Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of July.
Good morning, Sarasota.
On Jul. 15, Boar's Head gifted two refrigerated vans to All Faiths Food Bank in Downtown Sarasota after raising over $100,000 through its Circle of Friends campaign.
The donation will help the food bank serve smaller local partners and reach more neighbors (a welcome boost for the community).
A water main break on Friday morning created a sinkhole on Bahia Vista Street, prompting city crews to secure the area for safety.
A watermain break caused a sinkhole on eastbound Bahia Vista Street between Honore Avenue and McIntosh Road last Friday — crews continue repairing the damage and drivers are advised to allow extra time for alternate routes such as Webber Street or Fruitville Road.
Lake Manatee K-8 opened last August, giving local families a new option amid growing school choices.
Rangeland High School will open in fall to serve Lakewood Ranch residents, and parents weigh keeping siblings together or opting for established programs.
Since opening in October 2025, Mote SEA has hosted 290 field trips with over 16,500 students from local schools to learn marine biology through interactive labs near Nathan Benderson Park.
Free Title 1 passes have allowed many students to explore local marine life and spark curiosity about the environment.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast to impact Sarasota until Monday due to a lingering Gulf low-pressure system, raising the risk of localized flooding for residents.
Forecasters expect 2-3 inches of rain regionally (some areas may reach 7 inches) while conditions remain unsettled.
Florida skywatchers can observe the Perseid meteor shower, active from July 17 to Aug.
24, with peak activity on Aug. 12-13. The bright meteors and fireballs are best seen between midnight and dawn away from city lights.
Florida’s permanent back-to-school tax holiday will run from July 20 to Aug.
20, saving consumers tax on select clothing, school supplies, and computers. Retailers like Best Buy have planned promotions so shoppers can combine store deals with the tax savings.
Shawn Yeager has been named Sarasota County's Director of Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources.
He brings 30 years to oversee 150 park sites and 55,000 acres, and residents can register for the Neighborhood Canopy Program—tree planting is scheduled between Aug. 31 and Sept. 21 with registration ending Aug. 17.
RASM's June report shows home sales in Sarasota rose as inventory dropped while single-family home prices increased and condo listings declined (a 12.1% decrease).
Buyers and sellers should note the tightening market and rising competition.
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.
Trey Wanvig Band Live @Pop's Sunset Grill
6-10 p.m. — Pop's Sunset Grill — Free entry — Enjoy live music from the Trey Wanvig Band while lounging by the water.
Nike Basketball Camp at Sarasota High School
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Sarasota High School — $399 — Enhance your basketball skills and build camaraderie at this complete skills camp.
Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy live music from Bri Rivera, a talented musician with Puerto Rican roots.
Sunset Yoga on The Green
6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Green at UTC — Free entry — Enjoy relaxing sunset yoga with sweet treats from Raining Berries.
Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Cost info not provided — Experience the unique loop stylings of an accomplished singer-songwriter in sunny Sarasota.
Mystical Visions Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Check website for admission — Enjoy a lively performance by a female fronted pop/rock cover band playing hits from the 60’s to today.
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