Good morning, Sarasota.

A local group led by Anand Pallegar bought the historic Colson Hotel for $700,000 and plans to restore it as a nonprofit business incubator—aiming to support local entrepreneurs and keep the 28-room legacy—while launching a capital campaign to raise about $2.5 million with a goal to reopen on its 100th anniversary.

Blaise Ryndes, 24, from Land O Lakes will bring their immersive bubble show 'Bubbles Under the Banyans' to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in downtown Sarasota on Saturday, August 2 from 10 a.m. to noon + the event is free for Selby Gardens members.

Town officials in Longboat are asking residents for their input to ease traffic congestion.

The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization is circulating a survey with eight strategies including lane configuration changes & traffic light adjustments to help guide improvements under the Barrier Island Implementation Plan.

On Tuesday, the Sarasota City Commission voted 4-1 to set the fiscal year 2026 maximum property millage rate at 3.3 to rebuild the general fund balance depleted by 2024 hurricane recovery costs—interim City Manager Dave Bullock said the change will raise the fund from about $18 million at the fiscal year's start to over $20 million by year’s end. The commission may lower the rate before final budget adoption on Sept. 15—Vice Mayor Debbie Trice dissented from the measure.

Irene Hryniewicki celebrated her 100th birthday on July 28 as she played Taps on her balcony at Casa Blanca Vacation Rentals—a tradition she began with her late husband in 2003—and drew respect from local renters and beachgoers.

The Booker High School Tornadoes have begun fall camp today in a gymnasium because of bad weather — first-year head coach Carlos Woods said the team must adjust to build on a 10-4 record last season.

Starting quarterback Joel Morris said the team has a strong chance of reaching the state championship game when they host the Manatee Hurricanes on August 15.

Erik Deubler and Arina Kosakovskyy won four gold medals in the Elite Junior 12-18 Mixed Pair division at the USA Gymnastics National Championships in Rhode Island from June 16-21—competing out of Circus Arts Conservatory—and they now train for the 2026 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

Back to School: Fuel the Future

10 AM – 2 PM — Florida Blue Center - Sarasota — Free school supplies — Prepare for the school year with fun activities and valuable resources for students.

Sarasota Speed Dating for Singles 40s/50s

7-9 p.m. — Bahi Hut Tiki Cocktail Lounge — Ticket price varies — Meet potential matches in a fun, fast-paced environment designed for sparkling connections.

Open Studio Art Event

2-5 p.m. — First Congregational Church UCC — Donations accepted — Engage in creative art making and relax in a supportive artistic community.

Newish Jewish Play Reading: 'A Black and White Cookie'

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Players Centre for Performing Arts — $20 — Experience a moving story of friendship and resilience as two lonely seniors unite against adversity.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 PM — Marina Jack — Cost info not specified — Enjoy the music of Bri Rivera, a local talent from Puerto Rico, bringing her vibrant sounds to Sarasota.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Cost info not provided — Experience the unique 'loop' stylings of accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts by the waterfront.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

10 PM – 2 AM — 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL — Free entry — Enjoy the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented musician from Puerto Rico, as she captivates the local music scene.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Visit Artist's Website — Experience the local talent of Bri Rivera, a rising star in the Sarasota music scene.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the unique loop styling of accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts while enjoying the scenic views of Sarasota.

Rainbow Connections Summer Outing

4:45-7 p.m. — Art Center Sarasota — Free entry — Celebrate summer with an art exhibit opening and community connection.