The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, will mark the first Olympic Games held on U.S. soil since the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The 2028 Games will be a seminal moment in the history of American sports, with new sports such as flag football and squash making their Olympic debuts and lacrosse, cricket, baseball and softball all returning to the Games for the first time in years. Another sport will also be making its debut in 2028—Beach Sprint Rowing, of which the US Rowing Youth National Championships were held at Lido Key Beach this week. Additionally, the trials for the US Rowing Beach Sprint National Team—with the winners slated to represent Team USA in the World Championships this October—are occurring at South Lido Key Beach June 20-22.

Beach sprint rowing is a format of the coastal rowing discipline and while it shares similarities with that of its flat water relative, it’s an entirely different ballgame altogether. In beach sprint rowing, rowers—either in singles or pairs—start the race on the beach outside of their boats. Competitors then sprint from the beach to the water, jump in their boats, paddle through the waves and the current along a 250 meter course, return to the beach and sprint to the finish line.

Some of the rowers at the flatwater US Rowing Youth Nationals, which took place at Nathan Benderson Park June 12-15, also competed in the Youth Beach Sprint National Championships. “We are trying to create that pipeline of Olympic athletes,” says Sarah McAuliffe, senior director of programming at US Rowing. “We have about 150 athletes competing at Lido Key—a lot of them don’t have beach sprint experience, they only have flat water experience—but they all obviously know the rowing motion and are top athletes. While some of these youth athletes will not be there for 2028, most likely some of them will be in the next cycle of the Olympics.”

Although the competition at the Youth Beach Sprint National Championships is as serious as it gets, the atmosphere is much more laid back than that of a typical flatwater regatta. “Picture a surf competition vibe. We have a DJ, there are balloons everywhere and our referees are wearing Hawaiian shirts,” says McAuliffe. “It’s still incredibly serious with phenomenal athletes, but we bring the fun to it.”

US Rowing Beach Sprint National Team Trials, June 20-22, South Lido Key Beach Park, 2201 Ben Franklin Dr, Sarasota, 34236

A rower competes at the Youth Beach Sprint National Championships at Lido Key Beach. Provided photo.

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This Saturday, June 21, the spotlight shines on Limelight Market, and you won't want to miss it! Join us in the vibrant courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime for a day filled with excitement, creativity, and furry friends!  Explore over **40 local creators and curators** showcasing their amazing talents, indulge in delicious food from Hamlet’s Eatery, and groove to live music by the talented Sandi Greco (outside) and Music Compound’s Harper Lee (inside). Plus, meet some adorable rescue dogs from Tenderheart Charties looking for their forever homes!  Whether you're hunting for unique treasures or just want to soak up the fun atmosphere, there's something for everyone. Best of all? It’s FREE to enter—just bring your wallet for those must-have finds!  For more info, check out www.BazaaronApricotandlime.com We can't wait to see you at 821 Apricot Ave in sunny Sarasota. 

Due to popular demand, Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is extending its lighthearted production of Dames at Sea through Sunday, July 6, 2025, in the Gompertz Theatre. With book and lyrics by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller, and music by Jim Wise, Dames at Sea celebrates the affectionate charm of 1930s Broadway. Tickets are on sale now at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000. 

Sarasota Young Voices (SYV) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rebecca Kellerman-Filsell as the organization’s new Associate Artistic Director and Operations Manager, effective June 2025. Rebecca brings a dynamic blend of artistic excellence and administrative experience to her new role. A professional singer, seasoned educator, and accomplished choir director, she most recently served as Music Associate for Children and Youth at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City. Her career has included vast experience as a professional chorister and soloist, as well as the founding of the Noble Singers at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue and she founded a RSCM affiliated children’s choir at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. 

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Reserve your space in SRQ Magazines' September publication, featuring three opportunities to spotlight your business: Living Lakewood, connecting Lakewood Ranch businesses with the community; Elite Top Attorneys, spotlighting the region’s most trusted legal professionals; and In Conversation: Career-Based Education, a dialogue on workforce development and training. Secure your space and connect with our readers. Contact Us! 

Join us for the inspiring 10th Annual SRQ Women Who Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon, celebrating local women leaders who significantly impact our community. Enjoy a dynamic program featuring the introduction of the esteemed 2025 Leadership Circle inductees, engaging PopUp Boutiques, and opportunities to network during our post-event reception. 

Get ready to be inspired at the Annual Giving Coast Luncheon: Philanthropic Agenda & Good Hero Awards, recognizing local changemakers. Join us in bringing the philanthropic community together on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Michael's On East and help celebrate the nonprofit spirit of our area. Featuring a panel of distinguished philanthropic leaders discussing giving trends, the honorable Good Hero Awards, and the interactive Giving Tree Program, this event will be nothing short of spectacular. Also highlighting the acclaimed SRQ Lifetime Good Hero Achievement Award, the program will uplift attendees and spark meaningful change.