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SRQ DAILY Jan 8, 2024

Monday Business Edition

Monday Business Edition

"The data linking teen social media use and mental health is clear, and under Speaker Renner's leadership we will keep a product we know to be both addictive and harmful away from Florida's youth."

- State Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota.
 

[Data]  McFarland to Minors: Delete Your Account
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

State Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota, wants restrictions on when minors can access social media sites. And she has the blessings of House leadership to seek stricter controls.

Just before the deadline for filing new bills for the upcoming legislative session, she filed legislation with Rep. Tyler Sirois, R-Merritt Island, that would prohibit social media from allowing new accounts for users under the age of 16, and calling for them to delete existing accounts run by minors now. House Speaker Paul Renner held a prior slot for the bill, which was designated as HB 1.

“The data linking teen social media use and mental health is clear, and under Speaker Renner’s leadership we will keep a product we know to be both addictive and harmful away from Florida’s youth,” McFarland said.

The bill still allows children to access online software for direct communication like e-mail or direct messaging programs. The bill also ignores access to streaming services for licensed content like Netflix.

But tech services that allow users to upload and view user content on mass public platforms, from Facebook and X to YouTube, would be required to verify the age of users before allowing creation of an account. It also requires platforms to make easy mechanisms available to report on cyber-bullying or for users to spotlight somes a user may inflict self-harm.

McFarland last year championed data privacy legislation aimed at stopping tech companies from harvesting consumer for children. At the time, she noted her own small children gravitated to YouTube when playing with her cell phone, and she had deep cocerns about tech companies keeping data history on children.

Her new legislation would prohibit companies from using any data for verifying the age of users to later push advertising content. It also requires that anytime a minor or their parent asks for an account to be deleted, that companies deleted any data collected from the account up until that point.

  

Photo courtesy Florida House of Representatives: State Rep. Fiona McFarland.

[Del Sole]  Giuseppe Del Sole Sells His Shares of Napule
Laura Paquette, laura.paquette@srqme.com

On September 15, 2023, Giuseppe “Peppe” Del Sole sold his shares of Napule in Sarasota. Along with Alessandro di Ferdinando, Del Sole owned Made in Italy in Venice and opened Napule in 2017. “Napule was another great business and environment,” he says, “but now I’m here in Lakewood Ranch.”

For years, Del Sole had hoped to open a restaurant in the Lakewood Ranch area, and in 2023 he accomplished that goal with Osteria 500 at Waterside, which he started with his longtime friend Carmine Ussano, brother-in-law Andrea De Dominicis and nephew Salvatore Scaccino. “Finally, I’m here with my family. I started this project to promote my nephew, the chef, Andrea and Carmine, who is like a brother to me,” he adds. No longer affiliated with Napule, Del Sole is excited to continue his journey with Osteria 500 and invites all of his previous customers to experience his new restaurant, which serves up classic Italian dishes in an enchanting setting.

Osteria 500, 1580 Lakefront Dr. Unit 101, Sarasota, osteria500.com. 

Pictured: Giuseppe Del Sole at Osteria 500, his new restaurant at Waterside.

Osteria 500

[County News]  Sarasota County to Hold Fire Fest on Feb. 3

Sarasota County's Fire Fest returns on Saturday, Feb. 3 to educate and inform the community about the importance of prescribed fire to the ecosystem. Throughout the event at T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve, staff from Sarasota County's Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and Emergency Services departments will demonstrate why the county schedules prescribed burns, the benefits of fire to native habitats and wildlife and how the county manages wildfire. Sarasota County continues its commitment of environmental stewardship by sharing the value of prescribed burns in protecting public lands and surrounding areas through Fire Fest. The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice, and will also feature local exhibitors, games for children and light refreshments. For more information or to learn about prescribed burns, call 311 or visit scgov.net.

Sarasota County's Fire Fest, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3, T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve, 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice. Schedule of events: 10 a.m.: Event opens, 11:30 a.m.: Live burn demonstration (conditions permitting), 1 p.m.: Live burn demonstration (conditions permitting), 2 p.m. Event ends.

  

[Hospital News]  SMH Expands Outpatient Rehabilitation, Earns Re-Accreditation for Specialized Care

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is pleased to announce two milestones in its commitment to providing 5-star rehabilitation care to people of the Suncoast. SMH-Sarasota earned re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its inpatient rehabilitation program in December, continuing a 28-year streak SMH has held for providing high-quality, patient-centered care. SMH’s specialized rehabilitation care has resulted in better outcomes for people recovering from disabling injuries and illnesses and earned the hospital a top spot on U.S. News & World Report’s 50 Best Hospitals in 2023-2024 for the third consecutive year. The hospital is opening a sixth outpatient rehabilitation center on its Bee Ridge campus, located at 5560 Bee Ridge Road, to help meet the growing community’s increasing needs. Sarasota Memorial offers comprehensive inpatient rehab in its state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Pavilion on the SMH-Sarasota Campus, the only hospital-based inpatient rehabilitation program in Sarasota County, as well as physical therapy and other personalized outpatient rehabilitation to help people restore mobility and independence and improve their quality of life. Some of its specialties include brain and spinal-cord injuries, stroke and neurological disorders, and orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions. For more information, people can visit smh.com/rehab or call 941-917-1385. 

[Ribbon Cutting]  Manatee County to Celebrate Grand Opening of Lakewood Ranch Library

Manatee County is putting the finishing touches on the new Lakewood Ranch Library, located at 16410 Rangeland Parkway, which will officially open to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony January 12, 2024, at 10 a.m. The milestone project—as the county's first library built in the 21st century—has been a long-anticipated addition to the Lakewood Ranch community. The $17.6 million facility stands out with its modern design elements and cutting-edge amenities. With approximately 25,000 square feet of usable space and three meeting rooms, the Lakewood Ranch Library is an inviting oasis for learning and community engagement. Another key highlight of the Lakewood Ranch Library is Manatee County's first-ever library drive-thru window, revolutionizing how patrons can quickly interact with staff. With over 38,000 titles to check out, the library offers a wide range of resources, catering to all interests and age groups. This vast collection ensures that the library is not only a center for knowledge but also a place for entertainment and exploration. While the ribbon cutting will happen Friday, January 12, opening festivities will continue for library patrons through opening weekend. For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov. 

[Holiday ]  Celebrate Florida Arbor Day with a Scavenger Hunt for Trees with TreeQuest 2024

How much do you know about the trees you pass by every day? TreeQuest encourages residents to stop and smell the southern magnolias! Starting January 19, residents can visit local parks and look for trees with a TreeQuest tag. Once found, participants can scan the sign’s QR code, answer a few questions, and enter into a prize drawing! Trees provide many benefits that can go unnoticed in our day to day life. This year, TreeQuest is highlighting how trees improve our water quality. More than just a shady spot, trees provide a place for polluted runoff to go, preventing it from entering our waterways. Find all four tagged trees at each location to see which species prevents the most runoff! In addition to the week-long scavenger hunt, TreeQuest will also host a free tree giveaway at Mineral Springs Park (at the east end of Riverwalk) on Florida Arbor Day, January 19, from 10AM to 1PM sponsored by Keep Manatee Beautiful. Participating TreeQuest locations include Riverwalk, G.T. Bray Park, The NEST at Robinson Preserve, Emerson Point Preserve, the Downtown Bradenton Courthouse, and Conservatory Park. Find as many trees as you can before January 28 for more entries into the prize drawing! No prior registration necessary for TreeQuest or the tree giveaway. 

[Board Members]  The Bay Park Conservancy Welcomes Two New Board Members

The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC), the non-profit organization responsible for designing, developing, managing and operating a signature public park on 53 acres of City-owned land along Sarasota Bay, has elected two new Board members. “The Bay team continues to be laser focused on providing delightful experiences day in and day out for the thousands of park guests who visit the park every day, week and month,” says Board Chair Jennifer Compton. “We also continue to make good progress designing Phase 2, the next 14-acres, to provide the community with even more park for all. Proven leaders like Felice and Mark add experience and expertise to the Board necessary to govern and balance ongoing operations of existing park with the implementation of new park.” Felice Schulaner is an accomplished retired Human Resources executive. She worked in a variety of industries - retail, financial services, technology - adding value to multi-billion-dollar companies including Macy’s, American Express and Coach Inc. Ms. Schulaner also served as the Executive Director of the Coach Foundation. Ms. Schulaner devotes her time to giving back and serving on several non-profit boards in various capacities, including as Vice Chair of the Board of Ruth’s List. “I am excited to join the Board of The Bay Park Conservancy because I am inspired by its mission to provide equal access to a wonderful park and inspiring activities for all members of the community,” says Schulaner. “Creating beautiful and inclusive spaces and experiences for everyone is something truly worth supporting.“ Dr. Mark S. Pritchett recently retired from Gulf Coast Community Foundation as President and CEO where he led the team to record philanthropic giving and granting, while successfully executing initiatives that will transform the greater Sarasota region for generations. Mark is known throughout Florida as a respected leader in business, philanthropy, and public policy. For over thirty years, Mark has worked with governors, CEOs and philanthropists to advance Florida into a future that provides opportunities for everyone. “As an early proponent of The Bay, I am excited to serve on the board and continue my support of this park for all,” says Pritchett. “Open, beautiful parks are sanctuaries from the chaos of our daily lives. The Bay is an oasis hiding in a bustling urban environment where we can quietly appreciate the natural beauty of the seashore or enjoy the creativity of our vibrant region.” For more information about The Bay and The Bay Park Conservancy, visit www.thebaysarasota.org or contact Julia Groom at julia@dreamlarge.org or 941-786-8732. 

[Sheriff's News]  SCSO South County Office Reopening

Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is pleased to announce the reopening of the agency’s south county office. The office at 4531 Annex Road, Venice, will be open to the public and staffed by deputies Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., except on holidays, beginning Thursday, January 4, 2024. Residents and visitors in the southern part of the county can utilize this service as an alternative to online reporting or filing in person at our headquarters on Cattleridge Boulevard. Citizens will be able to file reports with deputies in person for lost or damaged property, frauds and scams, theft, vandalism or forgery, or anything not requiring an emergency response. All emergencies should still be reported through 911. In 2019, citing fiscal concerns, personnel issues, and facility needs, the sheriff’s office closed the south county office – encouraging residents to call for a deputy’s response, utilize our general email address, or head directly to the agency’s headquarters, a considerable distance for some. Over the years, however, the public’s call to reopen the facility has increased due to the county’s growth. 

[New Homes]  Christopher Alan Homes Quick Move-in Homes Hammocks

Christopher Alan Homes’ selection of move-in ready homes provides a solution – and limited-time savings – for homebuyers who want new construction without the wait in The Hammocks at West Port, located at U.S. 41 and El Jobean Road in Port Charlotte. With more than a dozen single-family homes currently available for immediate occupancy, plus an $8,000 closing incentive offered through the builder’s preferred lender and title company, buyers can quickly start enjoying the active lifestyle of the Charlotte County master-planned community, nestled around Charlotte County’s public 100-acre Centennial Park, recreational and aquatic center, and miles of sidewalks and extra-wide multimodal trails, a fishing lake and playground. For more information about The Hammocks and quick move-in home opportunities, visit the Christopher Alan Homes sales center at 1496 Sunset Preserve Way, Port Charlotte, open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Information is also available by visiting westportbycah.com or calling 941-623-9754.

  

Pictured: The Captiva model offers homebuyers an exceptional opportunity for new residences in a prime location, featuring top-notch designs that prioritize outdoor living, open-concept floor plans, and an inviting kitchen space. With four floor plans a

[Milestone]  The ER at Bayshore Gardens Reaches Milestone Volume of 100 Cases in a Single Day

The ER at Bayshore Gardens, an Extension of Manatee Memorial Hospital, has been a vital resource for the South Bradenton community. The freestanding ER opened in April 2023 and has seen a steady influx of patients ever since. On December 27th, the ER at Bayshore Gardens achieved a milestone by serving 100 patients in one day. This feat was repeated on January 1st, illustrating the high demand and quality of care at the facility. “The rise in volume that we are seeing at the ER at Bayshore Gardens is representative of the need in that community and throughout Manatee County. Through the expansion of our emergency services into our communities, we can better meet the needs of our citizens and provide access to emergency care where it is needed.  No matter what the emergency, the ER at Bayshore Gardens is equipped to handle everything from minor conditions to stabilizing treatment for major conditions such as heart attack and stroke.” - Tom McDougal, CEO of Manatee Memorial Hospital. The ER at Bayshore Gardens is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide care for all ages and is staffed by an ER physician. The 10,884 square ft. facility includes six exam rooms, three rapid medical spaces, full-service laboratory, x-ray, and ultrasound areas. Manatee Memorial has broken ground on its second Manatee County freestanding ER, the ER at Palma Sola. Located at 633 75th Street West at the corner of Manatee Avenue, the ER at Palma Sola is expected to open toward the end of 2024 and will deliver the same high quality emergency services for this community and the barrier islands. 

To learn more, visit

[Community News]  Lakewood Ranch Remains Number One Multi-Gen Community in the Country

Lakewood Ranch has maintained its ranking as the number one best-selling, master-planned multi-generational community in the nation for an impressive six consecutive years, as recognized by RCLCO, an independent real estate consulting firm. “Lakewood Ranch’s stellar performance this past year is a testament to its dynamic market segmentation strategy, superior marketing, appealing lifestyle, great execution, and the professionalism of the development team,” said Gregg Logan, managing director at RCLCO. In 2023, despite spiking interest rates, the community achieved 2,257 sales (22% above 2022), marking it as the second-highest sales year in its history. This was partly attributed to builders’ strategic initiatives to draw potential resale buyers into the new home market. Laura Cole, senior vice president of Lakewood Ranch, commended the builders for their efforts in leveraging mortgage buy-downs, accelerated build cycles, and move-in ready homes, while also highlighting the financial benefits of lower insurance and maintenance expenses associated with new construction. Emphasizing the commitment to enhancing the quality of life, Cole reiterated Lakewood Ranch’s dedication to fostering a vibrant, multi-generational community that caters to diverse life stages and budgets. The community’s recognition in the Urban Land Institute’s new master-planned community publication underscored its segmentation and varied product offerings, acknowledging its broad appeal. Furthermore, Rex Jensen, president and CEO of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, the developer of Lakewood Ranch, was honored with Zonda’s 2023 Legend Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to the planned-community sector. The sales landscape in Lakewood Ranch witnessed a significant shift in 2023, with a notable 37% of new home sales originating from within The Ranch and Sarasota and Manatee counties. “Many of these sales were attributed to renters seeking permanent residency after experiencing limited choices during the pandemic,” Cole said. “Other local sales came from buyers who experienced a life change, precipitating the desire or need for a new home in our community.” Expanding beyond Florida, markets such as New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Boston contributed significantly to sales, with Tampa and Miami making the top five feeder markets for the first time. Anticipating an increase in in-state moves due to equity growth, Lakewood Ranch foresees more buyers relocating from within Florida.  Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, Lakewood Ranch plans to introduce nine new villages and neighborhoods while launching a newly incorporated section in the northeast comprised of three communities that will have great appeal based on recent successes:  Saddlestone (multi-gen), Del Webb Catalina (age-restricted), and Calusa National Golf (bundled golf). The Ranch is also introducing two new homebuilders to its portfolio, Homes by WestBay and Dream Finders, and Erickson Senior Living will break ground on Emerson Lakes, a 1,200-unit continued care retirement community located north of SR-70. New schools, a county library, enhanced amenities at the Premier Sports Campus, updated town centers, and various other developments are also in the pipeline. 



[SRQIST]  A Return to Form
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

A RETURN TO FORM | Pamela Olin brings figures to life with her creative sculpting techniques, January 2024. 

Read Here!

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Business Networking and Cowork Session , August 22 – June 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Attention all business professionals. Join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event every Tuesday at Out and About Coffee in downtown Sarasota. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Limited spots available, so register now on Eventbrite. O and A Coffee Supply, 1316 Main St., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Working Conditions at The Ringling , August 26 – March 3, varied times

Explore labor through The Ringlings Working Conditions photography exhibit, running until March 3, 2024. The Industrial Revolution of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries radically changed the nature of human labor. That era is defined by a global shift from producing goods by hand to manufacturing by machines and technologies that emphasized efficiency. Working Conditions explores the myriad ways in which photographs have communicated ideas about labor since the nineteenth century through examples from The Ringlings photography permanent collection. For more information, visit ringling.org.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Listening to Women Series , January 18 – February 22, 1pm

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College, OLLI, presents its fifth annual Listening to Women, a six-session series that recognizes women whose brilliance and fortitude have reshaped industries and who are making a difference in our communities. The series takes place on Thursdays at 1 pm, from Jan. 18-Feb. 22, 2024, at Sarasota Art Museum, the Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Registration for the complete series is $81 for OLLI Gold Members and $90 for OLLI Silver Members and general admission; register at www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O Keeffe at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens , February 11 – June 30, n/a

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will present Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O Keeffe as the eighth iteration of its annual Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, which examines the work of major artists through the lens of their connection to nature. The exhibition, which will be on view from February 11 through June 30, 2024, at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, will explore the unexpected yet profoundly impactful mentoring relationship that developed between iconic artists Yayoi Kusama and Georgia O Keeffe. The theme of the upcoming Goldstein Exhibition is the latest announcement of programming planned for Selby Gardens 50th anniversary season. For more information, visit selby.org.

[SOON]  GALA: Party in Paradise , February 3, 5:30-10:30pm

Prepare to be transported to a luxurious tropical escape at the unforgettable cocktail party experience, Party in Paradise. Enjoy endless culinary delights, including passed hors doeuvres and rotating food stations inspired by tropical destinations near and far. Savor signature Siesta Key Rum cocktails, along with non-alcoholic mocktail versions and premium traditional offerings. Explore inside the Burrows-Matson House to discover and purchase one-of-a-kind experiences in nature before they are sold out. You will also have the opportunity to protect the land and water of our Southwest Florida paradise during a fun and fast-paced paddle raise. Gaze upon twinkling stars reflected on Little Sarasota Bay or enjoy intimate conversation under Tuscan lights in our laid-back, waterfront Golden Hour Lounge. Show off your moves and dance the night away with the Deleon Band in our Island Dream Disco. Event proceeds support the vital mission of the Conservation Foundation to protect the land and water of Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature. Party in Paradise will take place at the historic Bay Preserve, located at 400 Palmetto Ave, Osprey. Learn more about tickets and sponsorships at conservationfoundation.com.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Wild About Nature Festival , April 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us for a day of fun and outdoor adventure at the Wild About Nature Festival on Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Reconnect with the great outdoors and help foster a love of nature in the next generation as you spend a day in the sun on the beautiful shores of Little Sarasota Bay at Bay Preserve. Families of all ages are encouraged to take part in this fun-filled day of nature-based education and exploration. The wide variety of activities includes dip-netting, face painting, hula-hoop lessons, crafts, games, and more. There will be live music and food trucks making this a guaranteed good time. This is a FREE family festival open to all. Registration is not required. The event will take place at our Bay Preserve headquarters located at 400 Palmetto Ave. in Osprey. For more information, visit conservationfoundation.com.
[SOON]  SPORTS: 4th Annual Get Your Mutt Movin 5K Fun Run , February 24, 8:30am-1pm

Satchels Last Resort Animal Rescue and Sanctuary and Sarasota City YMCA are excited to announce the 4th annual Get Your Mutt Movin 5K Fun Run, Walk and Festival scheduled for February 24, 2024 at Payne Park. Runner registration is now open at RunSignUp.com. Get Your Mutt Movin features a 5K Fun Run, a choose-your-distance walk, a one-hour Zumba session with local favorite Yael Campbell, and a festival full of vendors, food trucks and more. The event kicks off with the 5K at 8:30am, followed by the walk at 9:30am, and Zumba at 10:30am. The festival will run from 9am-1pm. Funds raised from this event support both Satchels Last Resort and Sarasota City YMCA to provide support for programs like medical care for shelter animals, summer camp scholarships and more. Sponsorship opportunities are available. More information can be found at https://satchelslastresort.networkforgood.com/events/62387-get-your-mutt-movin-5k-road-race-and-fun-walk-2024.

[SOON]  GALA: Celebrate 75 Gala and Concert , February 15, 6pm
Celebrate 75 years of inspiring music all season long, and our Celebrate 75 special concert and gala experience will be the party to top them all. We invite you to support 75 more years, and beyond, of enriching lives through music by purchasing tickets to Celebrate 75. For access to the best seats and the full celebration, opt for a Gala ticket, which includes pre-concert cocktails and a gourmet dinner after the performance. Concert-only tickets are also available for purchase. The concert program, led by Creative Partner Peter Oundjian, captures all the euphoria of reaching this milestone in our history as Florida’s oldest continuously operating orchestra. After two stirring fanfares written by Aaron Copland and Joan Tower, legendary pianist Garrick Ohlsson joins Sarasota Orchestra for the monumental Piano Concerto No. 3 by Rachmaninoff. Paired with An American in Paris by Gershwin, a rhapsodic portrait of a stroll through the City of Lights, this one-night-only program promises to thrill. Gala begins at 6:00 pm, and concert begins at 7:00 pm. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, sarasotaorchestra.org.
[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Under the Sea ALSO Youth Annual Prom , February 3, 6-10pm
The ALSO Youth Annual Prom is the most highly anticipated event for our LGBTQ youth each year. Youth from Sarasota County, Manatee County and beyond attend this unique celebration where they are free to come as they are, with whoever they wish, without fear of judgment or needing to mask who they are. We anticipate between 250-300 youth sending their RSVP to attend the ALSO Youth Prom on Saturday, February 3, 2024. Attendees will enjoy fun music, dancing, games, themed crafts, an awesome photo booth, and so much more. alsoyouth.org
[SOON]  GALLERY: Under My Skin , February 2 – March 16, Various times

SPAACES is pleased to announce a new solo exhibition by Babs Reingold Under My Skin. This is the first solo exhibition by Babs in Sarasota. The exhibition includes a series of new stain paintings/assemblages, sculptures from the Luna Window series, and a group of small drawings. 2087 Princeton St., Sarasota, https://spaaces.art/under-my-skin/.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Mutts Gone Nuts , January 13, 5pm
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to welcome Mutts Gone Nuts to Sarasota on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 5pm. Tickets on sale now. Imagine some of the most talented four-legged performers in the world in an uproariously funny, comedy dog spectacular, and you get Mutts Gone Nuts. The all-star lineup includes Feather, a Guinness world record holder, a two-time World Champion disc dog, an Americas Got Talent fan favorite, and a host of previously discarded dogs that will dance, prance, flip, and skip their way right into your heart. The family-friendly show runs about 70 minutes and was created by veteran comedy team Scott and Joan Houghton, who performed their duo act Jessie and James on variety stages from Tokyo to Las Vegas. Tickets start at $20 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 between 10 a.m. and 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. Mutts Gone Nuts is locally sponsored by Nates Honor Animal Rescue. Adoptable dogs from Nates Honor Animal Rescue will be at the Van Wezel before the Mutts Gone Nuts performance.
[SOON]  GALA: 2024 Inspiring Hope Dinner , January 12, 6:30 pm

Sunshine From Darkness, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the funding of local mental health services and programs and mental health research, has announced its 2024 Inspiring Hope Dinner. This annual fundraising event will take place on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive. The keynote speaker will be American comedian, actor, producer and writer Tom Arnold, who will speak about his journey with anxiety and longtime battles with addiction. The evening will feature Faces Behind the Stories, shining a spotlight on the personal, sometimes difficult journeys of four members of our community. The event will also feature the awarding of the 2024 Lee and Bob Peterson Legacy Award to Bunny Skirboll, founder of Compeer, Inc., a lively paddle raise, live music with Quintessence, featuring some very special guest vocalists, including Chris Eisenberg, and dancing. Tickets are $350; proceeds will benefit Sunshine From Darkness blue door services, which will focus on emotional literacy for youth, and youth mental health research. For more about Sunshine From Darkness or to purchase tickets to the Inspiring Hope Dinner, visit sunshinefromdarkness.org.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Odyssey , January 11 – January 23, Various times
SPAACES is proud to present Odyssey, featuring works from the Ringling College of Art and Design Fine Arts graduating class of 2024. Odyssey features eight artists who explore the nuances of human connection through painting, fiber arts, and time-based media. Each artist delves into individual odysseys of their own experiences to create a harmonious group exhibition. A reception will be held on Thursday, January 11th 2024, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, SPAACES, 2051 Princeton St., Sarasota, https://spaaces.art/.
[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]  BUSINESS: Lets Connect at Oscura in Old Manatee , August 31 – December 26, 8:30-10am

Connect with local business owners at every Thursday at Oscura. Lets Connect is a community of collaborative business professionals from the Manatee and Sarasota County areas. RSVP on Eventbrite to attend, admission is free.

[SOON]  FOOD: Siesta Key Rum Distillery Tours , September 2 – September 30, Various times

Siesta Key Rum runs free year-round tours for guests to learn the story of the craft distillery, the awards they have won and the secret to how they make their rums taste so good. During our 30-45 minute tour we will discuss the following topics: history of Siesta Key Rum, an overview of the awards our small company has won, what makes our rums taste so good, the rum-making process from mashing and fermentation to distillation, barrel aging and bottling of our rums. After the tour, we welcome you to sample a freshly made Siesta Key Rum cocktail, stock up on your favorite rums and browse our gift shop. 2212 Industrial Blvd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens , November 11 – August 31, N/a

Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens will be on view through August 31, 2024 at the Historic Spanish Point campus. Selby Gardens is excited to present the extraordinary imagery of photographer and conservationist Clyde Butcher throughout the grounds of the Historic Spanish Point campus. Large-scale prints on aluminum of Butcher’s beautiful photographs of plants, animals, and habitats of Florida will be exhibited amid the natural landscape of the 30-acre waterfront preserve, enabling the public to engage with the artist’s work like never before. In the tradition of earlier landscape photographers like Ansel Adams, Butcher captures the beauty and majesty of America’s natural treasures in dramatic black and white. The unique environments of Florida have been subjects of particular interest to Butcher since the 1980s, when he was first introduced to the magic and mystery of sites such as Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. Nature Through the Lens will include Butcher’s photographs of regional locales such as Myakka River State Park and Casey Key. This exhibition is presented in partnership with the Clyde Butcher Gallery & Studio in Venice, Florida. For more information, visit selby.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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