Good morning, Sarasota.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida helps girls build skills and form close community bonds as leader Michelle Cramer manages two troops and serves on the Service Unit Leadership Team.

Gold Award winner Zoe Lander installed beach toy bins on Holmes Beach to cut litter and protect native species—her work strengthens community ties.

On Sunday, a 5-year-old girl was pulled 100 yards into a storm drain by strong water from a water main break near Sarasota Christian School on Bahia Vista St.—firefighters rescued her and took her to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, but she died several days later.

Florida residents can buy school supplies without paying sales tax until Sunday, Aug.31 during the state’s back-to-school sales tax holiday—the holiday now lasts all of August.

Pine View School in Sarasota County was ranked Florida’s best high school and 12th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report on its 2025-2026 Best Public High Schools list—using criteria like test scores, graduation rates and advanced courses.

Meteorologists report that despite being in peak hurricane season, Florida will have a tropical cyclone-free Labor Day weekend—dry air and unfavorable winds will limit storm development.

Experts warn that September usually brings several named storms so residents should watch for threats later in the month.

Florida officials announced a plan to classify xylazine—known as the zombie drug—for Schedule I status starting later this year to curb abuse, especially when mixed with opioids.

The new rule will allow only licensed veterinarians to handle xylazine so that farmers and ranchers get it by prescription while public possession remains illegal.

On Monday, September 1st, the Sarasota Fights Fentanyl Walk and Resource Fair will begin at 9 a.m. at J.D.

Hamel Park—where over a thousand boxes of Narcan will be given out. The event will honor those lost to fentanyl and help locals learn overdose prevention skills.

Today, local high school football games in Sarasota and Manatee counties will kick off at 7:30 p.m., with previews detailing key players and matchups such as Southeast versus Manatee and Venice versus Miami Northwestern.

The Herald-Tribune provided predictions and game statistics—helping fans know what to watch this week.

Top high school boys swimmers in the Sarasota and Manatee area were selected for the 2025 season after strong showings at state, regional and district meets — the list includes talent from Sarasota, Riverview, Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton Christian with several sibling pairs highlighted. Coaches will use these results to set team rosters and plan for upcoming competitions.

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.

Sarasota Bradenton Home Show

10 AM - 7 PM — Robarts Arena — Free entry — Explore the latest in home improvement and renovation ideas from expert exhibitors.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Check the artist's website for details — Enjoy an evening with talented Puerto Rican musician Bri Rivera in the heart of Sarasota.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Check local listings — Experience the unique loop styling of accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts in a scenic Sarasota venue.

3rd Bass Live Concert

7 PM – 12 AM — Big Top Live — Tickets starting at $75 — Experience the unforgettable music of 3rd Bass in Sarasota.

Garden In Bloom Fundraiser Gala

5-11 p.m. — Meadows Farmers Market — Ticketed event — Enjoy a magical evening of live music, food, art, and community at this inaugural gala.