SRQ DAILY May 21, 2025
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"Every year we partner with the Circus Conservatory of the Arts, and it's just an amazing time of love and acceptance."
Pride Month is almost here—a time to reflect on the ongoing fight for equality and inclusion, honor the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, and celebrate love in all its forms.
Despite growing challenges to LGBTQ+ rights nationwide, Sarasota continues to stand out as a supportive and welcoming community. “Our motto is: one heart, one mind at a time," says Project Pride SRQ President Jason Champion. "Sarasota itself is a very welcoming, loving community and the city has supported us quite nicely." Over the past two years, Project Pride has worked closely with the city commission to secure a high Municipal Equality Index (MEI) score from the Human Rights Campaign, a process requiring extensive documentation and collaboration. Champion notes that the city consistently demonstrated its support, recognizing LGBTQ+ residents as equal, taxpaying citizens. The organization is currently awaiting the final MEI score.
In the spirit of celebration and community, Project Pride SRQ is proud to announce its signature Pride Month fundraiser: Grand Carnival: Palm Roayle. Now in its fourth year, this spectacular event takes place from 8–11 p.m. at the Circus Arts Conservatory's Sailor Circus Arena (2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota) and features a night of music, fashion, food and fun. Guests are encouraged to dress on theme and come ready to dance. SRQ Beats will spin the hottest tracks, while attendees enjoy delicious lite bites and desserts donated by local restaurants. Bar vendor Dive Wine & Spirits will provide an excellent selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. The evening’s headline performer is acclaimed American singer/songwriter John Duff.
“Grand Carnival has grown tremendously over the past few years,” says Champion. “Every year, we partner with the Circus Conservatory of the Arts, and it’s just an amazing time of love and acceptance. One of my friends told me last year it was the first time she felt celebrated as a woman at an event in Sarasota. That tells you just how open and welcoming this community is.”
Tickets are $125 for early purchase general admission, $175 at the door (subject to availability), and $250 for VIP access, which includes early entry at 7pm, open bar, lite bites and entertainment. Major sponsors include the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Hall Family Foundation.
For more about Project Pride SRQ and its Pride Month events, visit ppsrq.org. 
Pictured: On May 31, Project Pride SRQ will present ‘Grand Carnival: Palm Royale,’ featuring headliner John Duff Provided photo/Project Pride.
Each May, Older Americans Month (OAM) celebrates the contributions of older adults and raises awareness about aging issues nationwide. This year, Senior Friendship Centers is embracing the national 2025 theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” by showcasing the vitality, creativity, and joy of aging through two festive, free events open to the public. The month's highlight is the 3rd Annual Senior Prom in Sarasota on Friday, May 23, 1-3 PM, where older adults will trade stereotypes for sequins. Dressed in glamorous gowns and sharp tuxedos, attendees will dance to live music by the Chuck Parr Band and enjoy refreshments provided by VIPCare, Deanna Kennedy, Michael Saunders & Company, Scott Black, and Assisting Hands Home Care. Guests will vote for the Prom King and Queen, who will be crowned in a celebratory coronation. For more information about Senior Friendship Centers’ events and programs, visit www.friendshipcenters.org or call (941) 955- 2122.
New College of Florida and the New College Foundation will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil Lady Banyan, a 9-foot-tall “Flower Tree” sculpture donated by internationally celebrated artist Michelle-Marie Heinemann. The vibrant, nature-inspired artwork, part of Heinemann’s acclaimed Daisy Series, honors the graduating Class of 2025 and symbolizes strength, growth, and enduring beauty. The public event will feature remarks from Heinemann, New College President Richard Corcoran, and student representatives, followed by light refreshments. This donation underscores New College’s commitment to the arts and its innovative Museum Studies program, which trains students in art history, conservation, and cultural stewardship.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 3:00pm, New College Foundation Keating Center, 441 College Drive, Sarasota.
The Glenridge at Palmer Ranch is marking a milestone—15 years of investing in its community—by awarding scholarships to exceptional staff members and their families. Since launching the initiative in 2010 with two $600 awards, The Glenridge has distributed more than $400,000 in scholarship funds to support employees and their children in pursuing higher education. The program was founded by the late Mary Nesbit, former dean of The Glenridge Academy, the community’s lifelong learning program.
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation is pleased to announce the hiring of two new staff members, Kaitlyn Kramer Reeves, Director of Development, and Megan Wenger, Development Officer. Both Kramer Reeves and Wenger bring extensive experience developing and cultivating relationships within Sarasota’s philanthropic community.
May 19, in an otherwise nondescript office building, the day ended, the doors closed, then reopened at 5:15. Suddenly, the large room, normally seeing diabetic patients, welcomed them back, along with 50 other guests, as the center was transformed for an evening of celebration. Dan Bafia, the owner, opened this center to help people with type 2 diabetes manage. In Sarasota County alone, nearly 10.2% of the population has a diagnosis of diabetes. With a significant number of people living with diabetes, the treatment finds a way to reteach insulin receptors to work again. “Health is my mission, finding ways of making things work in a very complicated world,” said Bafia. For more information on PIR infusion therapy, visit: www.thechoicegroup.org
Pictured: The Staff, Photo by, Caitlin Brown.
The Residences at 400 Central offer breathtaking views, elegant design, and a full suite of owner amenities right in the heart of St. Pete. Presenting a variety of floor plans with one to four bedrooms, plus a selection of custom penthouse homes in our exclusive Sky Collection, there is truly a residence for everyone. Located on the 46th floor sits the Sky Lounge Observatory- the highest vantage point in St. Pete, offering unparalleled views of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you're taking in breathtaking sunsets or the dazzling city skyline, this exclusive space elevates everyday living. Schedule an appointment at the Sales Gallery today to secure your residence and discover an elevated approach to city living.
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A Collection of Residences in the Heart of St. Petersburg | Priced From the low $1 Millions | Sales Gallery Open Daily | 465 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Join this webinar to learn the whys and hows of separating your business and personal finances, laying a strong foundation for your entrepreneurial journey. Understanding the importance of financial separation is a critical factor in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of your business. We’ll also provide valuable take-away resources to help you and your business. Don't miss this opportunity to create a strong financial strategy and pave the way to a prosperous future.
Know a fellow physician who’s raising the bar in patient care? Nominate them for SRQ Magazine’s Top Doctors competition! Help us recognize medical professionals making a difference across Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, and beyond. Submit your peer nomination by June 13.
Feature your business in SRQ’s July/August 2025 edition, packed with premium opportunities: the inspiring Home & Design Flipbook, essential Hurricane Preparedness section, and the celebrated Best of SRQ Local Winners Showcase. Reach engaged readers with impactful stories, expert positioning, and targeted visibility. Space is limited—secure your placement today!
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
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
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
Selby Gardens presents an exciting exhibition that explores the deep and meaningful connection between musician George Harrison – best known as the lead guitarist of the legendary rock band The Beatles – and the pastime of gardening, which became his greatest passion. The resulting multi-sensory experience highlights George’s connection to nature and celebrates his life and legacy through the power of plants!
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound Street Sarasota, FL 34236
Celebrate the women who have captivated the world with their dynamic personalities and fierce vocals. Starting in the 1960’s, female artists such as Cher, Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion have been pushing boundaries and shattering records with hits such as, “Turn Back Time,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “My Heart Will Go On.”
John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 1st St, Sarasota, FL 34236
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
Join us every Sunday morning at 9am for a walk to the Bayfront and back on a route that is just under 2 miles. Meet at 99 Bottles Downtown Sarasota and end at the same location in approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on pace. This weekly walking social club is an opportunity to connect with other locals.
99 Bottles, 1445 2nd St Sarasota, FL 34236
Conjuring the Spirit World: Art, Magic, and Mediums explores the essential role art and objects played for mediums and magicians “communicating” with the dead during the 19th- and 20th-century Spiritualism movement in the U.S. and Europe—a time when people actively debated and wondered, "Can spirits return?" See paintings, posters, photographs, stage apparatuses, costumes, film, publications and other objects that will transport visitors to the age of Harry Houdini, Margery the Medium, Howard Thurston, and the Fox Sisters, among others. Whether you’re a believer, skeptic or somewhere in between, gain a new perspective on the timeless draw of mediums and magicians, séances and magic shows.
The Ringling - Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
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 Venice Symphony proudly announces the return of its annual Patriotic Pops Concert, taking place on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at CoolToday Park in the Wellen Park community of south Sarasota County. This year's event, Salute to the Greatest Generation: A WWII Tribute, commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and will feature beloved WWII-era music, a tribute to U.S. Armed Forces veterans, and a dazzling fireworks display to conclude the evening. The Community Foundation of Sarasota County returns as the presenting sponsor for this beloved tradition. Now in its sixth year, the Patriotic Pops Concert has become a signature event, celebrating patriotism, music, and community spirit as the unofficial start to Memorial Day weekend.
The Venice Symphony , CoolToday Park, Wellen Park, Sarasota County
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
Every Wednesdat at 6 pm a 5k Fun Run starts and ends at 99 Bottles. Course runs through Downtown Sarasota and along the Bayfront, all skill levels, all fun. Each time you finish a run, you must get yout card punched to get an attendance credit and receive 99 bottles prizes. All runners are expected to obey all traffic laws, be courteous to other runners, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, etc.on the route and to know your limits - running and/or drinking!
99 Bottles, 1445 2nd St Sarasota, FL 34236
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
SRQ DAILY is a daily e-newsletter produced by SRQ MEDIA. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. The views expressed by individuals are their own, and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SRQ DAILY includes content excerpted from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Robinson Valverde at 941-365-7702 x703 or via email |
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