Good morning, Sarasota.

Selby Gardens in Sarasota plans to build a 38,000 square foot hurricane-resistant greenhouse and will remove 18 native live oak trees from a four-acre site — a move that local experts say could worsen the city's low canopy cover and increase urban heat.

They urge a revised plan to protect the trees that clean the air and provide shade.

The Florida Department of Transportation will repave and repair a one-mile stretch of U.S. 301 from 10th Street to Mound Street in downtown Sarasota in 2026—its road is in poor shape with potholes and grass growing in the middle.

Roadwork last night closed Clark Road near Honore Ave—detours began at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and ended by 6 a.m. today.

FDOT warns drivers to plan extra travel time and use alternate routes such as Ashton Road or Proctor Road.

Florida Attorney General Uthmeier announced on August 13th in Tampa that his office took emergency action to prohibit the synthetic drug '7-OH' by reclassifying it as a schedule 1 drug—stating that the extract from kratom can be up to 13 times more potent than morphine and that a public comment period with a final DEA ruling is pending.

Today, Florida officials banned 7-OH, a concentrated kratom product, citing its high potential for addiction and overdose—this emergency measure stops sales and distribution as regulators work on long-term rules.

Local high schools in Sarasota and Manatee counties are getting ready for the 2025 football season as fans cast their votes in a poll that stays open until 10 a.m. on August 20—teams like Venice and Cardinal Mooney Catholic are among the eight featured, and fans will help decide the best squad.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Visit Artist's Website — Experience the local talent of Bri Rivera, a rising star in the Sarasota music scene.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the unique loop styling of accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts while enjoying the scenic views of Sarasota.

Rainbow Connections Summer Outing

4:45-7 p.m. — Art Center Sarasota — Free entry — Celebrate summer with an art exhibit opening and community connection.

PMP Certification Training in Sarasota, FL

9 AM – 5 PM — Regus - Sarasota Courthouse — Contact for pricing — Gain essential project management skills and knowledge through an interactive 4-day training course.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy an eclectic evening of music with accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts and his canine companion, Apollo.

Justin Layman Live Performance

1-5 p.m. — Siesta Key Oyster Bar — Free entry — Experience the unique blend of Folk, Rock, and R&B music from local Singer/Songwriter Justin Layman.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5 p.m. — Marina Jack — Check venue for entry fees — Enjoy an evening of unique loop-style music from accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts.

Bri Rivera Concert

6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Visit Artist's Website — Experience the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented musician rooted in Puerto Rican tradition, as she lights up the local music scene.

Discussion on Plato's Phaedo

10:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. — Friends of the North Sarasota Public Library — Free entry — Engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the nature of the soul and Socrates' beliefs on immortality.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the eclectic sounds of singer-songwriter Scott Curts with his unique loop styling accompanied by his beloved dog, Apollo.