SRQ DAILY Jul 8, 2026
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"These kids definitely keep me on my toes."
Every Monday morning, Garfield Beezer is greeted by bright smiles from children and heartfelt thanks from parents, many of whom say it's hard to match the fresh, nutritious meals he serves once the weekend arrives. As Director of Food and Nutrition Services at Easterseals Southwest Florida, Beezer prepares breakfast, lunch and snacks for about 80 children every weekday.
Beezer's culinary journey began in Jamaica, where he owned a restaurant serving people transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. An experienced farmer, he saw perfectly good crops go to waste when they weren't exported, so he incorporated those products into his menu. While his clientele may be a bit different today, his work is similar–he is still using most of the produce grown in the school garden, the Impact100 SRQ Grow and Learn Garden—known simply as "the farm"–to create fresh, nutritious meals for his students. This nearly one-acre, wheelchair-accessible facility was established with a grant from Impact100 SRQ on land provided by Bayside Pet Resort and Bob and Lynne Huff. Beezer not only designed and built the farm but continues to manage and plant it alongside volunteers to ensure the children receive healthy daily meals.
"I was a farmer first, so when I came here, I was looking for something fulfilling that connected me to what I was doing before I migrated—something related to farming and feeding people," he explains. With Easterseals, he has found that connection and so much more. "Every day is different here. These kids definitely keep me on my toes."
Beezer, who was more than familiar with the demanding hours of restaurant and catering work, was determined to find a career that also prioritized family. Now, with a four-year-old and another child on the way, he has found that balance. His wife, Jody-Ann, is also part of the Easterseals family as director of Lily Preschool.
Beezer accepted his position in 2017, thinking he'd give it a try and see how it went. Nine years later, his work has become far more than a job—it has become a cherished part of life for the families of Easterseals Southwest Florida. 
Pictured: Beezer aims to use ninety percent of what he grows in the garden to nourish children. Provided photo.
Three new members recently joined the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Board of Directors: Dane DeSantis, Greg DiDomenico and Greg Parris, each of whom will serve a three-year term. DeSantis is a business broker, entrepreneur and community leader and is also the owner and president of Hallmark Business Brokers, Inc. in Venice. DiDomenico, meanwhile, is the former president and CEO of the Community Memorial Foundation in Hinsdale, Illinois, a past leader of multiple nonprofit organizations and a current Lakewood Ranch resident. Finally, Parris is a former banking executive who retired from Bank of America, where he served as senior vice president and CFO of global banking and markets operations, and who now calls Longboat Key home. For more information, visit cfsarasota.org
On any given day at CreArte Latino Cultural Center, a child might be learning a new dance step while a parent joins a bilingual book club nearby. A teenager rehearses for a performance as grandparents gather for a community celebration. Different generations, life experiences and languages come together through a shared sense of culture, creativity and connection. Thanks to a $20,000 Community Impact Grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, CreArte Latino Cultural Center will expand these opportunities for hundreds of children, parents and caregivers across Sarasota and Manatee counties. The grant, which was made possible by the Community Foundation’s Zella I. and Junius F. Allen Fund and Leslie and Margaret Weller Fund, supports "Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Performing Arts & Education for Community Connection," a bilingual initiative designed to strengthen family bonds, celebrate cultural identity and foster a deeper sense of belonging through the arts.
In June, mental health nonprofit Sunshine From Darkness - along with program partner Herrera Psychology - brought its Youth Resiliency Coping Skills Workshop to the 50 participants of the Teen Court Summer Camp. The Youth Resiliency Coping Skills program equips young people with practical tools to understand their emotions, manage stress, build confidence, and strengthen their overall mental wellness. Designed to “meet youth where they are,” the program integrates seamlessly into existing summer camps and youth programs, creating a safe, supportive environment for learning and connection.
Pictured: Team members from Sunshine From Darkness and Teen Court Sarasota on the final day of the Youth Resiliency Coping Skills Workshop collaboration Provided photo/Sunshine From Darkness
Oysters Rock Hospitality is partnering with SunCoast Blood Centers for a community blood drive on Thursday, July 16. Community members are encouraged to donate blood and help ensure local hospitals have the lifesaving resources they need. Every donation has the potential to save multiple lives and directly supports patients throughout our region. Blood drives will be held at all Anna Maria Oyster Bar locations with the exception of Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier, which is unable to participate due to space limitations.
Thursday, July 16, 11am-6pm, All Anna Maria Oyster Bar locations excluding the Pier.
As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, The Patterson Foundation invites you to experience Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect, a performance that explores how courage, curiosity, and community have helped shape the American story and why those values still hold meaning. Admission is free as a gift to the community from The Patterson Foundation.
Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Aug 29, 7:30pm, Aug 30, 2:00pm.
In an effort to better prepare case managers for their work and reduce historically high turnover rates, local child welfare organization Safe Children Coalition has jumped headfirst into the new statewide pre-service training program, The Florida Academy. Case managers are a key cog in the child welfare wheel, helping to improve family outcomes and ensuring child safety. Proper training and continuity of care are critical to positive outcomes for children and families: Case manager turnover can increase the length of time a child is likely to remain in the state care system. Lack of consistent support can also result in additional trauma for children when new professionals are put on their case. While case manager turnover in the state ranges from 37-50% -- even reaching 80% in some areas of Florida -- Safe Children Coalition's one-year data running through April 30, 2026 shows the effectiveness of the new training: the percentage of case management turnover at SCC is now well below the average of 30%, landing at just over 23%.
Pictured: Safe Children Coalition team members (from l-r) Colleen Buscemi, Dana LaBlanc, Desiree Brown and Robin Jensen. Photo by Rod Millington Safe Children Coalition.
Habitat for Humanity Sarasota is proud to announce that three local families have achieved the dream of affordable homeownership, bringing the total to 20 families welcomed home during this fiscal year. This milestone reflects the organization's continued commitment to building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. For more information about Habitat for Humanity Sarasota or to learn how to support its mission, visit https://habitatsrq.org
Farmhouse Animal & Nature Sanctuary is hosting its 3rd annual Farmhouse Scramble golf outing fundraiser at a new venue. Get ready to tee off for a great cause! Join us on Saturday, September 26, 2026 for an unforgettable day of golf, food, and fun — all benefiting our furry, feathered & shelled friends at Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Sponsorship opportunities are available from Tee sponsor to event sponsor levels. You can register to play or become a sponsor at http://farmhousescramble.org or email for full sponsorship levels and perks to info@farmhousesanctuary.org.
SRQ MEDIA’s Love Local Arts Initiative celebrates the art and culture organizations in our region throughout the year by cultivating a connection between our readers and local arts organizations. New this year, SRQ Magazine will debute a biweekly online Love Local Arts E-Newsletter to support arts and culture in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Join us by reserving a space today!
Space Closing August 14, 2026
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
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
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
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
Enjoy this summer piano concert by young musicians from the renowned Penneys International Piano Fest at USF. Delight in various classical selections as these rising stars perform on the full concert grand piano in the Peace sanctuary. Doors open at 2:15pm. Before the musical program, guests will also be able to see the Galban/Gaudi art exhibit on its final day in the chapel.
Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church, 110 S Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater
Bring family and friends to Selby Library for a joyous America250 celebration. This festive event includes live music, interactive experiences, local heritage organizations and Florida history presentations. Free refreshments, crafts and hands-on activities are available throughout the day. Doug Alderson will present two programs on Florida's culture and identity: Iconic Images of Florida at 2pm and Florida Dance at 3:30pm.
Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota
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
Intensive B will focus on a variety of Jazz classes. Participants will experience influences from Fosse, Broadway, Afro-Fusion, to Commercial Jazz!
Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Blvd of the Arts Ste 300, Sarasota
Wintry magic can be found in the summer sun in downtown Venice with Christmas in July. Enter the gift basket raffle, search for an elf in a scavenger hunt and try ornament making at The Venice Theatre. On Friday, have breakfast, coffee or lunch with Santa, and see him at the farmers market or fire station next to City Hall on Saturday.
Downtown Venice District, 200 W Venice Ave., Venice
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
Try a new hobby, hand knitting, and create your own sand dollar pillow. At this Knit and Sip workshop, choose from three yarn colors and follow along with Deb of TDog ChunkHandKnits as she provides step-by-step instructions for crafting your pillow. This beginner-friendly experience will teach you the fundamentals of hand knitting so you can create other items, too. Tickets include a glass of wine, and small plates are available for purchase throughout the session. Act fast, because ticket sales close June 29.
GROVE, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch
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
Skip the intimidation and discover wine the way it’s meant to be enjoyed—relaxed, social, and a little indulgent. Sommer School s is designed for those who want to learn the basics without the pressure, guided by our very own Jason Waganheim, in a lively, welcoming setting. You’ll taste a curated selection of wines, explore what makes each one unique, and pick up simple techniques to help you order, pair, and enjoy wine with confidence. No prior knowledge required—just bring your curiosity. This three part series begins July 8,2026 and meets the two consecutive Wednesdays.
State Street Eating House, 1533 State St, Sarasota
At the Court Cabaret, Nancy Allen presents a powerful tribute to era-defining artists in the 1970s, featuring hits from Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Stevie Nicks, Linda Ronstadt and more. A singer trio of Victoria Boland, Samantha Duval and Madalyn McHugh deliver powerhouse vocals that capture the soul and strength of the female artists who wrote their own rules. This show is part of a three-show Summer Cabaret subscription that also includes Leaving on a Jet Plane: A Folk Journey and Legacy: Motown and More!
Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota
Start studying for Gecko's Grill and Pub's 24th Annual Summer Trivia Tournament. This six-week competition features weekly trivia nights on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at participating Gecko's locations throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. Teams can enjoy food and drink specials while competing for a share of $1,000 in Gecko's Bucks. The three teams with the highest cumulative scores are invited to the championship tournament, which is scheduled for Gecko's on Clark Road on August 17.
Gecko's Grill and Pub, All Gecko's Grill and Pub locations
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
Curious about the Mediterranean Way of Eating? Join us for Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way, an engaging, educational series that will transform your approach to food! Discover seven simple steps to healthier meals, learn easy recipes, and pick up practical tips that fit right into your everyday life. Registration includes a recipe book. 6-Week Program, Mondays: 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, and 8/31 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. This class will be virtual and will have a cost of $10 per person. Zoom link for the class will be emailed to participants before the start of class.
Virtual, Virtual
Ever wonder what goes into creating a circus? The Ringling's Canvas City exhibit offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people who make the spectacular entertainment venues come to life, from tentmakers and photographers to costume designers. See over 1,500 pieces, including circus costumes, leotards, band uniforms, animal blankets and more. Costumes on view will be rotated throughout the year as museum registrars review the collection and add notes and new photography to their records.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
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
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
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