In 2010, eight-year-old Chelsea Aldrich watched her older sister raise a puppy for her Girl Scout Gold Award. Their family, living in Houston at the time, had joined Dogs Inc.’s puppy raising club—where an adorable black Lab named Bruce entered their lives. Chelsea was instantly in love. “The day my sister got that puppy, I knew I had to raise one of my own someday. He made a huge impact on my life,” she recalls.

Bruce later became a facility therapy dog at a VA hospital in West Palm Beach. Chelsea’s purpose became even clearer after hearing a guide dog recipient named Michael speak about his dog, Britney. “He said his dog had saved his life many times. Until then, I thought puppy raising just sounded cool—but in that moment, I realized it could actually change someone’s life.”

Determined to become a guide dog instructor, Chelsea and her family moved to Lakewood Ranch in 2020—partly to be closer to Dogs Inc. They joined the local puppy raising club, where Chelsea raised three puppies of her own. “My parents say we moved to Florida so I could go to college,” Chelsea laughs, “but if you ask me, I’d say it was so I could work at Dogs Inc.”

In 2023, Chelsea began working as a Canine Keeper at Dogs Inc.’s Veterinary Center and quickly completed her training prerequisites. By July 2024, she officially started her prestigious Guide Dog Apprenticeship.

Her parents are involved as well, serving as puppy parent hosts for Dogs Inc.'s breeding program and staying active as puppy sitters in the Lakewood Ranch community.

Chelsea fondly remembers a touching moment from a training class. “A man shared that he used to always stare at his feet, never noticing the sky or the wind in the trees. But after getting his guide dog, he looked up—and for the first time in a long time, he saw the sky was blue.”

Chelsea credits Dogs Inc. for teaching her responsibility and shaping her life. “Dogs, Inc. as a whole is incredible. I love the work they do,” she says. “If you're thinking about getting a guide dog or service dog from us, I can't recommend it more.”

Pictured: Chelsea Aldrich with Katie McCoy and her guide dog. Provided photo.

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The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle proudly announces the result of its 2025 first grant cycle, awarding $53,000 to 25 nonprofit organizations serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. This marks the highest level of funding granted in the group’s history, reflecting its steadfast commitment to empowering women, children, and families in need. 

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Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) has awarded a $50,000 grant to support the creation of a new Pet Resource Center in downtown Bradenton. Housed in a renovated county building near the juvenile detention center, the Pet Resource Center aims to strengthen the bond between people and their pets by addressing the challenges that often lead to pet surrender. Here, pet owners can come for advice, essential care, and extra support during difficult times. For more information about the Pet Resource Center, contact Sarah Brown at sarah.brown@mymanatee.org or 941-779-3278.For information on ways to invest in our community, visit www.manateecf.org. 

Sarasota Opera has been awarded a $50,000 traditional grant for Spring 2025 from The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation to assist in the purchase of seven new pianos, including three Boston baby grand pianos and four upright pianos. The funding will directly support the acquisition of two of the three new baby grand pianos. These new instruments will replace those most damaged by humidity and intense, two-decades-long usage. The new Boston pianos, designed by Steinway & Sons, will enhance the quality of instruments used in rehearsals, training, and community outreach and youth education programs at Sarasota Opera. 

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As downtown St. Petersburg continues its transformation, The Residences at 400 Central rises as a striking new fixture in the city’s skyline. The project is entering its final phases of construction — and buyers are beginning to plan their move-in.

CHECK OUT 400 CENTRAL’S MAY’S CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

From the installation of custom kitchens and bathrooms to the railings lining the 900-plus space parking garage, progress is palpable throughout the site. The residences, which will offer a range of curated finish packages by Celano Design Studio, are beginning to take shape with Spanish quartz countertops and modern, bespoke Italian cabinetry by ITALKRAFT emerging as hallmarks of the interiors. Over 12,900 square feet of indoor and 23,100 square feet of outdoor private residentialamenities are being fully realized to cultivate a resort-style atmosphere. Their focus in design was to embrace what people are looking for in today's residential hospitality and how that can be translated into a living, working, and entertainment experience. Among the amenities are an elevated pool deck with cabanas and loungers, a private dining room with access to a catering kitchen, a theater lounge, a state-of-the-art fitness center, bocce ball, a dog run and more. 

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 | Please Contact Us To Schedule An Appointment. 727-914-5422 | info@residences400central.

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Following a successful season of fundraising events, the SPARCC Auxiliary celebrated the meaningful impact of their efforts—and continues to call on the community to support Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) and its free, confidential programs for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. At the organization’s annual Celebration Luncheon in April, Auxiliary members, SPARCC leadership, and community supporters came gathered to reflect on the group’s achievements. The luncheon also honored outgoing Auxiliary President Bonnie VanOverbeke for her dedicated leadership and welcomed the incoming 2025–2027 Auxiliary Board. The SPARCC Auxiliary welcomes new members year-round. With a small annual membership fee of $45, individuals become part of a purpose-driven group committed to supporting survivors and creating safer and stronger communities. 

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Creative Liberties presents its third bimonthly “Limelight Artist Night” Thursday, June 5, 4-7 p.m., at 901b Apricot Ave. and 927 N. Lime Ave., in downtown Sarasota. The event features the diverse works of 35 artists. Enjoy an evening of art, connection, and inspiration with lite bites and beverages. Featured artist Eileen Saunders will showcase her “Shorebird” collection and with any sale of her work, a donation will be made to the Sarasota Audubon Society’s nesting shorebird programs and education for children. 

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The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) and Visit Sarasota County (VSC) were honored on May 15, 2025 at the annual meeting of the Florida Economic Development Council, showcasing the region’s resilience and innovative approach to economic development amidst challenging circumstances. Last Fall, in the wake of storms Debby, Helene, and Milton, VSC partnered with the EDC among several community stakeholders to create the Support the 941 Campaign. The goal of the campaign was to encourage local businesses to share how they were ready to welcome residents and visitors again and generate economic activity for and by locals, thereby demonstrating the region’s vitality ahead of peak tourism season. The accolades serve as a testament to the organizations' steadfast dedication to driving economic growth, supporting small businesses, and fostering community well-being. Both the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County and Visit Sarasota County remain committed to continuing their impactful work and contributing to the region’s sustainable economic development. 

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Shumaker Associate Ryan M. Guerin, a member of the firm’s Labor & Employment Service Line, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation (EDC). In this leadership role, Ryan will help guide strategic initiatives that promote business growth, workforce development, and economic opportunity throughout the Bradenton region. As a trusted legal advisor to businesses across a wide range of industries, Ryan brings valuable insight into the legal and operational challenges facing local employers. His practice focuses on labor and employment law, as well as complex commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on helping companies navigate evolving legal standards and implement best employment practices. 

Before sunrise this Thursday, May 249, 2025, School District of Manatee County Board Members, Interim Superintendent Kevin Chapman and District Administrators will wave and cheer bus drivers as they embark on their routes for the final day of school. The group will gather at the Matzke Support Center at approximately 5:30 a.m., as school buses roll to pick up students on the last school day of the 2024-2025 school year.