🌴 Sarasota & Manatee Counties Weekly Newsletter
🌟 Did You Know?
Mae Hansen Prodie & The Edson Keith Mansion
Did you know that the original creator of Barbie doll wardrobes once lived right here in Sarasota? Mae Hansen Prodie, owner of the Mae Marie Company, was not only a fashion force behind America's most famous doll, but she was also the second owner of the historic Edson Keith Mansion at Phillippi Estate Park. Built in the early 20th century Italian Renaissance style, the mansion still stands today as a beloved wedding venue and historic landmark overlooking Phillippi Creek. It's amazing to think that while children across the country were dressing their Barbies, Mae was calling one of Sarasota's most beautiful estates home.
Learn More📅 Sarasota & Manatee's Best Events (June 1 - 7, 2025)
CoolToday Park Summer Movie Nights — Family Fun at the Ballpark
A fan favorite returns! Enjoy Summer Movie Nights at CoolToday Park with family-friendly films shown on the scoreboard. The fun kicks off Sunday, June 1, with a showing of Twisters at 5:00 p.m. Tickets: Ages 3 & under free, ages 4-9 $3, ages 10+ & adults $7. Parking is free, and seating is available in the bowl.
Learn MoreSarasota Music Festival — A Chamber Musician's Dream Come True
The Sarasota Orchestra presents three weeks of world-class artistry, including Thursday Artist Showcases, Friday chamber concerts, and Saturday orchestra performances. Only 60 top young musicians worldwide are selected each year to perform. Enjoy thrilling concerts, masterclasses, and rising stars.
Learn MoreSavor Sarasota Restaurant Week — Culinary Adventure Awaits
Enjoy multi-course meals at Sarasota's top restaurants at unbeatable prices. It's the perfect chance to explore the city's vibrant dining scene and savor local flavors.
Learn MoreKids Summer Beach Runs — Family Fun on the Sand
A favorite summer tradition! Kids ages 1-17 can join 1-mile beach runs every week, with ribbons for all and a free t-shirt after four runs. Registration at 5:30 p.m., race at 6:30 p.m. Free to join. No runs the week of July 4th.
Learn MoreReggae Nights in the Park — Live with Indigo I
Kick off summer with a free evening of live reggae under the stars! Indigo I brings high-energy, soulful vibes to the stage, blending Caribbean rhythms with a message of unity and love. Vendors open at 6:00 p.m. with food, crafts, and island-inspired goods. Bring your lawn chairs and dancing feet—everyone's welcome.
Learn MoreSt. Armands Circle Craft Festival — Artistry by the Sea
Stroll through the 23rd Annual St. Armands Circle Craft Festival and explore handmade treasures from talented artisans nationwide. Set against the backdrop of Sarasota's iconic shopping and dining district, this free event offers everything from jewelry and ceramics to woodwork and textiles. Meet the makers, find one-of-a-kind pieces, and enjoy a vibrant weekend by the water.
Learn MoreSarasota Guitar & Amp Show — Gear Up for a Weekend of Music
Explore an incredible selection of new and vintage guitars, amps, pedals, and gear at this two-day event. Meet dealers and luthiers from across the country, buy, sell, or trade your gear, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere for music enthusiasts. Advance tickets are $15; $20 at the door. Kids 12 & under get in free. Wear the official show t-shirt and get free admission!
Learn MoreMusic on Main — Circus Swing & Community Fun
Join the crowd at Lakewood Ranch's popular first-Friday Street party featuring Dean Johanesen's circus swing and American roots tunes. Enjoy beer, wine, food vendors, and family fun while supporting The Florida West Coast Avian Society. Bring chairs (no coolers); leashed dogs welcome. Overflow parking available at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.
Learn MoreSuncoast Summer Fest — Waves & Wheels Party & Dice Run
Kick off June 6 with the '80s-themed Waves & Wheels Party featuring DJ Chris Craze, casino chips, lite bites, drinks, and prizes for best '80s outfit. On June 7, join the Dice Run from Marina Jack—roll dice at stops around Sarasota to win cash prizes and get a meal voucher. Register by May 23 for a free Dice Run shirt.
Learn MoreLance's Hooters Car Show — Classic Cars & Community Fun
Cruise into Hooters Sarasota for a classic car show featuring vintage and custom vehicles. Enjoy trophies, prizes, and a $5 off $25 voucher for spectators.
Learn More📰 Community News & Local Developments
Bradenton Breaks Ground on $35 Million Police Headquarters
On May 20, 2025, city officials and police leadership celebrated the groundbreaking of a new 50,399-square-foot police headquarters at 705 3rd Street West. The $35 million facility, expected to open in late 2026, will feature advanced crime prevention technology, dedicated training areas, and modernized spaces for forensics and evidence. The project reflects the city's commitment to public safety and infrastructure development.
Read MoreManatee Community Foundation Awards $50,000 Grant for New Pet Resource Center
The Manatee Community Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to support the creation of a new Pet Resource Center in downtown Bradenton. Housed in a renovated county building near the juvenile detention center, the center aims to strengthen the bond between people and their pets by addressing challenges that often lead to pet surrender. It will offer pet owners advice, essential care, and support during difficult times.
Read MoreNew CFO Appointed at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
Kevin Podsiad, a Certified Public Accountant with over a decade of experience at Tampa International Airport, has been named CFO of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. He joins as the airport reports nearly $146 million in revenue for fiscal year 2024. Podsiad's appointment comes just before longtime CEO Rick Piccolo retires on June 30. The airport authority has hired Korn Ferry to help find a new CEO.
Read MoreNew Pass Dock & Seawall Expands Operations with $2.56M Property Purchase
New Pass Dock & Seawall, a Sarasota-based marine construction company founded in 2023, has acquired a 0.83-acre property at 4139 N. Washington Blvd. for $2.56 million. The site, previously owned by SignZoo, includes a 6,190-square-foot industrial flex building and a 3,060-square-foot office building. The company plans to use the space as a design center and production facility for custom docks, seawalls, boat lifts, and decks.
Read MoreSaravela: New Two-Tower Development on North Tamiami Trail
A new mixed-use project, Saravela, is planned for a 1.7-acre site on North Tamiami Trail in downtown Sarasota. The development will include two residential towers—18 and 11 stories, with ground-floor retail and structured parking. It aims to offer a mix of luxury and affordable housing near Bay Park and the Rosemary District.
Read More☀️ Weekly Weather Outlook (June 1 - 7)
Enjoy warm summer weather perfect for outdoor activities. Here's the forecast:
