5 Things To Know: Suncoast Polytech Graduates First-Ever Class

1. Congratulations to  who will graduate its first-ever class tonight. The ceremony will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Van Wezel.

The class features 127 seniors receiving diplomas, 111 of which started at the school as freshmen at the technology magnet school featuring students from all over Sarasota County.

Your commencement speakers are: 

• Christopher Brantley, who plans to attend the State College of Florida and then the University of South Florida to major in political science and minor in mass communication

• Ellie Koval, who also plans to attend the State College of Florida and then the University of South Florida, to major in business management and accounting. 

2. The City Commission will find out the semi-finalists for the city manager job on Monday. Originally, in the job, ranging from a J.C. Penny customer service rep and airline attendant, to city managers and a fire chief resigning under scrutiny.

3. Looks like Sarasota County Schools will be planning to find itself a new superintendent in a few years. The Herald-Tribune reports that Superintendent Lori White signed an intent to retire, ending her career in 2017, taking advantage of the state's Deferred Retirement Option Program.

4. Rock out downtown Saturday night for a good cause. The Joyful Noise Music Festival is getting ready for its first-ever concert Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m. The concert benefits Second Chance-Last Opportunity.

The free concert will on Lemon Avenue between Main and First streets. 

5. Barbecue and beer unite at the starting Tuesday. From 8 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday nights starting June 5,Shamrock Pub (2257 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota) will host an area chef for its second annual Summer BBQ Series. For $15, you get refillable beers and small plates from the featured restaurant of the week (price includes tip).

The first BBQ night on Tues., June 5 features Chef Jeff Sladky of  cooking up Apricot Glazed Grilled Pork Belly served with a white bean-chorizo cassoulet and a petite herb salad. The beer pairing of the week is Dunedin Brewery's Apricot Wheat Ale from Dunedin, Florida.