Good morning, Sarasota.

Yuki is a 2-year-old Akita looking for her forever home — she was named ABC7’s Pet of the Week in Sarasota.

NAMI Sarasota-Manatee will host its fifth annual NAMI Walks on Oct.

4 at Payne Park from 8—11 a.m. to raise funds for free mental health programs as teams register in advance—Manasota ASALH recently celebrated Founders’ Day at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, the Greater Sarasota Chamber received Barancik funding to expand workforce training, the Sarasota Opera Guild will hold its 41st Poinsettia Luncheon on Dec. 3 for youth opera, the Wellen Park Wine Festival will run on Nov. 14—15, and Temple Sinai announced Chazzan Cliff Abramson’s three-year contract extension.

The Sarasota Sailing Squadron is hosting its Spectrum Sailing Camp at its Sarasota Bay dock with volunteer boat captains to help children with autism and disabilities learn water skills and build confidence— the free camp began Friday and will add more sailors Saturday before ending Sunday, Sept. 21.

Sarasota Orchestra opens its 2025–26 season on Oct.

4 at the Sarasota Opera House with a Discoveries concert that plays rare versions of works by Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Mahler—audiences will vote on Mozart’s slow movement and hear Tchaikovsky’s original version performed by Oliver Herbert. Music director Giancarlo Guerrero debuts as the orchestra's seventh conductor to show the human side of these great composers.

On Sept. 30, Florida will raise its minimum wage from $13 to $14 for non-tipped employees — a change set by a voter-approved amendment that will bring the rate to $15 in 2026.

Superintendent Terry Connor said the district must show the Department of Education that all schools are full—otherwise, Schools of Hope will take over Wilkinson Elementary and other underused schools.

The board will vote on the plan on November 18 and a public meeting is set for September 24 as parents express concern about moving students.

Florida TaxWatch presented its review of five ways to reduce or change property taxes for Florida homeowners—plans include phased elimination, exemptions for seniors, keeping school taxes, tax liability cuts, and statutory changes.

A Florida House Select Committee will meet Monday to discuss how to put the governor's idea into action while keeping funds for local services.

Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said his city is building a new clarifier tank and a three-million gallon equalizer tank to stop partially treated wastewater from bypassing into the Manatee River after heavy rains on Sept.

8. The equalizer tank will operate by October or November—Brown invited visitors to the plant to see the progress firsthand.

A new 12-hole golf course will open at Calusa Country Club in Lakewood Ranch this winter, adding a social option to its 18-hole championship course.

Designed by Gordon Lewis, the course aims to make golf accessible for all ages plus it features two favorite holes.

High school football in Sarasota and Manatee ended Week 5 with players such as Asharri Charles, Brady Cleveland and Joel Morris earning Herald-Tribune gameball honors as teams posted varied scores.

Schools will face new matchups next week with games scheduled on Thursday, Sept 25 and Friday, Sept 26 — setting the stage for more competitive play.

On Friday, Sept. 19, local high school football games produced wins as The First Academy beat Venice 21-14 with key turnovers, Booker defeated Naples Lely 28-14, Parrish dominated Braden River 40-6, and Manatee won 31-14 over IMG Academy Junior National.

The teams will build on these results for upcoming matchups next week—Parrish will play Winter Haven and Braden River will host North Port.

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.

Tyler Farr Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — Big Top Live — Tickets available — Experience the electric country-rock sounds of Tyler Farr with his chart-topping hits and engaging stage presence.