SRQ DAILY Nov 17, 2025
Monday Business Edition
"At its core, the Chamber exists for one reason: to ensure Sarasota remains a place where business thrives, families prosper and the community flourishes, today and for generations to come."
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce hosted its 105th annual meeting during the last week of October, gathering to reflect on the past year and to set the Chamber’s priorities for the next year. “This gathering is about clarity and connection—aligning our 1,500+ member businesses, 60,000 employees and community partners around the common goals that drive Sarasota forward,” says Celeste Lloyd-Jones, Chamber events manager.
These common goals, Lloyd-Jones says, include finding affordable housing and childcare solutions, continuing to develop the economic community in Downtown Sarasota and improving transportation and water quality.
Founder and CEO of Knight Speaker, Jim Knight, served as the keynote speaker at the meeting, delivering a presentation that focused on building a positive company culture. “We wanted to have a speaker that would resonate with our 1,500-member businesses. We felt that the topic of building a strong and resilient company culture applies to all businesses, large or small,” says Lloyd-Jones. Knight is a 3-times bestselling author on the topics of company culture, customer service, “rockstar” leadership and employee engagement.
The meeting celebrated the Chamber’s success this year with the CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, which partners directly with employers in the regional economy to help raise employment. “Under CareerEdge, we made a big impact in our community. We invested in local employers with over $150,000 in Upskilling Workers grants, which is expected to train more than 250 individuals, allowing them to grow their skills and advance their careers. The Youth Leadership program reached a new milestone with a record 47 participants—the largest cohort in its history,” says Lloyd-Jones. The Chamber also celebrated the 40th year of Leadership Sarasota, a program aimed at developing future and current leaders who go on to contribute to the broader business community in the region.
At the meeting, the Chamber also announced its 2025-2026 Chair of the Board—Jennifer Rominiecki, President and CEO of Marie Selby Gardens, and awarded the Chair’s Cup for most engaged Chamber member to John Stump, senior vice president and Sarasota market director for The Bank of Tampa.
As the Chamber moves into next year, Lloyd-Jones says its central goal is to continue to invest in the community and support its members in growing their range of businesses. “At its core, the Chamber exists for one reason: to ensure Sarasota remains a place where business thrives, families prosper and the community flourishes, today and for generations to come,” she says. 
Pictured: The annual meeting celebrated the Chamber's accomplishments in 2025 and set goals for the upcoming new year. Photo provided by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
With family gatherings and holiday parties, this is the season to eat! While food is something we should all enjoy, for millions of Americans with digestive disorders, the big family meal can become uncomfortable. Poor digestion can result in indigestion, heartburn, nausea, gas, and bloating. While some try over-the-counter medicines, these only offer temporary relief and can come with long-term negative effects. Instead of reaching for a temporary OTC remedy, try natural approaches that benefit the whole body. Herbs and supplements such as digestive enzymes, natural antacids, ginger, aloe vera, and probiotics work with the body to relieve digestive discomfort and support the GI tract, offering a healthier, long-term approach to managing indigestion. Stop by Chamberlin’s in Center Point Plaza and visit with our knowledgeable staff to find the right digestive aid for your needs.
Sunnyside Village has been honored with the Governor’s Gold Seal Award for Excellence in Long-Term Care, a prestigious distinction recognizing outstanding quality of care and organizational excellence among Florida’s skilled nursing facilities. The award was formally presented during a reception held at Sunnyside Village, where Chief Executive Officer Heather Neff and Director of Health Services Jason Brunner accepted the Gold Seal on behalf of the organization’s staff and leadership team. Administered by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) in collaboration with the Governor’s Office, the Gold Seal program recognizes long-term care centers that demonstrate exceptional performance in health care quality, leadership stability, financial soundness, and resident satisfaction. Only a select number of facilities in Florida hold this distinction. The Governor’s Gold Seal Award underscores Sunnyside Village’s commitment to excellence and innovation in senior care. The recognition highlights the community’s continued efforts to enrich residents’ lives through clinical quality, meaningful engagement, and a mission-driven approach to service.
Michael Saunders & Company, the Gulf Coast’s leading independent brokerage, proudly welcomes distinguished luxury agent Julie Larsen to the team. With more than 15 years of experience, Larsen’s client-centered approach has established her as one of Tampa Bay’s top-producing agents, recognized among the top 1.5% nationwide with over $200 million in career sales. Larsen will be based in Michael Saunders & Company's St. Petersburg office as part of the firm's strategic expansion in the region. The brokerage is opening two new downtown locations, with official announcements to follow in the coming weeks.
This week, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System marked its 1,000th minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). The milestone procedure, performed by Jonathan Hoffberger, DO, of First Physicians Group, repairs or replaces heart valves through a small incision between the ribs. Instead of a sternotomy, which requires a 12- to 14-inch incision through the breastbone, many open-heart surgeries can now be performed through tiny 2 to 3-inch incisions between the ribs - thanks to advances in MICS, and the skill of experienced surgeons like Dr. Hoffberger. By avoiding cutting through the breastbone, MICS helps to reduce pain, infection risk, and recovery time. Patients typically spend less time in the hospital and are able to return to their normal routines much sooner, all while achieving the same excellent results as traditional open-heart procedures. For more information about Sarasota Memorial’s heart and vascular services, visit smh.com/heart.
Recognized as Southwest Florida’s top private homebuilder, Christopher Alan Homes continues to expand its long-established presence in Lehigh Acres with six newly completed homes now available for immediate move-in. Designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality, value-driven homes in the area, homes are available on homesites throughout the town with pricing from the high $200,000s. The residences represent Christopher Alan Homes’ Sandpiper and Gasparilla floor plans, each thoughtfully designed for families of all sizes with casual main living areas, covered lanais for relaxed outdoor living, well-appointed kitchens and primary suites and curated interior finishes. Ideal for first-time homebuyers as well as those upsizing or downsizing, the homes showcase the builder’s trademark quality, craftsmanship and value.
HCA Florida Englewood Hospital has earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that evaluates hospitals on their commitment to patient safety. This marks the hospital’s 22nd “A” grade across 28 grading cycles over the past 13 years. To learn more about quality achievements for HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com and follow the hospital on Facebook.
Both Sarasota Memorial hospital campuses received top marks for how well they prevent medical errors, accidents and infections in The Leapfrog Group’s Fall 2025 Hospital Safety Report Cards released today. It is the latest in a streak of straight A’s earned by Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s flagship SMH-Sarasota campus and its newer SMH-Venice campus, which opened in November 2021. Issued in the spring and fall of each year to approximately 3,000 general hospitals across the nation, Leapfrog’s safety grades are based on annual hospital survey data and patient safety measures obtained from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. SMH-Sarasota is the only hospital on the Suncoast, and among approximately 10% in the nation, to earn Leapfrog’s elite “Straight A” designation. The Sarasota campus has received straight A’s since it began participating in the Leapfrog survey in 2016.
The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization that promotes patient safety, announced its Fall 2025 Hospital Safety Grades today, and 11 of BayCare’s acute-care hospitals received an “A,” the group’s highest rating. The Leapfrog Group collects and analyzes data about infections, accidents, injuries and errors at nearly 3,000 general hospitals. In the spring and fall, the Leapfrog Group assigns letter grades ranging from “A” to “F” and releases those grades publicly. The hospitals that earned an “A” are BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel in Wesley Chapel, Bartow Regional Medical Center in Bartow, Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor, Mease Dunedin Hospital in Dunedin, Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey, St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South in Riverview and Winter Haven Hospital in Winter Haven.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has been awarded a Highway Traffic Safety Funds Subgrant to target speeding and aggressive driving on Interstate 75. This initiative aims to reduce the number of crashes and enhance safety for all motorists traveling through Sarasota County. Currently, Sarasota County ranks 15th among Florida counties with a population of 300,000 or more for speed and aggressive driving incidents resulting in serious and fatal injuries. In response, the sheriff's office will implement high-visibility, zero-tolerance enforcement operations along the I-75 corridor, promoting adherence to traffic laws. The enforcement campaign will specifically address speeding and aggressive driving behaviors, with operations scheduled from November 2025 until the end of September 2026. This effort is funded through a contract with the Florida Department of Transportation, which supports overtime for deputies involved in data-driven, high-visibility enforcement activities. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office urges all drivers to comply with posted speed limits, avoid impaired or distracted driving, and manage emotions while driving to ensure safer roads for everyone.
Sarasota County invites the community to learn about and provide feedback on the Blackburn Point Bridge Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. Learn more about this project at BlackburnBridgeProject.com.
Matthew Aucoin’s “Music for New Bodies,” created in collaboration with acclaimed director Peter Sellars, is a bold operatic meditation on humanity’s shifting place in the natural world. Premiered in 2024, this one-act visionary operetta fuses the poetic texts of Jorie Graham with visceral soundscapes for five singers, an 18-piece chamber orchestra, lighting, and electronics. Aucoin crafts a work that is at once urgent and transcendent, while Sellars’ visionary staging brings the music into striking visual focus. Presented in a historic collaboration with Artist Series Concerts, this Sarasota premiere at the Sarasota Opera House invites audiences to imagine new forms of life, connection, and transformation.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Delight once again in the inspiring performances of Pinky's Players, Venice Theatre's Community Engagement Program that partners with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to develop and share their artistic talents.
Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice, FL 34285
Two of Sarasota’s finest step into the spotlight with a program that basks in the magical sounds of their ancient instruments. Accompanied by strings and harpsichord, Sarasota Orchestra principal oboe Bobby Nunes and principal harp Phoebe Powell each perform a concerto for their instrument by baroque master G.F. Handel. The two also join forces for Debussy’s enchanting Album of Five Pieces for Oboe and Harp.
First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota FL 34237
Eleven-year-old Winnie Foster yearns for a life of adventure beyond her white picket fence, but not until she becomes unexpectedly entwined with the Tuck Family does she get more than she could have imagined. When Winnie learns of the magic behind the Tuck’s unending youth, she must fight to protect their secret from those who would do anything for a chance at eternal life.
Rise Above Performing Arts Centre, 3501 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34239
The Images of Dance showcase features dancers from The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
The Elizabeth M. Eaton Memorial Pipe Organ, installed in the SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, will be on full display for this special performance of orchestra and organ music. Featuring local acclaimed organists and the Pops Orchestra, this concert will delight all who have asked to hear this amazing instrument.
SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207
Back by popular demand, Jazz Mass for a New Humanity, a groundbreaking work by Via Nova’s artistic director, Steven Phillips, sets the traditional texts of the mass in conversation with sacred writings from many traditions, along with poetry by Maya Angelou, Wendell Berry, and others. Performed with a first-rate jazz ensemble and acclaimed vocalist Maicy Powell, this stirring program entertains, uplifts, and inspires.
First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota FL 34237
Hailing from Siberia, classical saxophonist Valentin Kovalev is an ebullient and highly eclectic performer whose unique style was developed after studying in Russia, France and the United States. Valentin gave a sold-out debut recital at Carnegie Hall during the 2023- 24 season. Joined by Joseph Holt on piano, Kovalev’s program includes music by Bach, Rachmaninoff, Bizet, and Piazzolla.
Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota FL 34236
In celebration of our Centennial, ArtCenter Sarasota proudly presents the North County Spring Art Show, featuring artwork from over 1,500 K-12 students in Sarasota's public and charter schools. Organized by Angela Hartvigsen and Debra Markley, this cherished annual tradition showcases the creativity of young artists, many exhibiting in a gallery for the first time. The exhibition includes special award ceremonies for both elementary and high school students, with over $20,000 in scholarships and prizes. It's a joyful reminder that the future of art is already in motion.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Annual juried show and graduating seniors’ capstone exhibitions in all media and disciplines.
Galleries of Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
Celebrate the vibrant sounds of the nation with our last concert of the season. This concert features John Williams’ The Cowboys Overture, Leonard Bernstein’s Times Square: 1944, and Copland’s iconic Appalachian Spring along with much more. Our guest vocalist for this concert is Andrea Ross.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave Building 5, Venice, FL 34285
A magical and deeply moving musical that celebrates the power of storytelling, the love between father and son, and the extraordinary hidden in the everyday. As Edward Bloom’s fantastical life unfolds—featuring witches, giants, mermaids, and more—his skeptical son embarks on a journey to separate myth from memory. What he discovers is a story far richer than he ever expected. Based on the beloved novel and Tim Burton film, Big Fish is a whimsical, emotionally rich production filled with humor, heart, and unforgettable stagecraft.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Maria A. Guzmán Capron explores the complexities of identity through vibrant figurative textiles. Drawing inspiration from her own multicultural heritage, the artist creates layered portraits of exuberant, multi-faceted characters.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
This intriguing and beautiful folk opera delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience. Following two intertwining love stories–that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of immortal King Hades and lady Persephone– Hadestown invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.
Rise Above Performing Arts Centre, 3501 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34239
A collaborative effort between SPAACES, artist LaMichael Leonard Jr., and the nonprofit Art 4 Change, Squeeze brings together musicians, dancers, and visual artists to present socially engaged, experimental work in a vibrant, welcoming, and unconventional space.
SPAACES, 2051 Princeton St, Sarasota, FL 34237
This popular gala evening will take place at Michael’s On East in Sarasota, as a part of a weekend of events and programs surrounding this distinguished national prize. This elegant dinner heralds the jury-selected recipient of this prestigious recognition, which will be awarded in the discipline of visual art. The Hermitage Greenfield Prize (HGP) is a nationally renowned commission awarded by the Hermitage Artist Retreat in partnership with the Greenfield Foundation; the $35,000 award rotates annually between visual art, theater, and music. The 2026 HGP winner’s newly commissioned work will have its first public exhibition in Sarasota in the spring of 2028.
Michael's On East, 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
Toss some fun into your Thursday! Join us at Waterside Place for a fun morning of Casual Cornhole! Whether you’re a cornhole pro or a newbie, don’t miss this chance to show off your tossing skills and have a blast with friends! Grab a partner or go solo, we’ve got enough beanbags and boards to keep everyone entertained!
Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch, 7500 Island Cove Terrace Lakewood Ranch , FL 34240
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
This long-term installation in Gallery 10 of the Museum of Art showcases five outstanding examples of 17th-century Dutch painting on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Featuring a dramatic seascape, an expansive landscape, and captivating portraits set in detailed interiors, this exhibition offers a window into the vibrant artistic production of the Netherlands as the small nation rose to global prominence in the 17th century. The five exceptional paintings from the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, complement The Ringling's holdings of Dutch art and provide additional perspective on the artistry, historical significance, and continuing appeal of Dutch painting from this period.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Mayer explores the impact of technology on the human body through this interactive sculpture series. Slumpies invites viewers to sit and slump on these sculptures, much like furniture, and find a place of comfort while using their technological devices.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Juana Romani (1867–1924) was one of the most fascinating and successful painters in late-nineteenth-century Paris. Born in Italy, Juana—whose given name was Giovanna Carlesimo—moved to Paris with her mother and stepfather at the age of ten. She took up painting, studying under the well-known painters Jean-Jacques Henner (1829–1905) and Ferdinand Roybet (1840–1920). Romani quickly earned both critical praise and significant fame for her deftly painted, richly colorful depictions of strong, sensual women adorned in lavish textiles.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
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