SRQ DAILY Nov 20, 2023
Monday Business Edition
"Supporting our WW II Veterans, the Greatest Generation who bravely responded to the call, is an incredible privilege."
More boating access? Planned restaurant space? As the Bay moves from conceptual renderings to realized amenity, planners continue to evolve and refine a master plan for the site. Sarasota City Commissioners tonight are expected to discuss and approve a number of changes to the Bay Park Master Plan and offer a clearer glimpse of the regional park’s future.
The Bay Park Conservancy Board, the nonprofit contracted to manifest and manage the park, already unanimously approved an updated master plan on Oct. 17. Those proposed changes now will land before elected city officials. Updates include more overflow parking, an extension for the Canal District boat ramp and more refined plans for overwater structures, as well as a pedestrian and fishing pier. The new plan also notably seeks to preserve certain existing amenities on site, most notably Holley Hall in the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center.
Vice Mayor Jennifer Ahearn-Koch said she expects significant conversation around the update, and commissioners will discuss ways to create a positive asset while addressing community concerns.
“Every step of the way has been like that,” she said. “It should be. It has been. I expect there to be a robust conversation.”
She personally would like to know more details about facilities now planned on the site, some of which surprised her.
A presentation scheduled for discussion tonight notes at some community meetings, excitement was voiced for a restaurant, or group of restaurants, overlooking the Bay.
The most notable change on new renderings surrounds the boat docks, which now will abut three waterfront restaurants covering 4,000 to 5,000 square feet a piece. The plan also adds two boat docks, a retail kiosk and space for a water taxi station.
Some renderings seem to indicate less pronunciation of a horseshoe design to pedestrian features at the Bayfront, and community forum notes suggest that raised some alarm with residents. But there is still a walkway from one side of the docks over a pedestrian bridge, then through a northwestern corner of the park, passing a planned performing arts hall and onto a walkway that extends past the shoreline.
Public input notes neighborhood residents have sought a pedestrian overpass to cross Tamiami Trail, and many want better connectivity between The Bay and the Rosemary District as well.
The Bay Park Conservancy has promised to absorb all the community input and continue to incorporate it into planning and the ultimately development taking place on the site.
Ahearn-Koch said she wants to know about parking availability to meet the expected visitor demand. “We’re taking away a parking lot to create a park, but you still have to have a place to park,” she said, noting The Bay covers land that for years served as surface parking for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
The City Commission meeting notably comes weeks after the Conservancy announced A.G. Lafley’s return as CEO. He promised to keep the organization true to the mission it held since its inception.
“I fully expect we will continue delighting park guests who visit the current park; make The Bay Park Conservancy sustainable in every way – financially, operationally and environmentally; and build ‘more park for all’ with Phase 2 and beyond,” Lafley said in an October statement. 
Manatee Memorial Hospital (MMH) is proud to announce the appointment of Katy Wilkens, RN, BSN, MBA, NEA-BC as Chief Nursing Officer and the newest addition to the hospital’s executive leadership. Katy comes to MMH from Christus Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana where, as Chief Nursing Officer, she led the clinical teams of a 200-bed hospital, a micro hospital with emergency services and a rehab hospital. Prior to that, she served as the Vice President of Patient Services/Chief Nursing Officer at Northern Arizona Healthcare - Flagstaff Medical Center. Early in her nursing career, Katy led acute care, telemetry, critical care, and cardiology/cardiovascular surgery departments before transitioning into CNO roles. She has her Baylor Healthcare Executive Fellowship from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, and a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix. She received a LEAN/Six-Sigma Black Belt Certification in 2013 and was awarded the March of Dimes ICU Nurse of the Year in 2014. Katy is pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing, where she is researching how different nursing staffing models can adapt to the evolving healthcare needs. Katy adds, “We prioritize quality and safety, and supporting our caregivers and patients is paramount to what we do.” “Katy brings a wealth of experience and a positive energy to the teams at the hospital. She is very proactive, and we look forward to her impact on advancing clinical excellence and enhancing quality patient outcomes.” - Tom McDougal, CEO of Manatee Memorial Hospital.
PGT Innovations, Inc. (NYSE: PGTI), a national brand and innovation leader in the fenestration and garage door industries, was recently bestowed the Top 10 Executive Team Award by OnConferences during its 2023 OnCon Icon Awards. The manufacturing leader was chosen from roughly 225 finalists that participated in the voting process. The PGT Innovations executive team was voted on by the public and determined an award winner after thousands of votes were tallied. A virtual award ceremony was held on Tuesday, Oct. 24 to acknowledge this year’s winners. For this award, OnConferences defined an executive team as an organization's C-Suite that has an emphasis on senior leadership in marketing, human resources, legal, finance, operations, technology, information security, data and analytics, learning and development, and talent acquisition. Through a competitive process, the public voted for finalists that they observed had one or more of the following qualities, including making a considerable impact on their organization, strong contributions through thought leadership, shown innovation in projects, and distributed exceptional leadership.
Halfacre Construction Company, a Lakewood Ranch-based commercial construction company, was recently awarded a continuing contract for Hardee County Industrial Development Authority (IDA). Halfacre Construction Company has been working with Hardee County IDA since 2011. Over the course of 12 years, Halfacre has worked on several projects for the central Florida region, including the Hardee County Commerce Park expansion, Carlton Street extension, Martin Luther King water main extension, Will Duke/US 17 utilities extension, Florida Avenue and REA Road utilities extension, Florikan, and Pacer Marine expansion, among others. Early next year, Halfacre Construction will begin work on Aloha Medical, a 14,000-square-foot new facility for a private sector medical transport company, as well as a 26,000-square-foot speculative building in the new Hardee County Commerce Park. The IDA offers custom business solutions and economic incentives that support economic growth in Hardee County, consistent with the community’s values, quality of life and well-being, and has completed over 30 projects with over 200 acres of investment-ready sites. With over 53 years of quality construction projects and service to the southwest Florida community, Halfacre Construction Company has completed a number of prominent educational, government, private companies, road work, warehouses and health facility projects.
Marty Haines, a Broker-Associate in the Venice office of RE/MAX Alliance Group, has earned the prestigious Five Star Real Estate Agent Award once again. This is her 13th year as a Five Star recipient. Based on an independent survey of recent home buyers and industry peers, the Five Star Award is presented to fewer than 7 percent of real estate agents in a given market. Criteria includes customer service, integrity, market knowledge, communication, negotiation, closing preparation, post-sale service, finding the right home, marketing of the home, and overall satisfaction. Agents also must receive a favorable regulatory and complaint-history review. Haines serves Sarasota County with emphasis on the South County area from Osprey and Venice to Englewood. She has more than 35 years of experience in real estate sales and property management and holds the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI) and new construction, short sales and foreclosure expertise designations. Her outstanding customer service and sales performance have earned her the local RE/MAX Alliance Group Gold Club Award and international RE/MAX 100% Club Award, as well as prestigious RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement recognition. The RE/MAX Alliance Group Venice office is located at 1314 East Venice Avenue, Suite B, Venice, Florida 34285. Haines can be reached at (941) 308-4627 or mhaines@remax.net.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) presented the J. Stannard Baker Lifetime Achievement in Highway Safety Award to Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman during a ceremony at their annual conference in San Diego in October. Sheriff Hoffman has a long and distinguished career in law enforcement and service to the residents of Florida, starting in 1989 with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). He spent several years working in patrol and marine operations, as well as interstate drug interdiction. However, his most significant accomplishments at CCSO were during his assignment to the traffic unit, where he served as the first full-time DUI enforcement deputy. Impelled to make a difference after seeing the criminal justice system fail victims of drunk drivers, he pursued his Juris Doctor at Nova Southeastern University and, upon graduation, began his career at the 12th Judicial Circuit’s State Attorney’s Office in Sarasota. In 2005, he began his career with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), serving as the agency’s general counsel and later promoted through the ranks as captain, major, and colonel before being elected as sheriff.
Pictured: From left to right: John Letteny, IACP Immediate Past President; Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman; Colonel Matthew Packard, General Chair of State & Provincial Police Division; and Jason LaRue, Associate Vice President, LexisNexis Coplogic Solutions.
Tervis, the nationally loved and family-owned drinkware company founded in 1946, recently added licensed sports and entertainment designs to its 16-ounce four-pack sets. Prior to this release, customers could only purchase four-packs in clear, solid colors, and floral artistic prints. The newly introduced licensed sports and entertainment designs available in four-pack sets include Harry PotterTM, Marvel, Spider-Man, Disney, Star WarsTM, PeanutsTM, Dr. SuessTM, NFL® and NBA. Customers can save up to 30 percent when purchasing a four-pack set versus purchasing individually, making these popular bundles the perfect gift. The four-pack sets will include the classic 16-ounce tumblers that offer double-walled insulated construction, keeping drinks hot or cold longer, while also reducing condensation and preventing rings left behind on the table. Strong, impact-resistant BPA-free material allows the cups to take a tumble without shattering, and each classic tumbler is proudly made in America and backed by a lifetime guarantee, allowing consumers to buy with confidence. These Tervis tumblers are microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe for no-worry convenience, and fit most cup holders. The newly introduced licensed sports and entertainment designs are now available online at Tervis.com and Tervis retail locations. To view the offerings, visit Tervis.com/bundles.
Pictured: Star Wars (TM) Cubed Collection four-pack. Photo courtesy of Tervis.
On Wednesday, November 15, Sarasota Memorial Hospital held a groundbreaking ceremony on the Sarasota campus marking the start of construction of a new Cancer Pavilion. It is the third premier facility in the expanding Jellison Cancer Institute. Sarasota Memorial’s vision to transform cancer care is quickly becoming a reality with new facilities, new services and a growing multi-disciplinary team of oncology specialists. Thousands of local cancer patients are now receiving the highest level of care, close to home, at SMH’s expansive Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute. "This is us continuing to bring hope home to Sarasota and our surrounding communities," shared Kelly Batista, Executive Director of Sarasota Memorial’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute. "It's so exciting that we're getting to break ground on the new Cancer Pavillion on the two-year anniversary to the day that we opened the oncology tower. I think it just shows the progress that Sarasota is making and the comitment to the brand new Jellison Cancer Institue." When the new Cancer Pavilion opens in late 2025, the 200,000-square-foot facility will support an entire continuum of cancer care — from prevention, screening and diagnosis to treatment, clinical trials, survivorship care and lifetime support – in our own community. It will offer a full array of outpatient services, including: A new and expanded breast health center with the latest mammography, ultrasound, stereotactic and nuclear medicine technology, outpatient surgery suites, advanced HDR brachytherapy, radiation oncology, infusion Center, diagnostic imaging suite, with latest CT and MRI technology, medical, surgical and radiation oncology physician practices, integrative care clinics and patient navigation and support.
PulteGroup, one of the nation’s most recognized and trusted brands in homebuilding for over 70 years, has closed on 724 acres for a second Del Webb community in Lakewood Ranch, the No. 1 best-selling, multi-generational community in the U.S. for five years running. Del Webb Catalina expands upon the success of Del Webb Lakewood Ranch, which sold out this year. Located on the Bourneside Blvd. extension, the new gated community will offer 1,300 single-family homes and attached villas and showcase the pioneering brand’s amenity-rich and robust lifestyle for active adults 55+. Del Webb Catalina will offer three collections of single-family home designs and villas in four-unit buildings nestled along intimate cul-de-sac streets with lake, preserve and wetland views. The community will offer a concentrated number of homesites situated along a 70-acre existing lake and smaller lakes woven throughout. Single-family home choices highlight Del Webb’s exclusive new GenYou floor plans created and tailored to active adults and their lifestyle. Whether they’re avid cooks dreaming of a gourmet kitchen, frequently entertain out-of-town guests and need an extra bedroom or two or looking to downsize while upgrading luxury, each floor plan is designed to reflect the homebuyer’s passions and preferences. All GenYou homes feature zero-entry showers, widened hallways, flowing open spaces and point-of-use storage, plus flexible options for expanding garages and elevating Florida’s outdoor lifestyle with extended lanais, open-air patios and adding sunrooms. As the center of Del Webb Catalina’s active, vacation-everyday lifestyle, the 15-acre lakefront amenity campus features a resort-inspired pool rivaling favorite holiday retreats, engaging recreation pursuits, and an expansive clubhouse designed as the hub of social connections and fitness, with a restaurant and bar, venues for gathering with friends, discovering new passions and participating in community’s many activities, clubs and events. Del Webb Catalina makes a healthy, active lifestyle easy with pickleball, tennis and bocce courts, fitness facilities and a network of trails and walking paths winding along the community’s lakes and preserves. It will also have a community garden, an event lawn and dog park. The new community also connects residents to Lakewood Ranch’s many amenities and the greater community with convenient access to performing arts, Gulf of Mexico beaches, destination shopping, restaurants, entertainment and healthcare. Lakewood offers 150 miles of trails, an 11,000-square-foot athletic center with lap and recreational pools, 18 clay tennis courts, seven golf clubs and 22 multipurpose sports fields. It also celebrates unique pastimes with nine world-class polo fields and a cricket club. Del Webb Catalina is close to Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch’s new 36-acre lakefront town center featuring restaurants, shops, beauty and wellness services and a Sunday farmer’s market. Also nearby are The Plaza and The Yard, popular spots for community events and gatherings, kayak rentals at The Marina on Kingfisher Lake and Waterside Park, an eight-acre island with walking paths and volleyball courts. Del Webb Catalina’s main gated entrance is located on Bourneside Boulevard and will offer additional entries along 44th Avenue East to the north and Rangeland Parkway on the southern boundary. The community is six miles from Interstate 75, 2.3 miles from state Route 70 and 2 miles from SR 64. For exclusive updates as Del Webb Catalina progresses, join the VIP Interest List at www.DelWebb.com/Catalina.
Sarasota Memorial Nursing & Rehabilitation Center was named among the nation’s best nursing homes for short- and long-term rehabilitation in U.S. News’ annual “Best Nursing Homes” ratings released this week. Since 2009, U.S. News has recognized the nation’s best nursing homes in every U.S. state and large metropolitan area to help prospective residents and their families make informed decisions about where to receive nursing home care. In the 2023-2024 report, less than 20% of more than 15,000 skilled-nursing facilities evaluated were recognized as “Best Nursing Homes” for “Short-Term Rehabilitation,” “Long-Term Care,” or both. Sarasota Memorial Nursing & Rehabilitation Center was recognized among an elite group of skilled nursing facilities that earned a “High Performing” rating, the highest possible achievement, for both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. The nursing homes were evaluated on patient and resident outcomes, such as infection rates; staffing levels; health inspection results and other indicators of quality. Located at 5640 Rand Blvd., Sarasota Memorial Nursing & Rehabilitation Center offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation for people recovering from surgery, injury or illness. Its multi-disciplinary team cares for approximately 100 residents around the clock, 365 days a year. “This award is a testament to the care and commitment of our entire staff, who work day in and day out to provide the highest level of care in the most comfortable and healing environment possible,” said Maria DeCarlo, vice president of Sarasota Memorial Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Services. To calculate the Best Nursing Homes ratings, U.S. News evaluated each nursing home’s performance using a variety of quality measures obtained from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (Sarasota Memorial Nursing & Rehabilitation Center has also earned CMS’ highest 5-star quality rating). The methodology factors in data such as data on resident care, safety, outcomes and other aspects of quality. Both short- and long-term ratings include data on nurse staffing, use of antipsychotic drugs and success in preventing ER and hospital visits. The long-term care rating also includes measures of whether a home changed ownership and how well they were staffed on weekends.
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has unanimously approved a motion to begin charging 100% of applicable impact fees. Those fees represent the one-time charge collected when new construction is completed in unincorporated areas of Manatee County. The motion to direct Development Services staff and the County Attorney to begin the process to increase the impact fee collection to 100% was made by District 4 Commissioner Mike Rahn. Manatee County collects impact fees to pay for multimodal transportation (including new roads), parks and natural resources, law enforcement and public safety equipment and libraries. Impact fees are restricted to funding growth-related capital improvements and may not be used for replacing infrastructure, maintenance or operations. Demand for County infrastructure capacity is increased with construction, so impact fees ensure that new development pays its fair share of the capital cost incurred by the County to maintain adopted Levels of Service to accommodate population and job growth. This marks the first time that the impact fees have been at the 100% threshold in over a decade. For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that all World War II Veterans are now eligible for no-cost VA inpatient and outpatient health care. Under this expansion, all WWII Veterans who served between December 7, 1941, and Dec. 31, 1946, are now eligible for VA health care, regardless of their length of service or financial status. These Veterans will not have to pay inpatient or outpatient copays, enrollment fees or monthly premiums. Veterans who enroll may also keep their private providers, Medicare and most other insurance to meet their health care needs. “Supporting our WW II Veterans, the Greatest Generation who bravely responded to the call, is an incredible privilege,” said Manatee County At-Large Commissioner Jason Bearden. “We wholeheartedly believe they deserve this well-earned benefit and so much more. Helping them receive it is a source of immense pride for us.” All WWII Veterans are encouraged to enroll in VA health care. “We are standing by to help these Veterans with the application process,” said Manatee County Veterans Services Manager Renee Medina. “The Manatee County Veterans Services Office is an important link in helping Veterans and their dependents obtain the earned benefits they so greatly deserve.” Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care are proven to have better health outcomes than non-enrolled Veterans, and VA hospitals have dramatically outperformed non-VA hospitals in overall quality ratings and patient satisfaction ratings. Veterans who were not approved for VA health care in the past due to income limits should apply again; income levels no longer apply due to this expansion. VA cannot automatically enroll these Veterans in health care; WWII Veterans must apply for VA health care if they are not currently enrolled. While World War II Veterans will no longer have to pay inpatient or outpatient copays, they may still have to pay modest medication or urgent care copayments in some cases, depending on their eligibility and service connection. To apply for VA health care, visit the VA health care enrollment website, call 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) or visit your nearest VA medical center or clinic. For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.
SRQ Magazine is calling home builders, architects, landscape architects and interior designers to submit their projects from the past year. The winning entries are awarded Home of the Year Platinum, Gold, and Silver Awards and the winning entries are published in the March 2024 awards edition of SRQ Magazine.
Celebrate 75 years of inspiring music all season long, and our Celebrate 75 special concert and gala experience will be the party to top them all. We invite you to support 75 more years, and beyond, of enriching lives through music by purchasing tickets to Celebrate 75. For access to the best seats and the full celebration, opt for a Gala ticket, which includes pre-concert cocktails and a gourmet dinner after the performance. Concert-only tickets are also available for purchase. The concert program, led by Creative Partner Peter Oundjian, captures all the euphoria of reaching this milestone in our history as Florida’s oldest continuously operating orchestra. After two stirring fanfares written by Aaron Copland and Joan Tower, legendary pianist Garrick Ohlsson joins Sarasota Orchestra for the monumental Piano Concerto No. 3 by Rachmaninoff. Paired with An American in Paris by Gershwin, a rhapsodic portrait of a stroll through the City of Lights, this one-night-only program promises to thrill. Gala begins at 6:00 pm, and concert begins at 7:00 pm. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, sarasotaorchestra.org.
Get inspired by two days of Big Ideas and Solutions at the ECOSummit as experts share insights and innovations for recharging our environment and reducing our impacts-crucial to sustaining our coastal community’s quality of life. Community storytellers will explore our environmental heritage as a touchstone for a resilient future. It’s a lively and entertaining two-day solutions-oriented experience with lectures, panel discussions, storytelling, and music. Award-winning Americana songwriter Karen Jonas and her band will weave dazzling threads of their dreamy Alt-Country music through the tapestry of stories over two days. Networking coffee breaks, lunches, lunchtime wellness and guided walks, and professional continuing education credits all included. The summit will take place from December 5-6 at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. For more information, visit scienceandenvironment.org.
Sarah Wertheimer, the executive director of Embracing Our Differences, recently announced that the organization will be staging its final exhibit of EOD’s 20th anniversary season at Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, October 21-November 26. “Embracing Kindness” will showcase 14 artworks and accompanying quotations selected from exhibits from the past 20 years. This free exhibit will be located on the Museum’s Great Lawn at 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information, visit EmbracingOurDifferences.org.
Attention all business professionals, join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event at Panera Bread at the UTC Mall every Friday. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Limited spots available, so register now on Eventbrite. Panera Bread, 215 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.
Attention all business professionals. Join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event every Tuesday at Out and About Coffee in downtown Sarasota. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Limited spots available, so register now on Eventbrite. O and A Coffee Supply, 1316 Main St., Sarasota.
This monthly gathering of car enthusiasts brings together automobile lovers from every walk of life, not to mention a wide array of spectacular cars. Bring your own vehicle (all makes and models are welcome) to show off, or check out the hundreds of cars on display. Each month, the event sponsors a different charity, and attendees are encouraged to donate $10 to benefit the charity. The event, occuring on the second Sunday of each month, will feature live music, complimentary coffee and more. To learn more, visit facebook.com/carsandcoffee941. Sarasota Cars and Coffee, The West District at University Town Center near Ford’s Garage, 295 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota.
Kick off the holiday season by participating in the 47th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run at Siesta Beach, on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 8am. Register by Nov. 17 to guarantee the best price, along with receiving a long-sleeve performance event shirt and runner swag. For more information, or to register, visit runsignup.com/47thannualsandyclawsbeachrun.
The world’s most famous brass quintet, Canadian Brass is bringing their wildly popular holiday concert to Sarasota’s Opera House on Monday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m., performing festive favorites, from Carol of the Bells to A Charlie Brown Christmas, swinging Glenn Miller tunes, and more. Celebrating 50 years of success, Single tickets start at $35 and can be purchased online at SCAsarasota.org, or through the box office at (941) 966-6161. The box office is open Monday through Friday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Three-concert mini-subscriptions and group discounts for groups of 10 or more are available by calling (941) 966-6161.
The Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota will open its 2023-2024 season with Holiday Gems on December 5, 2023 at 7:30pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota located at 2050 Oak Street. The annual holiday program, conducted by music director Robert Vodnoy, includes music by Debussy, Vivaldi, Mahler, and Tchaikovsky, plus holiday favorites. Featured soloists include harpist Giuseppina Ciarla and mandolinist Rafael Ramirez. Tickets are $39 for adults and $5 for students. A series ticket for all three orchestral concerts is priced at $105, and includes an invitation to a pre-concert reception. More information and tickets are available online at www.chamberorchestrasarasota.org, or call 219-928-8665.
The second installment of this season’s Hermitage Sunsets at Selby Gardens series will take place on Thursday, November 30th at 5pm at Selby Gardens Historic Spanish Point campus with a panel discussion featuring Hermitage National Curatorial Council member Nataki Garrett, Tony and Olivier Award-winning producer Tom Kirdahy, and President of the Manasota Chapter of ASALH David Wilkins. Registration is required at HermitageArtistRetreat.org, $5/person registration fee.
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources invites children ages 12 and under and their families to the free Breakfast with Santa event, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 16. Enjoy breakfast, holiday music, and a visit by Santa in person at Laurel Park and at Newtown Estates Park. Pre-registration is required to attend this event. Register children ages 12 and under online before Friday, Dec. 8, or until the event is full. Unwrapped toy donations for children ages 12 and under are being accepted through Monday, Dec. 11 at Sarasota County parks, events, fire stations and library locations throughout the county. For more information, or to register, visit scgov.net.
Grammy-nominated and internationally acclaimed Liverpool Legends will be at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 8pm. Liverpool Legends are four talented musicians and actors, handpicked by Louise Harrison – sister of George Harrison. This one-of-a-kind Beatles show is narrated by Louise and will feature special guests Robyn Bell and members of The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota. Robyn has directed The Pops Orchestra for over a decade. Liverpool Legends perform songs spanning the entire career of The Beatles. With precise attention to every musical detail, along with costume changes, vintage instruments and special effects, Liverpool Legends will make you feel like you are watching the real thing! This show will be a special celebration commemorating Louise Harrison’s life and contribution to The Beatles. Louise was living in America in 1963 and she was instrumental in promoting The Beatles in their early days. Not many people know that Louise was a resident of Sarasota, spending her final years there before she passed in January of this year. For more information, visit vanwezel.org.
Realize Bradenton is happy to announce the return of the Bradenton Market to its weekly schedule. This beloved community gathering will be held Saturdays through May 25, 2024 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm on Old Main Street in Bradenton. Founded in 1979, the Market has expanded to include more than 90 local vendors. In addition to the weekly shopping and music, the Market hosts special event days throughout the season. Halloween at the Market will be held on Saturday, October 28. This family-friendly event includes trick or treating with vendors, face painting with Manatee School for the Arts Academic Team from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, and a dance performance by Slick Motion Studios at 10:00 am. For more information, visit RealizeBradenton.com.
Wellen Park is hosting a variety of musical genres and musicians throughout each week. Wellen Wednesdays and Thursday Tunes will feature various local bands every week under the Heritage Tree from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday Night Live will host a live band on the Solis Hall stage overlooking the Great Lawn from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday Sounds will feature music on the first, second and fourth Saturday of the month under the Heritage Tree from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday Groove will feature music under Heritage Tree from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors are invited to bask in the captivating scenery and waterfront vibe by bringing their own lawn chairs or blankets for maximum comfort. These upcoming musical gatherings offer an open-door policy, requiring no prior RSVP for attendance. Guests can participate in Wellen Park’s Sip and Stroll program by purchasing to-go alcoholic beverages from Downtown Wellen food and beverage merchants. For more information, visit wellenpark.com.
Connect with local business owners at every Thursday at Oscura. Lets Connect is a community of collaborative business professionals from the Manatee and Sarasota County areas. RSVP on Eventbrite to attend, admission is free.
Calling all Jeep Enthusiasts! The Sarasota Hooters location is hosting Jeep Night on the third Thursday of the month starting at 6pm. Hooters is giving away raffle prizes during the monthly events. The September 21 raffle prize is a Flashcal For Jeep Superchips Calibration Tool. Congratulations to Shawn Miller who won a Jeep Tow Kit during the August 17 Jeep Night. Upcoming Jeep Nights will take place on December 21. Hooters of Sarasota is located at 6507 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Visit Hooters during Jeep Night and present your Jeep key for 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages and an entry for the giveaway. Jeep Night has become a favorite thing to do for the Sarasota community. From regular customers to Hooters Girls who own Jeeps and Jeep lovers everyone is enjoying this opportunity. For more information, visit www.HootersFlorida.com.
The 2024 Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival, hosted by the Sarasota Manatee Originals, will take place January 25 to 29. Grand Tasting tickets go on sale in October. A full five day slate of food and wine themed fun is planned, including the University Master Classes, wine dinners at area restaurants, wine shop tasting events, a trade tasting and the much anticipated Grand Tasting at The Ringling Museum of Art. Due to the unprecedented demand for tickets, ticket sales for The Grand Tasting launch on two consecutive Tuesdays: On October 10 at 9 a.m. there is a presale of the VIP and Early Access tickets and on October 17 at 7 p.m. General Admission tickets will be available and historically have sold out in a matter of minutes. All Forks and Corks Grand Tasting tickets will be available online only. For more information, please visit www.eatlikealocal.com.
Key Chorale and The Sarasota Ballet Studio Ballet Company will partner once again for Wintertide on Sunday, November 26th at 4pm at the Sarasota Opera House. Wintertide blends Spanish, Mexican and Puerto Rican carols in Conrad Susas Carols and Lullabies with John Rutters chilly choral cycle When Icicles Hang. Key Chorale and The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company entwine dance and music for this unique program celebrating the blue nights of winter and the magic of the season. Imagine the stage of the Sarasota Opera House filled with more than 30 dancers, 100 singers, orchestra, and soloists for this exciting collaboration. To purchase tickets to Wintertide or a Compose your Own concert series, visit keychorale.org or call 941-552-8768 to reserve the best seats. Pricing varies from $20-$55, with college students just $10 and students under 18 free.
Starting the week of Oct. 15, a dynamic lineup of weekly fitness activities for the community will begin. Groups will meet in Downtown Wellen, in front of Kind Vibes Outfitters. Yoga and Zumba classes meet on the Great Lawn. Walking Group Meet-Up, every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Cycling Group Meet-Up, every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. Running Group Meet-Up, every Monday at 6 p.m. Yoga, every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Zumba, every Monday from 8 to 9 a.m. For more information, visit wellepark.com.
Duvals Fresh. Local. Seafood. is offering a Thanksgiving meal on November 23rd from 11am-8pm. The menu includes turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, Chefs Signature stuffing, green beans and carrots, sweet potato casserole, and cranberry sauce. The meal is served with a house salad, cornbread, rolls, and a choice of pumpkin or key lime pie for $49 per person. A children’s portion is available for $29 for children under 12. The Thanksgiving menu is the exclusive menu at Duval’s for the day meaning their regular menu will not be available. For guests who would like something different, Duval’s offers three other options on Thanksgiving: Pan-Roasted Gulf Fish, Loaded Seafood Alfredo, or a Grilled 6oz Filet. Reservations are limited, visit duvalsfreshlocalseafood.com.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to bring Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience to Sarasota on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. The music never stops in Johnny Cash – The Official Concert Experience. Produced in collaboration with the Estate of Johnny Cash, this multi-media celebration is like nothing you’ve seen before. Using state-of-the-art technology, Johnny Cash’s rich, iconic baritone has been lifted from archival concert footage and recordings, enabling the “Man in Black'' to perform his biggest hits – “I Walk the Line,” “Ring of Fire” – with a live band again! In addition to never-before-seen footage and on-screen narration by Cash’s only son, John Carter Cash, male and female vocalists will split singing duties to perform even more Cash hits, as well as tunes by artists of the time including The Statler Brothers, Carl Perkins and June Carter Cash. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is gearing up for the holidays, ready to celebrate the season with its holiday production and Christmas card to the community, Joyful! Joyful! Theater fans of all ages and religious backgrounds are invited to celebrate the season with high-spirited, uplifting songs as only WBTT’s singers, dancers and musicians can perform them. The show runs from November 29-December 30, 2023. The original musical revue – created, adapted and directed by WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and performed for the first time in 2021-features a blend of new takes on traditional holiday tunes, gospel-infused classics and pop songs. The show will include Joy to the World, an O’Jays-inspired take on Carol of the Bells, a gospel-infused rendition of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, African Drummer Boy and many more. For more information, visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.
Florida Studio Theatre presents Take it to the Limit, a high-energy tribute to the rebel musicians of the 1970s who helped bring Rock and Roll back to its Southern roots. Created by Richard Hopkins, Rebecca Hopkins, and Sarah Durham with Musical Arrangements by Jim Prosser, this all-new Cabaret features such songs as When Will I Be Loved, Ramblin Man, Landslide, and Hotel California. Take it to the Limit begins playing November 29 in FSTs Goldstein Cabaret. Tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941-366-9000.
Join The Bishop and special guest, Derek Demeter, Executive-Secretary for the International Planetarium Society, for a screening of Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries during Stelliferous on Wednesday, November 29, at 6:30pm! Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries is a story of the people and places who make big astronomy and big science happen. This 30-minute award-winning planetarium show highlights the diverse people who enable discoveries at world-class observatories in Chile. Following the film, Derek will host a Q and A and share his experience visiting the observatories featured in the show. For more information, visit bishopscience.org.
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota is thrilled to present The Queens Six on December 17, 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Sarasota. Direct from Windsor Castle where they perform chapel choir duties and sing regularly for the royal family, this program includes austere early chant, florid Renaissance polyphony, bawdy madrigals, haunting folk songs, upbeat jazz and pop arrangements, and seasonal favorites in the incomparable British tradition. A meet and greet with the musicians will follow the concert. For tickets and more information, visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or call 941-306-1202.
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