The training at Sarasota’s EVO Gymnastics is constant. The facility is home to some of the top gymnasts in the world, from Olympic medalists like Brody Malone and Stephen Nedoroscik to world champions such as Donnell Whittenburg and aspiring elite-level junior athletes. On Tuesday, December 9, however the facility welcomed a different group of trainees: puppies from Dogs Inc, the Palmetto-based non-profit specializing in training and raising elite working dogs, including guide, service and therapy dogs at no cost to the recipients.

The dogs, Labrador Retrievers all around six months old, were not only a welcome respite from the intense training of the men’s elite and junior elite teams at EVO, but recipients of a particular kind of training themselves. A crucial part of being a guide or service dog is having the ability to adapt to the outside world—unfamiliar sights, sounds or stimuli cannot distract the dog from performing its duty.

“This is a unique socialization opportunity for our dogs,” says Jenni Scamardo, a puppy raising advisor with Dogs Inc. “There are different sights and sounds, different textures on the floor here, which is all a valuable experience for these guys to prepare for their future careers beyond us. This socialization also correlates to the real world, where they’ll hear similar noises to these and it helps them learn how to continue to build confidence and resiliency.”

Scamardo, who was handling Oatmeal, a six-month old ball of wiggly energy and affability, was analyzing the dog’s ability to acclimate to what is initially an overstimulating environment. “We’re looking for how quickly does the dog recover and feel confident in an unfamiliar environment, so that we can generalize that to anywhere that we are. With Oatmeal, we’re working on having duration in lower key environments and then progressing to medium and higher traffic environments,” says Scamardo. “When the gymnasts started doing their routines and the floor began to shake, she was like that’s different, and quickly realized that it was okay. Now she hears slamming and feels the shaking all around the gym and doesn’t have any concern with it, which is very positive to see from her.”

The draw for athletes to come to EVO is simple: if you want to be the best, you have to train with the best. Preparing to be a world champion or make the next national team is an intense process, not just physically, but mentally as well. “I’m looking at the full preparation of our athletes, which is the emotional and mental component of their performance,” says Syque Cesar, Head Coach of the Men’s Senior Elite team at EVO. “Everybody is incredibly focused here and stress levels are high—with the puppies here, you’ll see more smiles than you would on a typical day, which is good for me.” 

A service dog trainee stands at attention at EVO Gymnastics. Provided photo.

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he Sarasota Shell Club is expanding its annual shell show for 2026! Seashell collectors and enthusiasts, beachcombers and artisans of all ages are invited to attend what is now being called the 2026 Sarasota Shell and Marine Life Festival. The new and larger two-day event will be held Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7 in the Potter Building and in a second, adjacent building at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, 2896 Ringling Boulevard in Sarasota, Florida. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days. Guests receive a free bag of shells with their paid admission fee. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for students ages 12-18. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. * CASH ONLY for admission at the entrance please, no credit cards will be accepted for admission. 

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Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce that Mr. Ryan Shurley has been selected as the new Principal of North Port High School. Mr. Shurley brings more than 15 years of experience as an educator and school leader within Sarasota County Schools, with a proven record of strengthening school culture, improving instructional outcomes, and supporting students and staff at every level. Most recently, he served as Assistant Principal of Curriculum at Venice High School, where he led strategic instructional initiatives, supervised advanced academic programs, and guided schoolwide improvement efforts that resulted in measurable gains in student achievement, acceleration, and graduation rates. We are excited to welcome Mr. Shurley into this role and look forward to his leadership at North Port High School as he works alongside students, staff, and families to continue building a culture of excellence, belonging, and high expectations for all.  

For the first time since 2023, the iconic Blue Man Group will travel across the United States performing at premier venues in major cities including Sarasota at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. On January 13-14, local audiences will rock, laugh and party as three bald and blue characters explore the world and discover music, comedy and surprises at every turn. Tickets start at $56 and can be purchased at VanWezel.org, by calling 941-263-6799 or by visiting the Veteran Air Box Office at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Grab and go dining options are available through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Select shows may have dinner service available. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the Veteran Air Box Office. 

Ringling College of Art and Design announced receipt of a strategic partnership grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, totaling $65,000. Through its various avenues, Ringling College will continue to spark creativity in the Sarasota community, thanks to the support of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Funding for the strategic partnership grant comes from the Community Foundation's Dianne Rice Logsdon Charitable Fund, Evelyn R. Talbert Unrestricted Fund, Robert E. and Lynn Cook Charitable Fund and Leslie and Margaret Weller Fund.

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Some students at Alta Vista Elementary School and their families, did not recognize their own classroom when they walked through the doors on Friday. Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) joined the Education Foundation of Sarasota County and Sarasota County Schools to celebrate the completion of the STEM Classroom Makeover at Alta Vista Elementary School in Sarasota. The $50,000 grant from FPL allowed Alta Vista Elementary to incorporate cutting-edge technology, including brand-new interactive Earth science tools and digital fabrication equipment to create an immersive learning experience. The redesigned classroom now boasts new STEM technology to help enhance student engagement and foster creativity. To mark this significant milestone, the partners hosted a ceremony at Alta Vista Elementary School to showcase the transformed classroom and witness the positive impact of education in the lives of local students. To learn more about FPL’s educational offerings, please visit www.FPL.com/Education. 

Pictured: Alta Vista Elementary School in Sarasota welcomed students and their families to present its newly renovated STEM laboratory on Friday, Dec. 12. The school acquired state-of-the-art interactive Earth science instruments and digital fabrication

 Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is pleased to announce the results of the agency’s Ninth Annual Holiday Toy Drive. From December 1 through December 15, citizens, local businesses, and Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) members, brought or shipped toys and gift cards to the agency’s headquarters to benefit children enrolled in the 12th Judicial Circuit’s Florida Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) program and our two additional community partners, Sarasota Teen Court, and All Star Children’s Foundation. Gifts were collected at two locations this year, SCSO headquarters and the South County Office, for children ranging from newborn to 18 years old who reside in Sarasota, Manatee, or DeSoto counties. The agency exceeded its goals by collecting a new high of 2960 gifts this year, including $3,155 in gift cards. On Monday, Sarasota Teen Court and All Star Children’s Foundation sent representatives to collect the gifts needed for the children they serve. On Tuesday, sheriff’s office personnel made the official delivery to the GAL offices in downtown Sarasota, where guardians will select and distribute individual gifts for children under their care. 

After two months of serving fresh, healthy eats to the Wellen Park community, Bowled Co. officially celebrated its Grand Opening on Thursday, December 4th — and the turnout exceeded every expectation. A line of excited guests began forming an hour before doors opened, setting the tone for an unforgettable celebration of community, flavor, and wellness. The first 100 customers received a FREE $10 gift card, and all guests enjoyed $5 bowls, prize wheel giveaways, and an energetic, welcoming atmosphere. While the promotions drew a crowd, the true highlight of the evening was the opportunity for the Bowled Co. team to personally connect with the community they are so proud to serve.  Bowled Co. is known for its vibrant, health-forward menu featuring salads, smoothies, açaí bowls, rice bowls, grain bowls, and wraps — offering something for every lifestyle. Whether someone is gluten-free, keto, pescatarian, or simply craving something fresh, Bowled Co. delivers a menu guests can feel good about.  

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