In the wild and wondrous sport of climbing, there is an endeavor known as a project. A project is a specific route or boulder problem that the climber aspires to complete, but lacks the ability to achieve. “Projecting” is the act of repeatedly trying to scale the route, often unsuccessfully. Completion of a project requires grit, determination and a certain degree of relentlessness that is ingrained in every climber. It makes sense then, that when Austin Venhaus and Aaron Rutsky embarked on the adventure to open Sarasota’s first climbing gym, they picked a name that reflected their lofty aspirations.

Project 24—named after the year the pair aimed to open the gym—was technically open in 2024, just not in the way the pair envisioned. What had started out in 2019 as Venhaus’s idea to open a climbing gym morphed into Project 24 Micro—a compact, garage-style bouldering facility, with the intention all along of creating a much larger space that could accommodate the increasing crowds and different styles of climbing. “Originally we wanted a space that had rope climbing, bouldering, a fitness area and more, but due to financial restraints of starting the project, we decided to do just bouldering,” says Austin.

In 2023, Andrew connected with Aaron and Andrea Rutsky, who saw his vision for a unique, large-scale climbing gym in Sarasota. Together, the pair drew up a business plan and got to work picking out a site. The biggest challenge? Getting vertical. Venhaus and Rutsky needed as tall of a building as possible to accommodate what will be a 19,000 square foot facility, with 14,000 square feet of climbing area, including top rope areas and bouldering walls.

The team settled on a vacant lot in Lakewood Ranch to create Sarasota’s next great sports destination. Although Project 24 is merely a very large pile of dirt, the team plans to open in March 2026. It’s a space that Venhaus and Rutsky hope will transform Sarasota—a haven for experienced climbers and newbies alike, replete with fitness spaces, a podcast studio and a bevy of other auxiliary training areas—to learn and enjoy the sport that means so much to them. “Creating that community is a huge aspect of this,” says Venhaus. “We want to make the gym very welcoming and very encouraging to new climbers.”

Project 24 Climbing, 1401 Sarasota Center Blvd, Sarasota, 3420; Project 24 Micro, 2075 Global Ct., Sarasota, 3420. 

A climber scales a bouldering wall at Project 24 Micro. Provided photo.

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A good pair of jeans never goes out of style—and now, finding the perfect pair just got easier. Third Stitch has officially opened the doors to its downtown Sarasota location. Stocked with a broad array of Judy Blue Jeans—known for their unrivaled comfort, stretch and a fit that flatters any wearer—Third Stitch is the perfect place to stop by and find a fresh staple for your closet.

Manager Shauna Robinson, a Sarasota native, says the boutique is more than just a locally-run business—it’s a family venture. The original store opened in Eureka, Illinois, and is run by her brother and his wife, Tiffany Handrich, who had always dreamed of owning a clothing shop. Robinson and her daughter now manage the newly opened Sarasota location. “The Eureka location has been really successful, so we decided to open another in Sarasota,” Robinson says. “I’m happy we get to keep it in the family.”

From bootcut to skinny, the boutique’s shelves are stocked with jeans for every style. “Not too many people in Sarasota know about Judy Blue Jeans. It's more well-known up north, and we're trying to bring the brand down here,” Robinson says. Looking for a more summery option? The boutique also features a lineup of traditional denim and colorful shorts that will keep you stylish and cool through the hot summer months.

Jeans aren’t the only thing Third Stitch has in stock—the store also features a curated collection of clothing, including summer tops, dresses and t-shirts. Anytime an item sells out, Robinson and Handrich typically add new pieces rather than restocking the same items, so that locals and visitors alike can enjoy the variety of selections, accentuated by a variety of jewelry and accessories.

“We would love to see many people come into the shop. Hopefully, we have things that they want, and either way, we'll change our offerings every couple of weeks. It won’t always be the same clothing. We hope we can serve a large group of happy, repeat customers,” Robinson says.

Third Stitch Boutique,1383 McAnsh Square, Sarasota, thirdstitchboutique.com

Pictured: From bootcut to skinny jeans, Third Stitch offers an array of perfect fits. Photo by Cecilia Marty.

It is with profound sadness that Next-Mark, LLC announces the passing of its visionary Founder and President, Joseph S. Grano, Jr., who lost his courageous battle with cancer on June 11, 2025. Joe, a trailblazer in marketing and strategic communications, leaves behind a legacy of innovation, leadership, and community impact. His passion for mentorship and strategic vision shaped Next-Mark’s mission to deliver next-generation marketing solutions. The Next-Mark team extends condolences to Joe’s family. Visitation hours will be held at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, 40 N. Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 on Tuesday, June 17th between 4-8 pm. Joe’s funeral will be held at St. Thomas More Church, 2508 Gulf Gate Dr., Sarasota, FL 34231, Wednesday June 18 th at 10:00 am.   

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HCA Florida Englewood Hospital recently donated an automated external defibrillator (AED) to the Englewood Area Athletic Association, home of the Englewood Cats. The hospital provided hands-only CPR and non-certified emergency response training to coaches, parents and board members. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes, despite being more commonly associated with older adults. More than 15% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in a public location. Only 40% of bystanders perform CPR when cardiac arrest occurs outside a hospital, according to national data. Community education, quick access to an AED and immediate CPR can significantly increase the chance of survival.  To learn more about heart health or to find a cardiologist near you, visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com. 

In recognition of Men’s Health Month, HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital is proud to present a free virtual event designed to empower men with critical health information and encourage proactive wellness. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 9:00am – 10:00am and feature a panel of leading experts in urology, cardiology and neurosurgery. 

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 Manatee Memorial Hospital is proud to celebrate three extraordinary honorees who were recognized at the Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s 11th Annual Champions of Healthcare Awards. This annual event honors individuals and organizations making a significant impact in healthcare through leadership, innovation, and compassionate service. Manatee Memorial Hospital extends its congratulations to all the 2025 Champions of Healthcare honorees and expresses gratitude to the Manatee Chamber of Commerce for recognizing those who go above and beyond in healthcare every day.  

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