SRQ DAILY May 23, 2026
Saturday Perspectives Edition
"Today is a celebration of achievement, perseverance, and what comes next."
“Today is a celebration of achievement, perseverance, and what comes next.”
As I looked across the stage during SCF’s Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies, those words felt especially meaningful. Our graduates are not defined only by the degrees and certificates they earned. They are defined by the determination, resilience and courage that carried them to this moment.
This spring, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota awarded more than 1,000 degrees and workforce certificates, including 668 associate in arts degrees, 294 associate in science degrees, 97 bachelor’s degrees and 70 workforce certificates. Behind every number is a student story, and many of those stories reflect the realities facing today’s learners: balancing work, family, financial pressures and personal challenges while pursuing an education and building a future.
Our health sciences graduates, in particular, represent the very best of what a state college education can provide for both students and the communities they serve.
SCF’s Nursing program celebrated 110 Associate in Science in Nursing graduates and 35 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates this spring. Several students were recognized for academic excellence and leadership, including Aura Brock, recipient of the Pat Kubler Award, and Christopher Nothdurft, recipient of the Manatee Memorial Hospital Excellence in Nursing Scholarship.
The Dental Hygiene program graduated 16 students from the Class of 2026, with graduates earning multiple academic and leadership honors. Most impressively, students completing both the National and Clinical Board examinations achieved a 100% pass rate.
Our Occupational Therapy Assistant students achieved a 94% certification pass rate and 100% job placement, while SCF’s most recent Radiography graduates posted a 97% first-time pass rate and 100% job placement. SCF’s Physical Therapist Assistant graduates also achieved 100% job opportunity offers after completing community-based projects with five nonprofit organizations focused on accessibility, mobility and wellness.
These accomplishments matter because they represent more than academic success. They represent lives changed and futures strengthened right here in our region.
I think about one Physical Therapist Assistant graduate who adopted an infant during the second week of the program and still completed the curriculum with exemplary academic performance. I think about another student who depended entirely on public transportation to attend classes and travel to clinical sites. Their journeys required sacrifice, discipline and persistence, yet they kept moving forward.
That spirit was captured beautifully by Outstanding Graduate Award recipient Jana Maynard during her commencement remarks. Speaking openly about overcoming illness, uncertainty and self-doubt, she reminded her fellow graduates that growth often happens in imperfect moments.
“People didn’t lean in to see perfection,” she said. “They leaned in to see the process. The how, the why, the honesty.”
Her message reflects something I believe deeply: progress does not require perfection. It requires courage and the willingness to continue forward, even during difficult seasons of life.
At SCF, we are proud to serve as this community’s state college. For generations, local families have trusted SCF to provide affordable, high-quality education that changes lives while strengthening our workforce and economy. Today’s graduates will soon be caring for patients in local hospitals, supporting families in rehabilitation centers, working in dental practices and serving neighbors throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties.
That is why commencement is so meaningful. These graduates are not leaving our community behind. In many cases, they are preparing to serve the very communities that supported them along the way.
For those of us fortunate enough to call this region home, there is great pride in knowing our community college continues to open doors for students of every age and background. The success of these graduates is a reminder that opportunity, hard work and community support still create powerful outcomes.
The spring class of 2026 has already shown what is possible through perseverance and purpose. Their achievements deserve to be celebrated by all of us.
Tommy Gregory, J.D. it the President of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. 
Pictured: Outstanding Graduate Award recipient Jana Maynard. Photo courtesy of SCF.
The future of a community is not shaped by guesswork. It is shaped by data, informed decision-making and leaders who are willing to pay attention to the trends happening around them. That is exactly why the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce proudly features the Florida Scorecard on the homepage of Sarasota Chamber website.
The Florida Scorecard, created by the Florida Chamber Foundation, is one of the most powerful economic and community data tools available in our state. It tracks hundreds of metrics that directly impact Florida’s future and allows users to drill down into county-level information, including Sarasota County.
The Scorecard is organized around major categories that influence long-term prosperity, including Talent Supply & Education, Innovation & Economic Development, Infrastructure & Growth Leadership, Business Climate & Competitiveness, Civics & Governance and Quality of Life.
Within Sarasota County, residents and community leaders can explore metrics that tell the story of where our region is thriving and where additional focus may be needed. The Scorecard tracks indicators such as third-grade reading scores, high school graduation rates, workforce participation, unemployment trends, online job demand, poverty levels, housing affordability, broadband access, population growth and educational attainment.
Why does this matter?
Because communities that measure outcomes make better decisions. If we want to strengthen our workforce, we should understand educational trends and talent pipeline challenges. If we want to address affordable housing, we should monitor wage growth, rental costs and population changes. If we care about economic development, we should pay attention to labor force participation, industry diversification and business climate rankings. Too often, conversations about a community’s future become driven by emotion, anecdotes or headlines. Data helps ground those conversations in facts.
One of the most valuable aspects of the Florida Scorecard is that it allows Sarasota County residents to compare local metrics against state averages and other counties across Florida. It gives business leaders, nonprofit organizations, elected officials and engaged citizens a shared scoreboard to better understand where we stand today and where we need to go tomorrow.
At the Sarasota Chamber, we believe informed communities are stronger communities. That is why we encourage our members and residents to regularly explore the Florida Scorecard and use it as a resource for strategic thinking, planning and community conversations. The challenges and opportunities facing Sarasota will not be solved overnight. But when leaders have access to meaningful data and are willing to engage with it, better solutions emerge.
I encourage you to visit the Florida Scorecard through the Sarasota Chamber website and spend a few minutes exploring the trends shaping our region’s future. The information is insightful, eye-opening and, quite frankly, essential for anyone who cares about the future of Sarasota County.
Heather Kasten is the President and CEO of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
Provided photo.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy everything our community has to offer while supporting the local businesses that help make it thrive.
From locally owned restaurants and boutiques to fitness studios, entertainment venues and service providers, our small businesses create the character and energy that make our community special. When residents choose to shop local, dine local and support neighborhood businesses, they are investing directly back into the local economy, supporting jobs, families and community growth.
This season, we encourage everyone to explore local first. Try a new restaurant, attend a community event, visit a local shop or spend time enjoying the parks, trails and gathering spaces that make our region special. The choice, however small, to pick local can make a big impact for the businesses that support our schools, nonprofits and community year-round.
At the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, we are proud to support and advocate for our local business community. This summer, let’s continue to shop locally, connect locally and celebrate the businesses and experiences that make our community such a great place to live, work and play. To see our list of local businesses, visit lwrba.org.
Provided photo.
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
Calder’s work is a great source of interest to the team at Selby Gardens. His fascination with energy and motion, coupled with his exploration of suspension and equilibrium, provides creative inspiration for the dynamic display of epiphytes, or air plants. Selby Gardens is a leading center for the study of air plants and is home to the best scientifically documented collections of living epiphytic orchids and bromeliads in the world. The Calder exhibition at Selby Gardens will highlight the artist’s use of abstract forms rooted in nature and emphasize his interest in science and engineering. The exhibition will also explore Calder’s enchantment with the circus, stemming from his studies of performers and animals at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1925.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, 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
Thursdays and Saturdays, 7:30pm. Step right up to solve the murder of Dahlia the Queen of the High Wire on this interactive murder mystery who-dunnit.
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.
Make your Saturday mornings even more fun! Check out the Backyard Science program for elementary-aged learners at The Bishop’s incredible indoor Mosaic Backyard Universe. This wildly popular learning program offers a wide range of activities, observations, and crafts that are sure to spark curiosity and ignite learning.
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th Street West Bradenton FL 34205
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!
Stelliferous is your monthly guide to the night skies and the latest news from the world of astronomy. You can enjoy our upgraded Planetarium system and feel like an astronaut as you experience our 50-foot dome!
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton
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
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
Geckos Grill and Pub is excited to announce our much-anticipated Annual Iron Chef Competition, a thrilling event that brings together culinary creativity and team spirit! This years competition will run for a total of seven weeks, beginning on May 11th and culminating in a championship finale from June 22 to June 28. This competition offers our teams a unique opportunity to work together in the kitchen, fostering collaboration and camaraderie as they prepare dishes daily. Each participant must assist one another, transforming the kitchen into a hub of creativity and teamwork. We approach this promotion with an Everybody Wins. mentality. Each location will celebrate innovation and teamwork throughout the competition. Participants are encouraged to unleash their culinary imagination! Competitors must create a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 dishes, featuring items from all cooking stations: fry, grill, saute,and pantry. Exciting Prizes Await! Our top three finalists at each location will earn fantastic cash awards. During finals week, the ultimate victors will each receive a cash bonus, an embroidered chef coat commemorating their Iron Chef winning year, and the honor of displaying the Iron Chef trophy at their location for an entire year. Join us for a flavorful time of competition, creativity, and camaraderie at Geckos Grill and Pub. We can’t wait to see the incredible dishes our teams will create. Let the culinary battle begin! Geckos Grill and Pub – Where Good Food Meets Great Friends.
Gecko's Grill and Pub
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
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
Featuring works by such acclaimed modern and contemporary artists as Louise Bourgeois, Chuck Close, Yoko Ono, David Hockney, Ai Weiwei, and more, this never-before-seen exhibition offers a rare glimpse into private collections held throughout Southwest Florida.
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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