The hospitality industry is all about the guest experience. Just like a hotel will sometimes renovate their rooms or common spaces to improve amenities for guests, hotel restaurants sometimes undergo a transformation to appeal to changing appetites in the culinary landscape. One example of that is the recent revamp at Bridges, the on-site restaurant at the Embassy Suites in Sarasota, which recently launched a brand-new menu.

“I started here in December, and the executive chef and I wanted to figure out a new concept for the restaurant, something that stands out and is more unique,” says Director of Food and Beverage, Elizabeth Palazov. “We came up with the concept of international fusion, which has flavors from all around the world fused with our own American fare. There’s a little bit of Mediterranean influence, some Asian flavors. We wanted to bring in flavors from around the globe so guests and locals could come in and try new things.”

The diverse menu features an assortment of vibrant and flavorful dishes. The street corn Cobb salad takes a classic Cobb salad and reinterprets it with the trendy flavors of Mexican street corn. The hearty salad is packed with fresh produce including avocado, cucumber, tomatoes and grilled corn, along with more decadent ingredients like bacon, crema and cotija cheese. A cilantro dressing adds a citrusy, herbaceous note to this colorful salad. Another standout dish is the blackened mahi-mahi torta, which is great for people who love their food with a little kick. The seasoned, grilled fish is served on a ciabatta bun with punchy ingredients like pickled onions, jalapenos and a house-made chipotle mayonnaise. The bold flavors give you the perfect excuse to order a craft cocktail from Bridges' newly updated cocktail menu as well. Come by on Margarita Mondays, the first of many planned theme days that celebrate the eatery’s new international identity.

Bridges Restaurant, 202 North Tamiami Trail., Sarasota, 941-536-9107. 

Pictured: The street corn cobb salad is one of the international fusion dishes you can find on the revamped menu at Bridges in the Embassy Suites. Provided photo.

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals are delighted to confirm that the 19th annual Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival will take place Thursday, January 22, through Monday, January 26, 2026. Celebrated for nearly two decades as the Suncoast’s premier culinary gathering, Forks & Corks pairs the region’s independent restaurants with renowned winemakers and artisan producers from around the globe. “Forks & Corks has always been about more than extraordinary food and wine,” said Michael Klauber, co-founder of Sarasota-Manatee Originals and proprietor of Michael’s On East. “It’s a moment when our restaurant community opens its doors wide, welcomes the world, and reminds everyone why the Suncoast is such a special place to eat, drink, and live.” 

To learn more click here

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to produce Don’t Dress for Dinner, a rapid-fire farce filled with mistaken identities, romantic chaos, and high-stakes hilarity. Written by Marc Camoletti and adapted by Robin Hawdon, this comedy begins previews Aug. 6, opens Aug. 8, and runs through Aug. 24 in FST’s Gompertz Theatre. Subscriptions and single tickets are available at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000. 

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County is pleased to announce that the Sarasota County Commission unanimously approved the FY2026 Tourist Development Cultural/Arts (TDC/A) grant recommendations. This year, 33 local arts and cultural organizations will receive a total of $2.1 million to support projects that promote tourism in Sarasota County. Funded by tourist development tax dollars, these grants help ensure the continuation of high-quality arts and cultural programming that draws visitors to our community. 

Join the Manatee Players & Pops Orchestra's Summer Camp collaboration for a special presentation of Mary Poppins, the Junior version on Friday, July 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center (502 Third Ave W, Bradenton). Forty campers join Robyn and ten Pops musicians to provide the pit orchestra music for the production. Directed by Alex Zickafoose and featuring over 50 musical theatre students from the Manatee Players, this is sure to be your Spoonful of Sugar! 

For ticket information click here.

Celebrate Christmas in July at the Van Wezel Performing Arts with new fall and holiday shows going on sale Friday, July 18 at 10 a.m. EDT.  Shows just announced include fan-favorite Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2025 (November 30), The Oak Ridge Boys American Made Christmas Farewell Tour (December 4), and the classic story A Christmas Carol (December 23). Before getting into the Christmas spirit, the Van Wezel will present Haunted Illusions (October 26), perfect for Halloween week and spending time with the family before trick o’ treating. Additionally, Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock n’ Roll (November 13) is back by popular demand. Both shows go on sale Friday, in addition to the holiday shows. 

To learn more click here

We are pleased to invite you to the Annual Golf Classic on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Tara Golf and Country Club---one of Bradenton's premier golf clubs! Your participation will benefit the Exemplifying Excellence Scholarship Program, allowing us to support scholars in our local community. Local businesses are also invited to sponsor the event; multiple tiers of sponsorships are available, from $200 to $5,000. Donations are also welcome. 

To learn more click here

This Saturday, July 19 from 10-3pm, 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, live music, 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 Samantha Jane. Plus, meet some adorable rescue puppies from Tenderheart Charities looking for their forever homes! Nothing better than puppy kisses! 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 attend—just bring your wallet for those must-have finds!  For more info, check out www.BazaaronApricotandlime.com 

Learn how to cut your energy and water use at home and empower others to do the same, by training to be an “Energy Coach” with Sarasota County. Registration is now open for a free, 3-hour introductory Energy Coach workshop set for Aug. 09. Participants will receive professional instruction on and hands-on training in energy- and water-efficiency strategies, device installation, financial incentives for home upgrades, and public outreach. 

To learn more click here

Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is pleased to announce that Captain Jeff Lane graduated from the Florida Sheriffs Association Commanders Academy, Graduating Class 17. Lane, Court Services Bureau Captain, completed the academy at the Florida Sheriffs Association headquarters in Tallahassee on July 11. This program is recognized as the premier course of executive study for mid-to-upper-level criminal justice leaders.  

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.