Every child deserves a place to play. At Oak Park School, that vision was turned into a reality with the grand opening of a new multi-purpose track and field and supporting athletic facilities on April 15. Oak Park School, however, is not the typical academic institution within the Sarasota County School District. The school serves students with special needs, from Pre-K to 22-years-old, offering a multitude of educational and therapeutic services with the goal of promoting student achievement and self-advocacy.

The new athletic amenities at Oak Park School, which are adjacent to the Sarasota County-owned Lakeview Park, are a large step up from the desolate softball field in its place just nine months prior. The fully lighted track and field project includes a six-lane, 400-meter rubberized track, with one eight-lane straightaway that wraps around a brand-new, synthetic turf, high school-sized soccer field. The soccer field is replete with a scoreboard, new fencing, soccer poles and netting, sideline water and electrical outlets and a new sidewalk. The new amenities will allow Oak Park School students to have a home base for their athletic endeavors—Oak Park currently competes in middle school basketball and middle school track—providing not only easier access to the track and soccer field, but a higher quality of the facilities as well. Additionally, the new track will be used beyond school hours, with events such as the Angelman Syndrome Foundation’s walk on May 17 being held at the track.

The track and field project is a result of an interlocal agreement between Sarasota County Schools and Sarasota County. The agreement is one of several between the School Board and Sarasota County, with other projects including new athletic fields at Heron Creek Middle School and lighted soccer fields at Tatum Ridge Elementary. Design on the track and field project at Oak Creek began in August 2023, with construction starting last August.

“It is incredibly important that all our students, districtwide, have access to safe and adaptable fitness environments. This outdoor track and field will allow Oak Park students, families and team members to learn, play and gather as a school community,” said Terry Connor, Superintendent of Schools, in a statement. “We are honored to share this resource with the community and hope it will bring even more families together.”

Oak Park School, 7285 Hand Road, Sarasota.

The track and field at Oak Park School. Photo by Ryan Gamma.

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Local author, photographer and life coach Kristine Casart recently released her first book, The Unconventional Addict – A Guide to Healing, Transformation, and Living with Purpose. The book, which became available in February, follows Casart’s journey through healing and finding sobriety, aiming to open discussions on sobriety for those who may feel ashamed to seek out support — including those who struggle with a variety of nontraditional addictions.

Casart moved to Sarasota eight years ago, a decision that sparked her passion for helping others as she found a strong and supportive community in the city. Through her book, Casart hopes to help others feel less alone, reflecting on her own experience with addiction.

“I just really want to help [others] just know that you don't have to check the mold of what a traditional addict is supposed to be, because I would Google, ‘am I an alcoholic?’ And the answer would always be no. So I felt, without any uncertainty, that I could not reach out for help because I didn't check all the boxes,” Casart said.

The Unconventional Addict is a project Casart has worked on for nearly six years — the vulnerability of sharing her story halted the writing process several times, but she always felt a calling to finish the book. She described a pull to shift the narrative around addiction and remind readers that there is no shame in admitting to their struggles and seeking out support.

Casart’s book also features a variety of community collaborations—emblematic of the found community in Sarasota, which inspired her to write it. Local therapist Jamie Day wrote the forward, local artist Josselyn Egas-Ryan designed the cover and several of Casart’s close friends in Sarasota share their own journeys toward healing in the book. She described the sense of community and support from friends she felt as she worked on this project.

“Community, for me, is everything… Sarasota attracts the most amazing, open-hearted, loving, kind, compassionate people,” Casart said. “It's such a beautiful place to live. I've never experienced anything like it, and I feel like there are so many people here that are on a healing journey and want to keep growing and learning.”

As her story is shared with the world through this book, Casart’s hope is that readers are able to work through their own healing processes as they follow hers, and recognize that a path to recovery is possible. 

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Dust off your cowboy boots, grab your hats and get ready for an evening filled with soulful tunes, line dancing, and the warm camaraderie that defines country music! Sarasota’s free Fresh Friday monthly event, kicks off the summer season with “American Routes,” channeling that laid-back, feel good summer spirit with twinkling lights, warm weather, and the sweet sound of summer charm on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Palm Ave. in downtown Sarasota. Fresh Fridays is free and open to all ages. Be sure to come early to grab an exclusive free giveaway as a memento of this special event. These giveaways are a crowd favorite and are limited, so arriving early is the best way to secure your free gift and start the night off right! Accessible and convenient parking will be available at the Palm Avenue parking garage.  

Brigade, a dynamic seven-member heart tribute band, is set to bring their electrifying performance to The Bazaar’s outside stage this Saturday. Known for their passionate renditions of Heart's classic hits, Brigade captures the essence of the legendary rock band's powerful vocals and intricate melodies. With a lineup that includes skilled musicians and vocalists, Brigade delivers an authentic experience that resonates with fans of all ages. From iconic songs like "Barracuda" and "Crazy on You" to heartfelt ballads such as "Alone" and "What About Love," their setlist promises to be a nostalgic journey through Heart's impressive discography. Doors open at 5pm for dinner and drinks. Band plays 6-8pm. Tickets only $5. 

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Golden shovels were used to turn dirt and symbolically kick off construction for Sarasota Christian School’s new high school building on April 10, 2025 at the school’s Bahia Vista campus. Some members of the 67-year-old school’s founding families, along with board officers and school administrators were all part of the “digging” team. A crowd of over 100 people, including student representatives from each grade level (K - 12) were on hand to witness the historic event. The new building will allow SCS to increase student enrollment, which will be at capacity this fall. Aside from high school classrooms and offices the over 43,000 square foot building is also set to include a cafeteria, a performing art auditorium and more. The goal is for students to be in classrooms beginning in the 2026-27 school year. 

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On Friday, April 18, 2025, Ringling College of Art and Design announced the strategic decision to consolidate its community-facing arts programming at the Ringling College Museum Campus, located at 1001 South Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, Florida. At the close of business on Saturday, May 3, 2025, the Englewood Art Center (EAC), located at 350 S. McCall Road in Englewood, Florida, will permanently close its doors.For more than 50 years, the non-profit organization that became the Englewood Art Center has served as a vital creative hub for artists and art enthusiasts in south Sarasota County, Charlotte County, and coastal Lee County. Ringling College, which assumed stewardship of the EAC in 2008, acknowledges the significant contributions the Center has made through its art education, exhibitions, and events. Ringling College is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for EAC members, artists, students, and visitors. The College will be reaching out to local organizations to assess interest in transitioning the EAC facility for other cultural purposes.   

Community Day School (CDS) has partnered with NXT Generation Wellness for an inspiring event celebrating the “Power of Inclusion.” In this unique collaboration, 4th-grade students, who are diving into the science of energy, joined forces with NXT athletes for a pedal-powered bike ride along Sarasota’s Legacy Trail. The event not only brought science to life but also promoted bike safety with creative student-designed stickers. It’s a wonderful example of how education and active living can empower young minds and strengthen community bonds. 

New College of Florida (NCF) and South Florida State College (SFSC) have signed a new articulation agreement, officially welcoming SFSC as the latest partner in the NCF Transform Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP). The agreement, signed Monday, April 14, ensures a seamless transfer pathway for SFSC students earning an Associate in Arts (AA) degree to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree at New College. This strategic partnership opens new doors for SFSC students seeking a top-tier liberal arts education within Florida’s public higher education system. For more information about the Associate in Arts degree at SFSC, visit southflorida.edu or email recruiter@southflorida.edu. Learn more about NCF Transform at ncf.edu/transfer. 

Students from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties spent the day off school learning at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. On Friday, during a school break, the students took a field trip to the hospital and got a chance to meet with the senior leadership team including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer. Students also toured the emergency room and worked in the simulation lab with medical residents. HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital is one of many HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals across the state participating in the organization’s annual We Show Up for Our Communities initiative. Physicians and colleagues donate time and resources during National Volunteer Month to work with local nonprofit organizations. The hospital also presented a check for $5,000 to the club. The money will be used for career programs for local students.  

Pictured: Students get hands on lesson in medical simulation lab. Provided photo.

Seventy-nine students from eight Sarasota County high schools were celebrated on Thursday during the 27th annual STRIVE Awards, a program that recognizes high school juniors and seniors who have demonstrated exceptional resilience and determination in the face of adversity. This year, 40 seniors and 39 juniors were honored during individual school ceremonies held at Booker High School, North Port High School, Pine View School, Riverview High School, Sarasota High School, Sarasota Military Academy, Suncoast Polytechnical High School, and Venice High School. The STRIVE Awards were created in honor of philanthropist H. Jack Hunkele, who believed in acknowledging the strength and perseverance of students who overcome significant personal challenges to succeed. Students were nominated by school counselors, teachers, and principals for their remarkable courage, grit, and growth. The Education Foundation of Sarasota County leads the STRIVE Awards program and coordinated celebration events at each school, where family members, educators, and community supporters gathered to recognize these inspiring young people. 

The Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab (Fab Lab) celebrated a decade of engineering and design excellence with its 10th annual Remote Control Custom Car Open (RC Car) competition, held on April 12, 2025. This year’s event, themed Journey Through Time, transported racers and spectators through history with themed racetracks inspired by different time periods. Over 175 students, from kindergarten through 8th grade, gathered at the Fab Lab for competition, celebration and fun. In total, 65 teams participated over a two-month period, each challenged to design and customize a remote control car using Fab Lab’s cutting-edge makerspace tools, including 3D printers, laser cutters and vinyl cutters. Teams showcased their creativity and design prowess while customizing their cars to fit one of five design categories: Prehistoric Prestige, Ancient Artistry, Empire Excellence, Iron Innovator and Tech Titan. 

Pictured: Cars lined up before the first race. Courtesy photo.

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CR Fitness Holdings, the largest, fastest-growing franchisee of Crunch Fitness, announced the acquisition of nine 24 Hour Fitness gyms in Miami and Orlando regions. This expansion marks a significant milestone, setting the stage for future growth and continued investment in Florida. This growth directly benefits community members by supporting local businesses and expanding access to health and wellness resources in Miami and Orlando. Current and prospective members will now have access to over 60 Crunch Fitness locations across the state of Florida. Additional information on gym locations and membership options can be found at www.crunch.com. 

Heritage Golf Group, a leading owner and operator of private country clubs and upscale daily-fee golf courses across the U.S., is excited to announce its acquisition of The Club at Cheval from LKJ Management in Tampa Bay, Florida. This marks Heritage's 42nd club nationwide and its ninth in the state of Florida. The Heritage team, with extensive proficiency in golf club operations, continues to elevate the member experience through transforming and improving amenities, operations, and programming at recently acquired clubs. The expanding network further enhances the value of Heritage Golf Group membership through the Heritage Plus Network—a reciprocal travel benefit that affords golf members access to other participating Heritage clubs. 

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