One might assume that it takes a certain type of person to put one’s body on the line. That the fearlessness of say a skateboarder, who will willingly hit the deck dozens of times in their quest to land a trick, is innate. But for people such as Hannah McManus—better known by her alter ego Intoxic Kate #008—laying it all out on the line is just part of who she is.

“I’m someone that firmly believes every adult needs a recreational sport in their life to create that balance that counters everything else they have going on,” says McManus, vice president of the Bradentucky Bombers, the only skater-owned roller derby league in Sarasota and Bradenton. “Why not put on goofy wheelie shoes and hit your friends?”

For McManus, who joined the organization in 2017, roller derby is about a lot more than just putting on skates and slamming into the opposition—although in a full-contact sport such as flat track roller derby, there is plenty of slamming. It’s about finding a sense of belonging, a community of like minded individuals who lift each other up on and off the court.

“I don’t think that I realized it until I reached that stage in my life, but it’s hard to make friends as an adult. You leave college where you’re surrounded by this very walkable community with people your own age and suddenly you’re thrust into the real world where you don’t know anybody,” says McManus. “Here I get to interact with a group of really wonderful people that I wouldn’t necessarily encounter in my everyday life and build these friendships and come together to work towards this wacky, common goal.”

For the Bradentucky Bombers, which have three teams, the Bomb Squad which competes nationally in the Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association, the Nuclear Bombshells, which competes recreationally and the Fusion Bombs, an open-gender team, the goal is not only to win, but to build the inclusive community of roller derby. While the sport is full-contact—two opposing teams occupy the track at the same time, with the goal of forcing their way past the other skaters—all shapes and sizes of skaters are not only welcome, they’re necessary. “Every body is a roller derby body,” says McManus. “We have the big, buff tough folks, but we also have the smaller, zippy guys too and they’re equally as necessary on the track.”

The Bradentucky Bombers vs the Tampa Death Rollers, May 31, 5-7pm, Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, 5309 29 St East, Ellenton, 34222 

Provided photo.

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The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (The Ringling) is excited to announce our newest exhibition, Art from the Heart: CONNECTIVITY, presented by Streets of Paradise, Inc., an organization dedicated to combating homelessness with dignity and grace.  This exhibition, on view at The Ringling's Community Gallery in the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art, features 66 pieces of art by 27 individual artists. The exhibition highlights the extraordinary creativity, remarkable talent, and resilience of neurodivergent artists as they navigate their unique challenges through self-expression. The project emphasizes our commitment to showcasing a range of art from various communities within the greater community. By fostering connections through creativity, the artists celebrate not only their individual artistry but also the bonds that unite us through art. In a world where connection can often be overlooked, this exhibition serves as a reminder of the strength found in shared experiences and the beauty that emerges when we embrace each other’s journeys.

Art from the Heart: CONNECTIVITY is currently on display at The Ringling's Community Gallery through July 30, 2025. Exhibitions at The Ringling's Community Gallery are always free to visit; visitors can check in at the museum's Visitor Pavilion upon arrival and ask for a Community Gallery wristband. 

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The Boxser Diversity Initiative will join local leaders, community members and descendants of players on Saturday, June 14, for a private ceremony dedicating a new historical marker honoring the Bradenton Nine Devils, one of Florida’s most accomplished Negro League baseball teams. The marker will be installed at LECOM Park, where the Nine Devils played their home games for almost two decades. The team earned its name after winning its first nine games and quickly became a symbol of pride for the Black community in Manatee County during the era of segregation. Many of the players rivaled the talent of those in the major leagues but were denied opportunity because of racial discrimination. 

Since 2007, the School District of Manatee County’s Food and Nutrition Services department has partnered with the Summer BreakSpot program to help provide meals to kids during the long summer months. Starting on Monday, June 2nd, meals will be provided at more than 60 sites across Manatee County. The Summer Food Service Program is not based on income and all kids and teens 18 and younger will be able to participate. Free meals will be provided to students attending School District of Manatee County school summer programs as well as be delivered to local sites such as summer camps, community centers and churches. Three mobile feeding buses and two mobile “Caboose” food vehicles (provided in partnership with Tropicana), will deliver meals to multiple locations in Bradenton, Palmetto, and Parrish starting on June 2nd. Both buses have indoor and outdoor seating for the kids to enjoy their meal. Meals are required to be consumed on-site. There are two ways to find the nearest Summer BreakSpot location: Call: 850-617-7170; Visit: https://www.SummerBreakSpot.org For more information about the Summer BreakSpot contact the Food and Nutrition Services Office (941) 739-5700. 

Shumaker is pleased to announce the appointment of new Service Line Leaders in conjunction with the launch of two strategic additions to its legal offerings: the Immigration and Technology, Data Privacy, Cybersecurity & AI Service Lines. These developments underscore Shumaker’s ongoing commitment to anticipating client needs and delivering innovative legal solutions in today’s global and digital landscape. With a strong foundation of collaboration and strategic insight, Shumaker continues to expand its capabilities to support clients navigating complex regulatory environments, technological disruption, and global opportunities. 

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The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County (ELC) has done what no other noncollegiate, nonprofit agency could—launch a one-of-a-kind, state-recognized Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) for early childhood education. Tapping into a niche market, 28 applicants signed up within the first month.  With the help of CareerSource Suncoast, ELC Sarasota is the first among all ELCs in Florida to receive this prestigious sponsor designation, effectively meeting the local demand and filling a critical void in the community. Fully operated in-house, this independent RAP provides a seamless pathway for aspiring early educators, removing the need for technical school enrollment or student loans. Supporting career development in a field often overlooked and overshadowed, the ELC’s program addresses the critical need for more qualified preschool teachers who are trained and ready from the moment of hire. Unsurprisingly, 30 childcare employers jumped onboard to partner with the program within the first year. The RAP offers two distinct paths: a Pre-Apprenticeship program for individuals ages 16+, who are new to the field, no experience necessary, and an Apprenticeship program designed for those currently working in a classroom and pursuing a teacher credential. Virtual class options, customized learning, and strong mentorship lie at the heart of this impactful program. Hands-on, in-depth training from seasoned ELC early childhood specialists, who local teachers already know and trust, boosts their confidence and commitment to the field as they now view their role as a meaningful career rather than just a job. 

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