BARE Blends got its start in Albany, New York five years ago as a fast-casual healthy food cafe focusing on gluten-free, vegan fare. It has now expanded to ten locations throughout the country, with more shops opening in upstate New York, Boston and Colorado. Sue Collett already owned a franchise in Saratoga, New York before deciding to bring BARE Blends farther south.

“I go down to Sarasota a lot because I have a place down there, and I thought the concept would be great in Florida because people are so health-conscious,” Collett says. “I opened up my Sarasota location about a year and a half ago, and then about a year ago I opened my Tampa location as well. I just love the food. I love the concept. I’m a very picky eater, but as I tried it I was like, ‘Wow, this stuff is actually really good and it’s good for you.’”

Everything served at BARE Blends is vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free, and there are also an extensive array of gluten-free options available. The menu changes seasonally: the current summer menu features grain bowls, salads, sweet and savory mini waffles, smoothies, fresh-pressed juices and coffee drinks. For a refreshing summer treat, try one of their smoothie bowls. One of the bestselling bowls at BARE Blends is the Açaí Overload. Always blended to order, this bowl boasts a thick, creamy base of açaí, bananas, strawberries and almond milk that is sweet but not overpoweringly so. For toppings, you can choose your own combination of bananas, strawberries, granola, coconut, peanut butter and agave.

BARE Blends, 1425 2nd Street, Sarasota, 941-487-8456, www.bareblends.com/sarasota. 

Pictured: The Acai Overload bowl at BARE Blends is a refreshing summer treat that is packed with nutrients and clean ingredients. There's nothing guilty about this pleasure! Provided photo.

This Thursday, July 24, the Lakewood Ranch Dunkin’® restaurant located at 14405 State Road 70 E. in Bradenton will celebrate National Drive-Thru Day with free giveaways for the first 100 guests who place or pick up a mobile order in the drive-thru lane. Starting at 5 a.m., the Bradenton Dunkin’ will treat the first 99 drive-thru guests to a $5 promotional card to fuel their next Dunkin’ run and as a sweet surprise, the 100th guest will receive Free Coffee for a Year*. Plus, all Dunkin’ Rewards members will earn 150 bonus points on any order placed through the drive-thru on National Drive-Thru Day. 

On Sunday, July 27th we welcome you to Muddled - A Mixologist's "Chopped" Competition! Get ready for a night of cocktails, creativity, and competition at Gecko’s Grill & Pub – Stickney Point. Watch as talented mixologists battle it out to create the tastiest and most unique drinks using mystery ingredients. Cheer on your favorite bartender as they shake, stir, and muddle their way to victory. Join us for a fun-filled evening of entertainment, drinks, and friendly rivalry. Don't miss out on this exciting event! Prizes' for top 3 mixologists. 

To learn more click here

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. Tickets and full event details will be available at www.eatlikealocal.com/forksandcorks. Demand is traditionally high—last year’s Grand Tasting sold out in two minutes—so advance purchase is strongly encouraged. 

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. Smithsonian Associates is the world's largest museum-based educational program, celebrating 60 years of presenting outstanding learning experiences. The Alliance Française de Sarasota is pleased and honored to partner with Smithsonian Associates to offer new opportunities for online learning on a variety of select topics at discounted pricing! We look forward to working with Smithsonian Associates to bring our members, students, and friends expanded offerings, special savings, and unique opportunities to spark your imagination and curiosity. 

To learn more click here

 Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will present its 45th Annual Juried Photographic Exhibition from August 28 through September 30. This year’s exhibition will again be conducted virtually, with digital photos entered through an online portal and all accepted submissions displayed in an online gallery for the duration of the show. The open call for submissions will run from August 4 through 11. Awards will be announced online on August 28. Complete rules and requirements are available on the photo submission portal, accessible via the online submission portal. Entry fees will remain unchanged from 2024: Selby Gardens members – $30 for first entry, $10 for each additional entry (up to three total); non-Members – $45 for first entry, $15 for each additional entry (up to three total). To learn more about the photo contest and how to enter, go to selby.org.  

To learn more click here

The New College of Florida Foundation proudly announces significant achievements in fundraising and community engagement during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of its donors, alumni, and community partners, the Foundation has secured almost $6 million in transformative investments that directly support the growth and excellence of Florida’s public honors college. This is a 100 % increase over the past year. For more information or to support the Foundation, please visit www.ncf.edu/foundation. 

The Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is holding $64,914.35 in unclaimed funds—and some of it might belong to you. The Clerk’s annual list of unclaimed funds includes 818 checks for jury duty, court fee refunds, vendor invoices, and other court-related services payments. If unclaimed by September 1, 2025, the funds will be forfeited under Florida law. To view the list, visit www.ManateeClerk.com. 

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.