Good morning, Toledo.

The Best of Toledo 2025 Round Up names local favorites across breweries, holistic health, art, and apartment living (voted on by over 60,000 readers) and highlights community pride and innovation with nominations for the 2026 awards starting Aug.

1.

Colton Harst, a 16-year-old from Ottawa Hills, ran a segment of the nationwide flag relay from Walnut Grove to Richwood on Tuesday, June 30, as part of Relay for America ahead of the country’s 250th birthday.

Harst said the relay united people nationwide and he hopes it will become an annual event.

Ottawa Hills teen Colton Harst (16) ran a leg of a 3,000-mile cross-country flag relay from Walnut Grove to Richwood ahead of Fourth of July.

The event shows local youth joining a national celebration.

16-year-old Colton Harst ran a leg of a 3,000-mile cross-country flag relay from Walnut Grove to Richwood ahead of Fourth of July festivities (he helps unite communities with a patriotic run).

Deputies with Lucas County Sheriff's Office roped off public access at Meinke Marina on Thursday, July 2 while search crews looked for the missing boat; officials said the number of people aboard remains unknown.

Toledo Urban Music Festival returns to the Huntington Center on Saturday, July 18 at 2pm and will feature Eric Benét, KeKe Wyatt, Zapp Band and Midnight Star as it concludes a weeklong celebration of community, culture and education.

Episode 9 ‘Homegrown Greatness’ celebrates local flavor by featuring Tony Packo’s + Wixey Bakery, athlete Dave Wottle, and historic icons from Cleveland and Cincinnati; it concludes in Colonial Williamsburg where tavern talk helped spark a revolution.

The Ohio Department of Development has awarded over $4.8 million in tax credits to support seven film projects statewide, including Toledo’s The Bodyguard production, which is expected to create 104 jobs + boost more than $7.9 million in payroll.

At a June 29 meeting, the Anthony Wayne board reported that 339 graduates, nearly 69% planning four year colleges and 382 accepting scholarships, have diverse plans including higher education, military, workforce, and gap years while approving staff changes, federal grants, and new insurance plans (new hires begin in August).

During high heat, retired lawn care specialist Mike O’Rourke advises Toledo homeowners to avoid mowing or walking on lawns with stressed, dehydrated grass (yellow-golden instead of rich green) as high temperatures may break the blades.

Ohio Clean Marinas Program and partners will host Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz from June 29 to July 12 to teach boaters the clean & drain & dry method at local boat ramps, marinas & public spaces as the effort aims to protect waterways and boost outdoor recreation.

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Tressel, and ODOT Director Boratyn announced $8.5 million in funding today to support 24 roadwork projects (fiscal year 2027) across 21 counties; the projects are expected to boost economic growth with plans to help create over 32,500 jobs and attract over $2 billion in private investment.

Three days into a heat wave, bus riders and outdoor workers in Toledo experienced temperatures nearing 100 degrees on Thursday — TARTA advised riders to use cooling centers and call 2-1-1 for help amid changing holiday hours.

Toledo Farmers Market

8 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Toledo Farmers' Market — Free entry — Explore home-grown produce, fresh baked goods, and handmade crafts at this local gem.

Music Under the Stars

7:30-9 p.m. — Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre — Free entry — Enjoy the sounds of popular regional bands in a lovely outdoor setting.

Karaoke Night with DJ Ang

8 p.m. — Georgjz419 Food, Fun, & Spirits — No cover — Sing your heart out at a lively karaoke night with free parking and an open patio.

The Twenty Fives Live at Bier Stube

6-10 p.m. — Bier Stube — Cover charge varies — Experience the energetic tunes of Classic Alternative and Modern Rock by The 25's.

Killer Queen Tribute Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Centennial Terrace & Quarry — Discount tickets available — Experience a tribute to Queen with concerts that deliver the ultimate nostalgia.

A Night with WWE Legends

5:00 – 6:30 PM — Maumee Indoor Theater — Ticketed Event — Experience an unforgettable evening with WWE Hall of Famers sharing their legendary stories and engaging in a fan Q&A session.

21st Annual African American Festival

5 PM — Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union — Free entry — Celebrate community spirit with a weekend of inspiration and entertainment.

Paddle & Groove with Dustin Dale Gaspard

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Middlegrounds Metropark — Cost varies — Enjoy a unique concert experience on the Maumee River featuring bilingual blues and folk music.

Jim Gaffigan Live Show

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of laughter with renowned comedian Jim Gaffigan.

Gwinnett Stripers vs. Toledo Mud Hens

7:00-8:05 p.m. — Fifth Third Field — $40 — Enjoy an evening of baseball, food, and camaraderie during Margaritaville Weekend.