SRQ DAILY Oct 30, 2025
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"It means that I have the responsibility, along with our founder and CEO Marcus Walfridson, to oversee the development of everything related to the soccer side of the club. "
Major League Baseball has the minor leagues. The National Hockey League has the AHL. The National Basketball Association has the G-League. Professional soccer teams have…academies?
Developmental leagues are commonplace amidst the major five professional sports. In professional soccer, both in the United States and abroad, teams often have academies—programs and leagues that develop youth talent from an early age. For professional soccer teams, academies are more than just part of the culture of the sport, they are a responsibility the clubs have as pillars of the community. That responsibility extends to United Soccer League’s (USL) League One, in which the Sarasota Paradise will be a member in 2026.
For the Paradise, which will launch a youth academy in 2026 along with a U20 team that will play in the USL Academy League and the United Premiere Soccer League, that responsibility to the community starts with the hire of its new head coach and technical director Mika Elovaara. “The role of technical director is quite common in the world of soccer,” says Elovaara. “It means that I have the responsibility, along with our founder and CEO Marcus Walfridson, to oversee the development of everything related to the soccer side of the club. When we add a U20 team, for example, when do they train? How do they train? How do we integrate them into the first team environment and how do we ensure that we are able to provide the best possible experience for everyone associated with the club?”
The U20 team, which will primarily consist of high-level players aged 16 to 18, is designed to be a bridge between the amateur and professional ranks. For local players with professional aspirations, there is no better way to develop then under the guidance of Elovaara and the Paradise’s USL League One coaching staff. Doing so also grants U20 players the possibility of transferring to a different professional level either in the United States or internationally. “What’s different about soccer here, is that there are actually established ways to get to that top level,” says Walfridson. “You can be transferred to clubs in Europe, the MLS or other leagues and there is a fee that goes along with it. For us as a club, youth development is something we do mainly for the community, but there is the potential financial incentive in doing so as well.”
In addition to the U20 team, the Paradise will also have training programs throughout 2026 for youth players, starting as early as age six. 
Sarasota Paradise's Felipe Rojas kicks around a ball with a local youth player. Provided photo.
Sarasota Paradise is thrilled to announce the official introduction of Head Coach & Technical Director Mika Elovaara on Thursday, October 30, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Green at UTC. This event marks a major milestone for the club and the Sarasota community as Sarasota Paradise continues to build the foundation for its inaugural professional season in USL League One. Exclusive Insights from Coach Mika: Hear his vision for Sarasota Paradise and the upcoming professional season. Food, Music & Festivities: Enjoy local bites, music, and an upbeat atmosphere perfect for fans of all ages. Giveaways & Merchandise: Win exclusive Sarasota Paradise prizes and grab official team gear. Community Connection: Meet the people shaping Sarasota’s soccer future and become part of the Paradise story.
Downtown Sarasota will come alive with creativity during Fresh Fridays: Arts on Palm on November 7, featuring live music from the Alan Grant Band and a stunning digital art installation projected onto the Palm Avenue parking garage. In partnership with the City of Sarasota’s Public Art Program and the Ringling College Motion Design Department, students will use advanced projection mapping to turn downtown architecture into a massive, moving work of art. This free event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. on Palm Avenue, offering live entertainment, interactive art experiences, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
For 25 years, Lakewood Ranch Community Activities (LWRCA) has been creating opportunities for residents to connect, engage, and enjoy all that our vibrant community has to offer. We celebrate a quarter century of bringing neighbors together and building lasting memories. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities (LWRCA) is dedicated to enhancing the lives of our residents by creating opportunities for connection, wellness, and shared experiences. Our mission is to bring people together through large-scale community events, inclusive recreational activities, and social groups and clubs that encourage an active, connected, and welcoming Lifestyle. As our community continues to grow, so do the opportunities to connect! LWRCA is here to make Lakewood Ranch your home for fun and friendship.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to produce Three Pianos, an original revue created by Rebecca Hopkins, Richard Hopkins, and Sarah Durham, with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser. From rock rebels to soulful storytellers, this cabaret celebrates the legends who turned 88 keys into a mystical, musical force. Previews begin Nov. 19, 2025, officially opening Nov. 21, with performances through Mar. 29, 2026, in FST’s Goldstein Cabaret.From Billy Joel to Alicia Keys, from Ray Charles to Freddie Mercury, Three Pianos celebrates the piano legends who refused to play by the rules. These aren’t your cookie-cutter rock stars: they’re the rebels, romantics, and risk-takers of the music world. Enjoy timeless favorites like “Crocodile Rock,” “Just the Way You Are,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I’m Still Standing,” and “Beautiful.” For more information, visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org or call (941) 366-9000.
From pumpkin spice to peppermint, there’s something cooking in Sarasota – and it’s all local. Visit Sarasota County just launched The Local Bite, a two-month dining campaign (Oct. 20–Dec. 20) inviting residents and visitors to discover special deals and seasonal menus across the county. Part of our Fun in the 941 series, the campaign was inspired by feedback from local restaurateurs eager to see more neighbors dining out before peak season. Now through December 20, residents are encouraged to promote their dining experiences using #SavorThe941 and tagging @VisitSarasotaCounty on Instagram to join the conversation. If your restaurant would like to participate, contact partnership@visitsarasota.org. To whet your appetite and scope out your next reservation, visit www.funinthe941.com.
Discover the remarkable life and legacy of circus impresario and art collectors John and Mable Ringling. This is a journey from John’s first year running a circus to the lasting cultural impact he and his wife Mable left behind in Sarasota, Florida. Participants must walk and stand throughout the entire tour. This ticket includes entry into the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, and Bayfront Gardens.
Nov. 1 Apr 30, 2026, Daily @ Noon, $25 + Museum Admission | $15 for Members, 60-75 Minutes.
An evening of fun for the whole family, the McIntosh Middle School Fall Festival is one event you won’t want to miss this season! This annual fundraiser allows school staff and student groups to host creative booths and activities, with proceeds directly supporting McIntosh Middle’s programs and initiatives that enhance the school experience for all students. Supported by local businesses and community partners, the event celebrates parent and family engagement while fostering pride and involvement in the school community. November 7, 5:30-8:30pm.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is pleased to present Robert Louis Stevenson: A Child’s Garden of Verses on view November 15, 2025, through August 30, 2026, at Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus, located at 401 North Tamiami Trail, in Osprey. This new exhibition celebrates childhood and the imagination of youth through the words and images of A Child’s Garden of Verses, the beloved book of poetry for children by the celebrated Scottish writer, Robert Louis Stevenson. The exhibition features photographs of pages from a vintage edition of the book, combining Stevenson’s poetry with illustrations by the notable American artist, Alexander Dobkin. Accompanying the photographs are simple interactives that draw their inspiration from Stevenson’s poems and enhance the visitor experience. An audio element enables visitors to hear the poems read by Selby Gardens’ Artist in Residence, Patti Smith.
You can create magical Montessori moments every day - here’s how. When looked at through a Montessori lens, every aspect of family life is an opportunity for meaningful engagement with your child - mealtimes, school or daycare drop-off and pickup, playtime, out and about, homework time, and bedtime. Follow pragmatic, real-life advice that is relevant for children of all ages and discover how easy and natural it is to create a nourishing environment, instill family values, encourage positive communication, and enjoy a home life that is empowering for everyone.
NewGate Montessori School, 5237 Ashton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
Art immersion class for children ages 6-18. Small classes with fine arts materials. Visit linarinconart.com for more information and to register.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Creative Academy, 927 N Lime Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237
Remy Washington, a Black man and widower, has inherited both a drive-in movie theater and the responsibility of raising Pup, his late husband’s straight, white teenage son. The two forge a strong bond around a shared love of classic American monster movies, but when Remy discovers that Pup has been tormenting a gay classmate, their relationship begins to fracture, and the real horrors surface.
Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Going 'Beyond the Syntax' refers to a deeper kind of understanding—one that transcends structured language (words, grammar, symbols) and taps directly into the thought, emotion, and intention behind those words. Eye contact, gesture, micro‑expressions, tone shifts, and even silences carry meaning. They enable real-time alignment—like a conductor subtly guiding an orchestra or more simply expressed as a conversational environment where your internal states are heard, even when they aren’t voiced.
SCD Home Studio, 1400 Blvd of the Arts, Ste 300, Sarasota, FL, 34236
Join All Faiths Food Bank Sunday, Nov. 9, at Ed Smith Stadium for Bowls of Hope – one of the community’s largest and most popular events. Enjoy delicious soups, breads, desserts and more, served by dozens of the area’s finest restaurants and caterers. Guests have the opportunity to select from beautiful, handcrafted bowls to keep – donated by local potters, artists and students – signifying the empty bowls filled through your generous support. Visit allfaithsfoodbank.org for tickets.
All Faiths Food Bank
What if the Eagles and Alabama shared the same stage? With Hotel Alabama, you don’t have to wonder—you get the best of both worlds in one unforgettable concert experience! This powerhouse tribute band brings together top-tier musicians to deliver spot-on renditions of your favorite classics from both legendary groups.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Join USA Today bestselling author Lisa Daily for a fast, funny crash course in crafting love stories that leave hearts racing and pages turning.
Ringling College of Art & Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
Join Robert Wittman, a famed FBI art crime detective who recovered over $300 million in stolen art, as he reveals thrilling stories behind major art theft recoveries as told in his bestselling book Priceless.
William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, 300 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice, FL 34285
The Razuma String Quartet formed in 2025 at The Perlman Music Program Chamber Music Workshop, under the tutelage of Merry Peckham and Kim Kashkashian. Their name is derived from the piece that first brought them together, Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 59 No. 2, which was dedicated to Count Andrey Razumovsky. This concert features Haydn’s Quartet in F major, Op 77 No. 2; Reena Esmail’s Zeher; and Beethoven’s Quartet in E minor Op 59 No. 2.
First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota FL 34237
This year, we shine a spotlight on Moderns That Matter, a curated collection of iconic landmarks and everyday spaces that define Sarasota’s unique architectural identity and vibrant sense of place.This thoughtful inventory showcases 100 years of architectural excellence and celebrates Sarasota’s role as a global epicenter of design innovation. Throughout MOD Weekend, many of these standout locations will welcome visitors with tours and special programming, offering a rare opportunity to experience Sarasota’s built heritage up close.
2nd Fridays Creative Happy Hour brings the party to the gallery and transforms ArtCenter Sarasota into a vibrant hub of creativity, conversation, and connection. These lively monthly gatherings feature rotating themes, interactive art activities, live music, dance, film, and collaborations with local artists and arts organizations. It's a fresh take on the classic art salon, welcoming all ages to mix, mingle, make, and experience art in motion.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Join us for the first of five family-friendly and Free Art Walks this Academic Year. Compelling exhibitions, food trucks and live music.
Galleries of Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34234
Experience an intimate look at award-winning and internationally recognized artist Janet Echelman’s artistic evolution, from early explorations in drawing, painting, and textiles to the monumental netted sculptures that have redefined public spaces around the world.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
From Billy Joel to Alicia Keys, from Ray Charles to Freddie Mercury, Three Pianos celebrates the piano legends who refused to play by the rules. These aren’t your cookie-cutter rock stars: they’re the rebels, romantics, and risk-takers who turned 88 keys into pure magic.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
An inspirational gospel musical originally penned by poet/playwright Langston Hughes that retells the biblical Nativity story. The music is an exuberant mash-up of gospel, blues, spiritual and Christmas music, paired with the poetry of Hughes and the creativity and heart of WBTT. Nate Jacobs adapted and is directing the show; WBTT’s Resident Choreographer, Donald Frison, will be assistant director.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join us every Sunday morning at 9am for a walk to the Bayfront and back on a route that is just under 2 miles. Meet at 99 Bottles Downtown Sarasota and end at the same location in approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on pace. This weekly walking social club is an opportunity to connect with other locals.
99 Bottles, 1445 2nd St Sarasota, FL 34236
SCFD is proud to welcome the community into the fire stations, continuing the tradition of open houses. These open houses are a wonderful opportunity for residents to engage directly with neighborhood firefighters. Visit our website to view the open house schedule.
Multiple Location, Multiple Locations
Every Wednesdat at 6 pm a 5k Fun Run starts and ends at 99 Bottles. Course runs through Downtown Sarasota and along the Bayfront, all skill levels, all fun. Each time you finish a run, you must get yout card punched to get an attendance credit and receive 99 bottles prizes. All runners are expected to obey all traffic laws, be courteous to other runners, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, etc.on the route and to know your limits - running and/or drinking!
99 Bottles, 1445 2nd St Sarasota, FL 34236
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