SRQ DAILY May 22, 2025
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"I would have been happier with a win, but last year we started off with a loss and won the division, so I will take the point and move on to next week."
The Board of Trustees at NewGate School announces the appointment of Dr. Sandra Wirth, Ed.D., as Head of School and the move of the NewGate Upper Campus previously located in Lakewood Ranch, including the Middle and High School Programs, to Palmer Ranch at 8484 S. Tamiami Trail, starting with the upcoming 2025-26 academic school year. Founded in 1984, NewGate School is celebrating its 40th Anniversary as an authentic, globally-minded Montessori school committed to designing an environment to spark curiosity and independent thinking from toddlers through high school. Dr. Wirth will begin as Head of School at NewGate on July 1, 2025.
"NewGate School has served over 4,000 students and their families for 40 years in the Sarasota/Manatee County area. We are the only school in Southwest Florida that offers an authentic Montessori experience for children 15 months through high school and is accredited by Incognia, International Baccalaureate and the International Montessori Council. We are proud of our history and are looking forward to our next 40 years," says Lorna McGrath of the Board of Trustees at NewGate School. “This new campus is more than just a change of address. It’s an opportunity for our students and faculty to shape a thoughtfully designed learning environment grounded in Montessori principles. With time to transition and prepare, we can move into the next chapter this fall with intention, vision and input from all. ”
NewGate School’s Ashton Campus, serving a community of toddlers to Grade 6 and their families, will continue to operate at the Ashton Campus location at 5237 Ashton Road, Sarasota, Florida. 
Under the late evening light of Lakewood Ranch, the Sarasota Paradise ushered in a new era of soccer on the Gulf Coast. TheParadise of the United Soccer League Two (USL2) began its South Florida division title defense in earnest on May 17 when it forced a 1-1 draw with nearby rival St. Petersburg FC. Saturday’s match was the Paradise’s first official USL2 contest in its new home at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.
Although the Skyway Derby was a low scoring affair, it was not without its fair share of drama and physicality. St. Petersburg started out the match on top, dominating much of the offensive possession in opening minutes, keeping the Paradise’s back line busy with successive attacks on goal. The Paradise was not able to break through St. Petersburg’s defensive until the 13 minute mark, landing multiple shots on goal to no avail. It was St. Petersburg that struck first, when forward Alejandro Zuniga hooked a shot into the bottom corner of the net to put his team up 0-1 in the 39th minute.
The second half brought even more action and aggressiveness from both teams, with four yellow cards handed out, three to St. Petersburg and one to the Paradise. “They’re our closest opponent, so that contributes to how physical this match was,” says Paradise forward Lukas Kamrath. “We also know a lot of these guys, so it brings a little extra fire to want to beat our old friends and teammates and people that we’ve played against year in and year out.”
A flurry of substitutions for the Paradise in the second half—including the addition of last year’s leading scorer Seth Mahlmeister—led to a revitalized offensive attack. While the Paradise had multiple shots on goal, one of which was a missed header by Kamrath on a corner kick at the 67th minute mark, an excruciating 0-1 loss seemed inevitable. It wasn’t until the 90th minute, with defenders flying around him in the box, that Kamrath was able to sneak a shot past the St. Petersburg goalkeeper to tie the match.“We have a lot of great players, but it’s going to take some time,” says head coach Mirko Dakovic. “I would have been happier with a win, but last year we started off with a loss and ended up winning the division, so we’ll take the point and build on it next week.”
The Sarasota Paradise will next face Weston FC away on May 25.
Lukas Kamrath celebrates his game-tying goal in the 90th minute. Provided photo.
New College of Florida presents a powerful installment of its Socratic Stage series: Justice or Politics: The Weaponization of Law in Modern America, featuring two legal heavyweights—Alan Dershowitz and Steven Donziger. This timely conversation will explore how legal systems can be used to silence critics, protect entrenched interests, and erode public trust in the rule of law. Dershowitz and Donziger will examine the increasing use of legal mechanisms as political and corporate weapons, drawing from their own headline-making experiences and careers spent navigating—and at times, challenging—the U.S. justice system.
Thursday, May 22, 6:00 – 7:30pm, Mildred Sainer Pavilion, New College of Florida, 5313 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota.
Celebrate the season finale of Fresh Fridays with Sounds of Summer on Palm Avenue adjacent to Art Ovation Hotel on June 6 from 7 to 10 p.m.! Enjoy summer-inspired bites, refreshments, outdoor games, and that signature downtown vibe one last time before we break for the season. Don’t miss your chance to dance into summer with Sarasota’s favorite block party on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Palm Ave. in downtown Sarasota!
Get ready to spice up your Saturday at the Bazaar on May 31st! Kick off your Saturday with FREE salsa line dance lessons led by United States National Finalist Sonia Ragan at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a curious beginner, Sonia will have you shuffling in no time! But that's not all! For just $1, you can taste the culinary creations of our very own Bazaar family members as they showcase their salsa recipes. Vote for your favorite. Helping us crown the ultimate salsa champion with celebrity judges Chef Mitch of Hamlet’s Eatery and Chef Mark of Tamiami Tap.
The Bazaar is located at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. For more information visit www.BazaaronApricotandlime.com.
Senior Friendship Centers announces the continuation of its popular authors series, “Joyful Journeys.” This engaging, free program celebrates the art of storytelling and highlights local authors. Each month, a featured author shares their unique insights, captivating stories, and personal experiences. Attendees can enjoy lively discussions, participate in Q&A sessions, and connect with fellow literature enthusiasts. The sessions are on Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m., at Senior Friendship Centers, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota. Generous support from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County makes the Joyful Journeys series possible.Joyful Journeys events are free, but registration is required at https://friendshipcenters.org/category/events/. For more information about Joyful Journeys, call 941-556-3269 or visit friendshipcenters.org.
Bring your 4-legged family members to The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime this Saturday, April 24th! There will be an off leash area and live music! All dogs will receive a free gift from Lapdog Depot. Satchel's Last Resort will be joining with dogs looking for fur-ever homes. Hamlet's Eatery is open for lunch and you can browse the 40 shops inside The Bazaar. The Sarasota Bay Parrothead Club is also coming to share information on their reef project. The Bazaar is located at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. For more information visit www.BazaaronApricotandLime.com
What does kindness look like? What does respect sound like? For more than two decades, Embracing Our Differences has invited people of all ages and backgrounds to explore these questions through art and words—and the results have moved millions. The organization is now accepting submissions for its 2026 international outdoor exhibitions, returning to both Sarasota and St. Petersburg. This juried exhibition features 50 billboard-sized works of art, each paired with a powerful quotation. Submissions are free and open to all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience. The deadline is July 1, 2025. Visit EmbracingOurDifferences.org for more information.
Leaders of the Sarasota County School District and Board and staff members of Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation visited schools from Sarasota to North Port on May 14 to honor five outstanding teachers with Barancik Foundation’s Ripple Effect Teacher Award. The group surprised each educator with the presentation of the award, which recognizes the honoree’s impact in and out of the classroom. The award includes a gift of $5,000 from the Foundation. The five educators to receive the Ripple Effect Teacher Award in spring 2025 were: Rochelle Hilston, Woodland Middle School, English language arts teacher; Sascha Hyer, Venice High School, social studies teacher and coach; Marie Rosander, Pine View School, science teacher; Suzette Trapani, Phillippi Shores Elementary School, IB coordinator; Jennifer Weinberger, Heron Creek Middle School, math interventionist.
Positive outcomes for learning and success begin long before kindergarten. Research shows that fundamental language and early literacy is built through important interactions such as reading, singing, and playing. Forty Carrots Family Center, dedicated to strengthening the relationships between children and caregivers, recently received two large book donations to support program philosophy and vision. Charlie’s Kids Foundation, founded by Charlie’s parents, a teacher and a pediatric cardiologist, who lost their son at three weeks old due to SIDS, donated 6 cases of Sleep Baby Safe and Snug. The baby board book guides readers on how to put their baby to sleep safely, both in Spanish and English, and will be used with Forty Carrots work with all caregivers with infants.
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!
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.
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
Think while you drinks! Gather your friends, co-workers or family and join us for a fun-filled evening. Prizes and specials each night. Monday – Wednesday at 7:30pm. Gecko’s on Clark – Monday ; Gecko’s on SR64 & Stickney Point – Tuesday ; Gecko’s on Hillview – Wednesday.
Gecko's Grill & Pub, 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
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
WBTT produces its first tap dance revue in this original, historical musical journey through the captivating and entertaining world of tap dance. The show takes us to an avenue where all things flourish with rhythm, style, and class. This innovative musical uses dance as a universal language and features an exciting repertoire of unique arrangements on popular jazz tunes by iconic composers such Duke Ellington's "Don't Mean A Thing', Eubie Blake's "I'm Just Full Of Jazz" and Irving Berlin's "Cheek To Cheek!" The show also offers new songs arranged and created by Nate Jacobs, Lamont Brown and Louis Danowsky.
The Donelly Theatre, 1012 N. Orange Ave 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
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