Good morning, Sarasota.

Sarasota Orchestra and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall are hosting Summon the Heroes, a benefit concert honoring first responders on Thursday, Sept.

10 at 7:00 p.m. at Van Wezel (ticket prices range from $25 to $50 and proceeds will support four local charities).

Bonefish Grill at University Parkway is hosting a Give Back Night on Aug.

29 to benefit Suncoast Charities for Children — diners can help support local programs as the restaurant donates 15% of net sales and offers an option to round up checks.

The Circus Arts Conservatory will send 26 Sailor Circus Academy students to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C.

The selected group will perform, attend physics demonstrations, and learn about circus history.

Sarasota Opera received a $12,500 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County (via the Bloom Unrestricted Fund) to cover consultant fees for its strategic planning process and public survey as it works with F&H Partners (Amy Funk, Peter Hussell) with its 14-member committee.

Progressive candidates won key seats on the five-member school board, giving them control for at least the next two years.

A District 1 race will go to a runoff as leaders work to boost school funding and protect arts programming.

Forecasters lowered the season’s prediction to 8-11 named storms including 3-4 hurricanes as tropical activity has lagged, but experts remind Sarasota residents to stay prepared—a tropical wave is expected off Africa with a 20-40% chance of formation between Aug.

26 and Sept. 8.

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has been named on Forbes Best-in-State Employers list for the seventh year, ranking No. 17 among Florida employers and second among health care organizations — a recognition based on surveys of over 245,000 employees.

Longboat Key resident Leighton Allenby does 1,000 pushups daily and invites neighbors to join his informal fitness group (Leighton's Longboat Legends) through his popular Facebook page.

He will attempt 2,500 pushups on Sept 12 for his 73rd birthday.

A July report from the Realtor Association shows home sales in Sarasota and Manatee increased as active listings dropped sharply.

Median sale prices in Sarasota rose 5 percent to $493500 and luxury sales surged while buyers sought move-in ready homes.

Sarasota Paradise signed five teenagers to USL academy contracts on Aug.

19 so they can play with the U20 team and train with pros while keeping college eligibility — the club noted the new signings have already made an impact in UPSL and Academy play.

Bayshore High running back Jashun Judge wowed audiences at the Spring Showcase with the Honeybears, breaking stereotypes by dancing as the only male on the team.

He said his dance training (which boosts his balance and agility) also helps him on the football field.

Sofia Mendes, a senior setter for Southeast High School volleyball, enters her final season with the Lady Seminoles under a new head coach.

The team will begin their season today at Palmetto High School against the Lady Tigers and Mendes hopes to make her hitters shine.

Four local high school football stars are set to shine this fall.

Davin Davidson, Miles Przekwas, Evan Larrick and William Hughes have posted strong stats and gained college interest (from Cardinal Mooney, Riverview, Sarasota High and Sarasota Christian) as teams adjust strategies for the season.