A clank of metal spoons, the whirr of blenders, kids bouncing on their toes. MilkShake Factory oozes excitement. “When people are looking for a milkshake, they’re usually celebrating something,” says franchisee Renee Schadenberg. “First dates, anniversaries, catching up with friends. We get to be part of the happy moments in people’s lives.”

The story begins in 1914, when Greek immigrants opened a Pittsburgh soda fountain and chocolate shop. The family refined its recipes across generations until 2003, when the brand turned to hand-spun shakes. The Palma Sola shop upholds that legacy with house-made ice cream, layered syrups and premium mix-ins. In the case: nutty, buttery terrapins, salted caramels and assorted barks from s’mores to peanut butter toffee—the perfect gift or office treat.

Schadenberg and her husband Brent relocated from Michigan seeking a slower pace. That lasted months. “We needed a reason to get up in the morning,” she laughs. Serial entrepreneurs who met in a high school entrepreneurship class, the couple found that reason—and a way to get involved in the community. Their daughter Chloe, a high school senior, works as a shift lead, having trained staff from day one.

The 1,450-square-foot shop in Beachway Plaza drew steady lines immediately. Near schools, it’s become a post-game, post-report-card stop; the team also sponsors leagues and fundraisers. “I love to see the little kids’ faces light up when they come in,” Schadenberg says.

Infused with ganache, topped with a house-made cake pop, the Chocolate Cake Shake brings a velvety indulgence. Chocolate Dipped Strawberry, a whipped dream of sliced strawberries and chocolate chips, arrives with dripping fudge. For a sweet and milky sip, thick enough to tug at the straw, turn to Raspberries-n-Cream. Meanwhile, good ol’ chocolate and vanilla honor the basics. “If those two are good, you know it’s legit,” says Schadenberg. Non-dairy shakes combine a soy base and almond milk. “You’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference.”

With locations from Sarasota to Fort Myers imminent, MilkShake Factory will revive the soda fountain tradition in more Florida neighborhoods—no occasion required, happy moments guaranteed.

MilkShake Factory, Mon-Sun noon-10pm, 7230 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton. 

Pictured: MilkShake Factory's Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Shake. Photo courtesy of MilkShake Factory.

"Who’s your Paddy? The Watershed Hospitality Concepts family of restaurants has you covered from the Rosemary District to Siesta Key Village for St. Paddy's Day. Cask & Ale will serve a St. Patrick's day Irish Platter and Shepherds Pie, prepared with traditional corned beef & cabbage. Cask will be open all day and serve specialty cocktails during the block party on the weekend before and the 17th as well. Lefty's Oyster & Seafood Bar will be serving Irish Point Oysters flown in fresh from the cold, nutrient-rich, tidal waters of Rustico, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Pie On Main and Blase Martini Bar in Siesta Key Village offers their Shamrock Expresso Martini for those who want to get lucky.  

To learn more, visit

Feel the energy in Downtown Sarasota with Fresh Fridays: Downtown Social, March 6.  This free event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. on Main Street, featuring live music from the Forman's 5, giant outdoor games, and, of course, everyone’s favorite, our giveaways. Come out and enjoy the warm air as we welcome spring. The event will be held on Main Street between Classico and First Watch. Visit www.freshfridayssarasota.com to learn more. 

A brand-new festival experience is coming to Southwest Florida, and it’s bringing the vibes with it. The inaugural Babcock Ranch Music & Food Festival takes over Babcock Ranch March 6–8, 2026, transforming Crescent Loop into a three-day celebration of live music, crave-worthy food, local artistry, and laid-back island energy. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Babcock Ranch, this free, pet-friendly festival invites music lovers, foodies, families, and friends to come together for a weekend filled with rhythm, flavor, and community connection. For more information, visit www.paragonfestivals.com. 

GENESIS returns this spring, the annual student-led fashion show that fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration among students and redefines fashion by empowering artists, celebrating diversity, and advocating for a sustainable future. Now in its third year, the creation of this event brings together over 100 students from all 13 creative majors offered at Ringling College of Art and Design. This year, GENESIS will showcase over 25 garments designed and made by the students. GENESIS is more than a display of fashion; it’s a movement that redefines fashion by empowering artists, celebrating diversity, and advocating for a sustainable future.

March 21, 6:30pm, Ringling College Studio Labs Soundstage A. 

SCD is proud to invite you to The Milestone Gala and 20th Anniversary Performance in collaboration with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT). A seated dinner, offering guests a joyful, spirit-filled song and dance experience highlighting some of our gospel and Motown favorites. The evening will be dedicated not only to performance but also to reflection, gratitude, and the future growth of Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Led by our Fundraising Chair, Taylor Karp. This will be our first-ever Gala, celebrating twenty years of performance, education, and collaboration that have shaped SCD into the organization it is today.

Friday, May 15, 5:00pm, Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Avenue West, Bradenton. 

For ticket information click here.

On March 15, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will feature the last Young Artist Program showcase of the season, as Zion Thompson presents "Ignite the Night (Watch Me Shine)." Zion is a former participant in WBTT's Stage of Discovery youth musical theatre program; his WBTT MainStage debut was last year, in August Wilson’s “Fences,” where he played the role of Cory. WBTT's Young Artist Program was created to provide a stage - along with artistic, technical, marketing and administrative support - for rising artists seeking to hone their craft. All proceeds from the show are given to the presenting artist to be used to further their artistic and professional development. 

Discover Sarasota Tours brings back the beloved Art Crawl Trolley for its fourth year on Fridays March 13 and April 10, 2026, from 3-7pm. During this fun hop on/hop off trolley tour, four trolleys led by tour guides: Jerome Chesley, Kathryn Chesley, Pat Canavan,and Kaylene McCaw, run every 15 minutes to take guests to 6 hub stop neighborhoods around the 45-min route from 3-7pm. A portion of the net proceeds benefits the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. Tickets are $24.99. Book your tickets online at DiscoverSarasotaTours.com or call 941-260-9818.