It is estimated that nearly 400,000 people in the U.S (over 79,000 people in Southwest Florida) have some form of autism, a developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. Autism and its associated behaviors interfere with the normal development of the brain in the areas of reasoning, social interaction and communication skills. Because these characteristics can make it difficult for an individual on the spectrum to successfully access and navigate the community, the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of South Florida (USF) established the “Autism Friendly” Business Initiative. By implementing best practice recommendations through the “Autism Friendly” program, businesses and organizations can foster a sense of safety, enjoyment, and belonging for guests of all abilities.

This summer, Marie Selby Gardens has joined the growing list of "Autism Friendly" businesses designated by CARD-USF. Making the Gardens an inclusive place for all, including those with autism-spectrum disorders, is a priority for the organization.

“Cultivating a culture and environment where everyone feels welcome at Selby Gardens, regardless of their abilities or other differences, is a pillar of our strategic plan,” said Jennifer O. Rominiecki, president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. “This designation tells us we are heading in the right direction with the programming we have introduced. With CARD’s expertise and support moving forward, we can ensure that our entire staff is empowered to make a difference.”

Last fall, Selby Gardens introduced “Tranquil Tuesdays” at its Downtown Sarasota campus. This periodic event offers complimentary, after-hours admission to neurodiverse and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families and caregivers. Guests can experience the Gardens without the usual daytime crowds, noise, and other distractions. Selby Gardens also offers participants customized sensory maps of the campus and free use of noise-canceling earmuffs and wheelchairs. The maps, earmuffs, and wheelchairs are available to all visitors during regular operating hours too.

Companies who choose to join the businesses in Southwest Florida who are part of the “Autism Friendly” Business Initiative receive technical assistance consisting of an examination of the business location, practices/procedures and environment and suggestions for no cost or low cost accommodations that may better serve an individual with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), training with an overview of autism spectrum disorder and direct instruction for employees on how to approach and assist individuals with ASD, employee relations with comprehensive support to business owners and managers who may be in the position to hire and supervise an employee with ASD, and public visibility through the CARD-USF webpage which maintains a directory of “Autism Friendly” businesses, where constituent families can search for businesses that have a relationship with CARDUSF.

Since its creation in 2008, CARD-USF’s “Autism Friendly” Business Initiative has become a model for Florida and other states that want to create welcoming communities. 

To learn more, visit

The Venice Symphony is pleased to announce that Erica Bacacio has joined the organization as Development Manager. Bacacio is a graduate of the University of South Florida with extensive experience working for area nonprofits and managing fundraising campaigns. Bacacio has worked for Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Humane Society of Sarasota County, the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA, and most recently Ringling College of Art and Design. Bacacio is also a professional pianist and vocalist, and teaches piano. A native of Venice, she has performed as a soloist from Boca Grande to Siesta Key and with the Venice Chorale and Venice High School Choir. As Development Manager, Bacacio will work closely with the Philanthropy and Events Team and with Venice Symphony patrons. She will also serve as staff liaison to The Friends of The Venice Symphony, the organization’s dedicated group of volunteers. "I was born and raised in Venice so I know how important The Venice Symphony is to this community,” said Bacacio. “As a classically-trained pianist, I truly understand the value of this organization’s exceptional music education and concert programs. I look forward to meeting and working with our volunteers, patrons and donors to ensure the Symphony's success into the future.” Christine Kasten, President and CEO of The Venice Symphony, said “Erica’s experience as an accomplished development professional, pianist and teacher who grew up and lives in Venice, makes her an ideal addition to our growing team. She has seen first-hand how access to our high-quality music experiences can transform lives.” The Venice Symphony is a non-profit professional orchestra serving Venice and the surrounding community. The Symphony’s 50th season premieres with A Symphony Fantastique, November 18-19, 2023 at the Venice Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit thevenicesymphony.org or call 941-207-8822. 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties will honor Carol Butera, Non-Profit Executive and Richard Perlman and Jim Price Co-Founders and Executive Chairmen of ExamWorks Group, Inc., at the 17th IPG (Intertape Polymer Group) Leadership Breakfast for their commitment to empowering our community’s future leaders to reach their full potential. The event will take place on Friday, September 8 from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, located at 3100 Fruitville Road in Sarasota. For the last 17 years, our community has come together every September at the annual IPG Leadership Breakfast to honor individuals who have been instrumental in empowering our youth to achieve great futures. This year our three honorees are dedicated and committed to ensuring our youth and families have access to community enrichment programs that provide a pathway for academic success. The Leadership Breakfast will celebrate the honoree’s dedication to supporting teens as they develop leadership skills, explore entrepreneurial education, and continue college and career readiness. All proceeds from this event will allow Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties continued support for the award-winning slate of Teen Programs and provide life-changing programs to thousands of teens across Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. Individual tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at https://bgcsdc.org/ Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Please contact Dawn Bouck, Community Engagement Manager at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties for more information by emailing dbouck@bgcsdc.org or calling (941) 366-3911. 

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County recognized the generous support of its Circle of Champions members, a committed group of individuals, foundations,
and businesses who donate $1,000 or more annually. These donors ensure the Education Foundation can move quickly to support students and teachers as new opportunities arise. This past year, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian and with the lingering effects of the pandemic posing unique challenges to students and teachers, the Education Foundation was grateful it could do more to support them. This year, more than 130 Circle of Champions members provided annual gifts of $1,000 or more. More information about the Circle of Champions membership, special benefits of membership, and the work for students and teachers that membership helps to accomplish is available at EdFoundationSRQ.org/Circle. 

The Academy at Glengary, Inc. was honored to be selected once again as the hometown charity for Sarasota Subaru’s “Share the Love” event. On July 18, Subaru’s Shenna Lula, Tim Reeher and Rick Smith presented Academy member Alyssa Montans and Executive Director William McKeever with a check for $11,871. The Academy extends a special thanks to Chris Dougherty, owner of Sarasota Subaru, for the dealership’s support of the Academy as well as its dedication to the local community. Sarasota Subaru’s Lula said, “It is an absolute pleasure to be partnered with an organization that is making a positive impact in the community but more importantly in individuals, families and lives. The Academy at Glengary is an asset to our community and we are honored to be a part of that!” Subaru’s donation to the Academy will support the expansion of its services in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Over the last 15 years, through the Subaru “Share the Love” event, Subaru of America, Inc., and participating retailers have donated more than $256 million to charity, with customers choosing between four national charities and over 2,100 hometown charities.

For the past 13 years, The Glenridge at Palmer Ranch has awarded outstanding staff members and their children funds to pursue higher education and learning opportunities. The late Mary Nesbit, a former dean of The Glenridge Academy, a lifelong learning program at The Glenridge, launched the scholarship initiative in 2010 with two $600 individual scholarships. Since then, more than $300,000 has been given to employees seeking educational assistance through the Mary Nesbit Glenridge Academy Scholarship. This year, $72,000 was awarded to 18 staff members. To qualify, the staff member, or child or grandchild, must be enrolled or accepted in a technical, associate degree or baccalaureate degree program. For some, it will be their first classes in a college environment, while for others, it’s a familiar path they are on as they continue their studies toward their educational goals. The funds are awarded through The Glenridge Academy and The Kay Pezzillo Arts Fund. 

Pictured (left to right): Paul Cincinnato, chair of the Scholarship Committee; Alex Cela; Albert Cela; Nadia Fianko; Chelsea Rodriguez; Ellie Gaunoux; Alejandra Ferrera; Marcelo Polar; David Siddons; Sharon Smith; Keon Bryant; Karina Calderon; Jose Pineda

The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation recently announced that the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has been added to the 2023 Florida’s 11 to Save, a list
of the most threatened historic properties in the state. The initiative highlights endangered historic sites throughout Florida as nominated by the public and is an important step in advocating for their preservation. The announcement was made at the Preservation on Main Street Conference in Ocala on July 19. The 2023 11 to Save list represents endangered historic resources, covering hundreds of years of history and a variety of cultural resources. (The 2023 list of locations has not yet been officially announced.) DiFazio explains that the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation is part of a consortium of groups and individuals that has been leading an effort to ensure that the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, celebrated by architectural historians and critics as a stunning example of the work of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin Architects, is preserved. SAHP listed the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on its Six to Save Endangered Buildings list in 2022. Other participants in the efforts to preserve the performing arts hall include the Historical Society of Sarasota County and 2,500 Sarasota residents who signed the Save The Van Wezel petition. Along with the recognition comes access to the 11 to Save Grant Fund which aims to make a tangible impact supporting historic sites on current or previous 11 to Save lists. Florida's 11 to Save highlights endangered historic sites throughout Florida as nominated by the public and is an important step in advocating for their preservation. The Alliance is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to "Preserve and Enhance our Historic Places." SAHP was incorporated in 1985 in an attempt to save architect Dwight Baum's El Vernona Hotel in downtown Sarasota. The Alliance, a membership-driven organization, is comprised of more than 500 residents, visitors, artists, architects, engineers, historians, builders, archaeologists, Realtors, planners, designers, and writers working together to preserve and encourage others to preserve - not only the remaining significant landmarks - but also the contributing structures that define Sarasota County. For more information, visit www.PreserveSRQ.org. 

The Library Foundation for Sarasota County is pleased to announce the election of five new members to its board of directors, effective July 1. Tim Jaeger, Kelley Lavin, Todd Sweet, and Crishuana Williams will each serve three-year terms. Quinn Gulliver will serve as the Boys & Girls Club STAR (Students Taking Active Roles) board member for a one-year term. Jaeger is the Director and Chief Curator of Galleries and Exhibitions at Ringling College of Art and Design. He is a passionate library advocate and a notable Sarasota-based artist. Lavin returns to the foundation after serving on its 2011 inaugural board. She was Group Publisher at SagaCity Media/Gulfshore Media and has held senior management positions at Vogue, Metropolitan Home, Chicago, and Texas Monthly magazines. Todd Sweet is an architect and founding principal of Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors. His firm has provided design services for ten libraries, including four Sarasota County Public Libraries. Williams has over a decade of experience in nationally recognized libraries. She currently works in institutional research and assessment, measuring the effectiveness of academic programs in higher education. Since its founding in 2011, the nonprofit Library Foundation for Sarasota County has raised more than $8 million in private funds for the benefit of Sarasota County public libraries. To learn more about the Library Foundation for Sarasota County and how you can support its mission, please visit SarasotaLibraryFoundation.org or call 941-404-3139. 

Project 180, a local nonprofit that supports formerly incarcerated citizens during reentry, is expanding its Residential Program by purchasing a third home to serve men in active recovery from drugs and alcohol. Substance abuse and subsequent incarceration disrupt stability in housing, employment, finances, relationships, healthcare, and more. Project 180’s Residential Program seeks to address these challenges by providing citizens a chance to restabilize, rebuild, and give back to their communities. The future home purchase is being supported by a grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. After house-hunting for months, Project 180 is now under contract for a small but suitable home in a safe neighborhood. Although support for upgrades will be necessary in the near future, the program home will immediately alleviate the community’s pressing need to house released citizens and give them the opportunity to turn their lives around. This is the second investment Barancik Foundation has made in the organization’s Residential Program. Project 180 recognizes the impact that addiction and incarceration have on communities. An individual in active addiction commits countless crimes a year to support behavior sourced in their illness. This leads to community spending on drug-related health and legal issues that strain the budgets of hospitals, law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and social services. For those reasons, the community is a major stakeholder in these individuals’ success. To learn more about Project 180 or to invest in the home’s upgrades, contact Barbara Richards at barbara@project180reentry.org. 

The Hermitage Artist Retreat (Sarasota County, Florida) announced today that its annual Artful Lobster benefit will be held on Saturday, November 11th, 2023, from 11:30am to 2pm. Now in its 15th year and coming on the heels of the Hermitage’s 20th Anniversary season, this signature outdoor event raises valuable funds for the Hermitage’s renowned artist residency program. The Artful Lobster is the only Hermitage benefit to take place on the grounds of the historic Gulf front campus – outdoors beneath a large tent – located at 6660 Manasota Key Road in Englewood. Michael’s On East offers a delicious lobster feast, with performances from renowned Hermitage Fellows. This year’s event will be co-chaired by new Hermitage trustee Terry Brackett and longtime Hermitage supporters Suzette & Tim Flood. 

Artist Maro Lorimer has donated a series of seven mixed-media paintings to Mayo Clinic, for ongoing display at their Jacksonville, Florida, facility. “It was a great honor to have my art accepted by Mayo’s curators, since their collection includes works by celebrated artists such as Joseph Albers, James Rosenquist, Wolf Kahn, Romare Bearden, Alexander Calder, and Andy Warhol, to name a few,” she comments. “I donated out of appreciation for the overall excellence with which Mayo approaches health care, including their museum-like presentation of art." Her series, Beach Paths, celebrates the wild beauty of Anna Maria Island’s footpaths to the Gulf. It was first presented in 2010 by former first lady of Florida Rhea Chiles at her gallery, the Studio at Gulf and Pine, in Anna Maria. Over the years, Lorimer observes, “these images helped preserve the wildness of the very paths that inspired them. Holmes Beach officials even asked me to exhibit them at city hall, and an island newspaper asked to publish them with quotes about how precious these pockets of wildness are, at times when development threatened to compromise them." Each painting leads the eye to a peaceful view of the Gulf. In a related way, Lorimer has followed the same course with her art. “From painting the intimate beauty of the paths, I ‘emerged’ onto the beach, to create peaceful vistas with infinite horizons,” she explains, referring to the large abstract seascapes she has been showing at Art Uptown Gallery for the past 11 years. “With all my work, I have aimed to create a sense of serenity, and I can think of no place I would rather share that feeling than at a fine medical center that is helping people who are struggling with serious diagnoses.” 

Pictured: Maro Lorimer’s Beach Path III is one of seven that will be shown at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties will honor Carol Butera, Non-Profit Executive and Richard Perlman and Jim Price Co-Founders and Executive Chairmen of ExamWorks Group, Inc., at the 17th IPG (Intertape Polymer Group) Leadership Breakfast for their commitment to empowering our community’s future leaders to reach their full potential. The event will take place on Friday, September 8 from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, located at 3100 Fruitville Road in Sarasota. For the last 17 years, our community has come together every September at the annual IPG Leadership Breakfast to honor individuals who have been instrumental in empowering our youth to achieve great futures. This year our three honorees are dedicated and committed to ensuring our youth and families have access to community enrichment programs that provide a pathway for academic success. The Leadership Breakfast will celebrate the honoree’s dedication to supporting teens as they develop leadership skills, explore entrepreneurial education, and continue college and career readiness.
“IPG supports the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties as we believe that all young men and women deserve a chance to cultivate and reach their full potential,” states Pete Durette, CEO of Presenting Sponsor, IPG. “The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties represents a conduit of opportunity, leadership and talent, which are the fundamental building blocks for developing a strong, vibrant community in the twenty-first century.”
All proceeds from this event will allow Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties continued support for the award-winning slate of Teen Programs and provide life-changing programs to thousands of teens across Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. Individual tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at bgcsdc.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Please contact Dawn Bouck, Community Engagement Manager at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties for more information by emailing dbouck@bgcsdc.org or calling (941) 366-3911. 

The Sarasota County Commission awarded Embracing Our Differences a $71,909 Tourist Development Cultural/Arts grant to help fund its 2024 exhibition season, which runs January 21 through April 14 in Sarasota’s Bayfront Park. For 20 years, Embracing Our Differences has drawn on the passion and perception of artists, writers, and students to create powerful statements of respect, kindness and acceptance in its annual outdoor public art exhibitions consisting of 50 billboard-sized works of art and accompanying quotations. The scale and impact of this outdoor exhibition has continued to grow. In 2023, EOD presented two exhibitions in Sarasota County—one in North Port and one in the City of Sarasota. The exhibits attracted 320,616 people, bringing the total amount of exhibition visitors to more than 4.3 million since its launch in 2004.