SRQ DAILY Feb 26, 2026
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"They say that it is a different level of intensity, so I am super excited to experience that."
Although the official start of spring is just under a month away, Major League Baseball’s Spring Training is alive and well on the suncoast. The Baltimore Orioles, which call Sarasota’s Ed Smith stadium home, opened Grapefruit League action on February 20 against the New York Yankees. The Orioles are primed for a return to postseason contention in 2026, after a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw the club finish fifth in the American League East with a 75-87 record, missing out on the postseason for the first time since 2022.
This season, under new manager Craig Albernaz, Baltimore is hoping for a return to form. Injuries riddled the club’s 2025 campaign, with 29 players spending time on the injury list. Baltimore is looking for resurgent performances from some of its incumbent stars, such as former All-Stars catcher Adley Rutschman and shortstop Gunnar Henderson. New to the squad is first baseman Pete Alonso, an All-Star in his past four seasons with the New York Mets, who signed a 5-year, $155 million contract with Baltimore in free agency. “He has been energetic and I have had a lot of fun watching him do his different routines and getting to know the guys,” says Henderson of his new teammate. “He’s molded into the team really well and being able to do that as soon as you get into a clubhouse is big. I feel like he’s going to be very good for us.”
Henderson won’t be in Sarasota for long, however. Set to make his debut for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), Henderson will join a loaded squad looking to avenge the 2023 WBC championship loss to Japan. “They say it is a different level of intensity, so I am super excited to experience that,” says Henderson. 
Baltimore Orioles Shortstop Gunnar Henderson. Photo by Todd Olszewski, Baltimore Orioles.
The New College Foundation Inaugural Golf Tournament at The Concession Golf Club is more than a day on the greens — it’s where influence meets impact. This premier event brings together executives, community leaders, philanthropists, and rising innovators for a powerful day of connection, competition, and purpose at one of the region’s most prestigious courses. For corporate partners, the value goes far beyond visibility. Sponsorship provides direct access to high-level decision-makers, meaningful brand exposure among affluent and civic-minded audiences, and premium hospitality designed for authentic relationship-building. It’s a rare environment where business development happens naturally — on the fairway, in the clubhouse, and through shared mission. Most importantly, every swing supports Florida’s public honors college. Proceeds fuel scholarships, student research, and transformative academic experiences that prepare the next generation of leaders. At New College, golf isn’t just business. It’s business with purpose.
A’Lelia Bundles, author and award-winning former journalist, will speak about her latest biography, “Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance,” from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, March 2, at SCF Bradenton, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, in the Library and Learning Center, Building 3. Admission is free. For more information, contact Jada Wright-Greene at 941-400-8454 or executivedirector@asalh-manasotafl.org.
On Saturday, Feb. 21st, 2026, hundreds of community members gathered at Sarasota Christian School’s beautiful 25-acre campus for a day of fun and fundraising - marking the 67th time they have done exactly that. The live auction was action-packed. The day's highlights included live auction items such as class baskets, exciting trips, gorgeous handmade quilts, and more.
Not all of the action was inside though. The SCS Festival & Auction also included a FREE Kids Zone complete with inflatables, a video-gaming truck, a live dj, petting farm and much more. Many of Sarasota’s best food trucks were on hand including; Chick-fil-A, Gator Wilderness Camp BBQ, Big Blue Grilled Cheese, and Carousel’s Soft Serve Icery. Funds raised by this annual community event will go directly to the Capital Campaign for the high school building project on the SCS campus. Sarasota Christian is a Pre-K through 12th grade Christian school offering biblically-infused, high quality academics and athletics. The mission of SCS is to “equip students with a love for Christ, a passion to learn, a commitment to serve and the courage to lead.”
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) proudly announces the winners of the annual high school ProStart Culinary Team Competition. Last weekend, more than 330 students from nearly 40 Florida high schools competed in Culinary, Management, Edible Centerpiece, and Waiter’s Relay events at the 25th annual ProStart event. At the Salute to Excellence Award ceremony, winners were offered more than $2.1 million in scholarships from the Culinary Institute of America, Culinary Institute of Virginia, Florida International University, Keiser University, Nicholls State University, and UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality. First place teams in culinary and management will represent Florida at the national ProStart Invitational in Washington, D.C. this April. For more information about ProStart or FRLA’s Educational Foundation, visit our webpage or contact Director Laura Rumer at LRumer@frla.org.
Few journeys are as flavorful as the one that led Robert Gaglio from the world of finance to the heart of Italy’s kitchens and countryside. A former banker who reinvented his life after the 2008 market crash, Gaglio now shares his passion for authentic Italian culture through immersive culinary events, cooking experiences and travel programs across the region. Now, as Italian Culinary Tours marks its 10th anniversary, Gaglio is inviting area residents to savor Italy close to home through a series of engaging programs that blend storytelling, live music, cooking demonstrations and hands-on culinary fun.
Miromar Outlets welcomes March with new ways to shop, save, and enjoy the season. Guests can take advantage of post-holiday savings, browse designer and brand-name stores, and enjoy open-air shopping in a comfortable, inviting setting throughout the month. Shoppers are encouraged to visit MiromarOutlets.com for the full schedule of March shopping hours, current promotions, upcoming events, and a list of participating retailers.
Sarasota Opera is pleased to announce that Floridacentral Credit Union will serve as the official sponsor of the Sarasota Opera Mobile App for the 2026 Winter Opera Festival. This partnership supports the company’s continued expansion of its digital resources, providing engaging digital content about each opera production, including videos, playlists, programs and podcast episodes, and helping patrons access important performance details and venue information throughout the year. To learn more or download the Sarasota Opera Mobile App, visit www.sarasotaopera.org/sarasota-opera-app
Join us in bringing transformational healing to victims of child abuse at our upcoming gala, Blue Ties & Butterflies! All proceeds go directly to our mission - the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse. The evening will begin with a beautiful cocktail reception followed by a delicious dinner, splendid live and silent auctions, a chance drawing for a ROLEX (details coming soon!), and an empowering mission moment with former elite gymnast Emily Meinke, who highlights the momentous power we each have in prevention and will share her journey from victim to survivor after testifying against U.S. Olympic doctor Larry Nassar. The night will conclude in a joyous celebration of hope, music, and dancing as we commemorate all that our community makes possible in protecting vulnerable children. We encourage guests to dress in cocktail or formal attire.
Halfacre Construction Company, a Lakewood Ranch-based commercial construction company, was pleased to make a $25,000 donation during The Haven’s fourth annual All Abilities On The Floor gala on Saturday, Feb. 21 at The Ora in Sarasota. This year’s event encouraged attendees to step back in time and embrace the vibrant energy of the disco era, all while coming together to celebrate and support individuals with disabilities. The ballroom at The Ora was transformed into a disco-themed space, complete with lights, a dance floor and music from the 1970s and 1980s. Guests enjoyed dinner from Michaels on East, live entertainment from Bay Kings Band and the opportunity to bid on auction items throughout the evening. The Haven’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for people with unique abilities by encouraging independence, championing inclusion and advocating for individual rights. Nestled on 32-acres in the heart of Sarasota, The Haven offers various programs and services for adults and children.
Christopher Alan Homes has promoted Kristine Smale to executive vice president of revenue and strategy. In her new role, Smale plays a key part in guiding the company’s growth and strategic initiatives as Christopher Alan Homes continues to expand its footprint and evaluate opportunities in new markets. For more information about Christopher Alan Homes, visit christopheralanhomes.com or call 855-44-MYCAH (69224).
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.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
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
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
The summer 2026 exhibition at Selby Gardens will celebrate the creative collaboration between two legendary figures and longtime friends, photographer Lynn Goldsmith and singer-songwriter Patti Smith, who is Selby Gardens’ artist in residence. The exhibition will feature Goldsmith’s photographs of Smith, past and present, in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. The images will offer an intimate portrait of an iconic artist over the course of her remarkable career.
Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St, 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
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
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
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
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.
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits delicious Sunday Brunch is from 11am-3pm. Guests are invited to indulge in a delightful brunch experience on the beautiful covered patio or casual dining room with nautical touches. The brunch menu features a variety of mouth-watering dishes created by Chef Cesareo Cardenas, including his decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast, savory Steak & Eggs, succulent Lobster Benedict, the flavorful Tripletail Brunch Burger and Crab & Shrimp Omelet. Guests will receive a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa with the purchase of any entrée. Prices range from $13 to $26. Reservations can be made through Open Table or by calling 941-529-0555.
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, 4870 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Experience an intimate look at award-winning and internationally recognized artist Janet Echelman’s artistic evolution, from early explorations in drawing, painting, and textiles to the monumental netted sculptures that have redefined public spaces around the world.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
2nd Fridays Creative Happy Hour brings the party to the gallery and transforms ArtCenter Sarasota into a vibrant hub of creativity, conversation, and connection. These lively monthly gatherings feature rotating themes, interactive art activities, live music, dance, film, and collaborations with local artists and arts organizations. It's a fresh take on the classic art salon, welcoming all ages to mix, mingle, make, and experience art in motion.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Enjoy live jazz weekly on Fridays with many of the area's best musicians and some visiting or touring artists. We present various genres of jazz; straight ahead jazz, music from the American Songbook, swing, dixieland, blues, bossa and cabaret jazz.
Unitarian Universalists of SRQ, 3975 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota
This new speaker series, Art, Actually, explores how art intersects with identity, community, and change through conversations with artists, curators, and cultural leaders.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
The monthly Saturday Night Sketch Club offers chill, creative vibes with costumed models or themed still lifes, and refreshments. Come solo or bring a friend. No experience needed.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Sundays, 1pm. Join psychic and tarot reader, Deni Dreazen on a metaphysical exploration trolley tour of Sarasota. Visit Pixie Dust gift shop, experience a sound bath at the Crocker Memorial Church with sound healer, Kaylene McCaw, and then walk the labyrinth.
Wednesdays, 10:30am. Explore Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern (the Sarasota School of Architecture) and Mediterranean Revival Architecture buildings, homes and structures of Sarasota on this 90-minute mainland tour.
Mondays, 1pm. Join Jerome Chesley as you explore more than 60 pieces of public art located in downtown and St. Armands.
Saturdays, 1pm. This tour led by circus historian Bob Collins explores the fascinating legacy of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus.
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