Good morning, Sarasota.

Yesterday, Sarasota High football players visited a local activity center with seniors where they played ping pong, pool, and Rummikub + shared cookies and stories to strengthen bonds across generations.

Arranged by Urban Edge through the Senior Friendship Centers, the visits brought a refreshing sense of community.

The Bay and Gulf Coast Community Foundation launched a $2 million challenge match for a 53-acre downtown park while Sarasota nonprofits secured grants — Goodwill Manasota received $70,000 for its coaching program, SediVision awarded $8,000 scholarships, and the Athena Giving Circle provided $20,000 for essential supplies. CareerEdge announced Upskilling Worker winners.

On Aug. 10, the Sarasota Garden Club hosted a sold-out 'Her & Now' event to celebrate Women & Impact with photography by Lori Sax and recognition of local achievements.

Tuttle Elementary welcomed students for the 2026-27 school year on Monday, Aug.

10, as teachers guided a busy first day while parents walked kids to class.

Families experienced mixed emotions Monday as Sarasota County Schools kicked off the new school year at local elementary schools (Southside, Alta Vista), with meet-the-teacher nights and classroom preparations making students and parents feel both excited and a little nostalgic.

Teachers and administrators are ready to support the positive start ahead.

Clear skies and an invisible new moon promise great views of the Perseid meteor shower as it peaks between Aug.

12 — 13, with up to 100 meteors per hour seen from dark areas. The shower is active from July 17 to Aug. 24, offering a stellar display for locals.

U-Haul data shows that from July 2025 to June 2026 the North Port–Sarasota–Bradenton metro ranked No. 3 for Gen X moves and No. 5 for millennial moves.

The findings confirm that the area is drawing younger residents as well as retirees.

A poll (open until Friday, Aug.

14 at 10 a.m.) in Sarasota and Manatee counties lets locals choose the top high school wide receiver from 12 players with multiple college offers ahead of the 2026 football season.

The Herald-Tribune launched a reader poll to choose the best high school quarterback in the Sarasota-Manatee area with nominees including Davin Davidson of Cardinal Mooney and Hudson West—who received multiple college offers.

Votes close at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 14.

The Herald-Tribune tracked 37 high school football player transfers in Sarasota and Manatee counties since last season ended – Booker High School lost at least 20 players to new teams ahead of the 2026 season.

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.