It took 22 hours for Dalton Tebo and John Casey to drive from Florida to Newport, Rhode Island. Over four days from August 26-29, the pair made sure the drive was well worth it. Tebo, the Sailing Director at Sarasota Yacht Club, and Casey, the Sailing Director at Lauderdale Yacht Club, had made the trek to compete in the 2025 Formula 18 North American Championship. The four-day regatta featured 29 teams from around the world, racing in the F18 sport catamaran class.

“It’s an 18-foot beach catamaran with a 30-foot mast, so it actually has a lot of power, a lot of sail area for how small of a boat it is,” says Tebo. “The F18 class is a ‘box rule’ which is basically like Formula One—there are a bunch of different manufacturers, but the boat has a certain set of specifications it has to fit into. It has to weigh a certain amount, the sail area has to be a specific size, but there are small changes that each manufacturer makes.”

Before the regatta even began, however, Tebo and Casey ran into issues with their boat, a Nacra Evo dubbed El Cucuy. The pair had arrived early to participate in the New England 100, a two-day long-distance regatta, but ran into mechanical troubles on the second day of the race. “Our rudder came off the back and we had to abandon the race. It was a blessing in disguise, though, because it saved our energy and gave us a day to make our repairs before the F18 Championship."

Tebo and Casey used the time to their advantage by dominating the F18 Championship from the first day. In sailboat racing, endurance is just as important as strategy and speed—boats will compete in up to four races a day, around 45 minutes to an hour apiece, never leaving the water. Tebo and Casey won eight out of 13 races, finishing with a final score of 15 points to secure the championship. The pair, who rarely have the chance to race with one another, credit their chemistry as a major factor in their success.

“We’re really good friends. A lot of calls, tough decisions or even small arguments we can overcome, because we have been friends for so long,” says Tebo. “We know each other’s roles like the backs of our hands. If one of us needs help with something, without even asking, the other person is already backing you up.”

Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, 34236 

Racing their Nacra Evo El Cucuy, Sarasota Yacht Club Sailing Director Dalton Tebo recently captured the 2025 Formula 18 North American Championship title with teammate John Casey. Photo by Lexi Cline.

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Join hundreds of neighbors, families, and new friends at Payne Park in downtown Sarasota on Saturday, October 4, from 8AM–11AM for the 5th Annual NAMIWalks Sarasota & Manatee Counties—a morning dedicated to mental health, community, and connection. Every year, 1 in 5 people experiences a mental health challenge. That’s why NAMI has been here for 40 years, offering free peer-led support programs, resources, and education to youth, adults, families, and caregivers.This inspiring morning features music, group Jazzercise, food trucks, activities, and resources from local mental healthcare providers and businesses — all in support of breaking the stigma of mental illness and building connection. 

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The National Association of School Superintendents (NASS) proudly recognizes Terry Connor, Superintendent of Sarasota County Schools in Sarasota, FL, as the recipient of the 2025 Instruction Award. This honor highlights leaders who prioritize instructional excellence, equity, and innovation to close achievement gaps and ensure every student has access to high-quality learning. The NASS Instruction Award honors superintendents who embody the qualities of equity-driven leadership, innovation, and persistence in elevating instruction. Superintendent Terry Connor exemplifies these traits, serving as an inspiration to educators and school leaders nationwide. 

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With teen mental health challenges on the rise, a free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training aims to equip high school students with the tools to recognize and respond to a crisis, just like CPR prepares them for a medical emergency. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40% of U.S. high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2023, and nearly one in five seriously considered suicide. The need for early intervention and peer support has never been greater. The YMCA of Southwest Florida will host a youth MHFA training on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Forum Theatre at Grand Living Wellen Park, 19985 Market Way, Venice. The goal is to train 60 students in grades 9–12 to recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges, respond appropriately and connect peers to help. To register, call 844.630.5295 visit: HCAFloridaHealthcare.com. 

SchoolCEO is pleased to announce that Craig Maniglia, director of communications and government affairs at Sarasota County Schools (SCS) in Florida, has been named the recipient of its 2025 Excellence in School Marketing Award. SchoolCEO, the only marketing magazine in K-12 public education, presents the award annually to honor school communicators whose innovative work pushes the field of school marketing forward. The winner was announced at the annual SchoolCEO Conference, presented by Apptegy in Little Rock.  Drawing on extensive experience in the private sector with Discovery, National Geographic, and others, Maniglia has transformed the way his community views his schools, using subtlety and saturation to shift the narrative. Even in a state with universal school choice, his groundbreaking television marketing campaign led to a 26% increase in enrollment for SCS. His work has previously been recognized with the Sunshine State School Public Relations Association’s highest honor—the Supernova Award—as well as a Gold Medallion from the National School Public Relations Association.  

Radio personality, educator, and Venice Theatre actor Eddie Edenfield and global IT leader Risa Fogel have named the Control Room in Venice Theatre’s Jervey Theatre, which was devastated three years ago this week by Hurricane Ian. This significant gift from a couple who became involved with Venice Theatre after the hurricane advances the $25M Next Act Capital Campaign and inspires the next generation of theatre goers who have never been inside the Jervey Theatre to participate. Edenfield and Fogel’s pledge facilitated the naming of the Control Room when the Jervey Theatre in the main Venice Theatre Building at 140 Tampa Ave. W. in beautiful, historic downtown Venice reopens in its 77th Season.  Donors who wish to join Eddie and Risa in helping to save Venice Theatre, may contact Camille Cline at Camille@venicetheatre.net or 941-539-8872.  

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to announce that, due to overwhelming audience demand, its popular cabaret A Band Called Honalee: A Tribute to Peter, Paul and Mary…and Friends will be extended through November 2, 2025. Created by Aaron Gandy, this vibrant revue celebrates not only the iconic trio Peter, Paul and Mary, but also the influential voices of The Mamas & the Papas, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and other legends who defined a generation. Tickets, ranging from $37-$42, are available at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000.