As temperatures rise and the population further retreats into the cool confines of air-conditioned interiors, John Sarkozy of the American Littoral Society paddles round to remind them of what they’re missing. As ranking member of the local ALS chapter, Sarkozy leads kayak tours and trips year-round throughout Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, gliding through the waterways and exploring the beauty of the natural world from a watery perspective, but this month he kicks the operation into overdrive, leading an outing nearly every two or three days. What’s the rush? “I enjoy taking people out,” he says, “and showing them what’s left.”

An offshoot of the parent organization located in Sandy Hook, NJ, the Sarasota Bay chapter of ALS dedicates itself to restoring the region’s coastal habitats and educating the public about the bay and all it has to offer. These days, that consists largely of taking folks out on the water to have the experience firsthand. Open to members and non-members, a quick phone call to Sarkozy secures a spot on an upcoming trip, which usually maxes out at around 15 people. Skill levels vary, and all equipment is provided by ALS. Each trip departs around 8:30am, with an estimated return time of 11:30am.

Out on the water, the route varies by day and tide, but common starting points include Caspersen Beach and Little Sarasota Bay, with some favorite destinations such as Palmer Point Beach, Lemon Bay and Snook Haven. Sarkozy provides as much information or as little as the group desires, whether in the mood to hear all he has to offer about the local flora and fauna, or just soak up the natural world with only birdsong as backdrop. Manatees, dolphins, shorebirds and more can be spotted, as well as mangroves and coastal forests. Once at the destination, it’s time for a break—some swim, some hike, some sit—and maybe a snack or two, before striking back out on the water.

Some of these routes are the last bastions of Old Florida in all its original splendor, says Sarkozy, and even then, some have more seawalls, marinas and “McMansions” than others. Sarkozy’s been in Sarasota since 1974, “so I’ve seen the change,” he says. But he’s also seen the people of Sarasota and Manatee counties vote to preserve the natural world, and several of the trips he leads take advantage of these parks and preserves. Maybe after a trip to the mangroves, they’ll remember why. “They’ll vote their hearts,” he says, “and preserve what’s left.”

To reach the Sarasota Bay Chapter of the American Littoral Society and view a schedule of upcoming kayak trips, visit the website below. 

American Littoral Society - Sarasota

A locally-owned coffee shop with a drive-thru window is quite the rarity; perched beside Saltwater Cafe, Coffee Breeze challenges the norm with its warm ambience and cordiality, and sets itself apart from chains like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts that usually take the cake within the convenience department. Satisfy both your sweet tooth and caffeine cravings with a whirlwind of the finest brews, from bold espresso and spiced chai lattes, to a plethora of teas, treats and richly blended drinks flavored with pistachio, horchata, s’mores and more.

Beyond the enticing showcase displaying decadent cupcakes, croissants, bear claws and other pastries, perhaps what captures the eye is the peculiar selection of coffee syrups.  In addition to classics such as vanilla, hazelnut, caramel and coconut, customers can choose from marshmallow, raspberry, strawberry, wildberry and lavender. With these funky flavors have come innovative concoctions such as the upside-down lavender vanilla iced latte. Beneath a bed of velvety espresso ooze layers of lavender and vanilla, delivering earthy and indulgent notes–all made complete with a splash of milk for added smoothness.

Coffee Breeze accommodates its gluten-free and vegan guests with several delicacies, including superfood cheesecakes and the vegan mocha macchiato. Get comfy during your visit at Coffee Breeze with one of the many savory sandwiches and pressed paninis. Opt for this hotspot for your next java stop when unwinding with a friend, making yourselves right at home on one of the many plush couches, or along your morning commute without stepping foot beyond your vehicle. 

Pictured: Upside-down Lavender Vanilla Iced Latte

Coffee Breeze, 997 North Tamiami Trl. Unit a, Nokomis, 941-480-0140.

Key Chorale has announced its upcoming 34th season. The season will celebrate Key Chorale’s tradition of creating professional quality collaborative musical events that embrace the community through a series of partnerships, beginning with Misatango with Sarasota Ballet’s Studio Company, choreographed by guest artist Elizabeth Bergmann, and Honoring Heroes, a community-centric choral festival that will honor local first responders through documentaries created by interns from Ringling College of Art and Design. The collaborative spirit continues with a presentation of Mendelssohn’s Elijah, a partnership with JFCS of the Suncoast; Cirque des Voix, Key Chorale’s dynamic collaboration with the Circus Arts Conservatory; and finally the 6th annual Tomorrow’s Voices Today festival concert with Sarasota County high school choirs. In addition, the Key Chorale Chamber Singers will present two concerts: “American Roots: Digging Deeper,” a further exploration of the American choral tradition with a five-piece bluegrass band, and “Fauré’s Requiem,” presented alongside some of Benjamin Britten’s most beloved choral works. 

Key Chorale

Embracing Our Differences has announced the appointment of Sarah Wertheimer as the organization’s new executive director. Wertheimer served as Embracing Our Differences’ associate executive director since 2014. In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, policies and strategic plan of the organization. Wertheimer will also coordinate fundraising and community relations campaigns. Michael Shelton, the organization’s former executive director, announced his retirement in February. Before this role, Wertheimer served as director of development at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and, before that, as development coordinator at Children First. Wertheimer is a board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and a volunteer and event chair for Planned Parenthood of Southwest & Central Florida, Children First and the American Cancer Society. In 2017, she was selected by SRQ Magazine as one of Sarasota's "30 Under 30." 

Embracing Our DIfferences

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida has announced that its board of directors has approved a change to its official mission statement. The new mission statement is now “Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida connects older adults and adults with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity.”  The statement was crafted by AAASWFL staff after several months of assessment and review. The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization serving Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Sarasota Counties.  AAASWFL is the state’s designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for Southwest Florida. In 2017, AAASWFL assisted more than 33,000 older adults, caregivers and others in Southwest Florida through its programs and services, including the Elder Helpline, SHINE Medicare counseling, and health and wellness workshops. 

Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida