With over 30 years in financial services and a career on Wall Street, Dr. Holly Thompson, Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch in Sarasota/Manatee, is a seasoned professional. Beyond her career, she’s also a dedicated mom and coach. Her son Jeremy, a 37-year-old athlete with Down syndrome, recently competed in the Special Olympics—and with Holly’s support, he and two fellow Manatee County bocce players proudly brought home silver and bronze medals.

Jeremy has been involved in the Special Olympics since he was eight years old, beginning in his elementary school in Kentucky. He started with track and field, which soon expanded into other sports like softball and basketball. When Jeremy entered middle school and his track coach was no longer available, Holly, without any prior coaching experience, stepped in to ensure that Jeremy and his peers could continue competing, and she never stopped.

Three years ago, Holly and Jeremy relocated to Lakewood Ranch to be closer to Holly’s mother and access enhanced support services. Jeremy soon became involved with Florida’s Special Olympics, where he has since continued to thrive in multiple sports, including a bowling club that helps him maintain friendships across both Kentucky and Florida.

Thanks to Merrill Lynch, part of Bank of America, Holly has been able to balance her roles as caregiver, coach and financial advisor. The company’s commitment to volunteerism and flexible work arrangements has been instrumental in supporting her journey. “I'm much more productive now that I’m working here than when I was back in Kentucky, worrying about my son’s care,” explains Holly. “I feel so fortunate that this company is so encouraging and helpful in that way.”

Despite a full professional schedule, Holly finds continued motivation in coaching Jeremy and his teammates. “Special Olympics is so much more than just the sport for Jeremy. It really does provide the athletes, the volunteers and the coaches a sense of inclusion,” she says. “He’s making lifelong friendships, he's meeting people and he's part of the athlete leader council here in Manatee County as a public ambassador.” Holly, too, has formed a strong network of friends and support through her involvement.

Holly’s greatest hope is that others come to recognize the capabilities of individuals with disabilities and the powerful, lasting impact of Special Olympics. She encourages community members to support the organization through event participation and volunteering, regardless of how much time they can give.

When he’s not competing in bocce and bowling, Jeremy may be found playing golf, cornhole, snowshoeing and alpine skiing–proving that his disabilities do not limit his potential to stay active and have fun. 

Pictured: Thirty-Seven year old Jeremy has been competing in the Special Olympics since he was eight years old. Provided photo.

Amid Sarasota County’s rapidly growing population and rising housing costs, a new report from the Florida Housing Coalition presents a strategic blueprint to successfully address the county’s deep shortage of affordable housing. The Sarasota Housing Action Plan, commissioned by four Sarasota-area foundations, analyzes local data and community trends behind the current and projected deficits of attainable housing in Sarasota County.  It estimates that at least 15,000 new affordable homes must be added by 2035.  The report then details five key strategies for coordinated action, providing a clear set of public policy and investment approaches to create and sustain the housing supply Sarasota County needs. The Action Plan includes roles for local government leaders and public-sector entities, businesses, philanthropic and nonprofit organizations, and others in its recommendations. 

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Get ready to ignite the night! Join The Bishop After Hours for Love & Lasers: A Dazzling Celebration of Inclusion on Thursday, June 12th! Come spread the love and immerse yourself in an atmosphere buzzing with community spirit. Indulge in some lite bites and strike a pose in your most fabulous outfits. Keep the party sparkling with our selection of beer and wine (cash or card accepted). Then, prepare to be mesmerized by a spectacular double-feature Laser Light Show! We’re cranking up the volume with iconic tracks from Lady Gaga, David Bowie, Taylor Swift, Prince, Britney Spears, Avicii, and more. Bring your loved ones, unleash your singing voice, and let yourself shine bright! Colorful attire/accessories are absolutely encouraged – let’s paint the town vibrant! Doors open at 6pm. Laser Light Double Feature starts at 7pm inside the Planetarium. 

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CreArte Latino Cultural Center has been awarded a $6,000 Capacity Building Grant from the John and Dorothy Brennan Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to strengthen its board governance and launch a comprehensive strategic planning process—key steps in supporting the organization’s continued growth and cultural impact. “We’re incredibly thankful to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for supporting CreArte Latino’s board development,” said Carolina Franco, the organization’s artistic director. “This grant gives us the opportunity to step back, think strategically, and plan for the future—so we can keep growing and sharing Latino culture with our community in a meaningful way.” 

The Patterson Foundation is facilitating a series of book circles in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties to explore “The New Civic Path: Restoring Our Belief in One Another and This Nation,” the newest release from president and founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, Rich Harwood. To kick-off these book circles, Harwood will visit our region for a special author event at the Lakewood Ranch Library on Monday, June 16.
 

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Resurrection House, a day center for the homeless in downtown Sarasota, is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Reuth as its new executive director. He takes over from interim executive director Mason Ayres, who has served in the role for the past two years. Reuth will take the helm on June 16. Ayres will remain with Resurrection House until Reuth has settled into his new position. 

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We’re excited to invite your students to participate in the 2025 State of Florida Peer-Juried Photography Show, hosted by The Ringling Museum of Art. This year’s theme, Visions of Belonging, asks students to explore and reflect on what it means to belong — to a community, culture, place, or shared experience. We are looking for powerful photographic works that express connection and identity through the eyes of young artists. Selected artworks will be printed by The Ringling and featured in a public exhibition at the museum from December 12, 2025 through April 14, 2026. Submission Deadline: August 1, 2025. Students may submit up to six photographs and a brief artist statement. Thank you for supporting young artists and helping us celebrate the creative voices of Florida’s youth. If you have any questions, please contact us at SchoolTours@Ringling.org. 

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The Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently selected 227 students in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties to receive a total of $853,000 in scholarships, boosting their educational opportunities and helping set them up for future career success. The amount of money awarded by the foundation represents an 8 percent increase from the previous year, while the number of recipients rose by 10.2 percent year over year. Scholarships for adults 24 and older who are pursuing a certification, credential, or degree program are offered on a different schedule. Deadlines and criteria are available at cfsarasota.org. 

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Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) is pleased to announce the selection of the 2025 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute. Through this annual program, Gulf Coast partners with the Leadership Development Institute of Eckerd College to provide intensive, high-quality leadership training designed to identify, develop, and connect a diverse and growing group of aspiring community leaders.Participants take part in six training sessions from May through June at Gulf Coast’s downtown Sarasota Philanthropy Center. The result is a network of skilled, action-oriented leaders who are committed to using their new skills to help transform their communities through service. 

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St. Petersburg’s 400 Central Offers A Robust & Elevated Approach to City Living

The Residences at 400 Central highlights the best of everything — luxurious condominium homes in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg just blocks from the water, minutes from the beach, and boasting an impressive collection of designer amenities and conveniences. Whether you are the consummate host, the habitual homebody, the one in search of an endless summer, or the person who never misses a workout, 400 Central will have everything you’re searching for, and so much more. For The Entertainer - From hosting elegant dinners in the shared chef’s kitchen to sunset cocktails in the 46th-floor Sky Lounge Observatory, 400 Central is a dream for those who love to bring people together. The theater room sets the tone for movie nights and sporting events. For a more private affair, your open-concept great room design offers the perfect stage for every occasion, from dinner parties to more grand celebrations. For The Fitness Guru - The indoor-outdoor fitness center boasts top-of-the-line cardio and weight training equipment. The private studio is perfect for following your workout routine, but there is nothing quite like rising with the sun for a yoga flow on the stunning outdoor terrace. When you’re looking to mix up the routine and catch a spin or pilates class, there are studios just blocks away from your doorstep, waiting to welcome you in. For The Dog Lover - Even your pets will find respite at The Residences at 400 Central. Equipped with a designated dog walk and grooming area, you won’t even have to leave home for them to let their energy out. But when you’re both itching for new scenery, North Shore Dog Park is just a mile of waterfront park away, an easy scenic walk you will find yourself looking forward to again and again. For The Sun Seeker - 400 Central is perfectly positioned in the center of St. Petersburg, Florida — which fittingly holds the moniker “Sunshine City” for its record-breaking average of 361 days of sunshine per year. You will spend your mornings sipping coffee on your spacious terrace overlooking the city from the Bay to the Gulf. Your afternoons? You’ll find yourself poolside, of course. The tropical-resort style pool is surrounded by lush landscaping and cozy cabanas, perfect for soaking up the sun twelve months a year. 

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@residences400centr

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Time is running out! Nominate outstanding physicians for SRQ Magazine’s Top Doctors 2025 by June 13. Help us celebrate the medical professionals making a difference across Sarasota, Manatee, and surrounding communities. Your peer nominations shape this trusted, specialty-spanning list. Click HERE to nominate your peers!