SRQ DAILY Jun 27, 2026
Saturday Perspectives Edition
"The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is now accepting interest forms for the inaugural Sarasota County CEO Academy, a new accelerated development program created exclusively for second-stage companies ready for growth."
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is now accepting interest forms for the inaugural Sarasota County CEO Academy, a new accelerated development program created exclusively for second-stage companies ready for growth.
Presented by Pinnacle + Synovus, the CEO Academy is designed for busy CEOs who have successfully moved beyond the startup phase and are navigating the unique challenges of scaling a growing business. Rather than offering a traditional classroom curriculum, the program provides customized, one-on-one guidance focused on each company’s most pressing growth opportunity.
The nine-month program begins with a guided assessment to identify the participant’s most timely challenge to growth. CEOs are then paired with experienced advisors and subject matter experts who work directly with them, primarily through a flexible virtual format, to develop a clear roadmap for growth.
This is not a one-size-fits-all program. Every company faces different challenges as they grow. The CEO Academy is designed to meet leaders where they are and provide the tailored plan they need to scale their business with confidence.
The CEO Academy is ideal for growth-minded leaders of privately held, for-profit companies that employ between six and 150 people, generate annual revenues between $750,000 and $100 million, and operate beyond the local market. Eligible companies should be operating within EDC target industries, including Technology, Life Sciences, Headquarters & Financial Services, Film & Creative Industries, and Manufacturing & Logistics. Participants will gain access to trusted advisors, proven growth strategies, and a network of fellow business leaders who understand the realities of second-stage growth.
The time commitment has been intentionally designed to fit into a CEO’s schedule. The program runs from September 2026 through May 2027 and requires approximately two hours per month, including virtual sessions and a few in-person lunch workshops.
The Sarasota County CEO Academy reflects the EDC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the region’s economy by helping existing companies grow, create jobs, and expand their impact throughout the community.
CEOs interested in joining the inaugural program are encouraged to submit an interest form by July 10. Scholarships are available for qualified participants through the Economic Development Foundation of Sarasota County, made possible by the generous support of Foundation donors and presenting sponsor Pinnacle + Synovus. Final cohort selections will be announced in August, with the program beginning in September.
For more information and to submit an interest form, visit https://www.edcsarasotacounty.com/ceoacademy.
Erin Silk is the President & CEO, EDC Sarasota County. 
Yesterday, more than 500 business and community leaders gathered for one of Sarasota's most anticipated annual traditions—the Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Sarasota Business Awards, at The Ora venue.
The event honored 30 outstanding local businesses and organizations across 10 award categories, recognizing excellence in entrepreneurship, innovation, community impact, workplace culture, customer service, and business growth. While the awards celebrate a select group of finalists and winners, they also shine a spotlight on something much larger: the critical role businesses play in creating prosperous communities.
This year's event was especially meaningful as it coincides with America's 250th birthday. As our nation reflects on two and a half centuries of history, it is worth remembering that America's story has always been deeply connected to entrepreneurship. The same spirit that inspired early Americans to build businesses, create jobs, take risks, and pursue opportunity continues today in communities like Sarasota. Business owners are more than employers. They are community builders. They invest in our neighborhoods, support local nonprofits, sponsor youth programs, serve on boards and committees, and help create the quality of life that attracts people and businesses to our region.
Every thriving community depends on a strong business community. Businesses generate jobs, expand the tax base, drive innovation, and provide opportunities for individuals and families to achieve economic success. They are the engine that powers local economies and the foundation upon which communities grow and prosper. At the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, we are privileged to work alongside these business leaders every day. We see firsthand the dedication, resilience, and determination required to operate a successful business, especially during times of uncertainty and change.
As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, we should also celebrate the entrepreneurs, business owners and non-profits who continue to shape Sarasota's future. Their willingness to invest, innovate, and lead is what keeps our economy strong and our community moving forward. Congratulations to all of this year's Sarasota Business Awards finalists and winners. Your success is helping write the next chapter in Sarasota's story, and we are grateful for the impact you make every day.
For a full list of our 30 finalists, please visit our website at www.sarasotachamber.com/sarasota-business-awards-2025/
Heather Kasten is the President and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
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
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
This summer, Selby Gardens is excited to present an indoor and outdoor exhibition featuring the work of legendary American photographer, Lynn Goldsmith, who is renowned for both her celebrity portraits and fine art images. Goldsmith’s exhibition at the Downtown Sarasota campus will combine stunning images of flowers with intimate portraits of Selby Gardens’ artist in residence – Patti Smith. Visit selby.org for tickets.
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota
Get ready to move this summer with Sarasota Contemporary Dance and guest teachers in sunny Sarasota for a week-long dance intensive, unlike any other! You have three weeks to choose from-or do all three!
Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts Suite 300, Sarasota, FL 34236
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
Delightfully Funky Since 1997, Blase 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.
Blase Martini Bar in Siesta Key Village, 5263 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key
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.
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
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