Good morning, Sarasota.

During a May meeting, VFW Post 12055 awarded six $2,000 scholarships to high school graduates from Braden River and Lakewood Ranch and promoted volunteer and essay contest opportunities that have supported $74,000 in scholarships since 2008 — a program that inspires future generations.

Sarasota philanthropists boosted local causes Tuesday as Hugh Culverhouse Jr. donated $1 million to fund a constitutional law chair at UF while Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Boar’s Head raised millions in grants for arts, food, and senior services.

A Sarasota County firefighter was hospitalized after a medical emergency during a structure fire on Herndon Place in Pinecraft Sunday morning, as crews responded within six minutes to contain the blaze while investigators examine the cause and offer support to his family and the affected homeowner.

ArtLab will celebrate its fourth anniversary on Aug.

8 at Aleur Event Collective (1001 Central Ave in the Rosemary District) with local music, dance, food, and art, plus free valet parking. The party aims to uplift the community by showcasing local creative talent.

In 1910, Sarasota offered lively recreation with record fishing catches, a golf course once claimed as the nation’s first, and hotel musicales that united neighbors — the Sarasota Times reported a trophy grouper catch and a Brass Band set for a July 4 concert.

Wellen Park High School (Sarasota County's first new high school in 25 years) will soon open to offer modern facilities and new programs for local students.

Longboat Key has contracted Groundworks Commercial to inject the Bayfront Park seawall with polyurethane to repair cracks and extend its life by 10 to 15 years (project to begin on Aug.

17). The $28,978 cost will also protect nearby mangroves.

Surveyors began work in late July on Broadway Street’s flooding issues in the Village neighborhood, with engineers set to use the mapping data to plan drainage system improvements and street raising that aim to reduce flooding for homes at lower elevations.

Health inspectors conducted reviews from July 27 to Aug.

2 and cited several downtown Sarasota and Manatee restaurants with high-priority violations that led to warnings and temporary closures; some establishments (including a popular Anna Maria Island eatery) passed with no violations.

Between June 2025 and June 2026, the North Port–Sarasota–Bradenton metro recorded 13.6 single-family permits per 1,000 residents and 53.3 multifamily permits per 10,000 while millennial homeowner households surged 166% from 2018 to 2023 (from 13,212 to 35,144), showing a shift from its retirement roots.

At Lakewood Ranch, Hillpointe plans to build 224 rental townhomes at Pointe Grande on 20 acres using the Live Local Act to bypass zoning limits, with construction expected to begin in January as residents voiced concerns about high density at a meeting on July 27 (neighbors worry about privacy impacts).

Senior middle blocker Avarie Tholl returns to Lakewood Ranch High's volleyball team as the East County Athlete of the Week after recording 51 blocks last season.

The team held its first varsity practice on July 29 and will open its season at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at Lemon Bay.

On Aug. 3, The Herald-Tribune released Sarasota-Manatee's Big 15 list of top college football recruits, naming Venice High wide receiver Tyree Mannings Jr. as No. 1; residents may vote for their favorite until Friday, Aug.

7 (vote integrity rules apply).

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.