The Lake of Banyoles is the largest lake in Catalonia, Spain. Seated in a tectonic depression, the lake is approximately 2,100 meters by 750 meters, fed by underground water sources from the foothills of the Pyrenees, which surround the body of water. The Lake of Banyoles is picturesque, serene and most of all, fast. Although that might not be a word one typically uses to describe a lake, it is fitting—for Rachel Bowman, president of the Sarasota County Rowing Club (SCRC) and the rest of the field at the World Rowing Masters Regatta held from September 10-15, the lake was like a race track.

“All the racing was very tight,” says Bowman. “The competition was pretty brutal, because you’ve got the best people from around the world racing against each other. What was interesting was trying to put a crew together that would be competitive—in some cases we had people in our boat that we hadn’t practiced with, which was a little challenging.”

For Bowman, the unfamiliarity was intentional. Several members of the SCRC live overseas, joining the club in Sarasota during the winter and competing in international events. While rowing with new crew members can offer more of a challenge—chemistry and timing are tantamount to rowing fast—the World Masters Regatta was about more than just winning races for Bowman. “It is about sharing the love of the sport with people from around the world. Yes, everyone’s competitive, but it’s really fun to meet people from different countries, share experiences and network,” says Bowman.

That isn’t to say that Bowman—and the SCRC team—didn’t have success in Banyoles. In the Women’s F 4+, meaning a coxed four in the “F” age category, Bowman’s boat finished second to Warwick Boat Club from England. Dr. Sara Simmons, a Bradenton orthopedic surgeon, won gold with her teammates in the women’s quad sculls and 82-year-old Norman Thetford won gold in the Men’s J 8+. “Most of the people that rowed for our club ended up in the top third of the brackets in at least one or two races, which says a lot about the skill level of our club. When you go that far, you just want to know that you’re in the hunt,” says Bowman. “It was also just fascinating to see these fledgling clubs in remote parts of South America or Eastern Europe that end up at this regatta. People are dedicated—no matter where they are, if they love the sport they are going to do whatever they can to keep rowing.”

Sarasota County Rowing Club, Boathouse Address 800 Blackburn Point Rd, Osprey, 34229 

World champion and SCRC member Norman Thetford. Provided photo.

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The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime invites the community to join in for a fun and family-friendly Halloween celebration during our annual “Boo! at The Bazaar” event. This spooktacular afternoon of free festivities will feature trick-or-treating, costumes, and special guest appearances by beloved fairytale princesses. Guests of all ages are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy free trick-or-treating throughout The Bazaar, home to more than 40 local creators, artists, and curators. From sweet treats to unique finds, visitors can explore Sarasota’s funkiest indoor market while celebrating the Halloween spirit. Adding a touch of enchantment to the day, Belle’s Princess Parties will take over The Bazaar’s courtyard with a royal lineup of characters straight out of storybooks. These talented performers from Belle’s Princess Parties are known for bringing fairytales to life with stunning costumes, authentic character interactions, and plenty of photo-worthy magic. All meet-and-greets and photo opportunities are completely free. While enjoying the festivities, guests can also grab a delicious bite from Hamlet’s Eatery, the award-winning onsite food truck, and browse an incredible selection of locally made art, jewelry, clothing, gifts, and more inside The Bazaar. 

The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg (MFA) will present In Caravaggio’s Light: Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi , a landmark exhibition opening October 25, 2025. Featuring some 40 masterpieces from one of the world’s most revered private collections of 17th-century painting, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity for American audiences to experience the revolutionary genius of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio and the international artists he inspired.

Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, 255 Beach Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg, October 25, 2025–March 22, 2026, mfastpete.org 

For the second year in a row, Bank of America will be the presenting sponsor of the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival, which returns to Waterside Park at Lakewood Ranch on Saturday, Dec. 6.  Tickets for the all-ages-welcome festival are $75 in advance, $95 at the door, if available; and ages 12 and under are admitted for free. A limited number of front-of-stage seating tickets are available for $150. Waterside Park at Waterside Place is an open-air venue, surrounded by Lake Kingfisher. Guests may bring towels, blankets, or chairs, including chairs with attached canopies or umbrellas. The festival offers ample, free, convenient parking; a map is available at lakewoodranchbluesfestival.com. For more information about the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival, including ticket sales, lineup information, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit lakewoodranchbluesfestival.com; sign up to receive updates and announcements for the festival, including exclusive food and drink releases. 

 In preparation for the 10th Anniversary Celebration of their upcoming annual Fall event, Night of Hope & Healing, the Child Protection Center (CPC) recently held a “kick-off event” Celebrity Bartender Challenge to raise further awareness and support. The Celebrity Bartender Challenge was a resounding success, raising over $9,850 for local programs and services in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse. This was the third CPC Celebrity Bartender Challenge, with each year featuring 8 local “celebrities” that divide into four teams that compete for tips to be named the Shaker Cup Champions, with all tips going directly to CPC and the fight against child abuse. This year’s Champions are Phil Adams, a survivor of child abuse, and Kelly Olliver of British Open Pub, both major advocates of the Child Protection Center. The winning team also took home the Favorite Drink award for their “Ebony and Ivory” Chocolate Orange Martini, while Casey Riley and Dane DeSantis claimed the Shaken and Stirred award for their spirit and showmanship. For more information on CPC or to inquire about ways to get involved, please visit them at  www.cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277. 

North Port High School is hosting a 25th Anniversary Alumni Walk on Friday, October 24th before the homecoming game! The evening includes a special presentation in the PAC, a campus tour, special alumni pep rally, the best seats in the house for the homecoming game in our Touchdown Club area, and a BBQ Tailgate dinner (vegetarian options available). Additional Homecoming football game highlights: Hall of Fame Inductions; Homecoming Court Celebration; Music from the award-winning Bobcat Band. Each graduating class will receive a special shoutout during the game. Guests are encouraged to celebrate each NPHS era with class-themed posters, hats, shirts, or spirit gear. Families are welcome! To purchase tickets please visit https://gofan.co/event/4581671?schoolId=FL8269

Friday, October 24, 4:45pm, : 6400 W Price Blvd, North Port. 

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) will break ground on the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza on Wednesday, October 29, marking the beginning of the most ambitious expansion in the theatre’s history. The new Plaza will serve as the centerpiece of FST’s campus, anchoring a bold vision that that is designed to meet the growing needs of FST’s artists, audiences, and community. The morning’s celebration will begin at 10:00 a.m. with mimosas and pastries in The Green Room Café, followed by a welcome ceremony at 10:30 a.m. in The Gompertz Theatre. At 11:00 a.m., FST leadership, donors, and community members will gather at the construction site for the official Shovel Ceremony, symbolically marking the start of the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza project. Be a part of the art. To support construction of the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza and put your name on the future of FST, contact Anyssa Hining, Development Manager, at (941) 366-9017 x379 or by email at ahining@floridastudiotheatre.org.
 

Scenery and lighting are ready, are you? You don’t want to miss Venice Theatre’s interpretation of this beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about hope, family, and the courage to stand up for what’s right. As of this writing there are only six tickets left for opening weekend and the whole run is already 84% full. That means you need to get your tickets now before The Sound of Music sells out! To meet the demand, we added an extra performance on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. 

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The Perlman Music Program Suncoast (PMP Suncoast) presents the Razuma String Quartet, Thursday, November 13, 7:30 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota. The program features Haydn’s “Quartet in F major, Op. 77 No. 2”; Reena Esmail’s “Zeher” (2019); and Beethoven’s “Quartet in E minor, Op. 59 No. 2.” Tickets are $30 general admission; $40 VIP (front rows); and $10 for youth ages 21 and under, available upon request. Tickets are available at PMPSuncoast.org. 

On Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) will participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Prescription Drug Take Back Campaign at our agency headquarters located at 6010 Cattleridge Blvd., Sarasota. Drug turn-in events address vital public safety, public health, and environmental issues. Studies show that most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets. SCSO has a permanent drop box located in the lobby at our headquarters, which is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., daily. Several other local law enforcement agencies also have permanent drop boxes and will be participating in the event. Medication turn-in is always anonymous. Solid dosage medications (prescription and over-the-counter) such as tablets and capsules, are accepted. Liquids and needles will not qualify. While boxes are available to the public year-round, agencies participate in the national turn-in initiative to publicize proper disposal. To locate permanent drop boxes in your community, call 1-800-882-9539 or visit this link: https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1