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SRQ DAILY Aug 31, 2023

Thursday Family and Recreation Edition

Thursday Family and Recreation Edition

"Stories spark our imaginations, help us connect with one another, and shape our understanding of the world."

- Caroline Saldivar, Director of Children's Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre.
 

[Baseball]  Paul Skenes Makes His Mark on the Bradenton Marauders
Dylan Campbell, dylan@srqme.com

August has nearly come and gone, but that doesn’t mean that baseball has left the Gulf Coast. In the Florida State League, the Bradenton Marauders are knocking on the door of the playoffs with just 12 games left in the regular season. The Marauders are in need of a major hot streak, however, if they want to make it into the postseason–they are currently 4.0 games back from the Lakeland Flying Tigers for the lead and the final playoff spot in the Florida State League West division.

Due to the hurricane, the Marauder’s have pushed the start of their final homestand of the season against the Palm Beach Cardinals to Thursday, August 31. The original game scheduled for Tuesday, August 29 will be made up in a double header on Thursday and Wednesday’s game will be made up as part of a double header this Saturday.

In other news surrounding the team, Paul Skenes, the dominant right-handed pitcher out of Louisiana State University and the Pirates’ number one selection overall in this year’s MLB Amatuer draft has moved on from the Single-A Marauders. Skenes, MLB’s no. 3 ranked prospect, was promoted to Double-A Altoona after just starting just one game in the Florida Complex League and two games in the Florida State League. Skenes, a true power pitcher with a fastball known to reach triple digits, was clocked at over 98 mph four times in his last outing with the Marauders, striking out two over two no-hit innings. Although Skenes struggled in his initial outing with the Double-A Altoona Curve, the future could not be brighter for the 21-year-old, with the thought that Skenes could reach the big leagues as soon as 2024.

LECOM Park, 1611 9th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205 

Pictured: Paul Skenes warming up before a start against the Lakeland Flying Tigers on August 15. Photo by Steve Nesius for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

To learn more, visit

[New Store]  Cariloha Sarasota at St. Armands Circle is the Perfect One-Stop Shop for Bamboo Goods
Emma Dannenfelser, emma@srqme.com

Six months ago, Naples residents and owners of Cariloha Naples at Mercato Jeff and Robin Snell decided to expand their Cariloha store collection to Sarasota by opening a new location at St. Armands Circle. The new store will carry the same high-quality, unique and sought-after bamboo products offered at the other numerous Cariloha locations across the country and in many popular cruise ports.

Jeff, originally from Minnesota, and Robin, who is from North Dakota, initially met and got married while in college, but later divorced and moved on separately, advancing in their respective careers, Jeff working as an airline pilot and Robin in the financial aid office at the University of North Dakota. Thirty years later, the pair found each other again and have now been happily married for the past six years.

The Snells discovered Cariloha products while on vacation and knew it was a business opportunity they wanted to bring back to Southwest Florida. “I can’t fly anymore because of back issues, so we went on a cruise to the Caribbean and that’s where we initially saw these products,” Jeff says. “Afterwards, we opened a store in Naples and now, with the Sarasota location, we have the top two stores in the country.”

The Snell’s Naples store is currently the top-selling and most successful Cariloha store in the country. However, Jeff says that the couple’s new location in St. Armands Circle is currently on track to surpass the Naples location by the end of the year. “It all depends on what happens in the fall, but both stores are doing fantastic.”

For Cariloha and bamboo goods amateurs, the store’s bamboo sheets and mattresses are a must-try and the overall best-selling products. “Our sheets are 100% bamboo sheets. They are as good as it gets,” Jeff says. “And the mattresses also sell very well. They’re bamboo mattresses, so they keep you cool and there are no chemicals in them. They’re 100% pure and certified chemical free.”

Along with the sheets and mattresses, the store also offers bamboo blankets, towels and clothing. A line of baby bibs, blankets and rompers is also available. The bamboo fabric is known for being incredibly soft and comfortable while also being breathable, making it perfect for infants and adults alike.

The Snells are now the only private Cariloha franchise owners in Florida. The husband and wife duo purchased the new St. Armands Circle location from its previous owner after he retired. “Now, we actually have products in the store. Prior, the previous owner was basically just having people drop ship items from the company,” Jeff says. “We still offer that, but we also sell everything that the company offers inside the store, with the exception of the mattresses.”

Cariloha Sarasota, 349 St Armands Cir, Sarasota, (941) 388-0412, 10am-9pm Monday through Saturday, 11am-6pm Sundays. 

Pictured: Jeff and Robin Snell's newly opened Cariloha store in St. Armands Circle offers premium bamboo goods, such as sheets, mattresses and clothing.

To learn more, visit

[Holiday Event]  Chargers Soccer Club to Host 2023 Labor Day Tournament at Premier Sports Campus, Sept. 2-4

The eagerly anticipated 27th annual Chargers Soccer Club Labor Day Tournament is scheduled to take place from September 2-4, 2023, at the prestigious Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Hosted in partnership with Visit Sarasota County, this marquee event is an integral part of the local soccer tradition, has been a source of excitement for players, fans, and communities alike for over a quarter-century. For the past 15 years, the Labor Day Soccer Club Tournament has been a staple in the vibrant Lakewood Ranch area. The Premier Sports Campus has been its home for the past 12 years, playing a pivotal role in its growth. In fact, the tournament served as the inaugural event at the Premier Sports Campus in 2011, highlighting its significance as one of the driving forces behind the venue's creation. A true testament to its importance, the Labor Day Tournament has consistently contributed to the economic prosperity of Sarasota and Manatee counties. The 2022 edition generated an impressive economic impact of over 8 million dollars, underscoring the positive influence the tournament has on the local economy. This year's event is anticipated to continue the trend, further cementing its role as a key annual gathering. Over 200 teams from cities across Florida, and even beyond the state borders, have registered for this year's tournament. The event is open to teams of all levels, making it an essential pre-season competition for participants who have been honing their skills in preparation. The tournament format guarantees each team a minimum of 3 games, making it an ideal kickoff for the upcoming soccer season. The range of competition includes boys' and girls' teams from U9 to U19. An integral aspect of the Chargers Soccer Club's mission is to provide opportunities for aspiring players. All proceeds from the tournament contribute to a scholarship fund established by the nonprofit organization. The Chargers Soccer Club, with its campuses in Clearwater, Lakewood Ranch, and Tampa, nurtures competitive and premier level players between the ages of 7 and 19. Through their scholarship programs, many players within the competitive program are able to benefit directly from these scholarships, enabling them to pursue their soccer dreams. Games will run from 8 am to 5 pm on September 2nd and 3rd, with final matches set to be played from 8 am to 2 pm on September 4th, the tournament promises an exhilarating display of skill and determination. The conclusion of the games will be marked by the presentation of trophies and medals to the victorious teams, capping off a weekend of intense competition. Admission and parking for the tournament are free to the public, making it an inclusive event for soccer enthusiasts of all ages. So, mark your calendars and gear up to catch all the heart-pounding action at the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch!

  

[Family Event]  Lights at Spooky Point Returns October 13–31

Lights at Spooky Point, the Halloween-themed light show that Selby Gardens introduced at its Historic Spanish Point campus in Osprey last year, returns in October for a second season. This year’s show kicks off Friday, October 13 (naturally!) and remains on view nightly through Halloween. Tickets for Lights at Spooky Point can be purchased through Selby Gardens’ website at selby.org or in person at either of its two campuses. Visitors to Lights at Spooky Point will follow an eerily lit path through the wooded campus and past several of its historic structures. Along the way, they will encounter fantastically fun creations and unique Halloween light displays around every bend. Highlights that return for the second year include spectral “ghost orchids” floating above the Pioneer Graveyard, giant “Dracula orchids” draped with Spanish moss, and colorful “spider orchids” clinging to their webs in the trees. These and other decorations are inspired by actual plants of the same names, a creative nod to Selby Gardens’ botanical and horticultural mission. Guests also will find plenty of pumpkins, scores of skeletons, and other Halloween classics at “Spooky Point.” The show is designed for all ages, with just a few minor jump-scare opportunities to keep older kids happy. A limited number of tickets will be sold for each night of the show, with two entry times available—6:30 and 7:45 p.m. Guests with young children or mobility issues are encouraged to consider the earlier entry. Those who want the full “Spooky Point” experience can opt for the later slot, after dark. Ticket prices for Lights at Spooky Point are $30 for adults ($20 for Selby Gardens members), $15 for ages 5-17, and free for children 4 and under. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged, as some nights may sell out prior to opening time. Food and beverages will be sold on-site throughout each evening of the show. To learn more and purchase tickets, go online to selby.org or visit the Welcome Center at either the Downtown Sarasota campus or the Historic Spanish Point campus. 

[New Hire]  New College Announces Appointment of Allyce Heflin Moriak as Assistant Vice President, Budget and Administration

New College of Florida announces Allyce Heflin Moriak as assistant vice president, budget & administration. Moriak is the former CFO for the Florida Department of Commerce and an expert in education policy and funding. She begins her role at New College on August 28.Moriak has been involved with the state’s education policy since 2007, working with legislators and education advocates on funding issues, education technology, state college and university performance funding, and fixed capital outlay funding. Moriak holds both graduate and undergraduate degrees in social work with a focus in social policy and administration. In addition to her expertise in education policy and funding, specifically funding formulas, she has worked extensively with the state’s Division of Early Learning, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Board of Governors of the State University System, and the State Board of Education. 

[Arts & Entertainment]  Florida Studio Theatre Announces Its 2023-2024 Children's Theatre Series Lineup

Florida Studio Theatre is announcing the lineup for its four-show Children’s Theatre Series, providing families with outstanding theatre experiences on the weekend at an affordable price. From a touching adaptation of The Velveteen Rabbit to award-winning plays written by elementary school students from around the world, this year’s lineup has something for children of all ages—and their favorite grownups. “This Season, we really wanted to focus on the power of storytelling and its importance in all of our lives,” said Caroline Saldivar, FST’s Director of Children’s Theatre. “Stories spark our imaginations, help us connect with one another, and shape our understanding of the world. So, we wanted to offer a variety of shows and stories that could speak to everyone. This year’s lineup includes the heartwarming classic, The Velveteen Rabbit, our yearly holiday show, Deck the Halls, a comedy-filled retelling of a popular fairy tale with Red Riding Hood, and our annual production shining a light on children’s creativity titled The Power of Peanut Butter and Other Winning Plays.”

  

Pictured: Caroline Saldivar, FST Director of Children's Theatre. Photo by FST.

To learn more, visit

[Visit Sarasota County]  Discover Natural Sarasota - Deer Prairie Creek Preserve

Deer Prairie Creek Preserve, North Entrance

Get all your ducks in a row and visit this park where you may be lucky enough to see the Florida scrub-jay, deer, river otter, bobcats, a gopher tortoise and more. This 6,400-acre preserve has more than 60 miles of hiking trails. The North entrance features a large parking area for general parking and equestrian trailer parking, designated equestrian trails and a trailhead to the North Port Connector Trails.  

7001 Forbes Trl., Venice.

Check out more on this feature!

[Holidays]  Temple Emanu-El Offers Free High Holy Day Family Services

Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road in Sarasota, welcomes Jewish and interfaith families to observe the High Holy Days with uplifting, spiritual, and engaging services at no cost. Free family services will be held on Saturday, September 16, at 1:30 p.m. for Rosh Hashanah, and Monday, September 25, at 1:30 p.m. for Yom Kippur. These age-appropriate, warm, and meaningful services, led by Temple Emanu-El Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman and Associate Rabbi Michael Shefrin, feature an original High Holy Day family prayerbook composed by Rabbi Glickman, an abbreviated shofar service on Rosh Hashanah, brief rendition of Kol Nidrei on Yom Kippur, and Torah readings and a special story on both holidays. Children and adults of all ages are warmly invited. “It’s a special opportunity to share these holiest days of the year not only with the families of Temple Emanu-El but with other Jewish families in the community,” Rabbi Glickman said. “We welcome unaffiliated families, interfaith families, and those exploring or returning to Judaism to join us for these services.” Traditional evening and morning services for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, are also planned, with an additional Yizkor Memorial Service on Yom Kippur afternoon. For a complete schedule of services and reservation and ticket information, please call the Temple Emanu-El office at 941- 371-2788 or visit www.sarasotatemple.org. 

Pictured: Temple Emanu-El Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman, Associate Rabbi Michael Shefrin, and Temple Emanu-El children look forward to High Holy Day Family Services at Temple Emanu-El.



[Feature]  Old is New Again
Kate Wight

OLD IS NEW AGAIN | Damien Blumetti blends well-established architectural practices with modern design sensibilities, July/August 2023. 

Read Here!

[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.

[SOON]  FOOD: SIN Nights at Geckos on Hillview , May 12 – August 31, 10 pm to midnight

Enjoy SIN Nights for Geckos Hospitality and Service Industry Colleagues. Join Geckos on Hillview Street in Southside Village and let us serve you late at night after your shift on Friday and Saturday nights. We will keep the light on late for you and offer Geckos food and drink specials just for you from 10-Midnight. Come in wearing your uniform or bring in your schedule and enjoy the camaraderie of friends at Geckos on Hillview. 1900 Hillview Street, Sarasota, www.GeckosGrill.com.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Laser Light Nights at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature , May 25 – September 2, 7pm and 9pm

Break out the big hair and acid-washed denim because Laser Light Nights are back at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from May 25 through September 2, we are rocking out to some of your favorite artists in the Planetarium! A variety of food options and drinks are available for purchase onsite with cash or card. Tickets are $15. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W., Bradenton, bishopscience.org.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Fresh Harvest Farmers Market at Wellen Park , June 25 – May 31, 9 am to 1 pm

Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Jazz Thursdays , July 13 – December 14, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Join Sarasota Art Museum for Jazz Thursdays featuring live jazz music, contemporary art, and sips and bites from Bistro. Hosted by the Jazz Club of Sarasota. Jazz Thursday happens on the second Thursday of each month, 5:30-8 p.m. Galleries, Bistro, and SHOP open. FREE for Members, $20 for Not-Yet Members.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Wellen Park Summer Music Series , July 19 – September 30, Various times

Wellen Park invites the community to come out and enjoy music from local bands and artists during the Summer Music Series every Wednesday through Sunday in Downtown Wellen. Now through September, Wellen Park is hosting different musicians throughout the week. Every week, Wind Down Wednesdays, Thursday Tunes and Saturday Sounds will feature music under the Heritage Tree from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday Night Live, the first Friday of the month, will feature a band on the Solis Hall stage overlooking the Great Lawn from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday Groove, the second, third and fourth Friday of the month, will feature music under the Heritage Tree from 5 to 9 p.m. On Unplugged Sunday, every Sunday, there will be music under the Heritage Tree from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m. The series is open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating on the Great Lawn and around the Heritage Tree. For more information, visit wellenpark.com/events/summer-music-series.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place , July 28 – May 31, 6 to 9 p.m.

Head out to Waterside Place for a rocking evening as part of the Lakewood Ranch Sights and Sounds Program. Enjoy a live concert in partnership with Easterseals and EveryoneRocks, featuring artists who are rocking their spectrum. This event is free and open to the public; there is limited seating at the Plaza, but attendees are welcome to bring their own seats. Food and beverages will be available from numerous Waterside Place merchants. For more information on shows, dates, and times, visit lakewoodranch.com/sights-sounds/. Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Suncoast Composer Fellowship Program Concert and Conversation , September 5, 7pm

ensembleNEWSRQ, enSRQ, the innovative chamber music ensemble, has collaborated with Sarasota based Soundbox Ventures in the Suncoast Composer Fellowship Program, SCFP, a new residency program for six emerging composers and nine classical musicians. The group is producing the program’s first concert, on Tuesday, September 5, 7 p.m., at First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota. The event will include a pre-concert lecture and salon, featuring wine and refreshments, while the composer fellows speak about the work that will be performed that evening. Audiences can meet and greet the artists and composers following the concert. Tickets are $25 for the general public, free for enSRQ subscribers if a season subscription is purchased before September 5 and can be purchased at www.EnSRQ.org.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: 2023 Wedding Expo at Solis Hall , September 16, 9 a.m. to 12pm and 2 to 5 p.m

Wellen Park is hosting its first Wedding Expo at Solis Hall, the newest waterfront venue in the region for weddings, community celebrations, business meetings, milestones and just because events, in Downtown Wellen on Saturday, Sept. 16. The Wedding Expo will feature more than 20 local vendors in the wedding industry to help couples plan their big day. Interested guests can register to attend one of two sessions taking place 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased online in advance at wellenpark.com/events. Attendance is limited to 80 people per session. Solis Hall, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: State of Mind: A Trauma-Informed Experience , September 21, 1-7pm

Join us on September 21st for State of Mind: A Trauma-Informed Experience, an enlightening half-day event designed to raise awareness among community leaders about the profound impact of trauma on individuals and society. Come to the esteemed Florida Studio Theatre for an empowering experience that will shape a more compassionate and trauma-aware society. At the heart of this initiative is All Star Children's Foundation, guided by a steadfast mission: to cultivate brighter futures for children in foster care through innovation, science, and compassion. To bring All Star’s vision to life, they have partnered with DreamLarge, a pioneering benefit corporation dedicated to inspiring community impact and cultivating a brighter tomorrow. Together, All Star Children's Foundation and DreamLarge bring their collective strengths to create a space for shared commitment, and open, thought-provoking discussions on the importance of trauma-informed approaches. Throughout the conference, speakers will offer insights into the essence of trauma and its far-reaching effects. Engaging presentations will provide essential knowledge about trauma-informed care, inspiring enlightening discussions to foster empathy and understanding. Tickets for the event are $75. The event will take place from 1-7pm at Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota. For more information visit www.dreamlarge.org.

[SOON]  FOOD: Sarasota Opera Food and Wine Festival , September 23, 1 to 4pm
On Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. the Sarasota Opera Food and Wine Festival will take place at Sarasota Opera House. Local restaurants will gather to serve tasty bites, wine, and other treats as a benefit for Sarasota Youth Opera. Throughout the event, there will be performances from the Youth Opera chorus and Sarasota Opera artists, as well as raffles and other activities. Tickets are now available for $75 per person and can be purchased online at www.sarasotaopera.org/foodandwinefest, or at the Box Office located at 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236, or by calling the Box Office at (941) 328-1300. All proceeds go to support the Youth Opera and Education programming. This season, Sarasota Opera events are produced by Mary Kenealy Events. Restaurants interested in participating in this event can find registration information at www.sarasotaopera.org/foodandwinefest-registration.
[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Sarasota Cars and Coffee at University Town Center , March 11 – December 9, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

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.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Reclaiming Home, Contemporary Seminole Art at Ringling Museum , March 29 – September 4, Museum hours

Reclaiming Home, Contemporary Seminole Art group exhibition will mark The Ringling’s first presentation of contemporary art by Native American artists with ancestral, historical, and present-day connections to Florida. An imperative step toward establishing a meaningful relationship with the Native American artistic community, Reclaiming Home will highlight the breadth and depth of the artwork by Seminole, Miccosukee, and mixed-heritage artists from Florida with the important work by internationally-recognized artists. The exhibition will expand the conceptual framework of Native American art made in Florida today and provide a fuller understanding of the complexities of issues within the art of the Seminole diaspora. Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, ringling.org.

SRQ Media Group

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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