Good morning, Sarasota.

SpaceX will launch NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope today from Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center; weather conditions may affect views along Florida’s coast.

August saw major changes in Sarasota’s dining scene as BrickTop's plans a spring opening at University Town Center and The Shebeen is set to reopen in Gulf Gate, while long-loved spots like Denny’s and Rose + Ivy closed and new ventures like Red Chillez and Whit’s Frozen Custard launched.

Sarasota-based Detwiler’s Farm Market opened its sixth store in Bradenton at 3500 53rd Ave. W., and it plans a new store at Braden River Plaza in 2027 plus an announced location in North Port in late 2028.

Van Wezel has announced its 2026–27 season featuring marquee shows set from Oct.

25 to April with acts like comedian John Mulaney, Jay Leno, Ron White, Boz Scaggs, and Leslie Odom Jr.

Hermitage Artist Retreat is partnering with Manhattan Theatre Club to develop new musicals, including The Orange Grove and It's All Relative.

The initiative offers artists time and space, and Ferrentino and Beam recently presented a free program on Hermitage Beach.

Historic photos show the former El Vernona Hotel (later renamed John Ringling Towers when circus magnate John Ringling bought it) once stood on downtown Sarasota’s site where the Ritz-Carlton now stands.

Built in 1926 and demolished in 1998, the hotel was celebrated for its luxury and history.

Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation hosted its first Imagination Installation on Saturday at Harvest House Family Center, offering a 90-minute session of visual arts, music and movement for children in Pre-K to fifth grade while families received free books + art supplies.

A winner at the Wawa on State Road 70 near Bradenton claimed the Mega Millions jackpot ticket sold on July 28 by opting for a $344.2 million cash prize — Florida Lottery officials confirmed the claim.

North Port City Commission will review a proposed moratorium at 6 p.m. today at City Hall to pause some data center development as residents express environmental concerns; a workshop is set for Thursday to discuss project impacts ahead of the final vote on Sept.

8.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Rehabilitation Pavilion was named one of America’s best physical rehabilitation centers by Newsweek for its excellent patient care + recovery outcomes.

The facility continues to offer specialized services including an outdoor mobility garden.

IMG Academy defeated Cornerstone Christian 59-10 in Bradenton on Saturday, Aug.

30. They scored 28 points in the first quarter and 52 in the first half (with quarterback Jayden Wade throwing three touchdowns and running back Cayden Gould scoring a rushing touchdown) to improve to 2-0.