SRQ DAILY Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition

"Sarasota exists in a spiderweb that connects the region with famous people, places, and historical times. During our tours, we try to capture some of that magic, some of those interesting connections that leave people in awe."


Stories overflow from the rich history and culture filling Sarasota. The region holds the history of the Ringling Circus, the culture of the Amish community and amazing architecture. To tell these stories, a hint of theatricality must exist to make them stick. Coming from a theatre background, Tammy Hauser, CEO and Founder of Discover Sarasota Tours, combines the informing nature of history tours with the entertainment of a performance. Offering 17 tours, two of them in Venice, Hauser and her team bring a new definition of touring to our hometown. Hauser puts together this stew of all the different stories embedded in Sarasota’s history and delivers a new type of historic storytelling aboard the trolley. “Sarasota exists in a spiderweb that connects the region with famous people, places, and historical times. During our tours, we try to capture some of that magic, some of those interesting connections that leave people in awe,” says Hauser.
During the last couple of months of the year, Discover Sarasota Tours offers their Boo Mobile Haunted Tour and their Christmas Carole Trolley Tour. These two tours are ideal for younger children as they encourage singing, laughing and an overall interactive experience. Year-round Discover Sarasota Tours offers their Murder Mystery Trolley: Who Killed The Circus Queen? “The Murder Mystery tour is designed for immersion. The cast is jumping aboard left and right, the tour trolley is coming together to try to solve a murder while also learning about the history of the Ringling Circus. It is such a unique experience that families love,” says Hauser. Before dinner with the family, try something new. Hop on one of the Discover Sarasota Tours and see our hometown through a new lens, a theatrical lens. “If you are three or 103, Discover Sarasota Tours are a blast for all ages,” says Hauser.
Pictured: A 16th birthday party hosted by Discover Sarasota Tours. Photo Courtesy of Tammy Hauser.

Tuesday morning Von Paris Moving & Storage trucks departed from Oriole Park at Camden Yards, beginning their 1,000-mile trip to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Fla., in preparation for the 2025 Spring Training season. The trucks, which are carrying 320 uniforms, 300 hats, 200 helmets, and 10 pitching machines, are scheduled to arrive at the Orioles’ Spring Training home later this week. Eight hundred dozen baseballs and 300 bats are also making their way to Florida. The 2025 season will mark the club’s 16th year at Ed Smith Stadium. Orioles pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report on Wednesday, February 12, with the first full-squad workout set for Tuesday, February 18. Spring Training games are slated to begin Saturday, February 22, when the Orioles host the Pittsburgh Pirates at Ed Smith Stadium at 1:05 p.m. ET.
Tickets are currently on sale for all Spring Training games at Ed Smith Stadium and can be purchased online at Orioles.com/SpringTickets.

This traditional cruise is a major fundraiser that helps with the restoration and preservation of both the Crocker Memorial Church and the Bidwell-Wood House. We lay out a colorful buffet snack selection for you, and there’s a cash bar on board, as well. Our guide through history is the incomparable John McCarthy. A relaxing way to learn about the people and places that made Sarasota what it is today, from a renowned and beloved expert on our local history.

The Sarasota Players is excited to present Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night outside at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime (821 Apricot Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237) Feb. 5 through 9, 2025. Before the show enjoy performances, and a festival-type atmosphere including drinks and mead. This show is perfect for the whole family and is one of Shakespeare’s most loved comedies. In the broader context of Shakespeare’s other comedic works, Twelfth Night is celebrated for its carnival-like atmosphere, often associated with the traditions of the Twelfth Night holiday in which people gather on January 5 (the 12th day of Christmas) and celebrate—a tradition still observed in parts of the UK. The play stands out as a romantic comedy that explores the fluidity of gender roles and the unpredictability of love.

The United Soccer League (USL) announced this week that Sarasota Paradise, a USL League Two team based in Sarasota, has been selected as one of the nine USL League Two teams to participate in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, with the first round to be held March 18 – 20. Ninety six teams will compete in the 2025 Open Cup overall, including 16 clubs from Major League Soccer. Eight teams from the USL Championship and all 14 teams from League One will compete in the First Round alongside League Two’s representatives, with the remaining 16 clubs from the championship entering in the Third Round. For more information, visit SarasotaParadise.us.


The Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Sarasota County’s FREE, family-friendly, literacy-meets-the-arts extravaganza is back in 2025! The ELC team is thrilled to announce their continued partnership with Ed Smith Stadium as they bring their 5th annual Storybook Street back full circle, returning the event to its original venue. Designed for children ages birth to seven, Storybook Street is set to dazzle once again as it delivers a unique blend of imagination, creativity and scientific discovery, all in one unforgettable experience. Collaborating with nearly two dozen organizations to bring books to life with preschool pomp and circumstance, the event will feature art, dance, drama, music, movement, scientific discovery and more! Picture your child’s excitement as a book-themed spectacle unfolds right in front of their eyes. Books are distributed at each vendor booth, tangible keepsakes of the magic they just witnessed. No registration necessary. Just show up!


Sarasota Concert Association (SCA) and Classical WSMR 89.1 and 103.9 are celebrating their long-term partnership by offering a trip to the internationally renowned Lucerne Festival this August 30 - September 7, 2025. Limited to 25 participants, the trip features an exciting week of concerts and sightseeing excursions in the beautiful Swiss Alps and on Lake Lucerne. Musical highlights of the trip include performances by three extraordinary orchestras: The Berlin Philharmonic led by Kirill Petrenko, the Vienna Philharmonic conducted by Franz Welser-Möst, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra under the direction of Klaus Mäkelä, as well as a private tour and recital in Wagner's house.

Comedy sensation Leanne Morgan is on a meteoric rise with her wildly successful national headlining tour, Just Getting Started. Due to popular demand, Leanne Morgan: Just Getting Started will now play a third show at Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the added performance go on sale to the general public Friday, January 31 at 10 a.m. Only single seats remain for the June 5-6 performances. Tickets start at $56.74 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.


Schroeder-Manatee Ranch (SMR) has successfully defended its right to extend the vision of Lakewood Ranch, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality neighborhoods, infrastructure, and amenities that have defined its success for over 30 years. The final ruling by the 2nd District Court of Appeal clears the way for Lakewood Ranch Southeast (LWRSE) to be seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the #1 multigenerational community in the United States since 2018. The approval allows for the creation of up to seven distinctive villages, offering a range of price points and lifestyle options while maintaining the quality, design excellence, and sense of place that have made Lakewood Ranch a national leader in community development. As with all areas of Lakewood Ranch, this new addition will feature a comprehensive network of greenways, parks, and trails, along with services that enhance outdoor recreation, fire and emergency services and connectivity.
Toss some fun into your Thursday! Join us at Waterside Place for a fun morning of Casual Cornhole! Whether you’re a cornhole pro or a newbie, don’t miss this chance to show off your tossing skills and have a blast with friends! Grab a partner or go solo, we’ve got enough beanbags and boards to keep everyone entertained!
Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch, 7500 Island Cove Terrace Lakewood Ranch , FL 34240
SCFD is proud to welcome the community into the fire stations, continuing the tradition of open houses. These open houses are a wonderful opportunity for residents to engage directly with neighborhood firefighters. Visit our website to view the open house schedule.
Multiple Location, Multiple Locations
Denise Cormier Mahoney is a mid-career painter and printmaker whose illustrative and surfaced designed compositions are infused with memories and stories told from the point of view of a child free to explore.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
Be the first to experience our elevated new menu offerings in our stunning, one-of-a-kind restaurant. The festivities will also include cocktails and live entertainment for an unforgettable evening in celebration of our new Sarasota UTC location. RSVP by Friday, January 20th.
Fleming's Sarasota UTC, 8306 Tourist Center Dr. Bradenton FL 34201
Join us on Main Street for the Best Seat outside of New Orleans at Pie On Main. We'll have food & bar specials, specialty shots & our hand-tossed Pie's, Calzones, Sub's and Salads. Every quarter we'll have some SUPER GIVEAWAYS! Reserve your seat today with any of our friendly tap masters or servers and bring your Big Game party here! We'll help you celebrate the last game of the season at your favorite game-watching spot on Main Street.
Pie on Main, 1507 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
The 27th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival is a three-day event held Feb. 14-16, 2025 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds that benefits Suncoast Charities for Children. National Headline Acts include Blue Öyster Cult (Friday – Feb. 14), Grand Funk Railroad (Saturday – Feb. 15), and Creed Fisher (Sunday – Feb. 16). The Festival features continuous live music, vendors, daredevil acts, a charity motorcycle ride, bike show, a motorcycle “sound off” competition, biker games, and much more! On-site camping is also available. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the gate (12 and under free). Limited VIP tickets are also available. Over the past 26 years, the Festival has raised over $2.8 Million for charity.
Sarasota Fairgrounds
The 2nd Annual Art Crawl Trolley tour runs January 10, February 14, March 14, and April 11, 2025. During Art Crawl Trolley, visit more than 20 galleries and studios located in these Sarasota arts districts: Main Street, North Palm, South Palm, Burns Court, Towles Court, and the Limelight District.
The Trolley Cottage, 1826 4th Street, Sarasota
Our annual Lakewood Ranch Community Campout at Greenbrook Adventure Park offers a range of activities for families and friends! From Saturday, February 15th to Sunday, February 16th, you'll enjoy: Campfire perfect for roasting s'mores, Family-friendly movie showing, Food truck dinner for purchase, Live music by Justin Layman, Complimentary donuts & coffee for breakfast and much more! This overnight event will begin on Saturday at 3 PM and end Sunday morning at 9 AM. Tickets are for ages 3+. Children under 3 are free.
Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Circus Sarasota is back with an ALL NEW show in 2025 featuring awe-inspiring artistry from around the world. Your hometown circus returns under our NEW BIG TOP at Nathen Benderson Park this winter. Limited tickets are available for this annual tradition – book today!
Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235
Join us for our Tropical Soiree | Peace, Love, and Plants Market. Embrace yourself in nature while shopping local under the big oak trees!
The Meadows, 5041 Ringwood Meadow Sarasota, FL 34235
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with UnidosNow and The Ringling at the third annual NocheUnidos, a collaboration between The Ringling and UnidosNow. This elegant evening, held in the magical Museum of Art Courtyard, features dining, dancing, music, and fellowship that honor the rich and dynamic cultures that have influenced our Gulf Coast community, including the African diaspora, Indigenous America, and Europe. The event kicks off with festive Puerto Rican rhythms from Bomba Yemayá and parades into the night with an upbeat Mardi Gras spirit captured by the New Orleans-based 79rs Gang. Dress in white to call in the season with elegancia as we come together to honor unity and the riches of our region.
The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
The Sarasota Farmers Market Vendors Incorporated (“SFMV”) has been established as a not for-profit organization under laws of the State of Florida, continuing the 40+ year tradition of enhancing and improving the quality of life in Sarasota. Our charitable mission is to create a social opportunity for residents and visitors to gather and interact, to bring foot traffic to downtown Sarasota sustaining the economic viability of the entire downtown area, and to provide a venue for other not-for-profit organizations benefiting Sarasota.
Sarasota Farmer's Market, N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Welcome to the Bradenton Public Market, a place where the community meets each week to enjoy fresh produce, local art, music, and free family activities on Old Main Street.
Old Main Street Downtown Bradenton, Old Main ST. Bradenton, 34205
Discover a vibrant community gathering at the Phillippi Farmhouse Market, nestled within the scenic Phillippi Estate Park. This seasonal market, open every Wednesday from October through April from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., invites you to experience the best of fresh produce, prepared foods, artisanal products and live music. Beyond shopping, visitors can explore the park’s beautiful grounds, including the historic Edson Keith Mansion, through a free, docent-led tour beginning promptly at 10 a.m. each Wednesday.
Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34231
Join us on the Bolger Campiello for live music and dancing. Food and beverage will be available for purchase on the bayfront. One chair per person will be available. No outside food, drink, coolers, chairs or pets are permitted. Members please note: $20 tickets are limited to one for Individual Memberships and two for all other Membership levels.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Teachers + Tuesdays = 1⁄2 OFF Pie’s at Pie On Main! Every Tuesday Teachers with School ID enjoy 1/2 off Pizzas when you Dine-in with us! Convenient parking in our lot behind the restaurant. 1/2 off Pizzas with purchase of any beverage, excluding personal pizzas.
Pie on Main, 1507 Main St Sarasota, FL 34236
The Wellen Park Night Market returns the second Thursday of each month from 6-9pm offering an evening of shopping, live music and dining under the twinkling lights of Downtown Wellen. The Night Market features independent artists and makers specializing in art, jewelry, boutique fashion, home decor, bottle art, wood designs and specialty food items set up along Wellen Park Boulevard with 50 rotating vendors. Food items included rum cakes, desserts, lemonade, barbecue and vegan fare.
Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Pk Blvd
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