The Bradentucky Bombers, perhaps the area’s fiercest sports team, return to the rink this Saturday to square off against in-state rival New Jax City Rollers at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex. Both the Bombers and the Rollers are members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association—the preeminent governing body of roller derby in the United States—and compete in the North American South division.

As of March 2026, the Rollers are ranked sixth in the division, seven spots ahead of the 13th-ranked Bombers. Those rankings, however, are subject to change on the outcome of Saturday’s matchup as there is a significant disparity between the two clubs in games played this season. The Bombers, at 6-2, have competed in six matches, while the Rollers, at 2-1, have only played three games.

“The algorithm is pretty complicated, but to make our regional playoffs, we would need to be in that 12th spot,” says 18th year player Sarah Poulos. “We are hoping that playing some of these teams in the top 10 will help move the needle."

Played on quad skates on an oval track, roller derby is not a sport for the faint of heart. There is no ball, net or goal, only two teams of five skaters apiece vying to physically force their way past their competitors. Games are played over the course of two 30 minute halves—during each two minute scoring periods known as “jams”, four “blockers” from each team position themselves in a formation akin to an elongated rugby scrum, with one “jammer” from each team lined up next to each other behind the blockade. The goal of each “jammer” is to first break past the blockade, gaining “control” of the jam and then to score points by lapping as many blockers as possible. Like in most sports, the team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

“Most of us are working out at least three times a week outside of practice,” says Poulos. “It’s a real sport and we consider ourselves true athletes. We put in a lot of time and dedication to this.”

Bradentucky Bombers vs New Jax City Rollers, March 28, 4:30pm, Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, 5309 29th St E, Ellenton. 

The Bradentucky Bombers (black jerseys) square off against Fort Myers Roller Derby. Provided photo.

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New College of Florida invites alumni, friends, and community leaders to the Annual Scholarship Luncheon on April 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Michael’s On East. This event celebrates the donors and partners who make scholarships possible while highlighting the remarkable students whose lives are transformed through their generosity.Guests will hear firsthand from students who chose New College for its rigorous academics, close faculty mentorship, and bold approach to learning. Many are first-generation college students, researchers, athletes, and future leaders whose educational journeys are made possible through scholarship support.More than a luncheon, this event offers the opportunity to see philanthropy in action. Attendees will connect with fellow supporters, hear powerful student stories, and learn how this year’s Giving Challenge will expand scholarship funding.

Join us for an afternoon of inspiration, gratitude, and purpose as we invest in the next generation of change makers. 

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Suncoast Technical College’s (STC) Adult & Community Enrichment (ACE) program is pleased to announce that over 400 adult enrichment classes across a wide range of subjects will be offered during their Spring/Summer 2026 term. The upcoming term will run from Monday, April 20, 2026, through Friday, September 18, 2026. Patron enrollment begins Tuesday, March 31, 2026. An ACE Patron membership costs $60 per year and provides early registration for popular classes plus access to one free class selected each term. This spring’s complimentary offering for Patrons is “Masters of the Movies: America’s Top Ten Directors Revealed,” presented by George Young on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. General registration — online, by phone, and in person — opens Monday, April 6, 2026. Registration will remain open until classes are filled. 

Manatee Memorial Hospital (MMH) announced that its Graduate Medical Education (GME) program achieved a 100% match rate in the 2026 residency Match through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). This marks the 16th consecutive year that the MMH GME has matched 100% since its inception in 2011, a true testament to the growing strength and reputation of the County’s longest running GME program. All 14 available residency positions were filled, including 10 Internal Medicine residents and 4 Family Medicine residents who will begin their training this summer. For information on hospital services, visit manateememorial.com  

Wellen Park’s Family Fun Day returns Saturday, April 11, from 4 to 9 p.m. in Downtown Wellen, featuring carnival games, live music, a mobile gaming lounge and fireworks over the Grand Lake. Downtown’s Hammock Lawn along the Grand Lake will feature classic carnival games, arts and crafts and a dance party with DJ Jessie from 4 to 8 p.m. Attendees can test their throwing skills with the Atlanta Braves speed pitch, while a video game truck offers gaming experiences rated E for everyone. Live music will be performed on the Solis Hall stage from 6 to 9 p.m. and fireworks, weather permitting, are scheduled for 8:30 p.m. over the Grand Lake. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for viewing areas on the Grand Lawn.  For more information about Wellen Park, call 941-960-7805, go towww.wellenpark.com or visit the Welcome Center, open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 12275 Mercado Drive in Venice. 

The delicate beauty of impressionist music forms the heart of this captivating program. Michael Turkell, principal second violin of Sarasota Orchestra, joins forces with Florida Orchestra assistant principal cello Victor Minke Huls and Lincoln Center Stage Quintet pianist Maria Parrini in a program that includes violin and piano sonatas by Enescu and Fauré, and Ravel’s duo for violin and cello. Tickets are $70 and include light refreshments.  

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Join us tonight at 6pm, for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for our newest outdoor installation, Magic Grasshopper by renowned artist Yvette Mayorga. Standing 30 feet long in front of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, this fantastical, pink-hued sculpture is much more than meets the eye. It is a powerful tribute to the American Dream, weaving together 90s nostalgia, lowrider culture, and critical narratives of migration and labor. After the ceremony, we invite you to head inside the MFA and explore our galleries; please note that museum admission on Thursday nights is discounted to $16 for adults and is free for MFA Members and those under 18 years old. In the spirit of Magic Grasshopper: Pink Attire Encouraged! 

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On Friday, February 27, 32 dynamic community leaders from across the region graduated from the Winter 2026 Gulf Coast Board Institute (GCBI). The group represents the 20th and largest class to date to participate in Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s (Gulf Coast’s) long-standing board development initiative.  The Institute provides interactive, high-level board governance training at no cost to new and veteran nonprofit board members to expand their understanding of governance best practices. The training is part of Gulf Coast’s Invest in Incredible (i3) initiative, a resource for regional nonprofits to strengthen the board governance and operational effectiveness of area nonprofits. Applications for Gulf Coast’s Fall 2026 GCBI will open this summer. A full program overview can be found at www.gulfcoastcf.org/GCBI.   

The Child Protection Center (CPC) proudly announces the naming of its South County campus as the Keith D. Monda Family Campus of Healing, made possible by a catalytic gift from Keith Monda and Veronica Brady. “This naming recognizes Keith and Veronica's extraordinary leadership and generosity in advancing CPC’s mission to protect children and help survivors of abuse heal and thrive,” said Executive Director Doug Staley.  To learn more about the Keith D. Monda Family Campus of Healing and how to support the expansion, visit: https://cpcsarasota.org/capital-campaign/ or contact Capital Campaign Manager, Elizabeth K. Topp, at ElizabethT@CPCSarasota.org. 

Senior Friendship Centers recently celebrated the release of “Joyful Journeys: Stories and Memories of Lives Well Lived, Volume 2,” marking the completion of a 10-week session at The Gussin Center for Creative Writing. Held on March 19, the event honored 11 local authors whose essays reflect lives shaped by humor, resilience, and reflection. A highlight of the evening was a live reading, as each author shared excerpts from their chapter—offering glimpses into deeply personal moments that resonated with the audience. Authors were presented with certificates in recognition of their achievement, alongside Gussin Center founders Drs. Pat and Bob Gussin. The celebration also featured live music by local acoustic duo Tasa + Rob, whose performances added to the evening’s warm, intimate atmosphere. 

With several hundred people cheering them on, teams competed to pull a 40,000-pound Breeze transit bus 40 feet in the fastest time. The Cavity Crushers, led by pediatric dentist Dr. Andre Lewis, hoisted the legendary Pullitzer Prize in the end by recording an incredible pull time of 11.22 seconds. Most importantly, the event raised $22,000 to support Inclusion Revolution's work to create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thanks to everyone who participated, sponsored, volunteered, donated, and cheered from the sidelines. You helped make the day a powerful celebration of inclusion in action. 

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