Good morning, Sarasota.

Prestige Auto Experiences, a new private club for car enthusiasts led by Jeremy Keller, will open in the second week of August at 4206 Concept Court in Lakewood Ranch.

The club offers a range of exotic cars and a clubhouse (with race car and golf simulators) for up to 60 members.

Longboat Key author Wilma Davidson released her second Super Cat book, Super Cat Chit Chat, with illustrations by Diana de Avila.

The story follows Max recovering from surgery and discusses how people talk — a theme that connects to everyday challenges while Davidson plans the third installment.

More than 6,600 people transferred their driver’s licenses (data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) to Sarasota County from January to June, showing the area’s ongoing appeal as a Gulf Coast destination.

A new national report from World Population Review names the American alligator as Florida's deadliest animal as nesting season continues through August.

Experts urge residents to stay clear of freshwater shores + protect pets by following safety tips when large alligators are spotted.

Longboat Key Fire Rescue partners with Sarasota Memorial Hospital to offer annual cancer screenings and wellness checks to combat firefighters’ exposure to PFAS from foam and gear (including specialized decontamination procedures).

The program, which began in 2023, aims to reduce risk through early detection and improved firefighter health.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital dropped from No. 8 to No. 11 in U.S. News & World Report's 2026-27 Best Hospitals rankings released on Aug.

4 but remains the top hospital in the Sarasota-Bradenton metro area.

Florida Premier FC SWFL's U13 girls team, coached by Jeff Lowdermilk, finished as runner-up in the U.S. Club Soccer National Cup from July 20-24 in Denver after losing (3-0) to FC Tampa Rangers, and the Lakewood Ranch team will use this national experience as a stepping stone.

Booker High School removed head football coach and athletic director Carlos Woods on July 16 — the move led to 21 player transfers and removal of several games from the schedule.

The school hired Lance Hoeltke on July 29 and the police investigation into Woods remains active.

Sarasota High rising senior Jacob Menard earned Athlete of the Week honors after posting a 154 score at the 3A state championship (his third-best performance) and recovering from a back injury; he plans to lead his team to states this fall.

Braden River High girls volleyball coach Matthew McElhiney is rebuilding the Pirates after losing key players last season—he now relies on seven returners and fresh talent to face Sarasota High at 7 p.m. Aug.

18.

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.