Good morning, Sarasota.

Safe Children Coalition is nearing a $9 million Phase I goal to build a new youth shelter for homeless children on Sawyer Road in north Sarasota.

The nearly 9,000-square-foot facility will serve 200 youths and provide nearly 3,000 safe shelter bed-nights a year—donor and state funds have boosted the effort and construction will finish in fall.

Scot Ruberg, known as Scooter of the Beach, retired from his 41-year lifeguarding role at Siesta Key Beach after a six-month injury break.

He will still post his morning beach report videos on social media—letting longtime fans stay connected.

Art Center Sarasota is hosting its juried show Self Portrait which displays around 100 artworks showing how artists see themselves—one piece by Zach Gilliland called Head in the Sand uses spray foam, steel, resin, spray paint and concrete to reflect his views on ADHD and authenticity; the exhibit is on display until Sept. 27.

Sarasota residents enjoyed a busy start as a free film screening for Hispanic Heritage Month was held Thursday, and they have plans for Oktoberfest at Calusa Brewing at noon today, a pirate-themed party in Bradenton Friday evening, live music by Brian Byrd at Cask & Ale on Friday and Saturday, and a Key Lime fest in Punta Gorda on Saturday. The events combine food, music, and culture—offering a lively weekend for the local community.

Sarasota County Schools hosted a ribbon-cutting for The Farm, an $8 million, 39.1-acre project next to McIntosh Middle School on Sept.

10. The Farm—featuring a demonstration kitchen, greenhouse gardens and livestock pens—gives students hands-on learning in agriculture.

The Rotary Club of Sarasota donated a $90,000 outdoor patio to Booker Middle School on September 18th—this upgrade gives the school a new space for student use.

Sarasota Congressman Greg Steube is pushing to extend a federal disaster tax break for hurricane victims until 2026—he said damage from Hurricane Ian and other storms shows that quick help is needed.

The law, which passed with strong bipartisan support in 2024, lets victims claim losses without a cap on deductions.

At its meeting on Monday, the Sarasota City Commission denied resident Kelly Franklin’s appeal to block Phase Two of Selby Gardens’ master plan—this phase will cut 102 trees to build a new learning pavilion and a 35,770-square-foot conservatory while adding nearly 200 new trees.

The planning board approved the project in August and officials say the changes aim to protect the gardens’ plant collection.

Representatives for the Adagio condo project at South Pineapple Avenue and Ringling Boulevard said they will fix one issue and work through comments from six city departments before resubmitting the plan to the Development Review Committee.

The project will have two towers (18 and 10 stories) with 103 market-rate units and 69 attainable units above a podium that has (31,933 sq ft) of commercial space.

Between September 1 and 5, many homes were sold in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey and Nokomis.

A Phillippi Gardens home on Lusitania Drive sold for $2.68 million, the week’s top deal.

Cardinal Mooney volleyball player Brooke Gruhl was named the Herald-Tribune Girls Athlete of the Week for Sept.

1-6 after she received 37.25% of the vote and recorded 27 assists in a 3-0 win over Venice — the honor was sponsored by Central Florida Behavioral Health Network.

ODA quarterback Edouard Chaput was named Boys Athlete of the Week for Sept.

1-6 after completing 10 of 13 passes for 226 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-0 win against Saint Stephen's Episcopal—he answered a Q&A about his early start in football, his favorite championship moment, and his goal to play at the highest level.

Sarasota Christian started a new partnership with the Kraków Kings when they welcomed U19 coach Robin Volkmar last week—after a summer trip to Poland led athletic director Jacob Spenn to build the program.

Thirteen players and staff traveled to Poland, and the teams will share football techniques and plan future visits.

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.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy the captivating sounds of musician Bri Rivera, a standout talent from Puerto Rico, as she performs live on the waterfront.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Marina Jack — Check event page for details — Enjoy the soulful sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented musician from Puerto Rico making waves in Sarasota's music scene.

Graphic Design Certificate Program

2-8 p.m. — American Graphics Institute — Check for tuition details — Enhance your design skills with a comprehensive graphic design certificate course.

Weekend Psychic & Holistic Expo

9 AM – 6 PM — Sarasota Sahib Shrine Event Center — Admission varies — Explore the realms of spirituality with psychics, mediums, and holistic products.

Community in Motion 5K & 1 Mile Walk

8:30-11:00 a.m. — Nathan Benderson Park — Registration fees apply — Celebrate fitness and community spirit at this annual 5K and 1 Mile Walk event.

Justin Layman Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — The Ugly Grouper — Free entry — Experience an evening of Folk, Rock, and R&B from the talented Sarasota singer-songwriter Justin Layman.

Stories of Sarasota: A Conversation & Book Signing with Jeff LaHurd

6-7 p.m. — Bookstore1 — Free entry — Explore Sarasota's transformation with acclaimed historian Jeff LaHurd in an engaging book signing event.

We’ve Got Short Shorts at Sarasota Jewish Theatre

1:30-3:30 p.m. — The Players Centre for Performing Arts — $24 — Enjoy two contemporary comedic plays exploring faith and identity in a lively theatrical setting.

Cabana Dogs Live Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Freckled Fin Irish Pub — $ — Dance to high-energy beach rock and soulful tunes by Sarasota's own Cabana Dogs.