Good morning, Sarasota.

Keith Pandeloglou was named president of the board at Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation in June — his term follows record grant totals in 2025 and launches a new nonprofit leaders collaborative at his CoworkLWR office on Enterprise Circle.

Today's events include Christmas in July in downtown Venice — a laser light show runs at The Bishop Museum until Saturday.

A field day at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex and movie screenings at Sarasota Opera House and CoolToday Park round out weekend family fun.

Eight local restaurants have closed in 2026, leaving behind cherished memories and clearing the way for new businesses in Sarasota.

Speaks Clam Bar (closed March 15) and Bravo’s Pizza—now Il Panificio—are among those affected, and one venue is set to close on July 18.

Sarasota’s Fogartyville reopens Sunday with Remi Goode performing at 7 p.m. (Emily Frost opens), while J.P.

Soars performs at Celtic Ray in Punta Gorda and Bradenton’s Oscura hosts Peacemaker’s album release on Friday, adding to a busy regional concert week.

Artist Jing Herman in Sarasota is planning to create 50 American flag paintings (each showcasing a different facet of the country) using US-sourced materials; she joined the America250 initiative and produces one painting per month to inspire hope and unity.

The Echoes of Sarasota Cultural Heritage Exhibition is on display at City Hall & Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, featuring paintings by Regan Dunnick and Frank Hopper that highlight local landmarks as the city observes its semiquincentennial.

The exhibition remains open for a year.

City of Venice has been renourishing its beach since late May with 58,000 cubic yards of sand pumped onto the shore (11 miles offshore) to help protect against hurricane surge.

Sections near the public fishing pier have been closed to ensure safety during the ongoing project.

A coffee cart owner and a local business sparked a move to let mobile food trucks operate on private property in Downtown Bayfront.

On Monday, the City Commission authorized staff to draft a zoning text amendment + local restaurants may share their input on concerns over competition.

Florida's back-to-school sales tax holiday starts Monday, July 20 and runs through Aug.

20, allowing tax-free deals on clothing under $100, school supplies under $50, and computers under $1,500 — a move that benefits families before schools open on Aug. 10.

Meadows Golf Club, once private and bankrupt, reopened on June 19 for public play under Arnold Palmer Golf Management and is drawing over 150 golfers daily.

The club plans to open its improved 18-hole Groves Course in November.

Sarasota Cars & Coffee

8-10 a.m. — The Mall at University Town Center — Show car parking $10, motorcycle $5, spectator free — Experience a vibrant gathering of exotic and classic cars while supporting local charities and enjoying complimentary coffee.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Puerto Rican folk music with local favorite Bri Rivera.

Ryan Faraday Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Cost info unavailable — Enjoy the musical talents of professional guitarist and vocalist Ryan Faraday as he showcases a blend of roots, blues, and rock.

Singles Mixer in Sarasota

7-10 p.m. — Libby's American Restaurant — Free entry — Mix and mingle with fun singles in a relaxed atmosphere for great conversations and new connections.

Towles Court Artwalk

4-8 p.m. — Towles Court Artist Studios — Free entry — Explore local artists' works and enjoy live music and refreshments in a charming arts district.

2-Day Sound Healing Certification with Tuning Forks

9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Wild Ginger Apothecary — $895 — Deepen your sound healing skills with practical training in the art and science of tuning forks.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy vibrant musical performances by the Puerto Rican musician who stands out in Sarasota's local scene.

Ryan Faraday Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience the sounds of a talented guitarist and songwriter as he performs his unique blend of Roots, Blues, Rock, and Soul.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience the unique loop styling of accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts in a relaxed setting.

Mystical Visions Live

6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience the energetic sounds of a female fronted pop/rock cover band playing hits from the 60’s to today.