SRQ DAILY Apr 14, 2025
Monday Business Edition
"So far, we've worked with around eight or nine different charities, and the response has been incredible."
Farfelu Wine and Cheese Cafe, a cozy spot in Venice offering a selection of wines from around the globe, paired with imported meats, cheeses, flatbreads and curated small plates, is giving back to the community through its Corks 4 a Cause events.
Owner Carmel Stephano, who took ownership of Farfelu in July 2023, hosts these fundraising events to benefit various nonprofit organizations. Volunteer bartenders from these organizations help run the bar, bringing along family, friends and supporters. At the close of each event, 5% of all sales are donated to the nonprofit. “We try to host these events monthly,” Stephano shares, though she notes that lately, they’ve been occurring almost weekly. “So far, we’ve worked with around eight or nine different charities, and the response has been incredible.” Earlier this year, Farfelu hosted an event to support the victims of the California Wildfires, raising $2,265 for Red Cross efforts.
On Wednesday, March 26, the cafe hosted a benefit event to support Baby Basics of Sarasota County, an all-volunteer nonprofit that provides diapers, wipes and kindness to hardworking, low-income families who do not receive government assistance. The organization also promotes early literacy through its partnership with the Library Foundation for Sarasota County. Many guests gathered to enjoy a glass (or bottle) of wine, delicious bites and great company, knowing that all tips and a portion of the evening’s proceeds would directly support local families in need. At the end of the evening, $2,950 was raised, including $1500 in donations.
Liz Bond, a board member of Baby Basics, expressed gratitude for the event’s success. “Thank you, Carmel Stephano–and the patrons who attended–for supporting Baby Basics of Sarasota County, Inc. with the Corks 4 a Cause event. We truly appreciate you!”
Farfelu Wine & Cheese, 266 Tamiami Trail, Venice, 941-480-1866 
Pictured: Supporters of Baby Basics of Sarasota County, Inc. enjoyed light bites and a selection of wines at Farfelu Wine and Cheese Cafe's Corks 4 a Cause event last month. Photo by Barbie Heit.
Bliss Dermatology has revealed a new logo, adding Wellness to its name alongside a new line of services designed to support patients' overall health. Now known as Bliss Dermatology + Wellness, the practice, led by Dr. Michelle Pennie, continues to combine cutting-edge medicine with holistic care. In addition to its expert dermatology care, Bliss now offers Wellness Services that are science-backed and personalized for each patient including medical weight management, IV vitamin therapy, nutrient injections, and hair loss restoration, with more services to come. Leading our wellness division is Emily Radtke, Doctor of Nursing Practice, board-certified in Geriatrics. Her areas of expertise include obesity management, endocrinology, thyroid disorders, and hair restoration using regenerative medicine. Emily ensures each treatment plan is safe, medically supervised, and effective. Her mission is to empower patients by getting to the root of the issue and making them feel heard.
Neal Land & Neighborhoods is proud to announce that its master-planned communities and four model homes were awarded during the Suncoast Builders Association’s (ScBA) Parade of Homes Gala on March 21. North River Ranch, located in Manatee County, was recognized with the coveted Best of Show Overall Community Development award and the Best Overall Development Category 3 award, while Vistera of Venice in Sarasota County earned the title of Best Overall Development in Category 1. Four model homes within the master-planned communities were awarded the ‘Best Overall’ designation in their respective categories. Neal Land & Neighborhoods is a local land development organization led by John A. Neal.
Alexis Schad has joined Shumaker’s Financial Services Business Litigation team. A dynamic and creative litigator, Alexis brings a passion for securing the best possible outcomes for her clients.As financial institutions face increasing regulatory scrutiny, market volatility, and complex litigation challenges, Shumaker continues to expand its team to meet the growing needs of its clients. Alexis’s trial experience and strategic litigation skills will further enhance the firm’s ability to navigate these evolving issues and protect clients’ interests.
Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) is expanding its ability to serve donors, nonprofits, and the broader community with the addition of Jacob Kinsel as Director of Finance and Operations. In this key leadership role, Jacob will strengthen MCF’s infrastructure, provide strategic financial oversight, and optimize systems that support meaningful philanthropy and responsive grantmaking across Manatee County. With Jacob in this role, MCF is well-positioned to enhance its financial and operational systems to meet the increasing demands of Manatee County’s dynamic nonprofit and donor landscape. For information on ways to invest in our community, visit www.manateecf.org.
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) will host its 3rd Annual Teal Walk on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Payne Park to raise awareness and show support for survivors of sexual assault. The walk will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with participants gathering in front of Café in the Park. Community members are encouraged to wear teal, the signature color of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and walk together in solidarity with survivors. This free, public event offers a meaningful opportunity for individuals, families, and organizations to come together and stand against sexual violence. Participants are encouraged to bring their own water and to invite others to join. For more information about the SPARCC Teal Walk or other SAAM events, visit www.sparcc.net/events or follow @SPARCC_Sarasota on social media.
“Everybody’s life is a country western song,” says legendary country diva Dolly Parton. American country music has topped charts and won hearts worldwide with stories spun from heartbreak, hope, and humor. On May 2 and 3, Sarasota Orchestra presents a symphonic revue of country’s cream of the crop at the Orioles’ Ed Smith Stadium. Dynamic vocalists Grace Leer and Rick Brantley belt out anthems of unsung heroes and underdogs, from Martina McBride’s “Independence Day” to Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” while Sarasota Orchestra supplies the silky, lush orchestrations that define the Nashville sound. Audiences will kick up their heels to country classics that crossed over to become popular hits we all know and love, including Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind,” The Chicks’ “Wide Open Spaces,” and Charlie Daniels’ “Devil Went Down to Georgia”—plus “I Will Always Love You” and other Dolly Parton favorites! Tickets are available at SarasotaOrchestra.org.
This time of year had a special significance in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, and the term originates from their studies of astrology. Nowadays, the term has taken on new meanings as pet parents associate it with lazy days when dogs are so hot they just want to lay in the shade and sip an ice-cold Puppuccino. Artists are invited to share their favorite fur-baby creations of dogs and cats.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
Alan Dershowitz and Steven Donziger have spent their legal careers standing up for the unfairly targeted. Both have seen the government and private industries manipulate the legal system as a way to punish their adversaries. Donziger himself was disbarred and incarcerated after his international legal victories over Chevron, and his conviction has drawn calls for a pardon from leaders across the political spectrum. Two grizzled courtroom veterans relive their toughest fights, both in triumph and defeat, while conveying just how easy it can be to find the target landing on your own back.
Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
The Manatee Chamber’s Headliners luncheons are designed to equip business leaders with key insights into critical community issues. They are also a great opportunity to make new connections while discussing important business and community topics. These events are informative and offer valuable networking. Whether you choose individual open seating or prefer the reserved, guaranteed group seating of full and half tables, you will be part of a dynamic and engaging experience.
Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, 7650 Legacy Boulevard, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Enjoy Mother’s Day Brunch at Selby Gardens! Ticket price includes a hot and cold brunch buffet catered by Michael’s on East featuring an omelet and pancake station, carvings station, dessert bar, plus coffee, tea, and water. All other beverages will be available for purchase. Your brunch ticket also grants you full access to our Downtown Sarasota Campus to view the gardens and Spring Exhibition, George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life, before or after your seating time.
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
The grand finale of the ‘Opera on the Bay’ series —Gioachino Rossini’s comic masterpiece, The Barber of Seville — will be screened from 7-9:30 p.m., Saturday, May 17. Determined to win the heart of the beautiful Rosina, Count Almaviva enlists the help of Figaro, the barber of Seville, to steal her away from her guardian, Dr. Bartolo. Hilarious complications ensue to some of opera's most delightful music, performed by an all-star cast that includes baritone Filippo Fontana, mezzo-soprano Lisa Marie Rogali, bass-baritone Andrew Gilstrap, and bass Young Bok Kim, with the Sarasota Opera orchestra conducted by Marcello Cormio.
The Bay, 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL
America’s media is rapidly being transformed, and that transformation is accelerating. Over 20 years, traditional news organizations lost more than half of their daily newspaper circulation. Beyond technology, the shift to social media was driven by a plummeting of trust in national news outlets, whose reporting was often overtly biased and false. Ironically, after social media platforms emerged as the new town square, they rapidly became tools for censorship, at times in collusion with government, most vividly on display during COVID.
Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Experience Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, an iconic Italian opera featuring one of the most famous arias in the repertoire, the clown Canio tries to go on with the show after learning of his wife’s infidelity, but his real-life humiliation and despair lead to a grim climax. The opera features soprano Ashley Milanese, baritone Jean-Carlos Rodríguez and tenor Rafael Dávila, with Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi conducting the Sarasota Opera orchestra. A live performance by Sarasota Youth Opera, who performed in the opera on the mainstage during the 2025 season, will open the film screening.
The Bay, 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL
Taste & Toast Gulf Coast will feature top chefs, mixologists, and beverage artisans from across the Gulf Coast region. Guests will enjoy an interactive experience filled with live culinary and mixology competitions, tastings from 20+ wineries, breweries, and distillers, craft cocktails, mocktails, and exciting live entertainment.
The Yard at South Bay Center, 600 US 41 N Palmetto, FL 34221
In May - which is Mental Health Awareness Month - Sunshine From Darkness will present the Step Into the Light Mental Health Summit. The event, which is free and open to the community, is designed to raise awareness, provide valuable resources, and foster meaningful conversations about mental health. There will be expert speakers as well as tabling by various mental health- and wellness-related organizations.
The Venue @ LEC, 3650 17th St, Sarasota, FL 34235
The 20th Annual Dick Vitale Gala will lead the charge to eclipse $100 million in amount raised toward pediatric cancer research and the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. The 19th Gala capped a record-breaking year of fundraising. At the event, it was announced that $24.8 million was raised, bringing the overall funds raised since the inception of the Gala to nearly $93 million.
The Ritz-CarltonThe Ritz-Carlton,The Ritz-CarltoThe Ritz-Carlton,the ritThe Ritz-Carlton,, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Spring EXPO is all about connecting, shopping, and growing our local community by showcasing fantastic businesses and organizations here in Manatee County. This event draws hundreds of attendees and features 80+ Chamber member booths promoting local products and services.
Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Blvd. Palmetto, FL 34221
Indulge in a magical experience at our inaugural luncheon where you can step into your own wonderland and immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Holiday House SRQ. Proceeds from the lunch will directly fund the 2025 Holiday House Season.
Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
Suzanne Havens is a painter and photographer passionate about studying art and art history. She provides insights from both the artists' and critics' perspectives, offering a fast-paced journey through Western art. Suzanne's presentation is filled with captivating visual images aimed at engaging all audiences.
Arts Advocates Gallery, The Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S Tamiami Trail #119, Sarasota, FL 34239
ArtCenter Manatee once again joins with the School District of Manatee County to showcase the work of K-12 visual arts students. By partnering with ArtCenter Manatee, that commitment is furthered by giving these young artists a 'voice' - three museum-quality galleries, where their work can be professionally displayed and where the artists can receive positive recognition by a wider audience.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
‘Opera at The Bay’ kicks off from noon-1:30 p.m., Sunday, April 27, with a brunch-time performance of Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana. This opera opened the 2025 winter season at Sarasota Opera, and features world-class artists, including mezzo-soprano Lisa Chavez, baritone Jean-Carlos Rodríguez and tenor Rafael Dávila, with Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi conducting the Sarasota Opera orchestra. It takes place on a tranquil Easter morning in a rural Sicilian village shaken by a betrayed lover who sets off a chain of events, ending in tragedy. The opera features the “Intermezzo”, one of the most memorable and melodious pieces in the repertoire.
The Bay, 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL
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