SRQ DAILY Jan 8, 2026
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"Everything that has happened to me outside of football made me into who I am on the pitch."
When Anderson Rosa was 15 years old, he made a jump. The athletic defender moved from his home country of Brazil to Florida, where he’d attend Montverde Academy, shining on the prep school’s soccer team before going on to have an illustrious career at the University of Central Florida (UCF). “I moved from Brazil to the United States without knowing any English, without my parents or anybody that I knew from back home,” says Rosa. “It was not scary at any point, but it was challenging to leave behind everything that I knew. That experience shaped not only who I am as a person, but my mentality as an athlete—everything that has happened to me outside of football made me into who I am on the pitch.”
Rosa, now 24, is set to make another jump in 2026. On December 18, the Sarasota Paradise announced the signing of Rosa to a professional contract ahead of the team’s inaugural USL League One season, which kicks off this March. “I am very excited to be here on the first professional roster in the club’s history,” says Rosa. “I am a left back, but I like to go forward and help the team on the build up as well. I’m very comfortable with the ball—obviously my role as a defender is the first priority—but I like to help the team attack, score goals and win games as well.”
Two things stand out when examining Rosa’s soccer career: availability and productivity. In his five-year career at UCF—where he earned first team all conference honors twice in the American Athletic Conference and once in the Sun Belt Conference—Rosa failed to miss a single match, breaking the UCF all-time career games played record. “I take really good care of my body. I eat healthily, I prioritize sleep and on my days off I like to rest,” says Rosa. “I’d love to play every game possible this season with Paradise, stay healthy and help the team win.”
In 2023, Rosa was drafted by the Colorado Rapids in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft, electing to return to UCF for his fifth-year before joining the organization in 2025. Rosa competed in two MLS games for the Rapids before making 29 appearances for Rapids 2—Colorado’s developmental team—in MLS NEXT Pro, helping the team win the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference title in 2025. His time in the Rapids organization, Rosa attests, opened his eyes to what it takes to play the sport at the highest level. “I played games with the first team before I even met players from Rapids 2, which was great for my development,” says Rosa. “I understood what it took to play at the MLS level and I was able to translate that mentality into my time with the second team.” 
Anderson Rosa squares up a kick while in the Colorado Rapids organization. Provided picture.
Art Gallery 21 is celebrating 50 years of public art in Broward County with a fabulous new art exhibit that will provide cash prizes to select participating local artists. We'd love to work with you to share the OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS happening this Saturday (10:30am-12pm) as well as Art Gallery 21's first exhibit of 2026 that celebrates five decades and over 200 public art projects, many of which have been brought to our beautiful island city in Wilton Manors. To submit your original artwork for consideration in a future art show, please visit www.ArtGallery21.org. Follow Art Gallery 21 on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for regular updates and announcements.
The 31st Annual Jewish Food Festival will be held at the Jewish Congregation of Venice on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 10am to 3pm. It features mouthwatering corned beef, pastrami sandwiches, chopped liver, knishes, kugels, matzo ball and cabbage soup. All kinds of fresh, homemade, tasty muffins and pastries. Try the new jewelry sale, with inexpensive ways to accessorize your wardrobe. There are many different vendors, and continual entertainment throughout the day. Try your luck at the cash raffle, a day of fun for the family.
600 North Auburn Road, Venice, Overflow parking: Achieva Credit Union 1485 East Venice Ave. Free shuttles to the JCV.
The US Open Pickleball Championships, the largest and most prestigious pickleball tournament in the world, announced the official 2026 Athlete Lottery is scheduled to run January 14–20, 2026. The 2026 event marks the 10-year anniversary of the US Open Pickleball Championships - a decade of growth, competition, community, and unforgettable moments that have helped shape the global pickleball movement. To honor the historic milestone, organizers are planning new athlete experiences, enhanced fan engagement, and special anniversary celebrations throughout tournament week. 2026 Player Lottery Details - Lottery Window: January 14–20, 2026. Who Should Enter: All players seeking to compete in the 2026 US Open Pickleball Championships - including amateur players (juniors, seniors, and wheelchair athletes) and professional players from around the world.
As travelers continue to seek experiences that nourish both skin and spirit, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Sarasota unveils a new signature treatment inspired by the calm, restorative rhythm of the Gulf: Tranquility by the Bay. Blending two of the most talked-about wellness trends, skin-barrier repair and sense-of-place travel (Business Research Company, Travel Market Report), the treatment invites guests to slow down, unwind, and reconnect with Sarasota’s coastal surroundings. Rooted in the region’s natural elements, it embodies the modern “why-cation,” where relaxation meets purpose and place. Crafted with VOYA Organic Beauty products made from hand-harvested seaweed on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, the ritual draws from centuries-old Irish bathing traditions. Rich in antioxidants and minerals, VOYA’s sustainably sourced seaweed helps detoxify, hydrate, and restore the skin for a naturally radiant finish.
The Van Wezel Education and Community Engagement Department is excited to announce the return of Golden Groovers, the popular dance class series created specifically for senior participants. Designed to keep older adults active, engaged, and creatively challenged, Golden Groovers invites participants to move, stretch, and learn choreography in a supportive and energizing environment. The series begins Wednesday, January 22 at 2 p.m. in the Van Wezel Education Room. Led by longtime Van Wezel teaching artists Deb Lombard and Eric van Baars, each session warms up the body before diving into original choreography inspired by a weekly theme. The 2026 lineup includes themes such as Footloose, Grease, West Side Story, and The Lion King. While the class is not ballroom-style, couples are more than welcome to attend together. Classes begin January 22 and continue weekly on Wednesdays through March 26. Golden Groovers begins at 2 p.m. and lasts for an hour. Registration remains $15 per class; space is limited.
In this PowerPoint lecture, Clyde Butcher shares the story of his life in photography, from his early years behind the camera to his deep connection with America’s wild landscapes. The presentation traces his path from architectural model photography to early black-and-white and color landscapes, and ultimately to the large-format black-and-white work for which he is best known. Through powerful images from across the United States and Florida, Clyde reflects on his photographic process, the challenges and rewards of working in the natural world, and how his career led him into environmental conservation. The lecture offers both a personal retrospective and a visual journey through places that have shaped his life and work. The presentation concludes with a question-and-answer session with the audience.
Fox Lea Farm, one of Southwest Florida’s premier family-owned horse show facilities, proudly announces the return of the 2026 Venice Equestrian Tour (VET), held in partnership with Visit Sarasota County (VSC). Running from January 13 to March 15, 2026, this nine-week United States Equestrian Federation-recognized hunter/jumper tour will, for its 11th consecutive year, include Show Jumping Under the Stars, an annual grand prix series for community spectators to enjoy that takes place on each Friday of VET, followed by other special events and charitable initiatives throughout the tour.
The Movement Market is back on Saturday, January 10, bringing a refreshed, vendor-focused wellness experience to the community atPalmetto Marriott Resort & Spa. Designed to spotlight local wellness businesses, the Movement Market invites guests to explore, sip, sample, and connect—while enjoying optional movement classes throughout the morning. This reimagined market experience encourages attendees to browse a curated selection of local vendors offering products and services that support a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Guests can enjoy coffee, food and drink vendors, a featured DJ, and interactive wellness experiences—or choose to participate in one of the energizing group fitness classes offered on-site.
Movement Market, Saturday, January 10, 2026, Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa, Local wellness vendors, food & drink, interactive experiences, DJ, and optional movement classes.
As the New Year begins, Jack Dusty, the waterfront restaurant and bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, is bringing back its popular Sunday Brunch beginning January 11, inviting locals and hotel guests alike to ease into Sundays with live music, waterfront dining, and a menu designed for lingering. Designed as a leisurely afternoon experience, Jack Dusty’s Sunday Brunch runs from 11AM to 4PM with live entertainment throughout, creating an upbeat yet laid-back atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious food and drink. The brunch menu blends elevated classics with seafood-driven specialties and indulgent favorites, including a Maine lobster roll on toasted butter brioche, crab and avocado benedict with yuzu hollandaise, sticky toffee griddlecakes, and a decadent truffled croque madame. Heartier offerings range from wagyu steak frites topped with a sunny-side egg to confit pork belly char siu with scallion pancakes, alongside a robust raw bar and sushi selection featuring oysters, stone crab, crudo, nigiri, and maki rolls.
Registration is now open for the 11th Annual RC Custom Car Open hosted by the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab. This hands on engineering competition invites students in grades K-8 to team up, customize a remote-control car, and race through an all-new theme: Four Seasons. Teams of 2-4 students will design, test, and adapt their cars over eight weeks of workshops, using real Fab Lab tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, and vinyl cutters. Along the way, racers collaborate closely, strengthening creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills as they respond to changing conditions, just like real engineers. Led by a dedicated high school student committee, the RC Car Competition is a beloved community tradition that has sold out every year for the last decade. Learn more and register now at www.suncoastscience.org/rc-car.
We’re excited to share some big changes starting at the ALSO Youth Sarasota Center! Beginning now, the center will transition to an expanded drop-in model, giving youth more flexibility, connection, and access to our space throughout the week. Our programs will continue as usual, but they will now take place during these drop-in hours rather than as stand-alone events. This shift allows youth more choices and opportunities for connection while still offering the structured programming they know and love. As always, please be sure to check the monthly calendar for specific program dates, times, and special events. We’re excited about this new chapter and can’t wait to welcome even more youth into the space!
On Friday, January 9, the Southside Elementary school community – including current and former students, staff, families, and alumni – will be gathering for a memorable Southside Centennial Celebration to honor a century of learning, tradition, and pride. The celebration will take place on campus and will feature opportunities to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate the rich legacy of Sarasota County’s oldest school.
Friday, January 9, 8:00 – 11:00am, Southside Elementary School (1901 Webber St, Sarasota.
Holiday House SRQ is thrilled to announce an exciting leadership milestone as we welcome our first ever Interim Executive Director, Megan Micale. This moment marks a significant step forward in the growth and future sustainability of our organization as we build on the impact of our first five years and enter our sixth season. Megan brings more than 20 years of experience working within the nonprofit community in Sarasota and a deep commitment to the families, schools, and children who make this community so special. Sarasota’s philanthropic spirit has shaped her career, and she is honored to step into this role at a time when Holiday House SRQ is poised for continued growth and expanded impact. Visit www.holidayhousesrq.org to learn more.
Multi-Award-winning super-pickers and 2023 IBMA Entertainer of the Year Nominees The Appalachian Roadshow are set to bring their riveting performance to J.T.’s Bluegrass at Shepherd’s Hall in Titusville, on Thursday, January 15th, Fogertyville, in Sarasota on Friday, January 16th, Arts Bonita in Bonita Springs on Saturday, January 17th, and Hollow Point Farm in Bushnell on Sunday, January 18th. For more information, visit theappalachianroadshow.com. Appalachian Roadshow is a visionary acoustic ensemble, comprised of GRAMMY and IBMA award winners and nominees, bringing new-generation interpretations of traditional Americana, bluegrass, and folk songs, as well as offering innovative original music, all presented with a common thread tied directly to the heart of the Appalachian regions of the United States.
Bring a piece of our beautiful Bromeliad Tree home with you! We’ll be selling the bromeliads featured in our annual Bromeliad Tree, along with a selection of orchids from The Orchid Show. These stunning plants will be available at heavily discounted prices, so stop by our Downtown Sarasota campus and give these living works of art a new home! The Bromeliad Plant Sale will be located in the Morganroth Family Living Energy Access Facility (LEAF) parking structure. Admission is not required to shop the sale.
A gala performance by Summer Intensive dancers from around the world.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
There's much ado about something in this whip-smart, laugh-out-loud new romantic comedy from Lauren Gunderson. Lady Disdain is a fast-paced, razor-sharp riff on the deliciously dramatic world of Fantasy Romance novels (yes, those ones-you know them, you love them). Beatrice and Benedict, rival audiobook narrators with voices made for swooning and tempers made for sparring, are locked in a battle of wits, words, and wildly inconvenient attraction. Asolo Rep proudly presents this world premiere from one of America's most celebrated and funny playwrights.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
The sharp-witted, glamorous, incomparable Eartha Kitt commands the spotlight. But backstage in her dressing room, in the quiet between songs, she peels back the glitz to reveal Eartha Mae: a girl from the South Carolina cotton fields, orphaned by her mother until an audience adopted her. Told through both story and song, Urbanite Theatre’s first-ever musical production unearths the complex truth behind the icon.
Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota, FL 34236
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
ArtCenter Sarasota continues its Centennial Season with Medium Mutiny, a juried exhibition selected by Ed Swan Jr. that celebrates boundary-pushing works challenging tradition through bold experimentation in form, material, and concept. Solo exhibitions include Living by the Water by Cat Tesla, whose serene, abstract paintings reflect a journey of healing and transformation inspired by Florida's landscapes. A new body of work by Anja Palombo, blending her deep love of nature and art history into expressive visual narratives. In Architect as Artist, co-curated by Morris Hylton III, Sarasota-based architects including Carl Abbott, Jerry Sparkman, and Javi Suárez present multidisciplinary works that blur the line between design and fine art. This group exhibition honors Sarasota's architectural legacy and highlights the creative synergy between structure, space, and artistic vision.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, 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
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
All levels of Sarasota Cuban Ballet School dancers and the Gulfcoast Studio Company featured in classical and contemporary works.
Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231
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
The Zota Quartet returns with a new, exciting program and a unique special collaboration. This ensemble, comprised of award-winning Perlman Music Program alumni, hail from around the world and Florida. They are committed to sharing their music with the next generation and celebrating the beauty and art of great music.
Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34239
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
Birthday Offering, Choreography by Sir Frederick Ashton, Music by Alexander Glazunov, Designs by Andre Levasseur. Checkmate, Choreography by Dame Ninette de Valois, Music by Arthur Bliss, Designs by E. Mcknight Kauffer. Summertide, Choreography by Sir Peter Wright, Music by Felix Mendelssohn, Designs by Dick Bird.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
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
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
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
2026 brings a rare alignment of milestones: the 50th anniversary of Steve Reich’s “Music for 18 Musicians,” the composer’s 90th birthday, and enSRQ’s own 10th season. Reich’s groundbreaking 1976 work remains one of the most iconic statements in contemporary music—a luminous tapestry of interlocking rhythms, pulsing harmonies, and slowly shifting patterns that seem to suspend time. Presenting this masterpiece in celebration of its golden anniversary is both an homage to a living legend and a reaffirmation of enSRQ’s dedication to adventurous, transformative performance.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
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
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
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
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
Art immersion class for children ages 6-18. Small classes with fine arts materials. Visit linarinconart.com for more information and to register.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Creative Academy, 927 N Lime Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237
Join us for a weekly guided tour of the night sky in our state-of-the-art planetarium. As Earth moves around the sun, different objects come into view. We'll not only discuss what you can see this season, we'll fly you there!
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton
Award-winning Hermitage Fellows offer a unique glimpse into their creative process, sharing original works in process with our Gulf Coast audiences. These free hour-long programs take the shape of musical performances, playreadings, concerts, visual art demonstrations, panel discussions, master classes, exhibitions, open studios,and more. The presentations are often works in process, giving Hermitage audiences a look into the creative process before these works go on to leading theaters, concert halls, and museums around the world.
Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6660 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
Showcasing 100 rare posters along with sculptures, cocktail shakers, and furniture pieces, this exciting exhibition celebrates the centennial anniversary of Art Deco and the artistic significance it brought to the early 20th-century.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Selina Román blends photography, abstraction, and self-portraiture to explore themes of beauty and the politics of size. Roman’s photographs transform the gallery into a space of quiet resistance, subverting traditional ideas of feminine beauty.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
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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