Tony Grinnell welcomed the choppy waves and wind Monday, April 4 as he kite surfed off Longboat Key in the Gulf of Mexico. Grinnell has been kitesurfing for five years and is visiting from Michigan.

The 25th Annual Run for the Turtles event took place this Saturday, April 2 on Siesta Key Beach. Approximately 1,000 people participated in the Mote sponsored event that raises money for sea turtle research at Mote Marine Laboratory. There was a 1-Mile Fun Run followed by a 5K.

On Sunday, April 3, 2011, AJC (American Jewish Committee) will honor Gerri Aaron at its Human Relati

Sales were brisk at the April 2 to April 3 Antique and Art Fair, at Whitney Beach Plaza.

The Booker High School Jazz Combo was featured at the Longboat Island Chapel's April 3 service.

Sarasota Yacht Club held its annual blessing of the fleet ceremony Sunday, April 3 at the yacht club.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens held its first Garden Music Series of the spring season on Sunday, April 3 at Selby. Local band "Yesterdayze" had the crowd grooving to tunes from the '60s.

Volunteers throughout Sarasota County participated in the 2011 Great American Cleanup as part of Keep Sarasota County Beautiful on Saturday, April 2. One of the cleanup sites was Siesta Key Beach.

Animal and opera lovers alike enjoyed an evening of food, fun and music during Opera for Animals: Singing is Saving's ninth annual benefit concert, called Spring is for Singing, April 2 at the Palm Aire Country Club.