SRQ DAILY Jun 10, 2026
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"It's a celebration of individuality, acceptance and the kind of community that happens when people come together to laugh, connect and support one another. "
Celebrate Pride with The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime and Project Pride at Mrs. Roper’s Romp—a vibrant community event inspired by Helen Roper, the beloved character from the classic sitcom Three’s Company. Guests are invited to embrace self-expression, laughter and connection while supporting local businesses and celebrating an inclusive community spirit.
The festivities take place on June 13 from 11am to 3pm and feature a lively Mrs. Roper Beauty Pageant at 2pm, where participants will compete by showcasing their most colorful caftans, oversized accessories and unmistakable Roper-inspired flair. Guests will enjoy live music, specialty cocktails, local shopping and a welcoming atmosphere designed to bring people together. Stanleys are also welcome. "Mrs. Roper's Romp is about more than dressing up and having fun," said Kim Livengood, co-owner of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime. "It's a celebration of individuality, acceptance and the kind of community that happens when people come together to laugh, connect and support one another. Partnering with Project Pride makes this event even more meaningful because it reflects our shared commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels welcome."
Project Pride's involvement underscores the event's mission of promoting visibility, inclusion and community engagement throughout Sarasota and beyond.
Guests of all ages are encouraged to attend, whether they arrive dressed as Mrs. Roper or simply ready to enjoy an afternoon of music, entertainment, specialty drinks and unforgettable memories.
Saturday, June 13, Apricot & Lime and Project Pride, Mrs. Roper Beauty Pageant: 2:00pm. 
Photo courtesy of The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime.
The salt marshes and waterways of the Robinson Preserve Expansion experienced a great leap toward conservation yesterday with the release of 500 juvenile snooks. The release was part of a wider program to release 21,000 snooks across Southwest Florida, including 1,500 specially-tagged fish.
As families watched from the shoreline, scientists from Mote Marine Laboratory moved the snooks into buckets, each one carrying a passive integrated transponder—a tag similar to microchips used in household pets. From there, the fish were released into the water, where researchers will eventually be able to track where the snooks travel and, more importantly, whether they survive.
Dr. Ryan Schloesser, manager of Mote’s Fisheries Ecology & Enhancement Program, explains, “We know exactly which fish was at our antenna, when it was there, how long it stayed and most importantly, that that fish is still alive.” He emphasized that the project’s goal is to learn which habitats are best for snooks, so they can be recreated for conservation purposes. “Today is really exciting because not only do we get all this amazing data on the habitat, but we get to put back some of the snook that we lost from the system,” Schloesser says.
This research is incredibly important to scientists at the moment, since recent climate patterns have led to alarmingly high snook mortality rates. Hurricanes and cold weather have taken a toll on local snook populations. This was a very cold winter—and snook are a tropical species,” Schloesser says. “They're not very tolerant of cold conditions like a lot of other more temperate species.”
Will Robinson, the representative for the Robinson Preserve Expansion, explained that snook conservation efforts are incredibly important to the community. “It affects more than just our ecology—it's so important to keep our environment crystal clear to make sure that we keep the jobs that rely on snooks and the quality of life high in our area.”
As the buckets emptied, the moment represented a chance to watch conservation in action—one snook at a time.
Pictured: Mote employees transferring snooks from a large portable tub into buckets for tagging. Photo by Alex Alfaro.
Foodrecovery.org Seeks to Boost Impact by Fostering Internal Connection with Support from Community Foundation of Sarasota County A grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County promises to helpFoodRecovery.org ensure that their focus on community empowerment and sustainability is as true for the organization as it is for those they serve. FoodRecovery.org is a nonprofit organization offering an online platform connecting organizations having surplus food to communities in need. Since 2022, the organization has recovered more than 1.5 million pounds in Manatee, Sarasota, Desoto and Charlotte Counties (and 180 million pounds of food across all 50 states since 2015) providing free food to people facing food insecurity while diverting edible food from landfills. They are the only food recovery organization that operates in all 50 states.
As summer approaches and part-time residents leave the state, All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) is facing a volunteer shortage. From May through September, AFFB needs 800 volunteers to cover approximately 12,000 volunteer hours for its 60 planned outdoor mobile food distributions. The need is particularly urgent over the summer as AFFB increases its output through the implementation of its summer feeding program – funded through the Campaign Against Summer Hunger – for students who rely on free and reduced-cost meals at school. In 2025, 3,200 “Hunger Heroes” contributed more than 59,000 hours to help the food bank in its mission of ending hunger. Visit allfaithsfoodbank.org/volunteer.
Caring for a loved one living with a mental health condition can be challenging, often leaving family members and caregivers feeling frustrated, alone, and uncertain about where to turn for help. That is why the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sarasota and Manatee Counties created its Family Support Group program. Featuring monthly sessions in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice, as well as online, the Family Support Group program offers free, peer-led support that connects families, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with mental health conditions to share experiences, gain encouragement, and learn valuable coping strategies in a safe and welcoming environment. For more information on NAMI Family Support Groups, visit NAMISarasotaManatee.org/support-and-education or call (941) 376-9361.
Last month, a Goodwill Manasota employee, Melissa Jenkins, became the first in her family to receive a college degree, earning her associate's from State College of Florida (SCF), Manatee-Sarasota. This was made possible through a collaboration of Goodwill Manasota, which provides financial support for employees who are seeking to advance their education and certifications, and SCF, whose #EveryonesCollege initiative connects students with the resources, flexibility, and support needed to pursue higher education while managing the full responsibilities of working adult life. Today, 24 Goodwill team members across 11 counties are actively enrolled at SCF, each taking steps toward a degree and a stronger future.
Pictured: Melissa Jenkins earned her associate in arts degree at SCF thanks to a collaboration between Goodwill Manasota and State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota Provided photo.
First 1,000 Days Suncoast is pleased to announce the expansion of its family navigation services in DeSoto County with the addition of Family Navigator Jailene Soto. This expansion builds on our partnership with Links to Success and our ongoing commitment to supporting local families.
Community members rolled up their sleeves in a big way on May 29, helping Gecko's Grill & Pub and SunCoast Blood Centers achieve a record-breaking Gecko's Day Blood Drive. Together, donors contributed 352 units of blood between participating Gecko's locations and SunCoast Blood Centers donor centers. The event also made Gecko's history, with 188 units collected at four Gecko's blood bus locations—the highest collection total ever recorded during a Gecko's Day blood drive. For more information about Gecko's Grill & Pub, visit https://geckosgrill.com/
Harvest House has been awarded a $105,000 grant from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation to support the purchase of two generators that will power its’ resilience hubs during emergencies. In the aftermath of hurricanes and severe weather events, access to food and essential services can be significantly disrupted. These generators will ensure that Harvest House can continue operating its food bank and maintain critical services even during extended power outages. To learn more about Harvest House and its programs, visit harvesthousecenters.org
Sarasota School: The Intersection of Architecture and Art, lecture with Morris (Marty) Hylton III. This lecture explores how the designers of the Sarasota School transform modernism into a distinctly regional expression shaped by climate, landscape, light, and creativity. Free for members | $15 for non-members.Wednesday, June 3, 11am.
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
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.
Join Discover Sarasota Tours on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for a fascinating 90-minute guided mainland tour exploring Sarasota’s rich architectural heritage. This tour highlights some of the area's most distinctive styles, including Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern design associated with the Sarasota School of Architecture, and the elegant Mediterranean Revival style. Participants will discover notable buildings, historic homes, and unique structures that have helped shape Sarasota’s identity over the years. Along the way, learn about the architects, design influences, and history behind these iconic landmarks while gaining a deeper appreciation for the city’s architectural character.
Join Jerome Chesley on Mondays at 1 p.m. for an engaging tour showcasing Sarasota’s vibrant public art scene. Over the course of the tour, guests will explore more than 60 pieces of public art located throughout downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle. From striking sculptures and colorful murals to unique installations, each work tells a story about the community, its culture, and its history. Along the way, participants will learn about the artists behind the pieces, the inspiration for their creations, and the role public art plays in shaping Sarasota’s identity. This tour offers a fun and informative way to experience the city through its impressive collection of outdoor artwork.
Step right into Sarasota’s colorful circus history on Saturdays at 1 p.m. with this entertaining and informative tour led by circus historian Bob Collins. Discover the fascinating legacy of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus and learn how Sarasota became known as the Circus Capital of the World. Along the way, guests will hear captivating stories about legendary performers, historic circus landmarks, and the lasting impact the circus had on the community. From behind-the-scenes secrets to little-known facts, this tour offers a unique look at the people, places, and traditions that helped shape Sarasota’s rich circus heritage.
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!
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
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
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
Anna Maria Oyster Bar North Port is proud to participate in the 21st annual Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week, presented by Visit Sarasota County. Returning for its second year in the program, Anna Maria Oyster Bar North Port is offering guests a specially curated dining experience that showcases the restaurant's commitment to quality seafood, great value, and genuine hospitality. Guests can enjoy a three-course lunch for $25 or a three-course dinner for $45, featuring a selection of Anna Maria Oyster Bar favorites and fresh Gulf Coast flavors.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar North Port, 14132 S Tamiami Trl, North Port
Delightfully Funky Since 1997, Blasé Martini Bar in Siesta Key Village has been Sarasota’s cozy, funky go-to for inventive food, handcrafted martinis, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. It’s perfect for date nights or casual hangouts—offering bold flavors, expertly mixed drinks, and a setting that feels both relaxed and refreshingly unique. Join us for the launch of our Summer Pizza & Martini Menu, featuring hand-tossed specialty Pizzas, Pineapple Upside Down Vodka Martini for June, Siesta Suns Orange Vodka in July & Just Peachy Vodka Martini in August.
Blasé Martini Bar in Siesta Key Village, 5263 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key
The sharp-witted, glamorous, incomparable Eartha Kitt commands the spotlight. But backstage in her dressing room, in the quiet between songs, she peels back the glitz to reveal Eartha Mae: a girl from the South Carolina cotton fields, orphaned by her mother until an audience adopted her. Told through both story and song, Urbanite Theatre’s first-ever musical production unearths the complex truth behind the icon.
Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota, FL 34236
The exhibition at Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus celebrates childhood and the imagination of youth through the words and images of A Child’s Garden of Verses, the beloved book of poetry for children by the celebrated Scottish writer, Robert Louis Stevenson. The exhibition features photographs of pages from a vintage edition of the book, combining Stevenson’s poetry with illustrations by the notable American artist, Alexander Dobkin. Accompanying the photographs are simple interactives that draw their inspiration from Stevenson’s poems and enhance the visitor experience. Audio recordings enable visitors to hear the poems read by Selby Gardens’ Artist-in-Residence, Patti Smith. Visit selby.org for tickets.
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey
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
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. 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.
Gecko's Grill and Pub
Maria A. Guzman 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
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