In the ever competitive world of organized soccer, every match counts. For although the Sarasota Paradise (2-0-1) are only three matches into their regular season, they are technically a quarter of the way through their 12 game slate in the United Soccer League 2 (USL2). The clock is ticking on the team’s defense of the South Florida division title.

Last season, in which the Paradise went 8-1-3, winning the division title and securing the first postseason berth in franchise history, the team scored just three goals in its first three matches. In 2025, the team has scored four goals in its first three matches. Despite the lack of offense, the Paradise remains confident in its ability to continue with its early season success. “We’re building momentum,” says defender Felipe Rojas. “We haven’t played our best soccer yet, but we are getting results. That’s a testament to the quality and resilience of the team. Similarly to last year, as the season goes on we’re just going to get stronger.”

Some of that chemistry will come with time. Much of the Paradise’s roster is comprised of collegiate soccer players, meaning that the squad only began organized practice towards the beginning of May. With veterans such as forward Seth Mahlmeister and newcomers like midfielder George Waites, the team is still in the process of figuring out how to best work together.

“At the start of the season, people can be a little bit nervous. We’re trying to figure out who our best players are,” says Rojas. “Players are trying to do more than they should or perhaps aren’t confident enough to do the things that they know they can do. As our players build confidence, we’ll get better and better as a team.”

On Wednesday, June 4, the Paradise face its biggest test of the season against Fort Lauderdale United FC (5-0). The top-ranked team in the division, Fort Lauderdale has been dominant on both sides of the ball, scoring 10 goals while allowing zero. It’s a test that Rojas believes the Paradise are ready for. “They’re definitely a formidable opponent,” says Rojas. “Last year, we faced a lot of tough teams and still got good results. We’re going into it prepared, confident and ready for war.”

The Paradise's next home game will be against  Miami AC on June 7 at 7:30pm, 5895 Post Blvd, Lakewood Ranch.

Paradise forward Kai Tamashiro handles the ball. Provided photo.

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Sophia Haakman of Sarasota, Florida, will study Chinese (Mandarin) this summer in Taiwan on a National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI‑Y) scholarship. NSLI‑Y, a program of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), promotes the study of Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian (Tajiki), Russian, or Turkish. Sophia was one of 440 students selected from thousands of high school applicants across the United States to receive a NSLI‑Y scholarship. While in Taiwan, Sophia will live with a host family, immerse in the local culture and host community, and engage with local peers to enhance language learning, and represent American culture as a citizen ambassador. Applications for NSLI‑Y programs are available at www.nsliforyouth.org each fall. 

Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce that Mr. Trenton Terry – currently an Assistant Principal at Woodland Middle School – has been selected as the new Principal of Woodland Middle School. He will assume his new role effective Tuesday, July 1. Prior to assuming his current role as an Assistant Principal at Woodland Middle School in June 2021, Terry served as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum & Instruction at Venice High School. He has also served as the Assistant Director of Suncoast Polytechnical High School, an Assistant Director at Suncoast Technical College, the Principal of DeSoto County High School (Arcadia, FL), and the Assistant Principal of DeSoto County High School, among other roles in education. 

Sarasota County Schools is excited to offer a variety of instructional and non-instructional positions across the school district for the 2025-2026 school year. Whether you are a passionate educator or looking for a fulfilling role in support staff, there is an opportunity for you. Come meet our HR team, learn more about open positions, and take the first step towards an exciting new career! To register, please visit: https://forms.office.com/r/TwLVFBUu7M. Questions? Please email recruitment@sarasotacountyschools.net 

Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce that Mr. Eric Idoyaga – currently an Assistant Principal at Heron Creek Middle School – has been selected as the new Principal of Englewood Elementary School. He will assume his new role effective Tuesday, July 1. Prior to assuming his current role as an Assistant Principal at Heron Creek Middle School in July 2020, Idoyaga served as an Assistant Principal at Venice Middle School. He has also served as an Assistant Principal at Brookside Middle School, an 8th Grade Mathematics Teacher & Data Coach at Woodland Middle School, a 7th Grade Mathematics Teacher & Data Coach at Heron Creek Middle School, and a Banking & Finance Magnet Teacher at Southwest Miami High School (Miami, FL).

Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce that Mrs. Lindsay Gallof – the current Assistant Principal of Curriculum at Sarasota High School – has been selected as the new Principal of Brookside Middle School. She will assume her new role effective Tuesday, July 1. Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce that Mrs. Lindsay Gallof – the current Assistant Principal of Curriculum at Sarasota High School – has been selected as the new Principal of Brookside Middle School. She will assume her new role effective Tuesday, July 1.  

Nearly fifty years after first pledging support to New College of Florida, acclaimed Florida builder, statesman, and civic visionary Pat Neal and his wife Charlene have completed a $500,000 gift to the college. The contribution fulfills a pledge made in 1977 and affirms Neal’s continued belief in New College’s evolving role as a national leader in public liberal arts education.The Neals’ gift arrives at a defining moment for New College. Under the New College of Florida leadership, the institution has seen record-breaking enrollment, a renewed focus on academic excellence and rising national recognition. “This is more than the completion of a pledge—it’s an investment in momentum,” said Pat Neal. “I believed in New College’s promise in 1977. Today, I believe even more deeply in its future.” 

Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources invites readers of all ages to join the 2025 Summer Learning Program, a nine-week celebration of reading, creativity and community sponsored by the Library Foundation for Sarasota County. The program runs from May 31 through Aug. 2, with hundreds of free events happening at all 10 library branches and the History Center. With this year’s theme, “Color Our World,” participants are encouraged to explore the joy of reading and engage in vibrant, hands-on programs designed to inspire lifelong learning. For details and to get started, visit SarasotaCountyLibraries.org or call 311 or 941-861-1110. 

Education and outreach have been core to the mission of Choral Artists of Sarasota. Each year, the organization awards the Dr. Ann Stephenson-Moe Scholarship to an outstanding young singer in its educational outreach program. This year’s $1,000 scholarship goes to Grace Grogan, a recent high school graduate who participated in the ensemble’s past two seasons. Danielle La Senna, executive director of Choral Artists of Sarasota, explains that up to eight young singers, ages 16 to 22, are invited each year to rehearse and perform alongside the group’s professional vocalists. One of these promising artists is selected to receive the Stephenson-Moe Scholarship, which supports private study or vocal training at an institution of higher learning. For more information about Choral Artists of Sarasota and its programs, visit www.choralartistssarasota.org. 

More than 45,900 people attended 378 interactive, hands-on learning events throughout our region during Suncoast Remake Learning Days 2025. Presented by the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, the fourth annual iteration of this learning festival for youth of all ages and their families concluded on May 3 after attracting its largest turnout to date over 15 days. Suncoast Remake Learning Days events were created by 265 partnered community hosts, including museums, libraries, schools, community centers and other local organizations. Events were organized across six learning themes tailored to youth from pre-K through high school and their families, caregivers and educators. Since its inception in 2022, more than 117,000 people have participated in the festival. All Suncoast Remake Learning Days events were free to attend through generous funding from The Patterson Foundation to foster wide participation around everyday learning. Suncoast Remake Learning Days will return in 2026 from Saturday, April 18 to Saturday, May 2. More information on how to host a Suncoast Remake Learning Days or experience the 15-day festival will be shared at SuncoastRemakeLearningDays.org later this year. 

Photo courtesy of The Patterson Foundation.

The Florida Maritime Museum (FMM) and Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) invite you to our Summer Social on Saturday, June 14th from 10am-12:30pm. Come out to this family-friendly event to complete scavenger hunts, create your own sponge sailboat, enjoy a fishing-themed story time, and more! The Summer Social will also feature a ribbon cutting ceremony for Mullet Meadows, a new fisher-gnome community. Come explore the Cortez Cultural Center grounds where CVHS volunteers have turned stumps from trees downed by the hurricanes into an adorable little gnome village. You can even make your own gnome-home or fairy house to take with you! Drop in at any time during this event and complete activities at your own pace. This small event is free and does not require registration. Most of the activities take place outdoors; be sure to dress for the weather. Free parking is available at the Florida Maritime Museum (4415 119th St W, Cortez) and activities will be spread between FMM grounds and the Cortez Cultural Center. 

Scalloping season opens July 1 in Crystal River and Paddletail Waterfront Lodge is launching a new package that includes a room, scalloping charter, cook your catch meal and more. They are also opening a new Tiki Bar (which will be doing the cook your catch) and a gorgeous two-story dive shop that will be open in time for the season. 

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HCA Florida Venice Doctors Emergency is almost ready to open. Before welcoming patients, the community is invited to an open house to see the newest medical facility in Venice. Residents will get behind- the-scenes tours, there will be events for children and a ribbon cutting ceremony. When it opens in mid-June, this full-service emergency department will provide 24/7 emergency care closer to home for the Venice community.

Friday, June 6, 2025 at 10:00am, HCA Florida Venice Doctors Emergency, 901 US 41 Bypass South, Venice.