SRQ DAILY Dec 11, 2025
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"I could not have done what I've done without the amazing nonprofit leaders and the philanthropists who support those organizations."
SRQ Magazine presented the 2025 Giving Coast and Good Hero Awards luncheon and panel discussion on Wednesday, December 10, at Michael's on East. The annual event brought together nonprofit organizations, community foundations, individual and corporate donors and civic leaders to celebrate and elevate the spirit of giving that drives our region forward.
Wes Roberts, Executive Publisher of SRQ Magazine, host and co-moderator opened the program and gave thanks to the event’s host sponsor, Michael’s On East, trophy sponsor, Ken Levanti of Sarasota Trophy & Awards, floral sponsor, Chante DeMoustes of Tropical Interiors Florists, giving tree Sponsor, Troy’s Tropics, youth good hero award Sponsor, Children First and good hero lifetime achievement award sponsor, Mariner Wealth Management. He then asked Keynote Speaker, Mark Brewer, President and CEO of the Central Florida Foundation to take the stage.
Featured panelists representing community and private foundations in our region were invited to take part in a discussion moderated by Roberts. This year’s panelists were Wendy Deming of Bishop-Parker Foundation, Veronica Thames of Manatee Community Foundation, Pam Kandziora of IMPACT100 SRQ, Omar Guevara-Soto of Charles and Margery Baranick Foundation, Cheri Coryea of The Patterson Foundation, Kirsten Russell of Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Phillip P. Lanham of Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Elizabeth Power of William G. and Marie Selby Foundation.
Ashley Grant, SRQ’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement, presented this year’s Good Hero Lifetime Achievement Award to Teri A. Hansen, President/CEO of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. Hansen manages the daily work of Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation as it strives to make a meaningful difference in Sarasota and beyond. She was hired as the Foundation’s first employee in July 2015. In March 2025, she announced her plans to retire. “I could not have done what I’ve done without the amazing nonprofit leaders and the philanthropists who support those organizations,” she said. “I am grateful to you all for the work that you do and I’m excited to watch you continue it.”
Grant then presented the Good Hero Philanthropic Awards to the very special individuals from all areas of the independent sector who have made a difference in our community. “SRQ Magazine’s Good Hero Philanthropic Awards Celebration is a place to share impactful stories about the spirit of philanthropy and to recognize individuals who make a difference in our community,” she said. “Together, we will recognize some very special individuals nominated by you and our readers, from all areas of the independent sector. We celebrate individuals who represent the staff, philanthropists, board members and corporate good heroes that make giving back part of their personal mission.” 
Pictured (l-r): Teri Hansen, President and CEO of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation with Wes Roberts, Executive Publisher of SRQ Magazine. Photo by Daniel Wagner or Wagner Visuals.
In a vacuum, five kilometers is not a very far distance. Equating to just over three miles, people run “5K’s” all the time. What the average person doesn’t do, however, is swim that distance. It’s a good thing then that the competitors in this Saturday’s race at Nathan Benderson Park are anything but average. On December 13, the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA)—in conjunction with Visit Sarasota County (VSC) and Nathan Benderson Park—will host the 2025 CSCAA Open Water National Championship at the park.
The Championship, which will include around 240 swimmers from NCAA Divisions I, II, III and NAIA programs from across the nation, is divided into a men’s and women’s race, both five kilometers in length. The top five finishers in each gender will earn invites to the USA Swimming 5K Open Water Championships, which will return to Nathan Benderson Park in April 2026.
“Open water swimming is not yet an NCAA-sanctioned sport,” says Maureen Palchak, chief operations officer of CSCAA. “Open water swimming has grown since USA Swimming debuted the open water marathon swim. It’s an awesome opportunity for college swimmers to try something different in a sport where they only spend time in the pool—it’s like trail running versus running on a treadmill. It gives you an appreciation for the sport all over again.”
The collegiate swimming season begins in September and ends in March, but typically includes a break in the early winter before the championship season ramps up in February. Saturday’s race will give swimmers the chance to face competition they otherwise would never see in a pool. “Last year, a swimmer from Grand Valley State University, a Division II school, was the winner on the men’s side. It’s unpredictable—the race isn’t the 50-meter free style that everybody is familiar with—the open water aspect levels the playing field,” says Palchak.
For the team at VSC, hosting the Open Water National Championship is just another step in continuing to grow Sarasota County as a destination for sporting events. “A big part of what we do is identifying and finding sporting events that fit our facilities and the culture of the sports that we’ve brought in,” says Nate Sweetman, VSC’s sports marketing manager. “I believe we’re expecting a little over 500 people in total here for this event, which gives us a great benchmark for how we can grow and improve it in the future.”
CSCAA’s Open Water National Championship, December 13, Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota
Nathan Benderson Park. Provided photo.
Global icon and Artist in Residence at Selby Gardens, Patti Smith, returns with a special performance at Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus on January 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The one-hour performance, An Evening with Patti Smith Dedicated to Robert Louis Stevenson: A Child’s Garden of Verses, is a celebration of the current exhibition inspired and narrated by Patti Smith, Robert Louis Stevenson: A Child’s Garden of Verses, on view at Historic Spanish Point through August 30, 2026. Advance tickets for the performance will go on sale for Selby Gardens’ Members on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. To purchase tickets or to become a member, visit selby.org.
Wellen Park fosters yuletide magic during the inaugural Holiday Festival of the Arts, featuring fine artwork by Floridian and national artists Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Festival-goers will enjoy meeting the artists behind the work and learning about their inspirations and techniques while shopping and browsing paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, glasswork, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media creations, woodwork and more. Artists are also available for commissioned work personalized to the tastes of individual buyers. Downtown Wellen’s retail boutiques, restaurants and businesses will also be open during the festival. For more information about the Wellen Park Holiday Festival of the Arts, visit wellenpark.com/events/holiday-festival-of-the-arts.
A pack of world-class stunt dogs is heading to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall when Mutts Gone Nuts – Unleashed takes the stage for a laugh-out-loud performance the whole family will love. Featuring a dozen of the most talented four-legged performers in the country, this action-packed canine comedy show has been delighting audiences across the nation—and it’s Sarasota’s turn to join the fun. Mutts Gone Nuts – Unleashed plays the Van Wezel on Saturday, January 10 at 1 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Future updates on shows and productions can be found on the Van Wezel’s website and through social media on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. Mutts Gone Nuts – Unleashed is locally sponsored by Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue. Nate’s will have adoptable dogs in the Van Wezel lobbies before the show.
The magic of the season came alive as more than 25,000 spectators filled downtown Sarasota for the 2025 Sarasota Holiday Parade, making it the largest attended parade in the region and one of the most memorable nights in the event’s history. For the community, the Sarasota Holiday Parade is more than just floats and festivities — it’s a cherished tradition that unites generations and reminds everyone of the joy, generosity, and wonder of the holidays. For Rae, a joyful 7-year-old, the parade holds a very special meaning. Presenting Sponsor, Sunset Cadillac of Sarasota, truly helped elevate the entire evening from the very start. Once again, fan-favorite emcees Jeffery Kin and Joey Panek brought energy, warmth, and sparkle to the evening, guiding the crowd through the festivities with their signature charm and enthusiasm. The parade is proudly organized by Sarasota Holiday Celebration, Inc., a small nonprofit 501(c)(3), and is 100% funded by community sponsorships and support — proof that this magical night is truly powered by the people of Sarasota.
Troy’s Tropics was born from a landscaper’s deep understanding of Florida’s environment. After years designing and installing landscapes, Troy Williams recognized the need for healthier, locally grown plants — a vision that became reality with the opening of his family-run nursery in 1985. The community embraced the business, and over time, Troy’s Tropics grew into much more than a nursery. The revitalized Landscape Division, long-term maintenance programs, and the launch of a Wholesale Division expanded its reach across Sarasota’s green industry. With irrigation and lighting services added, the company now delivers complete outdoor solutions from design to installation and ongoing care. After transforming the historic Proctor Road nursery into its headquarters, Troy’s Tropics became a true destination for plant lovers and professionals alike. Nearly 40 years later, the mission remains unchanged: grow great plants, build great landscapes, and serve the community with heart.
For 23 years, Embracing Our Differences has delighted viewers with its annual outdoor display of 50 billboard-sized works of art and accompanying quotations. This high-profile art exhibition draws on the passion and perception of artists, students, and writers, to create powerful visual works and written statements of inclusion, kindness and respect. The scale and impact of this open-air art show has continued to grow, attracting more than 5.2 million visitors since its inception. Embracing Our Differences’ 2026 exhibitions run January 17-April 19, 2026, in Bayfront Park, Sarasota; and March 7-April 12, 2026, in Poynter Park, St. Petersburg. Sarasota’s opening event is Saturday, January 17, 1-4 p.m., at Bayfront Park in downtown Sarasota. St. Petersburg’s opening event is Saturday, March 7, 1-4 p.m., at Poynter Park. The events will feature live music performances, interactive family-friendly activities and displays by area nonprofits.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is delighted to produce Snow White, an imaginative retelling of a classic story created by Greg Banks. The third show in FST’s 2025-26 Children’s Theatre Series, this beloved fairytale opens January 3 and runs through February 1, 2026, in FST’s Keating Theatre.
This exhibition highlights contemporary Native design, craftwork, and art that employ the formal and aesthetic elements of abstraction as meaningful motifs and coded tools of Indigenous expression to communicate tribal cultures and histories, ancestral knowledge, and the lived experiences of the artists and their communities. Explored in a variety of media, including basket weaving, beadwork, collage, clay, textiles, photography, metalwork, and printmaking rooted in ancestral technologies, their work shares similar stylistic and social concerns, such as vibrant color, hard-edged geometries, curvilinear patterns, and bold mark-making, all infused with personal stories and those of their kin.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Wednesdays, 10am. Go back in time to the 1920’s in Sarasota to hear from three leading ladies (Bertha Palmer, Marie Selby and Mable Ringling) as portrayed by Kathryn Chesley, who shaped Sarasota into a cultural icon.
Think while you drink! Gather your friends, co-workers or family and join us for a fun-filled evening. Prizes and specials each night. Monday – Wednesday at 7:30pm. Gecko’s on Clark – Monday ; Gecko’s on SR64 & Stickney Point – Tuesday ; Gecko’s on Hillview – Wednesday.
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
Enjoy music, theater, literature, and more as part of the “Hermitage Sunsets at Benderson Park” series. Each hour-long program features selections of work, as well as candid and engaging conversations. The first event in this series will be the “2025 Hermitage Cross Arts Collaborative,” featuring Shawn Allison (ensembleNew SRQ) and Tom Lubben (Key Chorale).
Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235
Lights in Bloom will feature more than two million lights illuminating the gardens and walkways of our Downtown Sarasota campus and is a fun holiday tradition that offers photo opportunities, activities, and entertainment.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236
We are thrilled to partner with Southside Elementary School to bring you an afternoon filled with festive fun. Enjoy a bounce house, delicious hot cocoa, exciting giveaways, and raffles, plus a special visit from Santa himself! Bring the whole family for an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer and community spirit. Let's celebrate the season together and make cherished memories! Don’t miss out on this fun-filled event!
Gecko's Grill & Pub, 1900 Hillview St, Sarasota, FL 34239
Celebrate over 75 years of Sarasota circus tradition with the beloved Sailor Circus Holiday Show. It’s a festive holiday showcase of local student performers (ages 6 - 18), featuring everything from heart-stopping hand balancing to the soaring thrills of the flying trapeze.
Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, FL 34239
Join FST Improv for the best games, sketches, and more of 2025! Our cast has put together a lineup of the audience’s favorite games of the year to provide you with a comedic retrospective.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Experience a story that speaks to the heart. Terms of Endearment is a deeply moving, beautifully human play that explores the complex, unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter. Follow the journey of Aurora, a fiercely independent mother, and Emma, her equally spirited daughter, as they navigate the highs and lows of life—love, heartbreak, laughter, and loss—together.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
It’s January 2020. Jane has been placed on leave from her Big Tech job after a viral workplace incident. She’s hell-bent on returning, but first, her assigned therapist, Loyd, needs to authorize it. A tightly wound psychological thriller, Job zooms in on two careerists of different generations, genders, and paradigms to examine what it means to be a citizen of the internet.
Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota, FL 34236
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
When President Kennedy vowed to put a man on the moon, the task landed in the hands of a band of maverick engineers – once the misfits of American science. With no rulebook, they embraced “blue-skying,” drawing inspiration from Buck Rogers, Greek myths, Louis Leakey, and even Snoopy and the Red Baron.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Enjoy Handel’s iconic Hallelujah Chorus, The Trumpet Shall Sound, and the monumental finale Worthy is the Lamb sung expertly by our Chamber Singers and a cast of world-class soloists. Hear the Rest of the Story. While Part 1, the Christmas Portion of Handel’s immortal Messiah, has become a holiday tradition, rarely can one experience the breathtaking music in Parts 2 and 3.
Church of the Redeemer, 222 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Tradition Reimagined brings together a diverse group of Illustration Department faculty whose practices are rooted in traditional painting techniques while actively challenging and expanding their boundaries. This group exhibition celebrates the enduring power of representational art while highlighting each artist’s unique approach to storytelling, process and visual interpretation.
Galleries of Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
Violinist Blake Pouliot has performed with orchestras throughout North and South America and Europe. His decade-long collaborator is pianist Henry Kramer. Together, they present a program devoted to the influence of art song on instrumental music, including selections by Schumann and Chausson, Pouliot’s own arrangement of Dvořák’s Zigeunerlieder, and music from the opera Carmen.
Fischer/Weisenborne Residence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Court, Sarasota FL 34241
Counterpoint is a collaboration between pianist and composer Conrad Tao and choreographer and dancer Caleb Teicher. The duo explores the dichotomy of their different perspectives and artistic practices, expanding their individual expressive capacity through a collective experience. Harmonic, rhythmic, and theatrical counterpoint between the artists seeks to map out constellations linking their disparate traditions.
Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
If you are oyster curious or just craving the fresh coastal seafood & hand-crafted cocktails from your new Rosemary District favorite, join us at Lefty's for our daily Happy Hours Monday - Friday from 4 pm - 6 pm and our Late Night Happy Hours every night from 9:00-Close. With seafood offerings from the Steamer and Buck-A-Shucks on oysters plus our extensive wine, specialty and seasonal cocktails and draft beers, Lefty's has your recipe to get happier and explore our menus. Join us every day for Lunch, Happy Hours or Dinner and for our downtown neighbors and Hospitality industry colleagues, we'll have live music and keep the light on for you on the weekends!
Lefty's Oyster and Seafood Bar, 428 N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Cask & Ale on Main Street lifts a toast & taps a toe to our fabulous Brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 - 3:00 with live Jazz during Sunday Brunch from Noon - 4:00. We offer a diverse chef-prepared menu with a full spread of Brunch delectables + our rotating Chef's Special menu, bottomless Mimosas and a wide selection of craft cocktails. Cask & Ale Liquor Locker owners enjoy the benefit of reservations for tables, holidays or special occasions! Continue the good vibes to make the most of your weekend. Voted Best Cocktails by SRQ Magazine!
Cask & Ale, 1548 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
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
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
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
SRQ DAILY is a daily e-newsletter produced by SRQ MEDIA. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. The views expressed by individuals are their own, and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SRQ DAILY includes content excerpted from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Robinson Valverde at 941-365-7702 x703 or via email |
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