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SRQ DAILY Oct 26, 2023

Thursday Family and Recreation Edition

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Thursday Family and Recreation Edition

"Odyssey is full of Irish tunes, many of which American audiences will know because there is such a connection between Ireland and the United States."

- Emmet Cahill, Vocalist, Celtic Thunder.
 

[Menswear]  Find Menswear Dedicated to the Florida Lifestyle at Stoked Flamingo
Emma Dannenfelser, emma@srqme.com

If you’re looking for a destination dedicated to men’s fashion, or if finding the perfect gift for the guys in your life is a struggle you dread every time the holiday season rolls around, search no further than Stoked Flamingo in Bradenton. The store offers a vast assortment of menswear, everything from sets to socks, making it easy to find stylish and on-trend clothes locally.

Opened in May of last year by native Midwesterner Matthew Peterson, Stoked Flamingo is located in the heart of downtown Bradenton on 12th Street. Peterson opened the shop hoping to bring the Bradenton and Sarasota area a store that is specifically dedicated to quality menswear that fits the Florida lifestyle. “I decided to take it in a different direction and do only menswear. That was definitely missing in Bradenton/Sarasota, just for a guy to have a shop dedicated to him and the coastal lifestyle.”

Catering a store to men specifically has its own set of challenges, Peterson says. “Sometimes women shop with more impulse, maybe they don’t feel like they need to try it on or ask someone else’s opinion, they just get it.” he says. “While with men, it’s a whole different process. Sometimes it takes a little more work or even a couple trips in before they actually buy.” In this digital age, a social media presence is crucial to any up-and-coming business and, interestingly, Peterson adds that even marketing a store for men online is different than marketing it to women. “It’s a little bit harder. You get more reaction on social media from females, so with menswear, it’s trickier. You have to figure out what is the correct way to post, even the correct time to post, then you have to follow those guidelines a whole lot more.”

Since every piece of clothing at Stoked Flamingo has been curated to fit the Florida lifestyle by Peterson himself, finding the perfect outfit for yourself, or gift, is a breeze. Shoppers will find staples for locals and tourists alike, such as graphic tees and tropical printed button-ups, alongside more laid-back, surfer style pieces. Some of Stoked Flamingo’s notable best-sellers are cabana sets, which include matching shorts and button-ups with botanical, poppy prints reminiscent of classic Florida styles, but also adhering to the matching set trend that has been dominating men and women’s style this year.

“What I like to do is be unique and stand out and have a mix where it draws people in, but I also have those items you haven’t seen before. The brands aren’t exclusive to my store, but there are pieces that I pick that other stores who might carry that brand won’t carry that style or color. That’s keeping it fresh and unique every season.”

Stoked Flamingo, 263 12th St W, Bradenton, @stokedflamingo 

Pictured: .Photo courtesy of Matthew Peterson

To learn more, visit

[Arts & Entertainment]  Celtic Thunder Comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Dylan Campbell, dylan@srqme.com

Just over a decade ago, Emmet Cahill made a decision that would alter the course of his life. At just 20 years old, having completed his first year of college in Ireland, Cahill decided to audition for the Irish singing group Celtic Thunder. “They’d done a couple of tours since the group’s inception in 2007 and were looking for a new guy to replace one of the singers. I’d heard about these auditions and just like countless other singers across Ireland and Scotland, I decided to go out for it” says Cahill. “The audition process was akin to something like American Idol, with multiple rounds and sets of judges. I remember the first round just going horribly wrong–I clearly hadn’t picked the right songs to sing, so they just kept asking me to sing different arrangements. Weirdly enough, I got a callback for a second round of auditions and at that point, I kind of knew what they were looking for and the rest is history.”

Flash forward 12 years later and Cahill, now 32 years old, remains with the group as one of its core vocalists. Founded in 2007 by music producer Sharon Browne as a concert program for public television that would celebrate the celtic heritage of the artists in the group, Celtic Thunder has evolved into an international spectacle: they have won Billboard’s Top World Music Artist five times, have toured the United States and Canada over a dozen times and have toured across Australia four times.

Now, in their first full-length tour since 2018, Celtic Thunder is coming to Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall with their latest theatrical production Odyssey. “This new show Odyssey feels like it’s bringing Celtic Thunder back to its roots with what the original program was about. Odyssey is full of Irish tunes, many of which American audiences will know because there’s such a connection between Ireland and the United States,” says Cahill. “There are 40 million people in the States with Irish ancestry–it’s great to bring a part of Ireland with us whenever we play these songs and stories that resonate so deeply with millions of Americans.”

 November 1, 2023 7:30 pm, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, 941-953-3368. 

Pictured: Celtic Thunder brings Celtic celebration to Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Photo courtesy of Emmet Cahill.

To learn more, visit

[Holiday Event]  Choral Artists of Sarasota Presents Veteran's Day in Song November 11, at Church of the Redeemer

Choral Artists of Sarasota’s 45th season begins with “Veteran’s Day in Song,” featuring songs that brought hope and inspiration during military conflicts, from the Revolutionary War through Desert Storm, Saturday, November 11, 1 p.m., at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota. Joining Choral Artists is Sergeant Major (ret) Bob McDonald, baritone and veteran of The US Army Chorus in Washington, DC. Tickets are $40, general admission; $20 for veterans with ID; and $5 for students. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-4900.  

[Safety]  HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors North Emergency to Host Crush the Crisis Prescription Drug Take Back Day October 28

HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors North Emergency is hosting the annual “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take back day on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 to help raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of unused or expired medications. The event, which coincides with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, offers the community an opportunity to safely and anonymously dispose of medications that may be left over from previous procedures or other medical visits. “Education and prevention are our best tools when it comes reducing drug related overdoses and deaths. Since 2013, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has collected nearly 12,000 pounds of prescription pills through take-back initiatives,” said Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells. Drug misuse and abuse has significant impacts on our community,” said Jenn Bocker, MD, chief medical officer of HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. “We are proud to support and help educate people on the proper disposal of medications.” Law enforcement officers from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will be collecting tablets, capsules and patches. Pills should be removed from any container with personal health information and placed in clear, plastic, sealable bags. Needles, syringes, lancets or liquids will not be accepted.

Date: this Saturday, October 28, Time: 9:00 am- Noon, HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors North Emergency, 8500 SR 70 East, Bradenton. 34202. 

[Family Event]  The Great Ice Cream Eating Championship

Rise Up Cafe, the downtown Sarasota cafe with a big mission, is hosting the 2023 Fall Edition of the Great Ice Cream Eating Championship on Saturday, November 4th at 11:00am sharp-ish! Show everyone “what cha got” by eating as much ice cream as you can in 3 minutes. Two age divisions. A $25 entry fee (supports our nonprofit, Inclusion Revolution) gives contestants the opportunity to win an array of spectacular prizes along with the pride of being named Sarasota’s Ice Cream Eating Champ. Sign up. Be a winner. Support the amazing team members at Rise Up Cafe. Brain freeze is all in your head. 

Click here to register

[Pickleball]  The Pickleball Club Secures Two New Future Club Locations in Orlando and Greenacres

The Pickleball Club, a firm founded in 2019 that develops and operates private, membership-based high-amenity indoor pickleball facilities throughout Florida, recently secured its eighth and ninth sites for future Florida club locations in Orlando in Orange County and Greenacres in Palm Beach County. The Pickleball Club placed under contract a 3.4-acre parcel in Orlando, Fla. for its eighth location at 1427 N. Semoran Blvd. for a 33,800-square-foot climate controlled facility with 12 indoor pickleball courts, 130 parking spaces and Players’ Courtyard with two outdoor pickleball courts and two bocce ball courts. The Orlando location will also feature a 3,900-square-foot Players’ Lounge mezzanine overlooking the courts, the company’s own restaurant, Pickle’s Café, and Dink’s Pro Shop. The club is expected to break ground in June 2024 and open in the summer of 2025. In Greenacres, The Pickleball Club is also under contract for its ninth site, a 4.9-acre parcel located at 5234 S Haverhill Road. The 41,140-square-foot climate controlled facility will offer members 16 indoor pickleball courts, 184 parking spaces, Players’ Courtyard with three covered outdoor courts and two bocce ball courts. Inside, a 3,850-square-foot Players’ Lounge will overlook the downstairs courts, Dink’s Pro Shop and Pickle’s Café, similar to the Venice location and other facilities. Groundbreaking for the club is expected in June 2024, with an opening in the summer of 2025. The Pickleball Club’s first location is now open and operating in Sarasota near Lakewood Ranch, with close to 600 members. Other locations under development include Port St. Lucie, which is currently under construction, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, The Villages, Pinellas Park and Venice. 



[SOON]  FOOD: Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch , September 3 – September 30, 10am-2pm

Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops. 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Lights at Spooky Point , October 13 – October 31, 6:30pm and 7:45pm

Kicking off Friday, October 13, naturally, our popular Halloween-inspired light show is back for a second year! The show will run from October 13-31 with entry times at 6:30pm and 7:45 nightly. Don't miss the chance to see our Historic Spanish Point campus transformed into Spooky Point where you can follow an eerily lit path and encounter fantastic creations and boo-tanically-themed decorations along the way. Equal parts campy and cute, this walk-through show is fun for all ages. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly encouraged, buy yours soon to secure the dates and times of your choice. To purchase tickets at the member price, you must log in to your Selby Gardens member account. For more information visit selby.org.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Sarasota Orchestra Presents Star Wars: A New Hope , October 27 – October 28, 7:30pm

Sarasota Orchestra and Star Wars fans alike will be able to experience the scope and grandeur of this beloved film in a live symphonic concert experience on October 27 and 28 at 7:30pm at Van Wezel. Be there as your Orchestra performs the Oscar and GRAMMY winning score live to film as the movie plays in its entirety on the big screen. You’ll feel spaceships thunder in the timpani, thrill to the brass heralding Darth Vader’s fearsome presence, and vibrate to the Force’s awakening with ethereal flute and harp. Concert goers are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Star Wars character for the show. For more information visit sarasotaorchestra.org.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Boo! At the Bishop , October 28, 6-8pm

Join The Bishop and other community partners for safe, family fun at Boo! At the Bishop on October 28 from 6-8pm. Trick-or-Treat within the Museum while visiting with local community members. Light activities will also be provided for children to explore with our Education Department. Child-friendly costumes are encouraged. You will leave with candy and plenty of great memories! Tickets are $5, children under 2 can attend for free. For more information, or to register visit bishopscience.org.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Creative Liberties Family Art , October 28, 9am-12pm

Creative Liberties Family Art will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 9am to noon. Bring the whole family and participate in free art projects led by professional artists. In a special edition of FAD, artist Judy Levine will team up with Art In Common Places co-founder and poet Teresa Carson to lead families in making story bracelets and poetry. For more information, visit creativeliberties.net.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Sarasota County Sheriff's Office's Fourth Annual Halloween Drive-Thru , October 28, 6-8pm

Due to popular demand and the success of the past three years, The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, SCSO, is pleased to announce its Fourth Annual Halloween Drive-Thru on Saturday, October 28, from 6-8pm,, at the agency’s Sarasota headquarters. “While this event originated due to the pandemic, it has grown and become a highly anticipated annual event,” commented Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman. “It is easy to attend, quick, safe, and fun for families and allows our agency members to interact with the community.” For information about the SCSO Halloween Drive-Thru, connect with the sheriff’s office on social media or contact the Community Affairs Office at 941.861.4005 or visit SarasotaSheriff.org.

[SOON]  FILM: Howl-O-Ween Movie Night Spooktacular Saturday , October 28, 5-6:45pm

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, the Baltimore Orioles and the Sarasota Film Festival will present Howl-O-Ween Movie Night Spooktacular Saturday, Oct. 28 at Ed Smith Stadium. Enjoy free children's games, activities, a sensory area and community booths in the stadium concourse and on the baseball field from 5 to 6:45 p.m. At 6:45 p.m. join the Orioles' Bird, for a Halloween costume parade around the bases. The feature movie, "The Nightmare Before Christmas," rated PG, will begin at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket to enjoy the movie from the outfield or watch the movie from stadium seating. Entry at the left-field gate begins at 5 p.m. Those planning to attend are encouraged to bring one non-perishable food item to benefit All Faiths Food Bank. One Blood will be onsite with their bus to take donations in the parking lot near the entrance. Children ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Ed Smith Stadium is located at 2700 12th St., Sarasota. For more information call 311 or visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Celtic Thunder at Van Wezel , November 1, 7:30pm

PBS darlings Celtic Thunder will play the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, FL on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. ODYSSEY, the latest show from the internationally acclaimed group, is a fascinating exploration of Irish music and culture, firmly grounded in the ensemble's impressive history, while ambitiously forging new paths. Tickets on sale now. Tickets are $40-$95 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 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Pre-show dining is available through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Kids in Costumes Eat Free at Hooters on Halloween , October 31

Children wearing their Halloween costume at any of the South Florida Hooters restaurants on Tuesday, October 31 will receive a free kids meal. Kids meal choices include grilled cheese, wings, boneless wings, burger sliders and mac & cheese. Kids meals include a side and beverage. Deal is for children 10 and under wearing a Halloween costume on October 31. One free kids meal per paying adult, for dine in only. For more information, visit hootersflorida.com.

[SOON]  FOOD: Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival , January 25 – January 29, Various times
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.
[SOON]  FOOD: 34th Annual Hob Nob BBQ Event , December 6, 5:30-8:30pm

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is excited to announce they will be the new home for the 34th Annual Hob Nob BBQ event on December 6th, previously put on by Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation. This event has been the premier networking event in the region for decades, which brings together the business community from the Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch Region to enjoy an evening of food, drinks and fun. The event will be held at the Premiere Sports Campus from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.For more information, visit members.lwrba.org.

[SOON]  FILM: Sarasota Opera Classic Movies Series , October 13 – October 27, 7:30pm

Sarasota Opera presents 2023 Summer Classic Movies at the Opera House. The Classic Movies at the Opera House series will feature The Addams Family, on October 27 at 7:30pm. Throughout the summer and into the fall, featured movies will include films ranging from the 1930s to the 1990s. Tickets are $12. Sarasota Opera, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, sarasotaopera.org.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Orchid Show 2023: A 50th Anniversary Celebration at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens , October 7 – November 26, n/a

The Orchid Show 2023: A 50th Anniversary Celebration will be on view October 7 through November 26 at the Downtown Sarasota campus. Since its establishment in 1973, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has formed the best scientifically documented collection of living orchids in the world. The Orchid Show 2023, presented by Better-Gro, will celebrate Selby Gardens 50th anniversary and highlight spectacular orchids from the living plant collection for which it is known across the globe. The Orchid Show 2023 will include a horticultural display in the Tropical Conservatory and an exhibition in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. Orchids of various shapes, colors, and patterns will abound in the Conservatory, illustrating the beauty and diversity of one of the largest and most beloved families of flowering plants. The Museum exhibition will present a selection of rare artifacts and historical images to help tell the rich story of Selby Gardens’ first 50 years, with emphasis on the plants and people who have made it such a special place. For more information, visit selby.org.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Trick-or-Treat on the Lake , October 26, 5:30-8pm

Nathan Benderson Park (NBP) is excited to host its annual Trick-or-Treat on the Lake event on Thursday, October 26, 5:30-8:00pm. Get into the holiday spirit by enjoying Halloween favorites for the entire family by the lake. Come dressed in your spookiest, silliest, star-studded costumes for an evening of trick-or-treating along a candy trail of not-too-spooky themed booths, hosted and decorated by over 35 community organizations. This family-friendly event will have an area for interactive play, storytelling, live music and an age-appropriate Halloween movie will play on the jumbotron. The event is free and open to the public. Parking is $10. For more information, visit nathanbendersonpark.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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