SRQ DAILY May 7, 2026
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"We just want people to have a good experience playing pickleball and to love the sport that we love."
Some play to get outside. Others to find community. Everybody, however, plays to win. That communal competitive streak will be on full display from May 15-17 at the Englewood Sports Complex during the SW Florida Powerball Amateur State Championships. The tournament, which is presented by the Carvana PPA Tour, marks the debut of Southern Pickleball in Sarasota County.
One of pickleball’s leading amateur organizations, Southern Pickleball operates in 12 different states, encompassing over 30,000 players, hosting tournaments such as the amateur state championships series. At the three-day tournament in Englewood, players will compete for medals and the chance to qualify for the Southern Pickleball Championships in Georgia and the 2026 World Pickleball Championships in Texas this fall.
“If you medal in this event, you have a chance to go on this really cool pathway to the Southern and World Championships,” says MaryEmily Landers, director of marketing for Southern Pickleball. “There are so many players that crave good competition, good community and a good experience, and that’s what we strive to bring to the court, no matter where you are in experience level. We just want people to have a good experience playing pickleball and to love the sport that we love.”
The SW Florida State Championships will bring not only some of Florida’s finest pickleball players, but also some of the most competitive paddlers from throughout the southeast. “This is the highest level of amateur competition that you can get. We get players from all across the state, and even the country, that want to compete for the opportunity to play on the world pickleball stage.”
What Landers, an avid pickleball player herself, enjoys most about the sport is the accessibility and communal aspect. Lacking a background in racket sports, she still found the community welcoming and the entrypoint to play approachable. “It’s so easy just to get on the courts and play. I love thinking through the strategy of the game and how to have a fun time while keeping it competitive,” says Landers. “The people are what always keep me coming back.”
SW Florida Powerball Amateur State Championships, May 15-17, Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 S River Rd, Englewood. 
Pickleball at Englewood Sports Complex. Provided photo.
Ian Black Real Estate, a boutique commercial real estate services firm located in Sarasota, was proud to sponsor the inaugural “Golf Coast Drive,” a unique beachfront golf experience held on April 13 at Coquina Beach. The event, hosted by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (BACVB) and benefitting nonprofit First Tee – Sarasota/Manatee, served as the kickoff to the Senior PGA Championship at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton from April 16-19.
Registration is open for the summer 2026 semester at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College, which offers noncredit educational opportunities for adults to pursue new interests, expand intellectual horizons, and enrich their lives. The semester, which runs May 18-July 10, 2026, features more than 40 classes, events, and programs covering a wide variety of topics, including arts and entertainment, history, music appreciation, health, economics and finance, and technology. Semester highlights include Mission Green — The Importance of Both Local and Global Forests with Meg Lowman; Origins: Sarasota Artist Colony, 1945-1965 with Tim Jaeger and Bill Hartman; Genius Women Erased From History with Michael Gibson; Using AI on Your Smartphone with Deshjuana Bagley; and Tennessee Williams’ “The Lady of Larkspur Lotion” presented by NoName Repertory. OLLI at Ringling College is located in the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. To register, or for information about becoming an OLLI member, visit OLLIatRinglingCollege.org or call 941-309-5111.
Celebrate Mom with a gift of art, culture, and community. An MFA membership offers a full year of inspiring experiences—while supporting the museum’s exhibitions, youth and education programs, and efforts to keep the MFA accessible to all. Bring Mom to the museum, explore the galleries, browse the MFA Shop, and enjoy brunch at Café Clementine for a perfect day together. Enjoy 20% off memberships with code MOTHERSDAY2026, now through Mother’s Day.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is proud to welcome legendary singer-songwriter Boz Scaggs back to Sarasota on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 7 p.m. as part of his Rhythm Review 2026 Tour. Known for his smooth blend of rock, blues, and soul, Scaggs continues to captivate audiences with his timeless sound and celebrated catalog of hits. Tickets for this highly anticipated performance go on sale Friday, May 8 at 10 a.m. EDT.
Selby Gardens presents the Sixth Annual Gospel Jubilee Showcase, featuring Westcoast Black Theater Group, Brenda Watty and starring Shantel Norman! Join us under the banyan trees on our beautiful Great Lawn. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the Selby House Café. A limited number of chairs will be available for people who pre-registered on a first come, first-served basis. Additional guests who are not pre-registered are welcome to attend and bring their own chairs; access to the performance is included with admission and free to members. Visit Selby.org
Sixth Annual Gospel Jubilee Showcase, Saturday, May 9, 2026 1-3pm.
Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources now offers expanded access to ABCmouse, an award-winning digital learning platform. Children can now access the platform for free from anywhere with an internet connection. Previously, use was restricted to the library. Designed for kids ages 2–8, ABCmouse has over 10,000 games, books, and videos for reading, math, science, and art. To use the platform, visit SarasotaCountyLibraries.org/littles, click the ABCmouse icon, and log in with a library card number and PIN. Visit SarasotaCountyLibraries.org to learn more.
Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce that Mr. Charles Elsey – currently serving as an Assistant Principal at Booker Middle School – has been appointed as the new Principal of Venice Middle School. He will assume his new role effective Monday, June 1.
Two single mothers are preparing to move into their new Habitat for Humanity Sarasota homes made possible through a partnership between Habitat for Humanity Sarasota, the City of Sarasota and the Sarasota Office of Housing and Community Development, marking a powerful milestone in their journey toward stability, independence, and a brighter future for their children. In addition to becoming homeowners, they were shocked and overjoyed to learn they were recipients of the Warrick Dunn Charities Homes for the Holidays program. For more information about Habitat for Humanity Sarasota and how to support its mission, visit habitatsrq.org/
As Children First celebrates 65 years of service and CEO Philip Tavill marks 30 years of leadership, these milestone moments serve as an invitation for you to be part of what comes next. For over six decades, Children First has helped shape stronger futures for children and families across Sarasota County, growing into a nationally recognized leader in early childhood education. Today, our organization ranks in the top 1% of Head Start programs nationwide, is a five-time designated Program of Excellence, and was recently named a 2026 Top Workplace USA - reflecting both impact and a strong culture of care. There are many meaningful ways to get involved: attend signature events, volunteer in classrooms or across the community, support initiatives like early literacy and family strengthening, or serve as an ambassador. Every connection, contribution, and conversation helps extend this legacy - ensuring the next generation has the opportunity to thrive!
Sarasota Memorial is pleased to celebrate National Nurses Week (May 6–12) and recognize its 4,000 nurses—and teams who support them—caring for our community every day. This week, we’ll be hosting special events and activities, honoring our Nurses of Excellence, and highlighting the work behind our Magnet designation, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence. We welcome your coverage and would be happy to coordinate interviews as well as share visuals from our celebrations. Below are links to nursing b-roll and this year’s tribute video. We also invite the community to send a free StarGram to recognize and thank their favorite SMH nurse at: www.smh.com/stargram
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
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
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
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
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
Eleven-year-old Winnie Foster yearns for a life of adventure beyond her white picket fence, but not until she becomes unexpectedly entwined with the Tuck Family does she get more than she could have imagined. When Winnie learns of the magic behind the Tuck’s unending youth, she must fight to protect their secret from those who would do anything for a chance at eternal life.
Rise Above Performing Arts Centre, 3501 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34239
A huge influence of Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash and Jimi Hendrix, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a legend in her time, adding fierce guitar and swing to traditional gospel music, becoming the Mother of Rock n Roll. Marie and Rosetta chronicles her first rehearsal with a young protégée, Marie Knight, as they prepare to embark on a tour that would establish them as one of the great duos in music history.
Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Assassins closes the season with a haunting, darkly satirical look at those who sought infamy instead of glory, challenging the idea of the American Dream and who gets to define it.
The Sarasota Players, 3501 S Tamiami Trl Suite 1130, Sarasota, FL 34239
In celebration of our Centennial, ArtCenter Sarasota proudly presents the North County Spring Art Show, featuring artwork from over 1,500 K-12 students in Sarasota's public and charter schools. Organized by Angela Hartvigsen and Debra Markley, this cherished annual tradition showcases the creativity of young artists, many exhibiting in a gallery for the first time. The exhibition includes special award ceremonies for both elementary and high school students, with over $20,000 in scholarships and prizes. It's a joyful reminder that the future of art is already in motion.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Jane Austen’s Emma gets a witty, high-energy makeover in this screwball comedy. Confident matchmaker Emma meddles in love lives—until she discovers her own heart may be the one most in need of guidance.
Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice, FL 34285
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
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
A gala performance by Summer Intensive dancers from around the world.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Saturdays, 1pm. This tour led by circus historian Bob Collins explores the fascinating legacy of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus.
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
Thursdays, 10am. Discover with our expert guide, Kendra Cross, why Sarasota is the only place in the world that the Amish and Mennonite communities come to vacation en masse. In Pinecraft, enjoy the tour stops at Alma Sue’s Quilt Shop, The Carlisle Inn and Der Dutchman Amish Kitchen Cooking Restaurant for shopping and a pie shooter sample of their delicious pie!
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
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