SRQ DAILY Mar 28, 2024
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"It is fun and engaging, and the guests are not simply observers."
On April 14, the Set the Bar Cocktail Competition returns to Sarasota for its sixth year. This exciting event, run by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals and hosted at Ed Smith Stadium, is a must-attend if you love the art of making, or drinking, creative cocktails.
“I like to talk about the Food Network and things like that, where there was that shift when chefs became celebrities, and they were taken out of their kitchens and put on stage,” says Liza Kubik, who does marketing and communications for the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. “People love to learn about the people who are making their food. We were of course aware that the people behind the bar were as integral to the success of a restaurant in many cases as sort of the chefs of the bar. They were doing some very innovative, delicious and beautiful things, so we wanted to provide a platform for these artists to be showcased, and we made it a very fun and playful platform.”
The event will feature 25 mixologists from restaurants that are part of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals competing in five spirit categories, each with a five-ingredient limit. The restaurants are given several weeks to prepare the cocktail they will feature, and those that have previously participated are challenging themselves to use a different spirit than the one they highlighted at the last Set the Bar in their cocktails. The cocktail’s identity is top secret until the event, where guests and judges will sample them. A panel of expert judges will blindly evaluate each drink’s flavor, appearance, bartender presentation and imagination, and Clive Daniel Home will judge the eateries on the best tablescape at each of their stations.
Attendees will be given a punch card, which acts as a passport that helps them keep track of which cocktails they’ve tried. They can vote for the People’s Choice Award using a stub that they detach from the card, and observe how their tastes match up with those of the judges. An auction and raffle of tickets for the 2025 edition of Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival, another Original’s event, will be available and will benefit Children First. Guests will also enjoy live music and entertainment, as well as light bites from Original’s restaurants. “It’s fun and engaging,” Kubik adds, “and the guests are not simply observers.”
Set the Bar, April 14 from 4-7pm, Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit eatlikealocal.com/events/setthebar. 
Pictured: Geoff from Harry's Continental Kitchens at a previous Set the Bar. The competition is fierce, with most winners from last year returning to defend their titles. Photo Courtesy of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals.
Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open recently named Coastal Orthopedics, a full-service provider of comprehensive orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, spine care, diagnostic imaging and physical therapy service, as its medical partner for the 2024 tennis tournament. Dr. R. Stephen Otte will serve as the on-site physician for the event activities taking place April 7 – 14, 2024 at Payne Park in the City of Sarasota. The annual event is played on outdoor Har-Tru green clay courts and is part of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Challenger Tour. During tournament week, Dr. Otte will assist with any medical issues that arise amongst the players, including evaluating injuries to make sure competitors are fit to continue the tournament and filling out appropriate forms for medical disqualification. This is the third year that Dr. Otte has been chosen as the on-site physician for the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open. In past years, he has also acted as the on-site physician for the 2023 inaugural event of the World Champions Cup and the 2021 PGA Tour's World Champions Cup-Mexico at The Concession Golf Club. The tournament has helped to bring top-tier tennis talent to Sarasota since 2009. In 2021, ownership changed, with a stronger emphasis on supporting local businesses, creating a signature event in Sarasota, building a strong economic impact for the area, and attracting the local community. A number of local businesses have already committed as sponsors, including City of Sarasota, Coastal Orthopedics, FPL, Mademoiselle Paris, Mallory Agency, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, USTA Foundation and Visit Sarasota, with Elizabeth Moore being the title sponsor and Tommy’s Express Car Wash as the presenting sponsor. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities still remain. Interested individuals can learn more online or by calling 941-789-6869.
Pictured: left to right: Dr. Otte with Daniel Altmaier, last year's tournament winner.
Al Fuller and The Moonlight Movers are going to rock the outdoor stage at The Bazaar on Saturday, March 30th from 5:30-8:30pm. Al Fuller is no stranger to the Sarasota music scene. He has been singing, playing, and composing music for most of his life. His music ranges from original songs, rock and roll to blues. His band, the Moonlight Movers include Barry Sikes on bass guitar, and Rich MacDonald on drums. Get ready for some dancing to songs like The Thrill is Gone, T-Bone Shuffle, Paint My Mailbox Blue, Black Magic Woman, and other blues and rock classics. No cover charge.Hamlet’s Eatery will be open for dinner. Craft Beer, wine, Prosecco on tap are available for sale.
821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. For more information visit, www.hamletseatery.com
More than 730 people participated in Wellen Park’s second annual Half Marathon and 5K, presented by Hotwire Communications, on March 16. Both races started and ended at Solis Hall in Downtown Wellen, with the 13.1-mile half-marathon course certified by USA Track & Field. An awards ceremony at the finish line recognized the top three male and female finishers in each age group, best male and female overall winners, male and female grand masters, male and female masters, male and female senior grand masters and male and female veterans’ grand masters. Attendees also enjoyed live music from Solis Hall’s outdoor stage, as well as beverages and food from different Downtown Wellen restaurants and The Yard eateries. Hotwire Communications was the presenting sponsor for the half marathon and 5K run. AMC Contracting Inc. was the gold level sponsor, and the silver level sponsors were Homes by WestBay, Jessica Costanzo Memorial Scholarship, Mattamy Homes, Stillwell at Wellen Park and West Villages Animal Clinic. College Preparatory at Wellen Park, Homes by Towne, Lennar, Pulte Homes and Streetsense were the bronze level sponsors for the race. To learn more about upcoming events, go to wellenpark.com or visit the Welcome Center at 12275 Mercado Drive in Venice, Fla., open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pictured: More than 730 people participated in Wellen Park’s second annual Half Marathon and 5K, presented by Hotwire Communications, on March 16.
The Venice Farmers Market is the newest recipient of the Venice Spirit Award. Randy Moore, the publisher of South County Healthy Living made the announcement today. The award recognizes an individual, couple, business, or nonprofit making a meaningful contribution to the health and vitality of area residents. The Venice Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning on Venice Island. Venice Farmers Market is the eighth recipient of the Venice Spirit Award since 2019. Prior award winners include Mission Organic Café & Coffee, Restorative Medical Center, The Island Bookshop, Big Bam Bikes, Aspire Direct Primary Care, Venice Urban Forest, and Venice Island Gallery. Other community awards presented by South County Healthy Living and its sister publication Englewood Healthy Living includes the North Port Spirit Award, Englewood Spirit Award, Sarasota County Spirit Award, Wildlife Champion Award, Inspiring Artist Award, Venice Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Englewood Lee Reid Lifetime Achievement Award.
New College of Florida will host a Socratic Stage Dialogue Series Event: “Free Speech, Academic Freedom, and Political Expression” on Wednesday, April 10, 6-7:30 p.m. at Sainer Auditorium, 5313 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. New College Trustee Dr. Mark Bauerlein will interview Presidential Scholar in Residence Dr. Stanley Fish on timely questions relating to academic freedom and political expression on college campuses. The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is requested. Online registration is now open. For more information, visit New College Office of Public Policy Events webpage.
On Tuesday, April 9th, 2024 hundreds of very special people will gather at Sarasota Christian School’s beautiful 25-acre campus for a time of celebration and reflection. The SCS community will pause to recognize and appreciate the generations that came before and those who continue to influence our students. Featured speaker, Pat Williams is one of America’s top motivational, inspirational, and humorous speakers and is also the author of over 100 books. Mr. Williams will offer his insights to the crowd which will include two of his own grandchildren. This event will be held in the SCS gymnasium from 9:00am - 11:00am and will feature performances from the elementary students as well as time for classroom visits and photos.
2024 BEST OF SRQ LOCAL PARTY | Join us on Friday, April 12, 2024, from 5-8 pm at the Aloft Hotel in Downtown Sarasota to taste and experience some of this year's "Best of SRQ Local" restaurants and cocktails. Share a hip evening with our area’s passionate localvores and foodies.
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.
Geckos Grill & Pub’s Award-winning Trivia-Think While You Drink! If you love Trivia, join the fun at Geckos all year round. All Trivia starts at 7:30pm. We will have prizes, giveaways and specials plus the Geckos made-to-order fare, signature cocktails and hospitality you love. Monday trivia will be held at the Clark Road location in Palmer Crossing and on Tuesdays at the SR 64 location in Braden River Plaza. The SR 64 location will be taking a break from Trivia in October, but will start back up in April. On Wednesdays, trivia will take place at the Hillview Street location in Southside Village. www.GeckosGrill.com.
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.
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.
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.
Attention all business professionals, join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event at Panera Bread at the UTC Mall every Friday. 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. Panera Bread, 215 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.
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.
Realize Bradenton is happy to announce the return of the Bradenton Market to its weekly schedule. This beloved community gathering will be held Saturdays through May 25, 2024 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm on Old Main Street in Bradenton. Founded in 1979, the Market has expanded to include more than 90 local vendors. In addition to the weekly shopping and music, the Market hosts special event days throughout the season. Halloween at the Market will be held on Saturday, October 28. This family-friendly event includes trick or treating with vendors, face painting with Manatee School for the Arts Academic Team from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, and a dance performance by Slick Motion Studios at 10:00 am. For more information, visit RealizeBradenton.com.
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.
Enjoy the extraordinary opportunity to experience the work of contemporary artist Shinique Smith in conversation with the collection of European art at The Ringling. Unfolding across six galleries of the Museum of Art, the exhibition creates a series of unique stories that together form an abstract narrative of the parade as a metaphor for life. Well known for her monumental sculptures created from an array of materials, including luxurious textiles, personal clothing, dyed fabrics, ribbon, and wood, and for her abstract paintings of calligraphy and collage, Smiths work in this exhibition speaks to various facets of the European artistic tradition, such as classical drapery and religious iconography, while foregrounding notions of Black femininity and the history of the circus. Learn more at ringling.org.
2024 marks the 53rd anniversary of Sarasota Institute of the Lifetime Learning Global Issues series. This hard-hitting series, which runs January 9-March 29, features 24 internationally renowned experts discussing a vast range of domestic and global issues. The lectures are presented on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sarasota; Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. at the Venice Community Center in Venice; and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 5 p.m. at the Cornerstone Church in Lakewood Ranch. Lectures will also be available for purchase on video. https://sillsarasota.org/index.htm.
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Beach University series returns for the 17th year to Siesta Beach. Beach University is held at the historic main pavilion beginning at 9:30 a.m. every Thursday in March. In partnership with the Siesta Beach Ambassador volunteer program, this free educational series invites community members and visitors to learn about coastal environments in one-hour sessions. Each session will focus on topics like human and wildlife conflict, reef ball and its contribution to the marine environment, manatee rehabilitation at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and the trickle-down effect: stormwater to bay life. Beach University sessions are from 9:30-10:30 a.m., every Thursday in March at the historic main pavilion at 948 Beach Road on Siesta Key. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs as seating is limited. No registration is required. For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 311 or visit SarsotaCountyParks.com.
Join us for Space Saturday, the first Saturday of every month, as we explore a different topic in the world of astronomy. During Space Saturdays, you will discover an out-of-this-world activity during Backyard Science, formerly Science Sprouts, in The Mosaic Backyard Universe, explore space with a staff astronomer during KidSpace in The Planetarium, and finish your day with an astronomy-themed story during Tales Under the Tree. To learn more, visit bishopscience.org.
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