Celebrate your love at the County Historic Courthouse in Courtyard Square during the Fifth Annual Valentine's Day Group Wedding, hosted by the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller. Bring your sweetheart and join other happy couples as you say 'I do' in this unforgettable ceremony.

The special group wedding ceremony is free of charge and brings couples together in a joyful and memorable ceremony with all fees waived by The Clerk’s Office for participants. However, couples must obtain their marriage license at least three days before the ceremony to participate in this event. The deadline to obtain a marriage license is Tuesday, February 11. Couples must complete the online marriage application on the Clerk & Comptroller's website. Then, both applicants must appear in person at the Clerk's office during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Clerk Angel Colonneso will officiate the unforgettable Valentine's Day ceremony where couples can exchange vows and create unique, lifelong memories in a beautiful setting. Each couple will receive complimentary refreshments, a flower bouquet and a boutonniere, a commemorative certificate of their special day, one 4 x 6 print to take home and complimentary digital photos emailed to them.

“Our Valentine’s Day group wedding has become a beloved tradition that brings couples and our community together in a celebration of love and joy. It’s an honor to be part of such a meaningful and memorable day for so many,” said Colonneso.

Last year, Augustine “Auggie” Garcia and Maryann Lawler tied the knot at the Manatee ceremony. The happy couple met in downtown Bradenton ten years earlier. When they became engaged, finding the right time and place took a while due to money, time and COVID. The Clerk’s Valentine’s Day Group Wedding became the perfect opportunity to bring their love story full circle by returning to the place they originally met on the most romantic day of the year.

Don't miss out on this heartwarming celebration and secure your place today! The event is ideal for couples seeking a meaningful and memorable way to declare their love. Space is limited.

Fifth Annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding, Friday, February 14, 1115 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, 2:00-3:00pm. 

Pictured: Couples exchanging rings at the Clerk's Fourth Annual Valentine's Day Group Wedding. Photo courtesy of Manatee County Clerk.

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Nathan Benderson Park (NBP), in partnership with Linked in Pinks, will host its first annual "Unleash the Dragons" leadership camp and dragon boat racing event from January 22-25, 2025. Presented by Alpha Law Group, this international event will bring together cancer survivors and veterans from around the globe and feature multiple clinics and Dragon Boat competitions to build camaraderie among cancer and veteran communities. Dragon Boat racing, one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world, is a team sport that involves paddling long, canoe-like vessels that are adorned with carved dragon heads. More information can be found by visiting NBP’s event bulletin on their website: www.nathanbendersonpark.org/dragonboatfest.

For more information or reservations, please visit

How do disadvantaged youth and low-income families compete without a connectivity? According to Mark Sharff, a volunteer with Children’s Guardian Fund and Sarasota Technology Users (STUG), it means that most are left behind, unable to easily access educational and career training opportunities. The Children’s Guardian Fund teamed up with the Sarasota Technology Users to collect and refurbish laptops, tablets and cellphones. Since the launch of the STUG Refurb Project, 22,019 renovated digital devices have been helped those in need and foster kids. To donate a used device, call 941-374-1107 or email msharff@gmail.com Visit https://www.thestug.org/refurb_files/refurb.html or https://www.childrensguardianfund.org/laptop-drive/for more information and to donate. 

Embracing Our Differences recently received an $8,000 “Exemplary Project Award” recognition award from The Goldin Foundation for Excellence in Education. The award will support various aspects of EOD’s year-round educational initiatives. The Goldin Foundation for Excellence in Education recognizes and rewards educators who have made outstanding contributions in their classrooms, schools and communities. The Foundation seeks to foster the respect for and appreciation of educators, and it also seeks to retain quality educators and attract others to the profession. 

To learn more, visit.

In alignment with its mission of saving lives, the Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) has partnered with SunCoast Blood Centers to implement a groundbreaking prehospital whole blood transfusion program. This initiative aims to provide life-saving blood transfusions to patients suffering from severe bleeding or traumatic injuries before they arrive at the hospital. Community members can support this life-saving initiative by donating whole blood and specifically stating this is for the SCFD whole blood program. Whole blood donation takes around 15 minutes and can be completed every 56 days. Learn more about donor eligibility on the SunCoast Blood Center website. 

To learn more, visit.

Turning Points, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing homelessness and providing vital support services, is seeking compassionate and dedicated volunteers to assist with the annual Point In Time (PIT) Count. This essential effort helps to gather crucial data about individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Manatee County. The PIT Count is scheduled to take place from 1/27/2025 to 2/1/2025. Volunteers are needed to participate in this important initiative, which involves conducting surveys, connecting with individuals experiencing homelessness, and ensuring accurate data collection. The data collected will inform funding, resources, and programs to address homelessness in Manatee County. 

Pictured: Dedicated volunteers from previous years preparing to head out into the community to gather crucial data for the Point In Time count.

To register or volunteer click here.

Join us to celebrate our giving culture and help make a year of wishes fulfilled! On January 28, SRQ MEDIA will host the 2025 SRQ Giving Coast & Good Hero Awards Luncheon at Michael's On East from 11am to 1:15pm. We invite attendees to bring wishes pertaining to their favorite local charity. Attendees can write their wishes on special tags provided at the event and hang them on the Giving Coast Trees placed at each table. From tangible items needed by a local charity such as books, food donations, children's toys, clothing, pet food, etc., to volunteer opportunities within the organization, let us know what your wishes are and we will post them for the community to see and help. The Annual Giving Coast Luncheon celebrates the independent sector in the Sarasota and Manatee region featuring the Philanthropic Agenda With Community and Private Foundations and the Good Hero Awards Program. 

Click here for tickets.