There is a certain magic around youth sports, a feeling that sticks around with those who’ve played far after their time on the team has passed. Whether they are indelible memories of the dirt swirling around a Little League field, mud squishing under cleats on the soccer field or the sharp crack of pads colliding in a Pop Warner game, those moments will live on in the hearts of those who have played. This December, the members of the Sarasota Sun Devils 14U football team made some memories that they will be sure to cherish forever.

From December 8-13, the Sun Devils—a youth football and cheer organization started in 1987—competed in the American Youth Football National Championships in Naples, Florida. The Sun Devils, which had secured a berth to the tournament by winning its regional championship in November, played against teams from New Jersey, Virginia and California in the All-American Division 2 bracket. Led by head coach Bill Weiser and assistant coach Joshua Smithers—the former head coach and a current assistant coach on Riverview High School’s football team—the Sun Devils overcame an initial 18-2 loss to the Toms River Warriors to win two successive games en route to placing third in the national championships.

“We had games on Monday and Wednesday of that week guaranteed, and depending on the outcome, we would play on Friday,” says Smithers, who served as offensive coordinator. “I’m not sure if our kids were just nervous, but we lost to Toms River on Monday 18-2 and I thought to myself, ‘this might be a long day on Wednesday.’”

The Sun Devils rallied, however, defeating Richmond’s RVA United 20-18 in the consolation bracket before squaring with San Francisco’s Bay Area Gators for a shot at third place. Despite the Gators being as physical and well-coached a team as the Sun Devils had faced all season, Sarasota was able to pull out the victory, 32-21. A strong receiving group and the complimentary skill sets of the Sun Devils’ two quarterbacks, Parker Taylor and Beckett Hill, allowed Smithers to scheme up a creative offense. “It was the most that I’ve ever done with a youth football team. We were throwing screens and play action passes, we took advantage of the quick game and were able to run the field as well as push it down the field through the air,” says Smithers. “These kids were able to handle a lot in terms of scheme and play design.”

For Smithers and the rest of the Sun Devils, the end of the season is bittersweet. 14U is the last stop before high school football and much of the team had been playing together for years. “It was a little sad, but I am excited to watch these kids grow into young men and do great things for our area high schools.” 

Provided photo.

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Over the past two months, 11-year-old Stevie Robinson, student at Emma E. Booker Elementary School, has been surrounded by the support of his classmates and school community following his diagnosis with an aggressive form of leukemia. Among those offering support is Amber Rylak, a former Emma E. Booker Elementary School teacher and current development officer for the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. Rylak has remained close to Robinson and his family throughout his hospitalization. On Thursday, Nov. 6, Robinson was rushed to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital after suddenly becoming ill. After a bone marrow test, it was determined he had an aggressive form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. His condition deteriorated rapidly, with leukemia spreading to his brain, and two days later, doctors told the family he had approximately two hours left to live. Since the diagnosis, Rylak has been present at the hospital, meeting with Robinson’s medical team and supporting his parents. Throughout the uncertainty, Robinson’s family, friends and fellow classmates have shown unwavering support, remaining rooted in prayer, faith and belief that his story wasn’t over. His handprint has been on display in the classroom, and classmates give it a high-five each day. On Thursday, Dec. 18, doctors reported that they could no longer detect leukemia in Robinson’s body. He is awake, responsive, moving his arms and legs, and his brain is showing signs of healing. He has been moved out of the ICU and continues to defy medical expectations. While he still faces a road ahead with cognitive and physical therapy, his recovery has left both family and medical staff stunned. “This Christmas season, Stevie’s story is reminding so many in our community that miracles still happen, even when all hope seems lost,” said Rylak. 

Pictured: Stevie Robinson. Provided photo.

A new rhythm is coming to the Suncoast. The Suncoast Reggae Festival makes its debut January 9–11, 2026, transforming the Sarasota Fairgrounds into a laid-back island escape filled with live reggae music, Caribbean-inspired cuisine, artisan shopping, and feel-good community vibes. This pet-friendly, outdoor event invites music lovers, foodies, and families alike to kick off the new year in true island style.

Festival Hours: Friday: 4:00-0pm, Saturday: 11:00am-9pm, Sunday: 111:00am-9pm. No outside food or beverages permitted. 

SPAACES is pleased to present a group exhibition featuring graduating Fine Arts students from Ringling College of Art and Design, Class of 2026. 3140: The Space Between showcases the work of seven emerging artists who explore the nuances of human connection through the lens of their individual experiences.  Each artist brings a distinct approach to medium, craft, and content, offering a rich and varied perspective on what it means to relate, reflect, and create in today’s world. SPAACES takes great pride in supporting emerging artists and in its ongoing collaboration with Joe Fig, Head of the Fine Arts Department at Ringling College of Art and Design, working closely to present thoughtful, rigorous exhibitions that reflect the next generation of contemporary art practice.  

The Hermitage Artist Retreat today announced new programs to kick off the beginning of 2026. Newly announced events include Hermitage Fellow Roger Q. Mason’s exploration of what it means to live in a democracy today at Venice Theatre on Monday, January 12th; a playwright’s look into the modern healthcare system in a panel discussion with 2024 Hermitage Greenfield Prize winner Deepa Purohit as she investigates supporting material for her Hermitage-commissioned play at the Asolo Rep’s Koski Center on Wednesday, January 14th, featuring guest panelists from the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System; and returning Hermitage Fellow and Tony Award-winning performer Britton Smith splitting the bill with celebrated jazz musician and composer Adam O’Farrill at Selby Gardens on January 29th. For more information, visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

Provide unlimited access to our two bayfront sanctuaries 364 days a year through a Selby Gardens membership! With stunning exhibitions and innovative programming, a membership provides meaningful experiences all year long! Members enjoy many benefits such as the opportunity to see exhibitions before the general public, reciprocal membership to hundreds of botanical gardens across the US and Canada, the ability to dine at The Green Orchid by Michael's On East any time, and discounts on events, classes, and shopping! 

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Uncover the daily life, architectural detail, and lasting legacy of the Ringlings and Sarasota in this premier guided experience through Ca’ d’Zan. This tour includes the primary rooms on the first floor and select spaces on the 2nd and 3rd floors of The Ringling’s 1920s waterfront mansion, along with a visit to the Belvedere Tower (weather permitting), which offers one of the best views in Sarasota.

Limited Capacity; 60–70 Minutes, Book today for tours starting January 2, 2026, Daily at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, $40 / $15 for Members.