Good morning, Sarasota.

Sarasota's controversial $80 million boathouse complex at Nathan Benderson Park will be ready by summer 2028.

The multisport facility will host indoor sports such as basketball, volleyball, and pickleball and serve as a disaster-response staging area.

Sarasota locals are building community by joining weekly mahjong lessons from the expanding Sarasota Mahjong Club (850 members) and team sports leagues organized by MVP Sports and Social, which runs 18 leagues across 9 sports to help adults connect and stay active.

Beth Bradburn (Homes by WestBay) has supported local nonprofit Resilient Retreat by sponsoring events and volunteering to help trauma survivors.

She was honored as a Good Hero in December 2025 and continues to inspire community giving in Sarasota.

New York-based Just Salad, backed by an NBA champion, opened its first Sarasota area location at University Town Center yesterday — offering a range of salads, warm bowls, wraps and smoothies.

The chain now extends its footprint to the local market.

Art Center Sarasota opened its juried exhibition Icons on Aug.

20 at The Bay on South Tamiami Trail where over 350 patrons viewed more than 320 entries depicting legendary figures in history, sports and entertainment + artist John Pirman, the juror, praised the packed event for its quality artworks.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens hosted its 46th annual Juried Photographic Exhibition with nearly 250 entries.

Winners have been announced, including Stan Jernigan for the Richard and Ellen Sandor prize for If the Slipper Fits + Alma Groome, whose Bee Enveloped in a Flower won Best in Show.

The Sarasota Art Museum’s exhibition Something Borrowed, Something New brings together local collectors’ contemporary art spanning paintings, prints and sculptures.

Running April 19—September 27 at 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, the show features works from modern icons and 21st-century innovators in a lively display of art from the Gulf Coast.

In July, Sarasota visitor spending nearly reached $146 million as tourism increased for the third month, reflecting strong economic momentum.

Local officials say the rising number of visitors confirms the city’s growing appeal.

Jefferson Fit at 1800 Second Street is set to host Free Fit Day on Sunday, Sept.

6 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. The facility features a high-energy boot cardio class called Jumple and recovery options — cold plunge and infrared sauna for all fitness levels.

Big Cat Habitat now offers Capybara Yoga and Capys & Coffee (with free beverage and breakfast treat) to let visitors feed and photograph its viral teenage capybaras while enjoying early park entry, as the venue continues to boost popularity from its unique animal experiences.

Sports reporter Emma Moon reviewed Week 1 high school football results and previewed upcoming Week 2 games for teams in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Sarasota cycling clubs offer rides for every skill level; the Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club leads more than 7,500 non-drop rides yearly, Village Idiots Cycling Club organizes group rides from Lakewood Ranch Main Street, and Sarasota County Off-Road Riders maintains 25 miles of trails in Carlton Reserve.