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SRQ DAILY Jun 8, 2023

Thursday Family and Recreation Edition

Thursday Family and Recreation Edition

"The cultural arts industry plays a pivotal role in our region's economic health and serves as a magnet for tourism"

- Karen Koblenz, Executive Director and CEO, The Exchange.
 

[Baseball]  The FCL Orioles Begin Play at Ed Smith Stadium
Dylan Campbell, dylan@srqme.com

As the days grow longer, the weather hotter, and the thunderstorms more frequent, one constant remains in the Gulf Coast: baseball. Monday, June 5 marked Opening Day for the rookie-level Florida Complex League–the starting point for prospects looking to make it to the big leagues for half of the organizations in Major League Baseball. The FCL is home to three divisions–East, North and South–the last of which includes the FCL Orioles, who play their home games at Sarasota’s Ed Smith Stadium.

Players to watch on the FCL Orioles include outfielder Braylin Tavera, the Orioles 23rd ranked prospect according to mlb.com, shortstop Maikol Hernandez, the organization’s 25th ranked prospect and 26th best prospect, fellow shortstop Leandro Arias. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the FCL Orioles is the potential and sheer talent of the players on the field–Baltimore’s farm system is currently rated as the top player development system in all of baseball, meaning that in just a few short years, fans could be seeing players like Tavera, Hernandez and Arias up in Baltimore at Camden Yards.

Additionally, there is no cost to attend FCL Orioles home games at Ed Smith stadium. While concessions will be closed, free parking is readily available to all who wish to attend. The FCL Orioles are scheduled to play 28 home games between June 5 and August 22, which will be scheduled to start at 12 pm Monday-Friday and 10am on Saturdays, with potential playoffs from August 25-27. 

Pictured: Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. Photo courtesy of Florida Pro Baseball.

To learn more, visit

[Holiday Event]  NBP Fireworks on the Lake 2023

Fireworks, food and family-friendly fun are in store at the annual NBP Fireworks on the Lake Driven By Lamborghini Sarasota, returning to Nathan Benderson Park on July 3. This year’s patriotic party will include live entertainment; a 5K run/walk; the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Kid Zone; food and refreshments for purchase; local vendors; and a spectacular 15-minute fireworks show that will light up the sky around 9:00 p.m. above Nathan Benderson Park Lake. Those who prefer to watch the show from home can tune in to WWSB ABC 7 on Tuesday, July 4 for a recorded Independence Day special starting at 9 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music by popular regional band Kettle of Fish from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. on the main stage on Regatta Island. The blues, soul and funk band has headlined numerous music festivals and is regarded as one of the hottest live acts in Southwest Florida. All evening long, families can stop by the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Kid Zone, complete with kid-friendly inflatables, face painters, crafts and more. Adding to the festivities, runners and walkers alike will enjoy the annual Publix Fireworks 5K On The Lake, a partnership of the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy and Fit2Run, The Runners Superstore. The 3.1-mile race will start at 7:00 p.m. and wind around the park’s Bill Robinson Lakeside Loop. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the fireworks show will begin just after 9 p.m. The event is free with paid parking. Tickets for parking are $30 per car on Regatta Island, $20 per car in the park’s south lot, and $50 for recreational vehicles. Limited tickets are also available for a VIP viewing experience at the Finish Tower for $75 per person. Tickets are on sale now at https://fireworksonthelake.com/ 

[Scholarships]  UnidosNow Celebrates First-Generation Students at its Future Leaders Academies Graduation

More than 50 young participants in UnidosNow’s Future Leaders Academies program were acknowledged for their academic successes on May 25 at the Harvest House’s Life Enrichment Campus in Sarasota. During the event, UnidosNow Executive Director Cintia Elenstar announced that of the group, 15 high school seniors achieved 100 percent college acceptance and collectively earned approximately $4.5 million college scholarships and grants. The graduates will attend MIT, Wake Forest, University of Portland, UF, New College, USF, Ringling College of Art, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, among other schools. The Future Leaders Academy (FLA) is a rigorous year-round program offered primarily to low-income, first-generation Latinx high school students and their families in Sarasota and Manatee counties.  

Pictured: Future Leaders Academy senior Maria Prisila E. and her parents. She will be attending New College of Florida.

[Mascot]  New Student-designed Mascot Unveiled at New College of Florida

New College of Florida recently unveiled its new mascot, the “Mighty Banyan.” The mascot, is a fierce-looking, flexing banyan tree, based on a design by first-year student Anna Lazzara. As the college progresses toward being the best liberal arts college in the country, a student-designed mascot, inspired by the many banyan trees on campus, will be the new face of the college. The banyan tree is known for its aerial roots, which sprout from branches and eventually reach the soil, and its ability to live for centuries. They are also considered the world’s biggest trees in terms of the area they cover. In a way, the entanglements of the roots and branches all under the vast canopy echoes the interweaving of the past, present, and the future. “When I heard the news that the college was seeking a new mascot, I began to think about what the New College spirit means to me,” said Lazzara. “After much thought, I realized that the New College spirit is the combination of a supportive community and a stunning natural landscape. Both of these things, I believe, are perfectly represented in the form of a mighty Banyan tree.” 

Pictured: New College Interim President Richard Corcoran with Anna Lazzara. Photo courtesy of New College of Florida.

[Day Camp]  Manatee 4-H Animal Science Camp

Manatee County 4-H is hosting an Animal Science Day Camp the week of June 26th through June 30th. The camp will run daily from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. The earliest drop-off time is 8:30 am. This camp is for youth 12-15 years old and is limited to 20 participants. The cost is $250 per week. There are scholarships available in which case you should email aldraper@ufl.edu. All campers are required to fill a participation form before attendance. The link for this form and where to sign up is at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4-h-animal-science-camp-tickets-641503282587. For youth who are considering a career in the animal industry or veterinary medicine, our Animal Science Camp offers a unique opportunity to participate in hands-on labs, gain animal handling experience, visit local farms and animal care facilities, and interact with local farmers, veterinarians, and professionals working in animal science. Participants will practice hands on activities including animal handling, dissections, taking vitals, reading medication labels, giving injections, and fecal floats. Educational topics will include animal behavior, husbandry, nutrition, disease transmission and prevention, and more. Throughout the week participants will also travel to various field trip locations to speak directly with local farmers, veterinarians, and professionals in animal science. Participants will learn about the following veterinary categories: small animals, exotic animals, equine, livestock, and shelter medicine. Please contact Alexandra Draper at (941)722-4524 ext. 1844 or email at aldraper@ufl.edu to learn more.  

[Grants]  The Exchange To Award $500,000 to Local Arts Groups and Students

The Exchange (formerly the Woman’s Exchange) announced that it will award $500,000 to 24 regionally based arts and cultural organizations and 14 high school and college students. Additionally, five organizations are recipients of the new Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education grant. The awards will be given at an invitation-only event at The Exchange on June 8, 5 to 6:30 p.m. (Media is invited to cover this event.) Karen Koblenz, The Exchange’s executive director and CEO, explains that the new Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education Grants Program is intended to “encourage local art organizations and educators to work collaboratively to design and develop artistically creative and innovative projects involving the visual and performing arts benefiting students grades K-12.” Grants may include curriculum-based residencies, workshops, arts-related day trips, assemblies/performances and out-of-school experiences. Elizabeth (“Liz”) Lindsay was the co-founder of The Exchange and a long-time pillar in Sarasota's art community before her death in 2022. Koblenz points out that the organizational grants are for specific projects and outreach programs, including performances, exhibitions, education initiatives and special series. She explains that The Exchange’s board bases its granting decisions on the long-term stability and financial health of the organizations, the program’s overall appeal to the public and the impact these programs will have on the surrounding community. Individual scholarships are awarded based on grade point averages, the individual’s artistic goals and achievements, and letters of recommendation.

“We’re honored to play an integral role in our region’s rich arts and cultural industry,” says Koblenz. “These funds are game-changing for our grantees, who often credit The Exchange for supporting pivotal moments in their success.” Koblenz adds that The Exchange is especially interested in programs that promote a vibrant and engaged community. “The cultural arts industry plays a pivotal role in our region’s economic health and serves as a magnet for tourism. We’re proud to invest in our home-grown creative talents.” She adds that the monies used for these grants and scholarships were earned entirely through the organization’s 15,000-square-foot consignment boutique in downtown Sarasota. Since 1962, The Exchange has awarded more than $9 million in grants to local non-profits and high school and college students pursuing a higher education in the arts. 

Pictured: The cast of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s production, Big Sexy The Fats Waller Revue, a grant recipient from The Exchange.



[SOON]  FILM: Summer Movie Nights at CoolToday Park featuring Shazam, Fury of the Gods , June 4 – July 30, 5pm
Summer movie nights are back at CoolToday Park. Shazam, Fury of the Gods will be shown on the scoreboard and will begin at 5pm each night. Children ages 3 and under will receive free admission, while tickets for ages 4-9 are only $3, and ages 10 and up are $7. Tickets are available now at the CoolToday Park box office, online at cooltodaypark.com/movies or by calling 941-413-5004. Parking is free, seats will be available in the seating bowl. No outside food or beverages are chairs are allowed inside the stadium. The Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar and Grill will be open for full dinner service. For more information on the 2023 Movie Nights, or CoolToday Park, visit www.cooltodaypark.com , email springtraining@braves.com, or call 941-413-5000.
[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Sarasota Music Festival , June 5 – June 24, Various times

The Sarasota Music Festival returns for the 2023 Festival season, centering around a special theme that ties together the 12 concerts highlighting the power of storytelling through music. Student fellows, who come from top conservatories and music schools, are afforded the opportunity to perform alongside world-renowned faculty artists on Friday and Saturday evening concert programs. The three-week Festival runs from June 5 to 24 and features a schedule of 12 different concerts, as well as a wide range of masterclasses, coaching sessions, and rehearsals. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.sarasotaorchestra.org/festival.

[SOON]  GALA: Dog Prom , June 8, 5-9pm
The Humane Society of Manatee County is proud to partner with Bayside Pet Resort for the first annual Dog Prom on Thursday, June 8 from 5-9 pm. This pet-friendly event will allow guests to dance their tails off while enjoying light food, photo opportunities, games, raffle prizes, a Bone Bar, and more. Guests will also have the chance to meet adoptable dogs from the Humane Society of Manatee County and vote on who receives the title of Prom King and Queen. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting the events calendar at www.humanemanatee.org. Each $25 ticket includes general admission, light food, a wag bag filled with goodies, and two raffle tickets. Recommended dress attire is formal for both humans and dogs, so bring out your bowties and dresses for paw-some photos and a fashion show! For those who plan to bring their furry friend, updated vaccine records are required for entry. To learn more or purchase tickets, please visit www.humanemanatee.org or contact Samantha Harris, Event Coordinator, at 941-747-8808 ext. 315 or events@humanesocietymanatee.org. Dog Prom, Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton, 1014 Ninth St. West.
[SOON]  FILM: Cinema at The Bay featuring The Notebook , June 8, 8pm
Join us for a free movie at The Bay Park. Bring your blankets, chairs, family, and friends to enjoy a wonderful evening under the stars. The Nest, the new concession at The Bay, will be selling tasty food and beverages along with Nakos Tacos Food Truck to make the evening a legit and fun movie-going experience for all. In The Notebook, a poor yet passionate young man falls in love with a rich young woman, giving her a sense of freedom. However, social differences soon get in the way.The Bay Park, The Oval at The Bay, 1055 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota, thebaysarasota.org.
[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Conservation Foundation Trivia Nights , June 9 – August 11, 5 to 8 p.m.

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is excited to announce a monthly trivia series this summer at their Bay Preserve headquarters in Osprey on June 9, July 14 and August 11. The free community events will take place from 5pm to 8pm with trivia beginning at 6pm. Each month a different food truck duo will be onsite offering a variety of tasty options the whole family can enjoy. The public is invited to come watch, play, or simply enjoy nature and food with family and friends. Each monthly event will have a different theme with a variety of questions covering categories ranging from movies and music to science and nature. Teams can have up to eight members and multi-generational teams are encouraged. The winning team for each individual monthly event will receive a prize package in recognition of their win. Points will also be accumulated across the series, with the overall winning team receiving their choice of a private, guided hike or kayak trip for up to ten people. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to sit upon for this outdoor, picnic-style gathering. In the event of rain, the trivia component will be moved to an area under cover. Learn more and RSVP at conservationfoundation.com/events. Conservation Foundation, 400 Palmetto Ave., Osprey.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The Summer Circus Spectacular , June 9 – August 12, Various times

Circus fans of all ages, from near and far, can beat the heat this summer at reasonable prices while experiencing the best of the circus arts, thanks to the continued partnership of The Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling. The Summer Circus Spectacular returns this year, with exciting acts signed on for the one-hour, action-packed show. The 2023 Summer Circus Spectacular, which has become a seasonal highlight for locals, visitors, families and groups alike, takes place from June 9 through August 12. Tickets are $20 for adults, $13 for children 12 and under, and tickets for the 7 p.m. opening night performance and celebration on Friday, June 9, which includes a gala reception with the artists, are $50. To complete their circus experience, Summer Circus Spectacular patrons can enjoy access to the Circus Museum on the day they attend a show for an additional $5. Visit Ringling.org or call the Box Office at 941-360-7399 to purchase tickets and learn more. The Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  DANCE: Saltare Mortis In Studio Series at Sarasota Contemporary Dance , June 9 – July 17, 7pm
At the Saltare Mortis In-Studio Series, come take a glimpse into our lives as detectives as we attempt to solve a mystery in a town where crime is next to none. Though detectives in training, we have many tools up our sleeve to help us solve the mystery. But we could use your help. Put your detective skills to the test to help us unmask the criminal. You never know what surprises we will run into along the way. Shows will run in person on June 9 and 10 and July 14 with virtual options on June 19 and July 17. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sarasotacontemporarydance.org.
[SOON]  THEATER: Urbanite Theatre: That Must Be The Entrance To Heaven , June 9 – July 9

THAT MUST BE THE ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN by Franky D. Gonzalez. A World Premiere. June 9 - July 9, 2023. Urbanite Theatre. Glory. Survival. Legacy. Citizenship. Four Latino boxers all chase a world title to achieve their personal versions of heaven. But to get there, they must battle each other, their own battered bodies, and the universe itself. All four men walk the line between life and death in this poignant, poetic collision of combat and cosmos. For tickets and info contact - phone (941) 321-1397, email info@urbanitetheatre.com, website www.urbanitetheatre.com.

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 2nd Street Sarasota FL, 34236

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The Surfer Boys at Florida Studio Theatre , June 13 – August 13, Various times

Florida Studio Theatre kicks off its Summer Cabaret Series with The Surfer Boys,an energetic tribute to the music of The Beach Boys. Featuring such hits as California Girls, Good Vibrations, Barbara Ann, and Surfin USA, The Surfer Boys is filled with the honey-tinged harmonies and unforgettable melodies that defined 1960s California and pop music. The Surfer Boys begins playing June 13 in the FST Goldstein Cabaret. Tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Van Wezel Friday Fest featuring Kettle of Fish , June 16, 5-9pm
Friday Fest, the free, outdoor summertime concert series at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall returns this year with an exciting lineup of bands who will bring the audience to their feet! The events run from 5-9 p.m. and are located on the lawn of the Van Wezel. Opening the Friday Fest series on June 16 is returning favorite, Kettle of Fish. Kettle of Fish plays festival music that features blues, soul, and funk with the energy of rock n roll. They make old songs new again, and their originals sound like classics. Kettle of Fish is one of the hottest live acts in southwest Florida, headlining to thousands, and opening for such acts as Eddie Money, Marshall Tucker, Elvin Bishop, Dickey Betts, and many more. Bring blankets or lawn chairs, take in the music and the sunset, and enjoy food and beverage from local vendors. Bringing in food, beverages and coolers from outside Friday Fest is prohibited. For additional information, visit VanWezel.org.
[SOON]  FOOD: Cheese 101 at Artisan Cheese Co. , June 15, 6pm
In Cheese 101, we take you through over eight cheeses and two wines. There will be a little bit of milk science, cheesemaker stories, and a lot of fun. From fresh to blue, we will introduce you to our most favorite pairings and wine to complement the cheese. Space is limited to 16 people, reserved in advance either by phone, or at the shop. The cheese classes are taught by our trained and enthusiastic cheese mongers. Visit artisancheesecompany.com to purchase tickets. Artisan Cheese Co., 550 Central Ave., Sarasota.
[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Bishop After Dark, Love and Lights, a Celebration of Inclusion , June 15, 6 to 10 pm
This month join The Bishop as Bishop After Dark features Love and Lights, A Celebration of Inclusion. Come spread the love with us on Thursday, June 15th. Join us for delicious bites from local LGBTQ-owned businesses while sipping local craft beer and wine for purchase with cash or card. You will be welcomed with a fabulous specialty cocktail before enjoying not one, but two Laser Light shows featuring music artists Lady Gaga and Lizzo. Bring the one you love and your singing voice, as it is time to show our pride. Tickets are $40. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton, bishopscience.org.
[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Think and Drink Science at The Bishop, Burrowing Owls, Uncovering the Secrets of Their Natural Lives , June 14, 6:30 to 8:30pm
Join us for a Special Edition of think and drink, science featuring guest speaker Dr. Raoul Boughton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Rangeland Scientist-Wildlife. Presented by Mosaic Company. The Florida Burrowing Owl, is one of a few bird species to excavate its burrows, using them to protect their nests and young and to escape predators and the midday sun. Join Dr. Boughton as he discusses the biology and conservation of this State Threatened species and research that is being done to uncover their secret nocturnal lives. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton, bishopscience.org.
[SOON]  BUSINESS: Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps SCORE Workshop , June 14, 12pm
Showing up when customers are searching online is more important than ever. Ensure customers can find accurate, updated information about your local business on Google Search and Google Maps, no matter which device they use. In this workshop, you will learn how to create and manage a Google Business Profile from start to finish. In this session we will show you how to create or claim your Google Business Profile, manage your business info across Google Search and Maps and use your Business Profile to connect with potential customers. Visit score.org to register.
[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Silver Pride at Project Pride SRQ , June 10, 12-5pm
Project Pride SRQ and Senior Friendship Centers will present the first-ever Silver Pride to celebrate the community of LGBTQ individuals aged 50 and better on June 10 from 12-5 p.m. The free event will feature live music, local vendors, food trucks, all day raffle drawings and more from community partners. All are welcome. Senior Friendship Center Sarasota campus at 1888 Brother Greene Way, Sarasota, https://www.ppsrq.org/.
[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Comedy Lottery at Florida Studio Theatre Improv , June 3 – July 29, 7:30pm
It is the lottery where everyone wins. Twelve lucky audience members determine the fate of our team by selecting the nightly lineup of games. Our cast of funny people are off to the races spinning scenes, sketches, and songs to win your laughter. Bownes Lab, 1265 First St., Sarasota, floridastudiotheatre.org.
[SOON]  THEATER: Shear Madness , May 31 – July 16, Various times

There has been a murder in a local hair salon, and it is up to the audience to solve the crime. Everyone is a suspect when the old lady living above Shear Madness salon is mysteriously offed. Join two police officers to piece together the clues behind this strange, scissor-stabbing homicide. Chock full of up-to-the minute spontaneous humor, Shear Madness has slayed the hearts of audiences around the world. Now it is up to Sarasota audiences to outwit the suspects and catch the killer in this interactive comedy whodunit. FST Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
Sarasota, floridastudiotheatre.org.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 2023 Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature , February 12 – June 26, During garden hours

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ 2023 Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature showcases the creativity and innovation of American artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933). The first exhibition of its type to be presented in a botanical garden, the exhibition highlights the inspiring connection between Tiffany Studios and the natural world through unique horticultural displays in the Tropical Conservatory and the Gardens, accompanied by seminal examples of Tiffany’s work on view in the Museum of Botany and the Arts. To learn more, visit selby.org. Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Eco Engineers , April 12 – September 3, During museum hours

Eco Engineers are plants and animals that profoundly impact their ecosystem. Through their presence or behavior, eco engineers create microhabitats, or unique areas within an ecosystem. Other species have taken notice of these microhabitats and decided to move in! In this exhibition, explore nine of Florida’s eco engineers and discover why our landscape wouldn’t be the same without them. Eco Engineers is a bilingual (English and Spanish) special exhibition created by our own Museum curators. Included with museum admission. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton, bishopscience.org.

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SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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