SRQ DAILY Dec 4, 2025
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"I would like to be a big leader here and help the younger guys drive the team forward."
Garrett McLaughlin wanted to play on grass. In 2026, the 28-year-old forward will get his wish. McLaughlin, the first professional player to sign with Sarasota Paradise ahead of the team’s inaugural USL League One season, will play his home matches on Premier Sports Campus’s Bermuda-seeded grass field.
“Growing up from high school to club soccer, 95% of my games were on grass,” says McLaughlin, who played for League One’s Forward Madison FC in 2025. “This is no shade to my last club, but we trained and played on our game field that was artificial turf and it was just brutal on my body, it took me twice as long to recover. I know that when I’m on grass, I’m more confident in my abilities and my body will thank me for it.”
McLaughlin, who hails from Oklahoma City, brings quite the pedigree to Sarasota. At Southern Methodist University, he was a three-time All-AAC Conference selection, scoring 36 goals and notching 12 assists. Upon beginning his professional career in 2020, McLaughlin turned himself into one of the top scoring threats in the USL system, earning multiple All-League One honors and ranks near the top of League One in all-time goals scored with 34. In 2023, McLaughlin hoisted the League One Final trophy with North Carolina FC.
While McLaughlin is as proven a scoring threat as one can be, his style of play has shifted slightly in the past few years. “My game has evolved in the last couple of years—I love scoring goals—but I also really enjoy assisting my teammates. At the end of the day, I feel just as accomplished if I can get an assist or we win a game 3-0 and I don’t have any contributions on the stat sheet,” says McLaughlin. “One thing I’ve always tried to do is just work my butt off and never give up, which I’m looking forward to doing here.”
More than just his on-field presence, McLaughlin also hopes to impact the team off the field. The League One season is a grind, typically running from March through November, including the playoffs. To be successful requires more than just the X’s and O’s—it demands a high level of chemistry between the players, which McLaughlin looks forward to building with his teammates. “For a first-year club, there is going to be a lot of learning, which requires patience. I would like to be a big leader here and help the younger guys drive the team forward,” says McLaughlin. 
Garrett McLaughlin is one of USL League One's all-time scorers. Provided photo.
The Tervis Store, a retail store that offers a variety of products from the brand's portfolio, including tumblers, mugs, water bottles, accessories and products from TervisHome, recently announced the return of its beloved tent sale. Beginning Friday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 7, shoppers can visit the company’s last remaining retail store at 928 S. Tamiami Trail in Osprey, Florida to take advantage of the lowest prices of the year, with tumblers beginning at $8. The sale will take place under a tent on the south side of The Tervis Store’s parking lot.
Registration is open for the winter 2026 semester at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College, which offers noncredit educational opportunities for adults to pursue new interests, expand intellectual horizons, and enrich their lives. The semester, which runs Jan. 12-March 6, 2026, features more than 80 classes, events, and programs covering a wide variety of topics, including arts and entertainment, history, music appreciation, health, literature, philosophy, religion, and science. Semester highlights include A Guided Tour Through the Universe; The First Amendment; Forgotten Operas; On the Road to Health in 90 Days; Ballet: Beyond the Curtain; the seventh annual Listening to Women; Fragrances Through the Decades; and a screening of “Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire.” OLLI at Ringling College is located in the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. To register, or for information about becoming an OLLI member, visit OLLIatRinglingCollege.org or call 941-309-5111.
A new holiday tradition is taking root in Southwest Florida as the inaugural Wellen Park Holiday Festival of the Arts makes its debut on December 13–14, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, on the Downtown Wellen Great Lawn at 19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, FL. Admission is free to this vibrant celebration of artistry, craftsmanship, and community. Presented by Paragon Festivals, the two-day event transforms Wellen Park into a stunning open-air gallery, featuring original, handmade works by exceptional artisans from across Florida and the United States. Guests can explore an array of media including painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, wood, fiber, and wearable art — each piece a reflection of creativity and passion. With Wellen Park’s signature sense of community and creativity, the festival promises an experience that feels both sophisticated and welcoming — a perfect weekend for families, collectors, and art enthusiasts alike.
Coastal Orthopedics, a full-service provider of comprehensive orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, spine care, diagnostic imaging and physical therapy service, recently announced that Dr. Steven Schafer, board certified orthopedic surgeon, was recognized by Southeast High School for 25 years of serving as team doctor for the school’s football team.During Southeast High School’s game against Aubrey Rogers on Friday, Oct. 31, John Karl, Southeast High School’s certified athletic trainer, called attention to the 50-yard line to thank Dr. Schafer with a personalized plaque for his dedication to the health and wellbeing of the school’s athletes. In addition to serving as the team physician for Southeast High School, Dr. Schafer and the team at Coastal Orthopedics also provide support for the Pittsburgh Pirates, U.S. Soccer Team, IMG Academies and State College of Florida.
Thousands of young students across Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties experienced the power of kindness and respect November 13 and 18 through Embracing Our Differences’ annual Bucket Fillers Reading Days, a literacy initiative inspired by the acclaimed “Bucket Fillers” series of children’s books by Venice author Carol McCloud. The series teaches children that everyone carries an “invisible bucket” that is filled through simple acts of kindness, empathy, and appreciation—and emptied by unkind words or actions. This year marked a milestone as the initiative expanded to Pinellas County on November 13 and continued in Sarasota and Manatee counties on November 18, creating a region-wide celebration of compassion and inclusion.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is pleased to announce that the official Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase Two of its transformative three-phase Master Plan for the Downtown Sarasota campus took place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. With hundreds of supporters in attendance, the ceremony welcomed the organization’s trustees, advisory committee members, donors, government officials, and members of the press and media. The program opened with a performance of “America the Beautiful” by Key Chorale, followed by remarks from Katherine Martucci (Chair, Board of Trustees); Jennifer O. Rominiecki (President & CEO of Selby Gardens); Commissioner Kyle Battie (Sarasota City Commission); Phase Two Campaign Chairs Dr. Gail Morrison Morganroth and Selby Gardens’ Trustee Audrey Robbins; Richard Roark (OLIN); Jerry Sparkman (Sweet Sparkman); and John LaCivita (Willis Smith Construction). To date, Phase Two has reached 92% of the necessary funding, with a grand total of over $121 million raised for the entire Project.
The Venice Symphony Big Band revived the golden age of swing at the Symphony’s recent Jukebox Brunch — and raised more than $45,000 in the process. More than 170 guests gathered at Plantation Golf & Country Club, sipping mocktails and signature cocktails as they enjoyed classic hits by Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Artie Shaw and other swing-era legends. Guests posed for photos and took part in interactive opportunities, including the Live Jukebox Request Wall, where tiered donations allowed attendees to choose the Big Band’s setlist. Supporters selected favorite tunes, dedicated songs to loved ones, and even arranged for musicians to serenade their table. To learn more, visit thevenicesymphony.org
The Western Front Christmas. A German soldier sets down his rifle and steps in No Man's Land, singing "Silent Night." Thus begins an extraordinary night of fellowship, music, and peace, told in the words and the songs of the men who lived it. Peter Rothstein's salute to unsung heroes of The Great War returns to the Historic Asolo Theatre after a sell-out run last season.
Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
PMP Suncoast hosts the PMP Winter Residency for young musical prodigies ages 14-20+ who play the violin, viola, cello and bass. The program provides valuable mentoring and performance opportunities for young, promising musicians from all over the world. PMP’s world-class faculty, led by acclaimed violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman, oversee a curriculum of solo, chamber music, and orchestral repertoire at the highest level.
One of the most awarded off-Broadway premieres of 2024, Eboni Booth's absorbing, funny, and ultimately profound new play is about a middle-aged man scraping by in small town America. Kenneth spends his days working in a quiet bookstore and his evenings sipping Mai Tais at the local tiki bar, but when he loses his job, he's forced to confront a world he's long avoided. A deceptively ordinary story about the extraordinary possibility inside each of us.
Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Celebrate the legendary artistry of Lino Tagliapietra—widely regarded as the world’s foremost living glass artist. With a career spanning over seven decades, Tagliapietra has transformed the centuries-old traditions of Venetian glassblowing into a dynamic and expressive contemporary art form. Renowned for his unparalleled technique, vibrant color palettes, and sculptural finesse, Tagliapietra’s work bridges history and innovation. This landmark exhibition features over 40 exquisite works by Tagliapietra, offering a rare opportunity to experience the full breadth of his mastery.
Galleries of Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
This is a one-of-a-kind circus event you’ll only find in Sarasota. Thousands of fifth grade students rave about this program, and now it’s your turn to experience this circus science spectacle. Explore the world of science through life-size cause-and-effect
circus machines.
Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, FL 34239
Alan Brasington’s childhood memories seen through the wisdom, wit, and whimsy of Alice in Wonderland. Alan Brasington is a graduate of the NY State University at New Paltz and, through a Rotary Club International Fellowship to England, The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Alan’s career spans many years on Broadway and regional stages. He taught Shakespeare and Restoration Comedy at Syracuse University and writes and records on the internet for Steinbeck Now.
SCD Home Studio, 1400 Blvd of the Arts, Ste 300, Sarasota, FL, 34236
Beethoven’s Sonata in E-flat major for Violin and Piano, Op. 12, No. 3. String Trio in D major, Op. 9, No. 2. Piano Trio in B-flat major, Op. 97, “The Archduke.”
Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231
This historical group exhibition revisits the creative legacy of the Sarasota Artist Colony—a vibrant and visionary community of artists who helped shape the region’s post-war cultural identity and laid the groundwork for Sarasota’s emergence as a thriving arts destination. Drawn to the Gulf Coast for its climate, light and Ringling School of Art, these painters, printmakers, and educators established studios, taught classes, and exhibited widely, fostering a collaborative spirit that flourished between 1945 and 1965. Origins is a visual tribute to this remarkable era—highlighting the innovation, camaraderie, and enduring influence of the colony’s members.
Galleries of Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
Art Center Sarasota's Annual Juried Members Show fills all four galleries in celebration of our Centennial Season. This inclusive, unthemed exhibition showcases the diverse talents of our member artists across a wide range of styles and mediums, from bold abstractions to detailed realism. With guaranteed inclusion for all who submit, the show reflects our commitment to accessibility, creativity, and the vibrant spirit that has defined our community for 100 years.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Join us for the Sarasota Opera's highly celebrated Annual Gala, themed "Winter in Paris." Be immersed in the splendor of the City of Lights while enjoying an evening of mingling, fine cuisine, and dancing. Proceeds from the event and paddle raise will support our Youth Opera & Education programs. We invite you to be part of this elegant experience inspired by the Sarasota Opera's 67th Winter Opera Festival and its opening performance of La bohème. Guests are encouraged to dress in chic, boutique Parisian black-tie (optional) attire.
The Ora Ballroom, 578 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
A vibrant celebration of Spanish and Latin music that will transport you to the heart of culture and rhythm. Experience the fiery passion of Chabrier’s España, the sultry elegance of Márquez’s Danzón No. 2, and the soulful Concierto de Aranjuez with Grammy-award winning guest artist Sharon Isbin on guitar. It will be hard to stay off your feet with a spirited Suite from the animated feature Coco!
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave Building 5, Venice, FL 34285
The Motown Sound is now over 60 years old but it remains current and brings excitement and unforgettable memories for several generations of music lovers. The unique style of these groups composed of golden voices, extraordinary musicians and memorable choreography represent the very best of Hitsville and Detroit, MI.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
The Big Top returns to Nathan Benderson Park with an all-new international circus cast. From edge-of-your-seat stunts to timeless circus classics, Circus Sarasota brings the world’s best right to your backyard.
Big Top at UTC, 195 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL 34243
Classical music is like a love potion, it stirs emotions and makes connections stronger. This Salut D’amour concert makes for the best romantic date night for Valentine’s weekend.
Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, FL 34285
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