Located in the heart of Siesta Key Village, Mojo Risin’ is a cozy and colorful coffee shop with a beachy vibe. The decor is decidedly eclectic. The brightly-colored walls are adorned with portraits of musicians, like a mural of Jim Morrison. The ceilings are adorned with string lights and retro surfboards are suspended from ropes. Though the cafe is located a short walk from the beach, the ambiance is so welcoming you wouldn’t be blamed if you decided to enjoy your coffee there instead of taking it to go. Sticking around will also give you the opportunity to grab a refill. While Mojo Risin’ offers a full complement of coffee drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos and frappes, even their drip coffee is worth the trip. Try the North Shore blend, a Hawaiian roast with notes of macadamia and coconut. But Mojo Risin’ does more than just coffee.

“Since we are on the Key, we do just as many smoothies and smoothie bowls as we do coffee,” says manager Nicole McCartney. “We also have some grab-and-go food. We have empanadas that are made locally by The Empanada Girl here in Sarasota. And then we have a bunch of different bakery items that are also brought in locally by different bakers from the area.”

The smoothies and smoothie bowls are a perfect treat for the stifling heat of summer. At Mojo Risin’, they use frozen berries instead of ice cubes in their smoothies so the flavor is concentrated and bright, with a thick and creamy texture. The eatery’s slogan is, “It’s a good day to have a good day.” If you want to have a good day, start it off at Mojo Risin’.

Mojo Risin’, 521 Ocean Boulevard, Siesta Key, 941-349-6656, www.mojorisincoffee.com. 

Pictured: The acai bowl at Mojo Risin' is a sweet and refreshing treat, perfect for a hot summer day. Provided photo.

We’re excited to announce that our Online Store is officially open!  Now you can shop your favorite Spanish products anytime — and we’ll ship them anywhere in the USA or have them ready for local pickup in Sarasota! Discover our handpicked selection of: Acorn-fed Iberico ham, Ibericos; Tinned seafood & condiments; Spanish olive oils, salts, and more. Free shipping on orders over $100.  Local pickup available in Sarasota. Shop now at www.tasteofspainstore.com. Thank you for supporting our small, family-owned business. We can’t wait to bring a Taste of Spain to your table — wherever you are! 

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What happens when a visionary designer and an emotionally fearless filmmaker share the same creative space? Creative Liberties’ current artist residency at the Gaze Gallery at ARCOS answers that question with a dynamic collaboration between award-winning designer Anne Elhajoui and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Nora Jane Long. Now underway through the end of August, this two-month residency blends fine art, design, film, and social inquiry in a bold exploration of justice, memory, and human connection—each artist working through their own medium, yet always in dialogue. Long brings cinematic depth and poetic resonance to the project, while Elhajoui offers a visually striking language rooted in typography, grids, and modernist design. Together, they create an immersive experience of visual rhythm and layered storytelling. A closing reception is Saturday, August 23, 6-9 p.m., at the Gaze Gallery at ARCOS, 340 Central Avenue in Sarasota’s Rosemary District. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Art Center Sarasota’s 2025-26 season of Workshops, Classes & Open Studios is almost here! Starting in October, we’re thrilled to welcome several new instructors to our faculty, each bringing unique perspectives and techniques in painting, photography, printmaking, pastels, beading, and more.  

Venice Theatre, Inc. in association with Roger Bean Productions is proud to present a return of last winter's sold-out hit "Don't Touch That Dial," an upbeat musical comedy featuring nostalgic TV show theme songs. Running from Aug. 29 to Sept. 14, 2025, in the Pinkerton Theatre, performances are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets range from $40 to $18 and are available at VeniceTheatre.org or 941-488-1115. "Don't Touch That Dial" is generously sponsored by Jim and Donna Boldt.  

 Stand-up comedian, writer and actor Trevor Wallace will be performing his brand-new hour of stand-up live in Sarasota at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on October 14 at 7pm. Tickets will be available via presale on Wednesday, August 6th at 10 a.m. EDT. The general on sale will be Friday, August 8th at 10 a.m. at VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799, or by visiting the Veteran Air Box Office at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Monday through Friday between10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of ten or more should contact 941-263-6726. Ticket information can be found at https://trevorwallacecomedy.com/. Grab and go dining options are available through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Select shows have pre-show dining available. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office.  Future updates on shows and productions can be found on the Van Wezel’s website and through social media on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.