Good morning, Sarasota.

A free forum titled 'Powering the Future?

Data Centers on the Suncoast' will take place on Aug. 11 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library in Venice+ Four local journalists will discuss Florida’s data center boom and answer audience questions.

Readers in Sarasota voiced strong criticism against Opinion Editor Roger Brown’s support for extended paid parking hours downtown and on St. Armands, saying the change harms local businesses.

Some call for a meeting with the city manager and local merchants (including restaurant owners) to explore better parking options.

Sarasota Orchestra and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will team up on Sept.

10 to present a 9/11 benefit concert featuring music by Copland, Barber, and Williams (tickets are $25 to $50) while proceeds benefit local first responder nonprofits.

Local venues host concerts this week, including a cultural festival with Caribbean food and live music headlined by two-time Grammy-nominated Etana at Charlotte County Fairgrounds Saturday at 3 p.m. Additional local bands perform in Englewood and Punta Gorda (event details subject to change).

An $800M Mega Millions jackpot sold at a Lakewood Ranch-area store near Sarasota remains unclaimed, meaning the winner will need to claim the lump-sum cash option within 60 days (or 180 days for the full prize) at Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee while opting for 90-day anonymity under Florida law.

The Mega Millions ticket sold at a Wawa in Bradenton near Sarasota on July 28 remains unclaimed, and officials said the winner may choose to stay anonymous after claiming the prize — local lottery policies allow confidentiality.

Sarasota County Schools will open the new academic year on Monday, Aug.

10 (the earliest allowed start date), while the back-to-school sales tax holiday runs until Aug. 20.

Google applied for a permit to release 32 million bacteria-treated mosquitoes in Florida and California in a two-year experiment (16 million each year) to reduce the populations that spread West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis.

Lakewood Ranch recorded 1,064 new-home contracts in the first half of 2026 and maintained a No. 2 ranking nationwide, while Wellen Park increased its sales by 37 percent to reach No. 3 with 727 contracts (totaling nearly 1,800).

Both communities continue to expand with new development projects planned.

Caleb Wayne Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Check artist's website — Enjoy a dynamic mix of country, rock, and original songs from aspiring Sarasota musician Caleb Wayne.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Check out musical talent from Puerto Rico bringing her sound to Sarasota.

Ryan Faraday Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy the soulful sounds of accomplished guitarist and songwriter Ryan Faraday as he performs a mix of roots, blues, and rock music.

Detroit Mike & Trey Wanvig Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe — Free entry — Experience the soulful sounds of blues with Trey Wanvig in a lively local setting.