SRQ DAILY Jul 10, 2025
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"It is good for the heart, mind and soul."
Sarasota County, although bereft of any of the “Big Four” professional sports teams, is a hotbed for athletics. U.S. Rowing routinely holds events at Nathan Benderson Park, the Baltimore Orioles hold Major League Spring training here and the Sarasota Paradise—although they officially play in Lakewood Ranch—are set to turn professional next season. There is another sport, however, that Sarasota serves as the epicenter of: croquet.
The Sarasota County Croquet Club, officially established in 2000, is the largest public croquet club in the country. Located in Venice, the club sports seven full-sized courts and has been host to many national competitions and recently hosted its first international competition, the U21 WCF World Golf Croquet Championship in April. The club, which is entirely volunteer run, prides itself on its inclusivity and offers all three types of tournament croquet: American rules or six-wicket croquet, association croquet and golf croquet. While there are differences between the versions of the mallet sport, all types of croquet involve the basics: two teams or individuals take turns striking balls through hoops, or wickets, with the objective of passing the balls through the hoops and eventually hitting the final stake.
Although the different styles of the sport might be dizzying to a first-timer, the Sarasota County Croquet Club welcomes all skill levels. “During the season, which runs from October through April, we have organized activities seven days a week and every Tuesday and Sunday we have public availability day where anybody can show up and learn the sport,” says Hans Peterson, president of the club. “People can visit up to four times on those days before they’re required to join the club. During the off-season we have intro to croquet sessions on Tuesday mornings.”
For Peterson, who began playing croquet back in college, the sport is about more than just the competitive aspect. Croquet is a chance for participants to come together, to congregate outside for an approachable, fun activity that spans all age ranges and skill levels. “It’s such a diverse sport. There’s no barrier by age or sex, it’s all based on ability," says Peterson. “Even within that, you can have people with different abilities come together for an event and be matched with similar players. It’s an incredible social experience as well, it’s good for the heart, mind and soul.”
Sarasota County Croquet Club, 1420 Lucaya Ave., Venice, 34292 
Provided photo.
Join us for a day filled with joy, music, and community spirit at the "Turn on Your Lovelight" event! This special gathering celebrates the timeless music of the Grateful Dead and promises to be a heartfelt experience for all attendees. The day will feature live performances by the talented trio of Sabrina, Zeena, and Palmer, who will take you on a musical journey through the iconic songs that have touched the hearts of many. Their energetic and soulful renditions will create an atmosphere of nostalgia and celebration. In addition to the music, attendees can explore a variety of vendors showcasing unique crafts, art, and goods. And, of course, no event is complete without delicious food! Enjoy mouthwatering offerings from Hamlet’s Eatery, known for their award-winning fries, burgers and vegan options.
Saturday, August 2, 11am - 3pm, 821 Apricot Ave, Sarasota.
Auriactive invites the community to Movement Market, a NEW monthly outdoor wellness event hosted at The Yard at Palmetto Marriott. This immersive experience celebrates health, fitness, and intentional living while spotlighting local businesses making a meaningful impact. Taking place August 2nd at 8AM, Movement Market is open to the public with free general admission. Attendees will enjoy a vibrant lineup of wellness booths, group fitness classes, healthy food and beverage vendors, and curated local goods focused on supporting a balanced lifestyle. Fitness class passes are just $8, and the first 25 participants to register for Yoga or Pure Barre will receive a FREE Auriactive Pilates Ball.
GROVE is turning up the volume on unforgettable evenings with its newest signature event: Keys & Courses: A Dueling Piano Dinner Experience, happening on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the GROVE Ballroom. This high-energy, interactive dinner show combines exceptional cuisine with live entertainment for an evening where flavor meets flair. Guests will enjoy a chef-curated three-course dinner, a welcome cocktail, and one complimentary drink ticket, followed by an electrifying dueling piano performance that brings the room to life just in time for dessert. From playful banter and spontaneous sing-alongs to crowd-requested hits, this lively musical showdown promises a night of laughter, music, and top-tier hospitality in true GROVE fashion.
Friday, August 15, 7 – 11pm, GROVE Ballroom, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch.
The School District of Manatee County announces three job fairs, where a variety of positions in operations and education will be available for candidates looking to make a difference in our community. Join us and discover how to inspire the next generation of learners! A virtual job fair for teachers and paraprofessionals is being held this Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Available positions include VPK and K-12 teachers, as well as ESE teachers, teacher aides, and paraprofessionals for the 2025-2026 school year. Applicants are asked to register in advance for the Teacher and Paraprofessional Job Fair at the following link: https://app.brazenconnect.com/a/manatee_county/e/og2mv
HCA Florida Englewood Hospital and HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency are collecting school supplies through July 31 to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year. Community members are invited to donate new, traditional school supplies for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Collection stations are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and are located at: HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, 700 Medical Drive, Englewood and HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency, 7070 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. Suggested donation items include backpacks, composition notebooks, crayons, markers, folders, binders, glue sticks, notebook paper, pens, pencils, rulers and scissors. Donated supplies will be distributed to students of healthcare workers in need as well as Kids Needs, a local nonprofit organization operated entirely by volunteers.
The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) has released the latest school grades, and Sarasota County Schools has once again earned an overall "A" rating — a reflection of consistent academic performance across the district. This marks the 22nd straight year Sarasota has maintained its "A" grade, underscoring a long-standing focus on student growth, instructional quality, and system-wide accountability. The district also improved nine points on the state's overall accountability system compared to last year. In addition, 95% of district-managed schools earned "A" or "B" grades for the second year in a row, reinforcing the impact of focused instructional strategies, responsive leadership, and strong community support. Florida's school grading system evaluates student achievement, learning gains, and schoolwide progress. These results confirm Sarasota's continued momentum and commitment to improving outcomes for all students.
Ringling College of Art and Design proudly served as the host site for the inaugural Virtual Reality in Sports Medicine and Exercise Science Symposium, held June 5 and 6, 2025, and presented by the International Virtual Reality Healthcare Association (IVRHA). This inaugural event brought together global thought leaders in healthcare, athletics, technology, and academia to explore how immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality are transforming sports performance, rehabilitation, and cognitive health. The symposium featured a diverse mix of clinical research, elite sports training, and design innovation, with presentations spanning football, baseball, cricket, tennis, track and field, fencing, and martial arts. These sessions emphasized the expanding role of immersive tools across both high-performance athletics and general wellness applications.
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s board of directors recently elected officers for its 2025-2026 fiscal year and appointed three new members. Paul Hudson, a senior vice president and managing director at Northern Trust, will serve as board chair, while Circuit Court Judge Charles Williams will take on the role of vice chair. Rounding out the board’s new slate of officers, Mercedes Soler, the co-owner and president of Solmart Media, will serve as secretary and Laura Mattia, a senior vice president and financial advisor with Wealth Enhancement, will serve as treasurer. The trio of new board members, each of whom will serve a three-year term, includes Erik Arroyo, Renée James Gilmore, and Jeff McCurdy.
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.
Join us for the 10th Annual SRQ Women Who Roar Luncheon, honoring local women leaders with the 2025 Leadership Circle inductions, PopUp Boutiques and a post-event networking reception.
Michael's On East, 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
Celebrate local changemakers at the Annual Giving Coast Luncheon, where we’ll present the Good Hero Awards and unite the philanthropic community. The event will feature a panel on giving trends, the Giving Tree Program, and the SRQ Lifetime Good Hero Achievement Award.
Michael's On East, 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops.
The Sarasota Farmers Market Vendors Incorporated (“SFMV”) has been established as a not for-profit organization under laws of the State of Florida, continuing the 40+ year tradition of enhancing and improving the quality of life in Sarasota. Our charitable mission is to create a social opportunity for residents and visitors to gather and interact, to bring foot traffic to downtown Sarasota sustaining the economic viability of the entire downtown area, and to provide a venue for other not-for-profit organizations benefiting Sarasota.
Sarasota Farmer's Market, N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Toss some fun into your Thursday! Join us at Waterside Place for a fun morning of Casual Cornhole! Whether you’re a cornhole pro or a newbie, don’t miss this chance to show off your tossing skills and have a blast with friends! Grab a partner or go solo, we’ve got enough beanbags and boards to keep everyone entertained!
Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch, 7500 Island Cove Terrace Lakewood Ranch , FL 34240
SCFD is proud to welcome the community into the fire stations, continuing the tradition of open houses. These open houses are a wonderful opportunity for residents to engage directly with neighborhood firefighters. Visit our website to view the open house schedule.
Multiple Location, Multiple Locations
Join us every Sunday morning at 9am for a walk to the Bayfront and back on a route that is just under 2 miles. Meet at 99 Bottles Downtown Sarasota and end at the same location in approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on pace. This weekly walking social club is an opportunity to connect with other locals.
99 Bottles, 1445 2nd St Sarasota, FL 34236
This long-term installation in Gallery 10 of the Museum of Art showcases five outstanding examples of 17th-century Dutch painting on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Featuring a dramatic seascape, an expansive landscape, and captivating portraits set in detailed interiors, this exhibition offers a window into the vibrant artistic production of the Netherlands as the small nation rose to global prominence in the 17th century. The five exceptional paintings from the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, complement The Ringling's holdings of Dutch art and provide additional perspective on the artistry, historical significance, and continuing appeal of Dutch painting from this period.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
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.
SARASOTA COUNTY - The annual Kids' Summer Beach Runs return to Siesta and North Brohard beaches this June and July, offering one-mile fun runs for kids and families to enjoy healthy activities together throughout the summer.The free Kids' Summer Beach Runs are scheduled as follows: Tuesdays, June 3 through July 29, at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Sarasota. Wednesdays, June 4 through July 30, at North Brohard Beach, 1400 S. Harbor Drive, Venice. Runs will take place the week of July 4.Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. near the playground at Siesta Beach and near the Venice Fishing Pier at North Brohard Beach. Runs begin at 6:30 p.m. at both locations. Participants will receive a finisher ribbon. Kids who complete four runs will earn a free T-shirt, a free kid's meal coupon for Gecko's Grill & Pub and a coupon for New Balance kid’s shoes. The runs can be completed at either location.
Sarasota County Beaches
There is a story in all of us! This one-day workshop for adults is part of Wellen Park's Solis Hall Summer Series. Get a taste of the joy that comes with writing your own story. You'll explore monologue components and write a monologue based on your unique story!
Solis Hall, 19745 Wellen Pk Blvd, Venice
SRQ DAILY is a daily e-newsletter produced by SRQ MEDIA. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. The views expressed by individuals are their own, and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SRQ DAILY includes content excerpted from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Robinson Valverde at 941-365-7702 x703 or via email |
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