“My husband and I are originally from Brazil, where açaí bowls were very popular even twenty years ago,” says Anny Scarabelli. “When we first started dreaming about starting a business, there weren’t many places in Sarasota that were doing açaí bowls yet.”

Açaí berries are small, dark purple fruits that grow on the açaí palm tree, native to the Amazon rainforest in South America, especially Brazil. They’re rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, and are often linked to supporting heart health, boosting energy and promoting overall wellness. In the early 2010s, açaí bowls saw a massive rise in popularity in the United States as people were drawn to their vibrant, colorful appearance and health benefits. The Scarabellis knew people in the sweltering Sarasota climate would enjoy this cool and refreshing treat, and with their background, they could create it with authenticity and care.

Anny and her husband, Warley, originally launched their business Purple Bol as a food truck in 2020. Over the last five years, they’ve added more food trucks and a trailer to their mobile food options (check Facebook and Instagram to see where they’ll be popping up next). Last November, they opened a brick-and-mortar location.

“An açaí bowl is basically a smoothie bowl. We start with the açaí bowl and mix it with something to sweeten it, because the berry by itself doesn’t have a lot of sweetness,” Scarabelli explains. “At Purple Bol, we use banana and apple juice. We make a really thick smoothie that goes on the bottom of the bowl and then we top it with granola, fruit and a bunch of other yummy toppings.”

One of their most popular treats is their signature Wanny’s Bowl, a portmanteau of their names. Their house-made açaí base is topped with banana, blueberry, strawberry, granola, chia seeds, flax seeds and a honey drizzle. The bowls at Purple Bōl come in three different sizes, so you’re sure to find the perfect portion whether you’re looking for a small snack or a hearty pick-me-up.

Purple Bol, 3856 South Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota, 941-323-4440, www.purplebol.com. 

Pictured: The signature Wanny's Bowl at Purple Bol is as flavorful as it is colorful. Provided photo.

By audience demand, Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is extending its laughter-packed production of Don’t Dress for Dinner through Sunday, August 31, 2025, in the Gompertz Theatre. Written by Marc Camoletti and adapted by Robin Hawdon, this rapid-fire comedy is bursting with mistaken identities, romantic chaos, and high-stakes hilarity. Tickets are on sale now at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000. 

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is thrilled to welcome back the GRAMMY-winning trumpeter Chris Botti to Sarasota on Tuesday, February 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 15 at 10 a.m. Botti has been one of the most popular instrumentalists in the world for nearly three decades; he’s collaborated with some of the biggest superstars on the planet, including Sting, Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Joni Mitchell, Steven Tyler, Andrea Bocelli, Herbie Hancock, Yo-Yo Ma, and others; he’s topped the jazz charts with numerous albums, earned multiple Gold and Platinum records, performed with symphony orchestras and on prestigious stages from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl to the Sydney Opera House. 

To learn more click here

Young performers ages 8 and up may now register to audition to be a part of Sarasota Youth Opera’s fall production of Hans Krása’s Brundibár. This is a fully staged production with professional sets, costumes and live orchestra with the Youth Opera singing all the lead roles and chorus. 

To learn more click here

Sarasota Garden Club hosts "Music in the Gardens" on Sunday, August 17 - 6:30 - 8:30pm. Join us for some great fun, dancing, light bites and drinks in our historic Clubhouse with views of our beautiful gardens.

1131 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota. 

To learn more click here

Wellen Park continues to draw homebuyers in, maintaining the No. 6 position on RCLCO’s mid-year ranking of the nation’s best-selling communities based on mid-2025 sales. With 531 homes sold through June 30, 2025, Wellen Park’s sales momentum is fueled by a wide range of new home options, neighborhood diversity and the introduction of more homebuilders. Wellen Park is home to CoolToday Park, the Atlanta Braves spring training stadium. More than just a ballpark, it serves as a lively year-round destination, hosting spring training games, community gatherings, and concerts.   

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The Sarasota-based marketing and communications agency, Next-Mark, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a significant milestone. Earning both a Golden Image Award and the Judges’ Creativity Award from the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) for its strategic work on Fresh Fridays, a monthly downtown Sarasota event series. These top honors recognize Next-Mark’s creative approach, measurable results, and lasting community impact, a fitting achievement as the agency celebrates two decades of helping brands connect with audiences nationwide. 

New College of Florida proudly welcomes an impressive cohort of  new faculty members for the Fall 2025 semester. Reflecting the College's commitment to academic  excellence and classical liberal arts education, this group brings a wealth of expertise from prestigious  institutions and diverse disciplines. Their arrival marks another milestone in New College's continued  growth and revitalization. For more information or media inquiries, please contact Jamie Miller, Vice President of  Communications and Chief Marketing Officer, at jamiller@ncf.edu.