Good morning, Sarasota.

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation and The Bay Park Conservancy have launched a $2 million challenge match to complete The Bay park.

Donors giving by June 30 will have their gifts matched dollar for dollar to help raise $4 million and advance Phase 3 of the park.

Lt. Clay Huber, a Sarasota County firefighter, was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital after a medical emergency at a residential fire in the Pinecraft neighborhood on Sunday and released Thursday, where more than 100 first responders and staff cheered his return.

Boat slips are under construction behind the Harbour Square Office building for the upcoming Buccaneer Restaurant on Longboat Key.

Contractors began work on July 30, adding eight slips and repairing docks to allow for about 16 boats (with no set timetable yet for the design phase).

Free back-to-school events are happening across Sarasota and Manatee counties as students gear up for school starting Aug.

10. Locations such as Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota City YMCA, and the Mall at UTC will distribute backpacks and supplies while a tax-free window runs until Aug. 20.

Drivers in Sarasota and Manatee counties must obey new back-to-school safety rules as school zones, bus stops, and no-phone laws take effect when students return Aug.

10. Police and sheriff’s deputies are enforcing speed limits (fines range from $156 to $456) amid heavy traffic and active construction.

On June 1, 26-year-old Matt Borriello became Riverview High’s new athletic director, succeeding Rod Dragash in a role usually held by older administrators.

He also coaches baseball and manages championship teams as he prepares for the 2026–27 academic year.

Manatee County reported two new cyclosporiasis cases for a total of eight while Sarasota County stays at four since May as state health officials confirmed an outbreak with 342 cases statewide.

Residents are urged to wash fruits & vegetables thoroughly to reduce infection risks.

Local home sales this week closed across Sarasota neighborhoods with a top deal of $3.9M at Wisconsin Lane covering two properties.

Sales from Siesta Key to Osprey highlighted varied transactions on homes built in different eras, reflecting a dynamic market & strong local interest.

Sarasota runner Vinny O’Shaughnessy finished a marathon in every state by wrapping up the Atlantic City Marathon before the end of 2025.

The 65-year-old overcame health challenges, celebrated with a proposal, and now plans to run a half marathon in every state (with upcoming races in West Virginia and Arkansas).

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.