SRQ DAILY Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"Not only is the entire Big Ten competing, but to have 23 teams on one awesome course is going to make for fantastic racing."
For crews all over the country, there is no place like Sarasota’s Nathan Benderson Park. The park has become a staple in the US and international rowing community, housing countless regattas and trials, including the 2024 Summer Olympic trials for team USA. This weekend, from April 18 to 19, the park will host the annual Big Ten Women’s Rowing Invitational Regatta, one of the premier regattas in collegiate crew.
The regatta, which is hosted by the University of Michigan in addition to Nathan Benderson Park, will feature all eleven of the Big Ten women’s rowing varsity programs in addition to 12 other programs from additional conferences including the SEC, ACC, AAC, Big 12 and the Ivy League. Headlining the event is the University of Washington, currently ranked third in the nation according to the April 15 Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) Poll. Washington, in its first season in the Big Ten conference after the near complete dissolution of the PAC-12 conference in 2024, will look to make a name for itself ahead of the Big Ten championship May 17 and 18.
“This will be our first Big Ten Invitational and we’re really looking forward to it. Typically at this point in the season, we’ll have had the chance to get a look at the other West coast teams at the San Diego Crew Classic, which we did this year, but all eyes are going to be on this regatta,” says Washington head coach Yasmin Farooq. “Not only is the entire Big Ten competing, but to have 23 teams on one awesome course is going to make for fantastic racing. W’ere looking forward to maybe a little preview of the Big Ten championships, but also just having a great opportunity for a lot of cross regional references.”
The other highest-ranked member of the Big Ten is Rutgers University, currently listed as the ninth best team in the country according to the April 15 coaches’ poll. Rutgers, led by head coach Justin Price, placed third behind Indiana and eventual Big Ten champions Michigan.
“We’re fired up and excited for this event,” says Price. “We take a lot of pride in being a part of the Big Ten. We’re also very appreciative of all of the guests that are coming to participate in the regatta to make it something really special.”
April 18 to 19, Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle. 
University of Michigan participating in the 2024 Big Ten Invitational. Provided photo.
Hershorin Schiff Community Day School (CDS) is taking on a whole new meaning for March Madness, where the thrill of competition meets the joy of reading during the school’s first-ever Book Bracket Bash. Hosted in the school’s the Janis Kaplan Media Center, this spirited literary tournament pits 16 books against each other in a bracket-style showdown to crown the ultimate fan-favorite—CDS Book of the Year. Over a four-week period, students will cast their votes for their favorite titles, moving their top picks through the bracket one round at a time. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming tales, the selected books offer something for every reader. But only one story will rise to the top—and the choice is entirely in the hands of the students.
Sarasota County Schools is encouraging all parents and guardians to begin the registration process for current students and first-time students, as well as students returning to the school district, for the upcoming school year. Please note the following links & information regarding registration for traditional public schools and charter schools in Sarasota County.
The 45th season of bringing influencers from the world stage to our stage in Sarasota returns in January 2026. Speakers include Ken Burns, Laura Coates, Joel Sartore, Rob Reiner, and Antony J. Blinken. Since its beginning in 1981, TOWN HALL has invited influencers from the world stage to our stage in Sarasota, with a goal to expand horizons, stimulate conversation, and inspire the community. All five lectures will be presented at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, 777 North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Morning lectures begin at 10:30 am and evening talks begin at 7:30 pm. The series is sold by subscription. Subscription sales will open for members in May and for the general public in June. Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a member or subscribing to the series, should visit www.ringlingcollegetownhall.org
The Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa invites the community to hop on over to The Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa at its all-new beach club for a fun-filled Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 19th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This free community event, co-hosted by the Sarasota Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., promises a morning packed with Easter magic for the whole family! Families can look forward to exciting Easter egg hunts, craft stations, giveaways and prizes, and complimentary food—plus, every child will leave with a free Easter basket to remember the day.
Beach Club at Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, 600 US-41 N, Palmetto, Park in the back of Hotel.
Learn about the Benefits of Salt Tolerant Plants and other considerations when Irrigating with Reclaimed Water. Presented by Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant with the Mobile Irrigation Lab working with Manatee County Ag Extension, University of Florida, Manatee County Utilities department and Water Conservation. Manatee County's Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) program is supported by the Manatee County Utilities department, celebrated 20 years in 2023. The focus of the program is to educate homeowners on how to use the least amount of water and still have a healthy landscape. The FREE Irrigation and Landscape evaluations provided by the Mobile Irrigation Lab team for Manatee County residents with an inground irrigation system and a controller on which they are able to make changes. Check out the MIL webpage: https://sites.google.com/view/manateemil/home.
Join the Manatee County Agricultural Museum and Soar in 4 Manatee for a FREE, hands-on event called “The Chicken EGG-sperience” on Saturday, May 3rd from 11 AM to 1 PM. Families will play and learn together while they make crafts, play games, sit in on storytime, try an egg-speriment, participate in an educational outdoor egg hunt, in addition to meeting some live chickens! It will be a fun-filled event to learn all about our feathery friends. Make it a family-friendly double feature and catch Backyard Bug Explorers, an event hosted by Palmetto Historical Park, on the SAME DAY from noon to 2 PM and explore the amazing world of backyard insects! Dive into hands-on learning stations packed with engaging activities and crafts that will spark curiosity and creativity. This event will inspire you to discover the fascinating creatures living right outside your door.
515 10th Ave. West, Palmetto, www.manateecountyagmuseum.com, 941-721-2034.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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 The Market on Dearborn every Friday evening from October 2024 - May 2025 from 3pm-7pm on Historic Dearborn Street in Englewood, Florida as we launch an evening market to expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs and provide an additional family-friendly event for local residents and guests of Englewood
The Market on Dearborn, 232 W Dearborn St., Englewood, FL, United States, Florida 34223
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits is thrilled to announce the launch of its much-anticipated Sunday Brunch. Guests are invited to indulge in a delightful brunch experience on our beautiful covered patio or casual dining room with nautical touches. Our new brunch menu features a variety of mouth-watering dishes created by Chef Cesareo Cardenas, including his decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast, savory Steak & Eggs, succulent Lobster Benedict, the flavorful Tripletail Brunch Burger, and Crab & Shrimp Omelet. To complement your meal, guests will receive a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa with the purchase of any entrée.
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits , 4870 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34231
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's 25th anniversary season, titled "25 Years of Black Heritage," continues through May 25. The remaining shows in the season are "Fences" (through February 23), "Five Guys Named Moe" (March 5-April 6), and WBTT's first-ever, world-premiere tap dancing musical revue, "Syncopated Avenue." Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org to learn more about WBTT and to purchase tickets. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
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