SRQ DAILY Jun 18, 2026
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"We give people a hands-on, immersive education in natural and cultural history."
Out in Old Miakka, about 20 miles east of downtown Sarasota, lies a slice of true Florida history. The Crowley Museum and Nature center is a 191-acre farmstead, encompassing a range of rare Florida habitats, pioneer buildings and a herd of historical cattle and farm animals. The nonprofit was founded by William Jasper Crowley and Edina Truchot in 1974—Crowley was the grandson of John Crowley, an Irish immigrant who came to the area in the 1880s. On a homestead in Manatee County, John Crowley and his family became emblematic of the Florida “cracker” lifestyle.
Named after the sound of their cattle whip “cracking” in mid-air, the Florida cracker or cowmen, made their living driving herds of smaller, thinner cattle, descendants of the Spanish Conquistadors Andalusian cattle, through the plains and swamps of Florida. At the Crowley Museum, that heritage is honored through a pioneer museum, a relocated pioneer house and a herd of those same cracker cattle. Visitors to the estate are welcomed to take a tour through the pioneer museum, participate in folk school classes teaching methods of the cracker lifestyle still applicable to today or walk the grounds.
“What we do is essentially show people how hard life was to carve out in this area, not only for the pioneers, but for the native people who lived here,” says Dixie Resnick, president and CEO of the Crowley. “We give people a hands-on, immersive education in natural and cultural history. They can walk through the standalone historic buildings we have or through our half-mile long boardwalk, so that they can literally get into history and witness it as if they were seeing it through the eyes of those who came here first.”
Crowley Museum and Nature Center, Thursday-Sunday, 10am-5pm in fair weather, 16405 Myakka Rd, Sarasota. 
The Tatum House at the Crowley Museum and Nature Center. Provided photo.
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota is committed to student success. Through small classes and strong teaching, alumni Judy Young, Dana Yawn and Thalia Bozeman gained a high-quality education, continued their studies and built successful local careers. Young leads nurses and interdisciplinary teams as a registered nurse and chief nursing officer at Manatee Memorial Hospital. “I enjoyed studying nursing, performing skills and learning to care for patients with confidence at SCF,” she said. Yawn owns Party Popping Events, creating balloon décor for individuals and businesses, and serves as a licensed clinical social worker in Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit Court probate and guardianship division. “You are more than just a number at SCF; it felt like family,” she said. Bozeman is a veterinarian and owner of Grace Veterinary Services, caring for dogs, cats and small animals. “SCF professors cared about you and wanted you to succeed,” she said.
Sarasota County Schools is proud to announce that Suncoast Technical College has earned national accreditation from the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) through the Marine Trades Accreditation Program (MTAP). The designation affirms that Suncoast Technical College delivers high-quality marine service technology education that prepares students for in-demand careers in the marine trades.
New College of Florida announced the appointment of Florida State Senator Darryl Rouson as Presidential Scholar and Professor of Trial Litigation. The veteran trial attorney, former prosecutor, and Florida senator joins the institution with a longstanding record of preparing graduates for the nation’s leading law schools. To learn more visit ncf.edu.
Join us under the stars for Star Stories, our summer program for young astronomers. After the first show of the day, Ted’s Space Adventure, gather beneath the dome for a cozy space-themed story as the constellations slowly drift overhead. Let your imagination travel through the night sky as stories and stars come together in this unique Planetarium experience. Time: 11:45am at the front of the planetarium dome. Dates: June 20, June 27, July 11, July 18, July 25, August 1, August 8. Cost: Included with Museum admission.
Nathan Benderson Park and The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota are proud to announce the return of one of the Suncoast's most beloved patriotic traditions: Fireworks on the Lake - America 250, a spectacular celebration taking place on July 3, 2026, at Nathan Benderson Park. For more information, contact Elyza Wylder-Wilcox at Elyza@ThePopsOrchestra.org or 404-218-2478.
As fundraising and philanthropy continue to evolve, a longstanding peer forum for nonprofit advancement professionals is expanding its membership to meet the growing demand for high-level collaboration, problem-solving and strategic discussion. Founded in 2020 by Mary Beth Bos, CPVA, CPBA, CPTA, president of MBJ Group, the Ideas Group brings together experienced fundraising, advancement, marketing and nonprofit leaders for confidential conversations about the challenges and opportunities shaping today's philanthropic landscape. The group is now expanding membership and is presented in collaboration with Senior Friendship Centers and Declan J. Sheehy, the chief advancement officer at Senior Friendship Centers, who serves as co-presenter.
The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program is celebrating Juneteenth with a food drive and free lunch. The event is open to the public and will be held 10am – 12pm, June 20th at Mount Raymond Baptist Church, 2410 4th Ave East in Palmetto. Because Juneteenth falls on a Friday this year, the event will be on Saturday, June 20th, giving attendees another chance to celebrate. Come and join the celebration of our federal holiday, “Freedom Day”. The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program is encouraging the public and local businesses to participate and donate food. Donations can be dropped off prior to the event by contacting Executive Director, Scott Biehler, phone/text: 941-350-6075, e-mail: info@mayorsfeedthehungry.org. Donations may also be dropped off on the day of the event from 9 am till 12 noon. For more information, visit www.MayorsFeedTheHungry.org.
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.
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
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
Step into the spotlight with One Hit Wonders, a toe-tapping celebration of those unforgettable songs that lit up the charts and became part of our lives. From the epic storytelling of “American Pie” to the carefree whistle of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” this show celebrates the artists who gave us a single great hit.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
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
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
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
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
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
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
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