Good morning, Sarasota.

Alfred Lanier, 68, and Nikki Graybeal, 53, enjoy independence and friendship at The Haven as they participate in weekly REACH classes that build life skills for residents with developmental disabilities.

The community serves 600 people with permanent housing for 67 and recently opened two new group homes for 16 residents—plans call for further expansion on an adjacent property.

At a PR – Comms Summit in Orlando, the Central West Coast chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association received the Chapter of the Year Award and the President's Award for Community Partnerships and Credentialing—chapter members earned several honors.

Sarasota native Michaela Stockhill was named engagement director for Embracing Our Differences, and Coastal Orthopedics doctors were recognized on Newsweek’s America’s Leading Doctors 2025 list—highlighting specialists in hip and shoulder surgery.

Newtown homeowners Sheila and Johnnie Cantrell had their torn porch and roof repaired by Rebuilding Together Greater Florida after last year’s hurricanes, and they feel more secure for future storms—especially since Johnnie needs an oxygen tank.

Nonprofits in Sarasota show how each donation—whether it is $10 for a paperback or $10,000 for a pop-up library, legal aid or a beach cleanup—helps fund local programs that support youth, seniors and community members in need.

Groups like the Library Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs, Legal Aid, Arts & Cultural Alliance, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Harvest House and Meals on Wheels PLUS detail the direct impact of donation dollars.

Sarasota and Manatee counties have seen major philanthropic moments as local donors and organizations pledged transformative donations including a $25 million gift for a new medical institute + a $60 million donation for a new orchestra center, as well as funding for disaster relief and affordable housing for veterans. These efforts have brought millions in public-private support that promise lasting community benefits and improved resources for future generations.

Helen King, a Sarasota Audubon Society bird guide and retired optometrist, runs daily bird walks and leads a project to plant native species at the 33-acre Celery Fields—where volunteers stop invasive plants.

She said birding helps people use their eyes and ears and offers a chance to see over 240 migrating birds and rare finds like the belted kingfisher.

Local nonprofits are helping Sarasota residents set up safe bank accounts as the government will stop paper checks for Social Security and other benefits after September 30—United Way Suncoast and BankOn Suncoast will hold monthly events with banks to assist seniors, veterans, and disabled residents in getting certified accounts.

More than 500 people joined the Sarasota Fights Fentanyl Walk on Monday morning to honor lives lost to fentanyl—participants carried photos of loved ones and received over 1,000 Narcan boxes to raise awareness.

Organizers said the annual event will continue to support efforts against addiction.

Sarasota has seen a surge of wealthy residents over the last decade as its tax benefits and appealing lifestyle attract millionaires, multimillionaires, and billionaires.

In August, a record bayfront estate on Longboat Key sold for $30.3 million—highlighting the dramatic shift in the local real estate market.

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.