A brush fire tore through the Stoneybrook of Venice community on June 5, destroying forty-one acres of land within the neighborhood. In the face of this devastating event, the heroic efforts of our region’s first responders helped protect lives, safeguard homes and prevent the fire from causing even greater destruction.

Hardy Custodio, the Facilities Manager for Stoneybrook of Venice and a former fire department maintenance worker, witnessed the emergency unfold. Though he initially attempted to use a fire extinguisher, he quickly recognized the blaze was spreading too rapidly and alerted emergency services via 911. "I've been close to fires before, but this one was different," Custodio said.

The containment of the fire was a result of a coordinated effort between the Sarasota County Fire Department, the Florida Forest Service and regional partners from Venice, Englewood, North Port and Nokomis. “Protecting lives, property and our community is at the heart of everything we do," said Assistant Chief Philip Peickert of the Sarasota County Fire Department. "The successful containment of this fire reflects the professionalism, training and teamwork of the firefighters, paramedics and public safety personnel who responded from across the county. We are grateful for the support shown by the residents and proud to have been part of this collective effort."

To show their appreciation, residents gathered at the community clubhouse on Saturday, June 27, to host a private gratitude luncheon for the responders who protected their neighborhood. This heartfelt tribute honored the dedicated crews who served on the front lines, defending the community and ensuring that all residents could return home safely.

Luncheon coordinator Tiffany Foster, who witnessed the fire, emphasized the importance of the tribute. "We are incredibly grateful for the aerial and ground efforts that protected our homes," she said. "While we are saddened by the loss of our nature preserve, we are relieved that there were no casualties, so we had to show appreciation." 

Photo by Hardy Custodio.

A Sarasota mother once watched her 9-year-old son cycle through repeated hospitalizations after mental health crises. Each time he came home, the family felt more overwhelmed and at risk of falling apart. Stories like hers are all too common—and they highlight the urgent need for more intensive, family-centered support.Now, thanks to a $500,000 partnership between The Florida Center for Early Childhood, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), and the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network (CFBHN), families like hers can access the Family Support Team (FST) designed to prevent repeated crises, keep children safe, and the risk of foster care or other out-of-home placements. For more information, visit TheFloridaCenter.org.

Pictured: Through Sarasota County's new Family Support Team program, specialists from The Florida Center for Early Childhood work closely with children and caregivers to coordinate services, reduce crises and strengthen family relationships. Provided

The Salvation Army of Manatee County is calling on compassionate individuals across Bradenton and the greater Manatee County area to step forward and make a meaningful difference in the lives of neighbors in need. As the demand for services continues to grow, volunteers are urgently needed to assist with community meals served Monday through Friday, providing not just nourishment, but dignity, hope, and human connection to individuals and families facing hardship. In addition, The Salvation Army is actively recruiting members for its Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team, a vital group of trained volunteers who respond during times of crisis—offering food, hydration, and emotional support when our community needs it most. 

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UnidosNow has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County's Two-Generation Approach Fund, Allen Wirtz Nobbe and Jo Bowen Nobbe Fund, and Edward K. Roberts Fund. The funding will expand its 2Gen Empowered Parents program, which equips Hispanic/Latino parents and grandparents with the skills, leadership opportunities, and community connections they need to navigate the U.S. education system and support their children's success. The program serves predominantly low-income Latino parents and grandparents — about 90 percent of them women — whose children and grandchildren attend public schools in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Many speak little or no English and are navigating an unfamiliar education system for the first time. UnidosNow meets those families where they are, helping them advocate for their children, connect to local resources, and build lasting support networks. 

Pictured: A facilitator welcomes a participant to the UnidosNow Empowered Parents program, where Latino parents and grandparents gain the knowledge, confidence and leadership skills to advocate for their childrens education. A $75,000 grant from the Commu

The Manatee Literacy Council is pleased to announce that Marisol Garcia will serve as the organization’s 2026–2028 Board President, beginning July 1, 2026. A Manatee County native, Garcia has built a respected career advancing strategic outreach initiatives and strengthening community outcomes. As the child of immigrants, Garcia shares a deep personal connection to the mission of the Manatee Literacy Council. She is passionate about expanding equitable access to learning, strengthening community capacity, and supporting adult learners in their pursuit of independence through literacy and the American dream. For more information, visit www.manatee-literacy.org or contact info@manatee-literacy.org. 

The nonprofit organization, FoodRecoveryorg, in partnership with Epic-Cure, has found a way to incorporate new emerging technologies to create an innovative app called RescueRoute. In a world of ever-evolving technology, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence,. FoodRecovery.org believes technology should be leveraged to create solutions to address the longstanding issue of food insecurity. With a $50,000 grant from the Selby Foundation, this idea is able to become a reality. Learn more at www.FoodRecovery.org. 

As excessive heat hits Sarasota, two friends, Leona and Layna, decided to put their entrepreneurial skills to work by opening their very first lemonade stand. They mixed fresh lemonade, made colorful signs, and served up refreshing beverages to thirsty neighbors with big smiles. They collected about $72 and knew exactly what they wanted to do with the money. Since they both adored cats and kittens, they decided to donate their hard-earned earnings to Cat Depot. 

Pictured: Leona and Layna rasied funds for Cat Depot by opening a lemonade stand. Photo courtesy of Cat Depot.

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