SRQ DAILY Jul 2, 2026
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"One of my driving lights had a little bit of light in it, and there was some from the moon, but not nearly enough to see properly."
It was late at night in the Italian Alps when Michael Moss started to seriously wonder what he’d gotten himself into. The sun had long set, the precarious switch back roads illuminated only by the glint of moonlight. The brakes had gone out in the Spirit of Zora, the 1957 fuel-injected Corvette Moss was driving, along with the headlights. Downshifting the four-speed transmission to mitigate speed, Moss and his co-driver John Cutrone were doing everything in their power to stay on the road.
“We had been lost all day,” says Moss. “It took us four hours to get off the mountain, going down switch back after switch back. John was watching out from one side of the car and I was looking out the other. One of my driving lights had a little bit of light in it, and there was some from the moon, but not nearly enough to see properly.”
Moss arrived at his hotel exhausted. Three hours later, he was on the road again. Such is the experience of the 1000 Miglia, a historic recreation of the legendary endurance race that runs 1,250 miles across Italy from Brescia to Rome and back. From June 9 to 13, Moss and Cutrone represented Sarasota as TEAM ZORA USA, driving 15 hours a day in their corvette, competing in multiple stage races each day. The original Mille Miglia ran from 1927 to 1957, an endurance race on par with the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Spirit of Zora is an ode to Zora Arkus-Duntov, a chief engineer for General Motors known as the “Godfather” of the Chevrolet Corvette. Although the ‘57 Corvette is not on the list of admitted historical cars allowed to compete in the 1000 Miglia, the Spirit of Zora was granted a special exception based on its historical significance. One of just two Corvettes to enter the race—and Sarasota’s only entrant in the history of the 1000 Miglia—TEAM ZORA USA finished 371st out of 436 cars. “The course is unique in that it takes you over cobblestone streets through these walled cities,” says Moss. “I’m flying 70 miles per hour through these cobblestone streets and there are little kids on the side trying to high five you.” 
Mike Moss (driver) and John Cutrone leave a checkpoint in the 1000 Miglia. Provided photo.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar is proud to sponsor Fireworks on the Lake at Nathan Benderson Park as part of the America 250 festivities. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, family fun, food and beverage vendors, and a spectacular fireworks show lighting up the lake. The AMOB team will be on site sharing free AMOB Summer Passports, handing out AMOB swag, and serving bites and beverages for the celebration. Guests can stop by the AMOB booth for a complimentary Taste of the Tropics mocktail, while VIP guests can enjoy Spicy Watermelon Margaritas and House Ritas.
Friday, July 3, 5pm-9:45pm, Fireworks at 9:15pm, Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota.
Mason Alberts successfully balances student life at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF). As a music production student at SCF Bradenton, he takes classes, spends time with friends, participates in clubs and works for Student Life. Alberts transferred to SCF in Fall 2022 after facing academic challenges at a previous institution. Since then, he has excelled as a student leader, earning an Outstanding Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate Club Officer award and recognition at a Florida FBLA Collegiate State Leadership Conference. “I chose SCF because it is cost-efficient, local and has good opportunities for me even after I [didn’t do well] somewhere else. I like the community I’ve found there.” Before graduating, Alberts hopes to secure an internship through SCF. He plans to enter the workforce after graduation. Through affordable tuition, clubs and support services, SCF helps students like Alberts build skills, gain confidence and prepare for future careers.
The Child Protection Center (CPC) invites the community to join the first annual Runaway Pumpkin 5K & Family Fest on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at CPC’s Monda Family Campus of Healing in North Port. The event will feature a 5K race, a children’s Mini Monster Dash, and a free Fall family festival. The Runaway Pumpkin 5K welcomes all runners and walkers, while the 100m Mini Monster Dash offers kids 12 and under the opportunity to race. A virtual 5K is also available. Race activities begin at 8 a.m., followed by the free Family Fest from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place at 5600 Peace River Road in North Port.
Yesterday, the Florida Department of Education released the 2025-2026 school and district grades, and Sarasota County Schools is proud to share that the district has once again earned an overall "A" grade. This marks our 23rd consecutive year receiving the state's highest district designation. This year's results also include several historic milestones, including all district-managed schools earning either an "A" or "B" grade, and both Emma E. Booker Elementary School and Booker Middle School earning an A grade for the first time since Florida's school grading system was established. Additionally, all district-managed middle schools earned an "A" grade for the 2025-2026 school year. The district increased its overall accountability score by 32 points compared to the previous year, while 14 district-managed schools improved by at least one letter grade and no district-managed schools decreased a letter grade.
The University of South Florida today announced a $1.5 million investment from ReliaQuest that will benefit students in the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. The gift expands AI cybersecurity programming, establishes the new college’s first-ever endowed professorship and creates a study track within the ReliaQuest Labs program focused on AI-supported software engineering. Made through the USF Foundation, the gift will establish the ReliaQuest AI and Cybersecurity Professorship and expand the ReliaQuest Labs experiential learning program, strengthening the college’s ability to attract top talent and prepare workforce-ready graduates.
The Office of Angel Colonneso, Esq., Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Manatee County, will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 3, 2026. The office will reopen with regular business hours Monday, July 6, 2026. Customers can continue to access online services, including searching court records, official records, and making payments on the Clerk & Comptroller’s website at https://www.ManateeClerk.com/ or download the Clerk & Comptroller's mobile app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
SRQ Magazine's Special E-Newsletter Back to School season engages with families in Sarasota and Manatee Counties at an ideal time for thinking through their choices for childcare, private and charter schools, after-school activities, tutoring and academic coaching, sports, and neighborhoods. Join us to reach families as they prepare for the school year!
Space Closing July 10, 2026
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
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
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
Celebrate the America250 Semiquincentennial with a dazzling display of fireworks at Siesta Beach. Join community members, friends and family in one of Siesta Key's most cherished traditions under a July 4th night sky. Fireworks are scheduled to begin after sunset and are launched north of the public beach volleyball courts. Set up blankets and chairs and watch from the main beach, or enjoy the view from the water by boat. Pets are prohibited.
Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Rd., Siesta Key
Come one, come all to the circus this summer at The Circus Arts Conservatory in Sarasota. Kids ages 6 to 15 are invited to learn circus skills and make new friends with attendees from all over the country. Try the trapeze, rolling globe, aerials, juggling and more. Each Friday, friends and families are invited to a costumed showcase performance where campers share the skills they developed throughout the week. Pre-registration is required, and walk-ins are not accepted.
Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota
In its 23rd year, Longboat Key hosts its Annual Freedom Fest Parade and Festival to celebrate the Fourth of July. Expect a patriotic parade, live entertainment, family-friendly games, food and more. Guests can visit a petting zoo and dunk tank, watch a butterfly release and participate in the annual Hot Diggity Dog Contest. Come dressed in your red, white and blue for a fun morning of July 4th activities!
Bicentennial Park, 2730 Gult of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key
Join in the patriotic fun at Waterside Place this 4th of July with thrilling circus acts, timeless carnival games, a whimsical kids' zone and tasty local eats. Noah Royak performs a magic show at 7pm, and don't miss the Circus Arts Conservatory Show at 8pm. To close at the night, a drone show will light up the sky at 9pm. Trolleys will run until 10pm for easy travel to and from the celebration.
Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota
This summer's children's musical at Asolo Repertory Theatre will take you on a trip down the Yellow Brick Road. Adventure awaits at this family-friendly production at the Cook Theatre. The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition is directed and choreographed by Cat Brindisi and is under the music direction of Carl Haan. Join Dorothy, Toto and friends from Oz as they embark on a musical journey to find their way home.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Enjoy an evening packed with family-friendly fun, including games and activities on the Great Lawn, the mesmerizing Spheres Bubble Show by Blaise Rhynds, and a spectacular fireworks finale lighting up Sarasota Bay. Come hungry and ready to celebrate! Feast on smoky barbecue favorites, cool off with refreshing frozen treats, and indulge in festive summer sweets available for purchase throughout the evening from a variety of local vendors. This event is rain or shine. General Admission and all-inclusive tickets available. General admission guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and bug spray for maximum comfort. All-Inclusive tickets (no member price) include on-site parking, a delicious buffet dinner by Michael’s On East, an open bar inside our air-conditioned Event Center, and prime viewing of the fireworks! Visit selby.org for tickets.
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota
Join local wellness advocate Kayla Fite, founder of Habits You Love, for Sweat + Connect, a fitness class created to inspire movement, confidence, and meaningful connections. This energizing outdoor workout encourages women of all fitness levels to challenge themselves in a supportive and uplifting environment. More than just exercise, the event offers an opportunity to meet new people, build friendships, and invest in personal well-being. Start your morning with positive energy, healthy habits, and a community of women committed to feeling their best together.
James Patton Park, 5725 White Eagle Blvd, Bradenton
Bubble artist Blaise Ryndes will blow guests away with his immersive Spheres Bubble Show under the banyans. Join us every Saturday for the next few weeks from 10 a.m. to noon for a comedic and mysterious fusion of art, science, and magic that the whole family will enjoy! Free for members, included with general admission for non-members. Visit selby.org
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota
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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