Sarasota & Manatee Counties Weekly Newsletter

🌴 Sarasota & Manatee Counties Weekly Newsletter

May 11 - 17, 2025
Brought to you by Team Renick -- Your Local Knowledge Brokers

Did You Know?

Siesta Key Beach Named One of the Best in the World! #12 North America #42 Global

Siesta Beach was just ranked one of the Top 50 Beaches in the World for 2025 — coming in at #12 in North America and #42 globally. It's the only U.S. beach to make the list this year, recognized for its 99% pure quartz sand, which stays cool underfoot, and its laid-back charm. Siesta's shallow waters, free trolley, and quaint village vibe helped it stand out on the international stage.

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Sarasota & Manatee's Best Events (May 11 - 17, 2025)

25th Annual Siesta Key Golf Tournament
May 12 Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club

Tee off at this exclusive tournament open to Chamber members and guests. The $185 entry includes breakfast, 18 holes, cart, lunch, prizes, and contests on a private course. Registration starts at 7:30 AM with an 8:30 AM shotgun start.

Event Details
Ringling by the Bay
May 12 Ringling Museum Grounds

Enjoy an evening of live music and dancing under the stars with Alan Zahn's Big Z Band on the scenic Bolger Campiello. Food and drinks available for purchase. Tickets are limited and available at first come, with early access for Ringling members.

Event Details
District 7 Town Hall with Commissioner Kruse
May 12 Lakewood Ranch Library, Manatee County

Join Commissioner Kruse for a public town hall focused on community updates, local issues, and open discussion. Residents are encouraged to share concerns, ask questions, and stay informed about what's happening in District 7.

Event Details
Lasting Manatee Community Input Meeting
May 13 Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd W, Bradenton

Manatee County is hosting its second public meeting to gather feedback on how to spend over $252 million in federal disaster recovery funds. Residents are encouraged to share their priorities for housing, infrastructure, and resiliency following the 2024 storms.

Event Details
Streetlife Serenader -- A Tribute to Billy Joel
May 13 Manatee Performing Arts Center

This lively tribute show brings the legendary music of Billy Joel to life with spot-on vocals and rich instrumentation. From iconic ballads like "Just the Way You Are" to high-energy favorites like "Uptown Girl" and "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me," the performance covers the full range of Joel's career.

Event Details
Open House Wine Tasting at Michael's Wine Cellar
May 15 Michael's Wine Cellar, Sarasota

Sip and explore 35+ international wines during this relaxed open house-style tasting. Mingle with fellow wine lovers while discovering new favorites in a casual, no-pressure setting. $20 per person.

Event Details
Tide Trekker: Paddle Clean-Up at Emerson Point
May 16 Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto

Help keep local waters pristine during this guided paddle clean-up. Participants will kayak along the preserve's shoreline, collecting debris and learning about the estuary ecosystem. Free with registration; equipment provided for those who need it.

Event Details
Bridge-to-Bridge Bay Slam Kayak Fishing Tournament
May 17 Sarasota Bay (Pre-meeting May 16 at Phillippi Estate Park)

Join Sarasota County Parks for a catch-and-release kayak fishing competition targeting Red Drum, Seatrout, and Snook across Sarasota Bay. Registration is $45 and must be completed by 5 PM on May 16—no onsite sign-up. Limited to 100 anglers.

Event Details
5th Annual Celtic Fest at Fishermen's Village
May 17 Fishermen's Village, Punta Gorda

Celebrate Celtic heritage with a full day of live music and dance across multiple stages, featuring acts like West of Galway, Black Thorn Brigade, and the Kellyn Celtic Dancers. Presented in partnership with local cultural groups, this free, family-friendly festival runs from 12 PM to 9 PM.

Event Details
5th Annual Spring Fling Skim Jam
May 17-18 Lido Beach, Sarasota

Catch high-energy skimboarding action as top athletes hit the shoreline for two days of competition, music, and beachside fun. Hosted by Compound Boardshop, this free event draws skim boarders from across the country.

Event Details

Community News & Local Developments

Snook Haven Park Upgrades Begin in Sarasota County

$8.75 million in renovations will preserve the park's "Old Florida" charm and improve accessibility, with work starting after May 8.

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Heritage Awards Honor Local History Preservation

The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation recognizes outstanding efforts to protect the region's heritage.

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St. Regis Longboat Key Project Wins Regional Construction Award

The St. Regis Longboat Key resort project earned the "Project of the Year" award from the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors, highlighting excellence in construction and design.

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Manatee County Approves Purchase of New Administration Building in Lakewood Ranch

Manatee County Commissioners unanimously approved the $23.5 million purchase of a new administration building in Lakewood Ranch to accommodate the county's growing needs.

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Sarasota Fire Department Wins Global Award for Cardiac Response Program

The Sarasota Fire Department received international recognition for its innovative cardiac response program, enhancing emergency medical services in the region.

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Weekly Weather Outlook (May 11 - 17)

Sunday, May 11
Partly sunny, high 84°F, low 71°F
Monday, May 12
Mostly sunny, high 85°F, low 72°F
Tuesday, May 13
Scattered showers possible, high 84°F, low 71°F
Wednesday, May 14
Mostly sunny, high 86°F, low 72°F
Thursday, May 15
Partly cloudy, high 86°F, low 73°F
Friday, May 16
Mostly sunny, high 87°F, low 73°F
Saturday, May 17
Humid, chance of afternoon thunderstorm, high 88°F, low 74°F
Full 10-day forecast here

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