In celebration of Florida’s native wildlife, local artist and Ringling College alum Annie Joy has created a vibrant new 10x20' mural at Save Our Seabirds, drawing inspiration from the work of local photographer Mary Lou Johnson. The mural reflects the organization’s mission to connect people with nature through wild bird conservation and education. This new artwork represents a thoughtful refresh of an original mural painted 15 years ago by Mirald Cake, another Ringling alum, which had endured years of sun and storms.

“More than a fresh coat of paint, the mural marks the beginning of a new era at Save Our Seabirds. It kicks off a wave of improvements–including all-new aviaries, a reimagined avian hospital and an updated gift shop–designed to better serve the birds in our care and the people who visit,” explains Marketing and Outreach Manager Lisa Wood. “With nearly thirty percent of North America’s breeding bird population lost in the last 50 years, the mural stands as both a celebration of Sarasota’s arts culture and a reminder of what’s at stake.”

Artist Annie Joy sees strong parallels between art and conservation: "To me, public art and conservation often share a common goal–education of the public, accessibility to knowledge and awareness, which in turn allows and encourages community support for any cause. I think the relationship and collaboration between them are important.” As a longtime weekly volunteer for a wildlife sanctuary and a professional in the nonprofit sector, she felt personally connected to the mission at Save Our Seabirds. “I know the hard work and dedication it takes to make an impact,” she shares.

“I would say this mural is our way of honoring Sarasota’s rich arts culture while reminding visitors of the urgent need to protect wild birds and the habitats that inspired it,” adds Wood. “We hope it serves as a focal point–a place where people can pause, reflect and feel more deeply connected to the natural world.”

Save Our Seabirds is a nonprofit organization committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured birds, with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitats.

Save Our Seabirds, 1708 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, 941-388-3010. 

Pictured: The new mural at Save Our Seabirds was completed over Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of Save Our Seabirds.

On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Easterseals Southwest Florida proudly celebrated the momentous groundbreaking ceremony for the Malcolm Family Autism Center of Excellence “ACE”, a transformative addition to its expanding campus. This event marked a major milestone in the Campaign for Compassion, a visionary initiative aimed at expanding access to essential services. The ceremony, held on the future site of the ACE, was attended by community leaders, campaign donors, and Easterseals board members. The celebration featured remarks from Easterseals President and CEO, Tom Waters, Gary Hoyt from Hoyt Architecture and John LaCivita from Willis A. Smith Construction—whose vision and talented teams will bring the concept to life. 

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In partnership with the School District of Manatee, The Food Bank of Manatee will provide free food to children and families this summer through the Food4Families program. Through this program, those in need will receive non-perishable food items to feed a family of five breakfast, lunch, and dinner for two or more days. Food4Families is provided free of charge to families in need. The food is purchased with donated funds, sorted, and distributed by The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Those interested in supporting the program can make donations online at http://www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org/donate or by mail to 811 23rd Ave. East, Bradenton, FL 34208. 

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The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation (LWRCF) held its installation of officers meeting on May 19, 2025. Two-year terms for new officers and board members begin June 1. LWRCF is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with a goal to raise $250,000. The next major event is Soirée on the Ranch, November 13, 2025 at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club. For more about LWRCF and upcoming events, visit LWRCF.org, email info@LWRCF.org, or call 941-208-6799.     

The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) is inviting compassionate individuals to join The Butterfly Guild, a dynamic group of young professionals and community advocates dedicated to protecting children and strengthening families. Through fundraising, volunteerism, and awareness efforts, the Butterfly Guild plays a crucial role in supporting CPC’s mission to prevent, intervene in, and treat child abuse. For more information on CPC or to inquire about ways to get involved, please visit them at  www.cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277. 

Why are future residents counting down the days until they can move into 400 Central? We asked, and the answers all pointed to one thing — a new kind of luxury living in the heart of downtown St. Pete. Imagine waking up to panoramic views from Tampa Bay to the white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, entertaining in your thoughtful designed and planned open-concept residence, and lounging poolside on the lush, tropical resort-style pool and amenity deck.

CLICK TO WATCH A VIDEO TESTIMONIAL WITH 400 CENTRAL HOMEOWNERS, KENDRA & NATE 

Completion Summer 2025

With unique and distinguished architecture by Arquitectonica, stunning high-end interiors by Celano Design Studio, and an unbeatable, walkable location spanning a full city block in the heart of downtown — surrounded by retail and close to everything — 400 Central is poised to become St. Petersburg’s most iconic address. A city on the rise, St. Petersburg is renowned for its arts and culture, its stunning waterfront just steps from 400 Central, its dynamic culinary scene and vibrant nightlife, and there is no slowing down. The Residences at 400 Central simply has it all — from floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors to swapping terraces that bring the sunshine in, to a 46th-floor Sky Lounge Observatory that takes your breath away. Hear directly from Kendra and Nate as they share what drew them to St. Pete’s newest iconic address and why they’re excited to call it home. 

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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Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Malcolm Family Teen Center at the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Boys & Girls Club in Arcadia with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The newly renovated facility represents a major milestone in the organization’s mission to empower youth and expand opportunities for teens in DeSoto County. The Malcolm Family Teen Center is designed to help teens succeed beyond high school through programs led by youth development professionals and subject matter experts. Focused on academic success, college and career readiness, workforce development, leadership and wellness, the center also provides space that supports hands-on experiences like vocational training, resume-building and youth-led advocacy. This transformative project was led by Halfacre Construction Company, the area’s oldest, most established, and locally owned and operated private commercial construction firm. 

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Applications are now open for the 2025 McDonald’s Golden Grants program. To apply, eligible entities can visit McDonald’s Golden Grants through October 10. McDonald’s Owner/Operators across Florida will be selecting deserving educators, non-profit organizations, and the like, who represent programs that fuel the imagination, education, and growth of students, as recipients of a McDonald’s Golden Grant. Entering its fifth year, the program has awarded $400,000 in its first four years. This year, grants will be awarded in the amounts of $10,000, $5,000, $2,500, and $1,000 based on creativity and hands-on application of projects. Please see below for applicable counties in Central Florida. Qualifying activities include arts programs, education initiatives, mentorship and empowerment programs, after-school programs, community service, sports activities, and technology. Recipients will be announced in November 2025. 

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With great enthusiasm and gratitude, we’re thrilled to announce that Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation awarded $250,000 to support Art For All, our campaign to expand access to the arts and deepen our impact as a community-driven cultural hub.We are honored to be one of only two arts organizations—and the only visual arts organization—to receive funding in this grant cycle, a testament to our vital role in Sarasota’s cultural landscape. This grant will help us expand our free exhibitions, provide scholarships for art education, and engage underserved communities. It will also bolster support for emerging local artists, helping to grow the next generation of creatives. As we approach our centennial, this support ensures we can continue offering inclusive, accessible arts experiences that reflect and uplift our entire community. Building on nearly 100 years of local artistic leadership and a commitment to accessibility, Art Center Sarasota is helping shape a more vibrant, inclusive, and creatively empowered Sarasota. 

Pride Month is here, and we’re celebrating the strength, joy, and resilience of LGBTQ+ people, but especially our youth. At ALSO Youth, Pride means showing up every day to empower LGBTQ+ youth and their allies while creating more inclusive communities. Pride is every day, when we live with authenticity, love boldly, and continue the fight for a world where all young people can thrive!