Tim Storck is a law breaker. Well, not really—the 54-year-old skater and founder of 180 Skate, a non-profit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping the youth of the area through skateboarding—still loves to skate downtown, particularly at Payne Park. “A lot of people don’t know that skateboarding downtown is actually against the law,” says Storck. “They actually passed a law back when I was a teenager—no one knows it anymore, because everybody still does it. Before Payne Park we had nowhere else to go.”

These days Storck is devoted to ensuring that skaters do have a place to go skate and to feel seen. It’s why Storck, then the youth director at First Baptist Church, first started the program in 2013. Flash forward 12 years later and 180 Skate has become its own non-profit, rife with programs, meetups, classes and camps for skaters of all ages and skill levels. From August 4 to 8, 180 Skate will host its Back to School Camp at Payne Park from 9:30am-11am. The camp, which costs $50 to attend, is paid for by the day—if a child cannot attend each day, then no sweat. “Technically there are four sections at Payne Skate Park, the mini ramp, street section, beginner area and the big bowl. We’ll start a group at one section and then they’ll rotate around every half hour to the next section,” says Storck. “Any skill level is welcome and in our sign-up sheet, they can select if they need a board or helmet and we’ll provide that as well.”

Special additions to this year’s Back to School Camp include a donation bin, where camp members can donate school supplies and kids shoes for students at Brentwood Elementary, where Storck’s wife teaches PE and free haircuts for campers on August 8, courtesy of Storck’s niece, who owns a salon. The most prominent addition, however, will be the presence of Osprey native and 2020 Olympic skateboarder Jake Illardi, who is set to stop by for a few days at the camp to help out. Illardi, who Storck met when he was a teenager, is continuously invested in his hometown skateboarding community. It’s a testament to the strength of the culture at 180 Skate and the joy that people find in the sport of skateboarding.

180 Skate's Back to School Camp, August 4-8, Payne Skate Park, 2110 Adams Lane, Sarasota, 34237 

Tim Storck with some of 180 Skate's campers. Provided photo.

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Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce that Mr. Daniel Leal – currently an Assistant Principal of Booker Middle School – has been appointed as the new Principal of Booker Middle School. “I am honored to serve as the new Principal of Booker Middle School,” said Leal. “Maintaining our school community’s core values and continuing to build upon our academic progress will be key areas of focus as we finalize plans for the new school year. I look forward to working alongside the amazing team members at Booker Middle and collaborating with our families and community members in support of all Tornados.” 

Each year, child welfare agency Safe Children Coalition presents the "Back to School Drive," which collects donations from the community and provides new backpacks stuffed with school supplies to children in foster care or SCC prevention and diversion programs. This year, thanks to the generosity of community members - and with the packing powered by teen volunteers from Suncoast Community Church - there are 613 students who will be equipped with the supplies they need for the 2025-2026 school year. 

Students at high schools across Sarasota County were awarded 82 scholarships for the 2024–25 school year through the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. In its first year, the Education Foundation awarded 44 of those scholarships through its new Future-Ready Scholars program. The initiative aligns with the foundation’s mission to help students prepare for life after high school. Heather Ferrigno, scholarships manager at the Education Foundation, said she is inspired by local students and the optimism they have for the future. 

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Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe was recently thrilled to support the post-graduate studies of eight students who are pursuing studies and careers in the performing arts. The eight students have been awarded scholarships of $2,000 each, totaling $16,000.  To be eligible for a scholarship, a participant must be majoring or minoring in a performing arts field and have performed on the WBTT stage in at least two productions, worked at the theatre as an intern, performed in community outreach programs and/or been a participant in the Stage of Discovery summer musical theatre intensive program. 

On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the School Board of Manatee County selected four semi-finalists to advance in the search for the district’s next superintendent: Dr. Laurie Breslin, Executive Director of Student Support & Family Engagement, School District of Manatee County, David W. Adams, Director of School Leadership and Improvement, Montgomery County Public Schools (Maryland), Dr. Misty Mathis, Executive Director of Curriculum, Nassau County School District, Luis B. Solano, Deputy Superintendent, Detroit Public Schools Community District. The next phase of the search includes final background checks for each semi-finalist and the launch of another community feedback survey. The School Board is scheduled to select finalists for interviews during its meeting on Aug. 12. Finalist interviews will take place Aug 18-19, and the community is invited to watch the interviews and attend a community engagement event on Aug 19. 

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Don't miss the chance to see this exciting collaboration with Artist-in-Residence Patti Smith, closing soon at our Historic Spanish Point campus! The exhibition features a selection of photographs taken by the famed poet and musician that offers an intimate view of her life on and off the road. The photographs are taken from Smith’s recently published, New York Times bestselling publication, A Book of Days. Featuring large prints of Smith’s photographs outdoors, this exhibition evokes a dialogue with nature, which has long been a source of inspiration for the legendary artist. Her compelling images take visitors on a journey through time and space, charting both the course of a year and the natural environment of the Historic Spanish Point campus. 

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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.