Good morning, Sarasota.

Brooke Bairos, owner of Transform Martial Arts, was named ATA North American + Worldwide Instructor of the Year at the ATA World Expo in Phoenix on July 18.

She credits her focus on building confident students and teaching junior instructors for her award.

John Annis, who served as interim since March, was named president and CEO of the Barancik Foundation on Aug.

26 to strengthen local nonprofit ties. The Selby Foundation awarded grants totaling about $49K to four nonprofits in Sarasota and Manatee counties for capital improvements.

Residents in Sarasota must plan for a partial lunar eclipse tonight as 94% of the moon slips into Earth’s shadow — partly cloudy skies with a 50% chance of rain may limit views, with the eclipse starting at 9:23 p.m. and peaking just after midnight.

Sailor Circus Academy's 26 students aged 8 to 18 will perform at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival from Sept.

5 to 7 in Washington, D.C. They will present three daily shows that showcase the circus skills developed right here in Sarasota.

Local photographer Bill Mills, 76, is showcasing his exhibit 'Where Time Waits' at Lakewood Ranch Library until Aug.

31—featuring 30 curated photos taken in Italy, Spain, England, and the U.S. after he retired from a long corporate career.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens began Phase 2 after a $41.9 million bond sale to build a storm-resilient conservatory, new learning pavilion + improved garden paths on its downtown campus, with construction set to finish by November 2028.

Sarasota tourism numbers have shown modest gains this year, which local officials believe could boost economic activity in the area.

They plan to monitor trends and adjust strategies to support growing visitor interest.

Longboat Library at 555 Bay Isles Road has refreshed its reading room to help visitors explore new book recommendations from librarians — the picks include a Jimmy Buffett biography and uplifting novels for back-to-school readers.

Riverview High teacher Jason Mocherman directs the planetarium and coaches girls volleyball, guiding students in both science and sports.

He partnered with the RHS Foundation to raise funds for a new dome theater & stresses academics along with athletic success.

The Homeschool Pokémon League, founded by Lakewood Ranch 13-year-old Benjamin Hitchcock and 12-year-old Ethan Atkins, meets twice a month at Dark Side (a local comic book store) to build skills in strategy, negotiation, and problem solving while helping shy kids connect over Pokémon.

Lynette Herbert has been named chief health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, with her appointment confirmed Tuesday after Chuck Henry announced retirement Sept.

30. Herbert brings 20+ years of public health experience to lead 200 staff at six locations.

Adnan Dedic (a Sarasota luxury real estate advisor) builds his business by creating customized marketing strategies that highlight unique features of luxury homes.

He works closely with clients for properties ranging from mid-range homes to multimillion-dollar waterfront estates.

Lakewood Ranch High boys wrestling coach Pat Ancil will receive the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award on Saturday, Aug.29 at Wyndham Lake Buena Vista in Orlando.

The 75-year-old coach plans for the current 2026—27 season to be his final while guiding the Mustangs.