate restoration) and highlighted efforts to keep the county’s architectural legacy intact.

Sarasota County high schools celebrated the 2024-2025 seniors' graduation with standout students in the top 5%, including four from Pine View — where Aiden Nisberg credited his mother for his success.

The Herald-Tribune will launch a monthly feature — highlighting these graduates' plans for college and future careers.

HUD approved Sarasota County's plan to use nearly $211 million in federal funds for hurricane recovery after the storms in 2024.

The plan sets strict rules — 70% of the funds must benefit households earning $64,506 or less, and the money will finance projects such as infrastructure upgrades, home repairs, and creek dredging over the next six years.

Sarasota County faces a deep housing shortage as over 47,000 households spend more than 30% of their income—and more than 25,500 pay over half on housing.

The new Housing Action Plan details steps such as increased funding, zoning reforms and use of surplus land — with a workshop planned by County commissioners after summer break to map the next steps toward adding 15,000 affordable units by 2035.

A Miami-area developer, Unilog Group LLC, presented plans on June 4 to build a seven-story condominium complex with 66 units—five priced as attainable housing—across from Selby Gardens on the former Kodra Professional Center site along Mound Street.

The mixed-use project will also offer about 18,000 square feet of retail space, a five-story podium for parking, and residents’ amenities on a combined 1.09-acre parcel.

LECOM Park will host a triple-header on Saturday that includes the Nine Devils Tribute Night—honoring the legacy of Florida’s Negro League ballclub—along with the Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce’s Jubilee and Awards Ceremony and a Music Jubilee Celebration with Jah Movement headlining after the game. The Marauders will wear special Nine Devils jerseys against the Jupiter Hammerheads, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and game time set for 6:30 p.m.

Open House Hiring Event

2-6 p.m. — 730 S Osprey Ave — Free entry — Explore exciting career opportunities in resort and caregiving staff.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Check website for entry details — Experience the unique loop styling of accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts in beautiful Sarasota.

Evening Namaste with Claudia Baeza

6-7 p.m. — The Bay Park — Free participation — Experience mindful yoga under the guidance of a talented local instructor in a scenic setting.

Roa Concert

9 PM — Bombón Mexican Restaurant — Ticket Info Available — Enjoy a unique night with Roa as they perform their popular hits in an intimate setting.

Dad’s Day Block Party

10 AM – 2 PM — The Mall at University Town Center — Free entry — Celebrate Super Dads with games, live entertainment, and special meet & greets.

Father's Day Celebration at The Ringling Grillroom

10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. — The Ringling Grillroom — $30 and under — Celebrate dad with delicious grilled meals, specialty beers, and live music in a charming setting.

Environmental Book Circle Conversations

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Selby Library — RSVP required — Engage in a discussion about Sarasota's environmental issues through literature.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free admission — Enjoy a night of eclectic music from accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts accompanied by his canine companion.

Meteoreyes Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Oscura Coffee & Cocktails — Cover charge may apply — Dance to the catchy indie-synth-electro-pop-rock beats of Sarasota's MeteorEYES.

Virtual Senior Living Tour

9 AM - 7 PM — Aviva Senior Living — Free entry — Explore quality senior living with top-rated care and nutritional dining options.

Community Development Orientation

Come find out about Neighborhood Expert jobs to assist in the development of The Newtown Family Center. Hiring starts in September.