SRQ DAILY Jul 24, 2025
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"The look of utter shock on their faces after suffering a defeat and conceding their first two goals of the season is something that will stick with me."
The Sarasota Paradise’s tenure in USL League Two came to an end Sunday evening when the team fell 2-1 to Fort Lauderdale United FC in the Southern Conference Semifinal. The Paradise, which will make the jump to the fully professional USL League One in 2026, hit a number of milestones this season from moving to Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch to repeating as South Florida Division champions and notching its first postseason victory on July 18.
Although much of the roster and staff will likely not return when the team makes the jump to USL League One, the 2025 season laid the foundation for the future of professional soccer in Sarasota. Not only did the Paradise post a dominant 9-1-2 record in a division that head coach Mirko Dakovic said was “20-30% better” than in 2024, the team also averaged over 1,200 fans during home matches. Dakovic looks back on the team’s 2-1 victory over Fort Lauderdale on June 4, the regular season finale victory over FC Miami City on July 12 and the postseason victory on July 18 as high points of the season.
“When we went into Fort Lauderdale, they were 7-0,” says Dakovic. “The look of utter shock on their faces after suffering a defeat and conceding their first two goals of the season is something that will stick with me. Beating FC Miami City in our last game of the season was an ego thing for us to avenge the only league loss we’d had. The amount of grit and resiliency we displayed in a game after we’d already clinched the division spoke volumes about the integrity of our players and their desire to win.”
The Paradise’s season was also filled with moments of growth. Dakovic looks back to a discussion he had with local standout Andres Freire, a Riverview High graduate who plays at Stetson University. Freire, who sat the first game of the season, ended up being the team’s leading scorer in 2025. “I told him that I felt he could bring a lot more to the team and we needed that,” says Dakovic. “I’m not happy about the tough love I had to give him, but after that conversation he was one of our best players, just dominant on all levels and I’m extremely proud of him.” 
Provided photo.
Sarasota County Schools and the Arts Schools Network are collaborating to provide quality resources, support, and opportunities to elevate arts learning for students and teachers!
After nearly 10 months without a physical home in Sarasota, ALSO Youth once again has a center in the heart of the community. The loss of their previous space to Hurricane Milton was deeply felt by our youth and staff alike. But thanks to the strength of our community, and the resilience of the young people we serve, we’re back and ready to begin this next chapter. This is more than just a move. It’s a fresh start. A monetary gift is the most effective way to ensure they can furnish and stock the space thoughtfully and safely; everything from comfortable seating for support groups to art supplies and gender-affirming resources.
Child welfare organization Safe Children Coalition recently received two grants from area funders: the Florida Literacy Council, in support of SCC's HIPPY early learning program, and Wawa Foundation, in support of the Achievers teen leadership program. These are just two of SCC's diversion and prevention programs, which are designed to provide proactive and targeted interventions to families and children at risk of entering the child welfare system.
New College of Florida proudly hosted more than 100 middle- and high-school students this summer for a series of dynamic, hands-on academic programs that showcased the college’s excellence in teaching, mentorship, and encouraging students to pursue a liberal arts education to be prepared for a dynamic, ever-changing future. Held throughout June, these programs gave aspiring scholars a head start on college life, inspired interest in science and the humanities, and strengthened New College’s ties to the broader Sarasota-Manatee community.
Recently, over 100 passionate readers packed Senior Friendship Centers (SFC) for an unforgettable evening with New York Times bestselling sensation Sarah Penner! The Amalfi Curse author captivated the audience with her transformative journey from finance to literary stardom. Penner delivered an inspiring message that had the crowd buzzing: “Discontent can be a gift that guides us to our true path!” Her words sparked excitement about embracing bold new beginnings at any age. “We bring extraordinary people like Sarah to ignite our community,” declares Declan Sheehy, SFC’s Chief Advancement Officer. “Events like this help redefine what aging can look like–– joyful, connected, and bursting with endless possibilities.”
Celestial Mining invites the community to a special screening of "Dirty Coin," an award-winning documentary that takes viewers on a journey across four continents to explore Bitcoin mining's real impact on energy and our world. The evening begins with a pre-screening social at 5:30 PM, followed by the 90-minute documentary at 6:30 PM. After the film, stick around for a post-screening social and Q&A session with director Alana Mediavilla, running until 9:00 PM. The free event takes place Friday, July 25 at 10715 Rodeo Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Seating is limited, so advance registration is recommended. For tickets and more information, visit eventbrite.com and search "Dirty Coin Sarasota screening.”
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
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
The figure is one of the oldest records of our existence as a species capable of storytelling; depictions of the human body constitute some of the oldest subjects in art. EMBODIED expands on the definition of the human figure by bringing together varied representations in painting, sculpture, fiber, video, and mixed media by some of the most exciting artists working in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
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
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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