SRQ DAILY Jul 16, 2026
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
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The Lakewood Ranch Community Activities (LWRCA) invites residents to join together in remembrance during a special 25th Anniversary 9/11 Commemoration on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Greenbrook Adventure Park at the Pavilion. The ceremony is free and open to the public. The Commemoration will honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the first responders and everyday heroes who answered the call, and reflect on the resilience and unity that emerged in the wake of one of our nation's most defining moments. Community members who know someone deserving of recognition are encouraged to submit their nomination by emailing info@lwrca.org. Please include the individual's name and their role during or following September 11, 2001. 
For nearly 50 years, Keiser University has helped Floridians build meaningful careers while strengthening the communities they call home. At Keiser University Sarasota, students receive a personalized, career-focused education designed to meet the workforce needs of the Suncoast in high-demand fields like nursing and healthcare, information technology, and public service. As one of Florida's largest private, not-for-profit universities, Keiser combines the close-knit feel of a local campus with the resources of a statewide institution serving approximately 20,000 students and more than 100,000 alumni. Small class sizes, hands-on learning, and strong employer partnerships help prepare graduates to make an immediate impact throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. Whether educating future healthcare professionals, supporting working adults advancing their careers, or partnering with local businesses, Keiser University Sarasota remains committed to a simple philosophy: putting students first while helping build a stronger workforce and a brighter future for the entire region.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will present its 46th Annual Juried Photographic Exhibition from August 27 through September 30, 2026. This year’s exhibition will again be conducted virtually, with digital photos entered through an online portal and all accepted submissions displayed in an online gallery for the duration of the show. The open call for submissions will run from August 3 through 10. Awards will be announced online on August 27. Additionally, this year’s contest will introduce the Richard and Ellen Sandor Photography Prize, a new $5,000 annual award presented as part of Selby Gardens’ Virtual Annual Juried Photographic Exhibition. The prize will honor a photograph that artistically captures the beauty of an orchid species from an aesthetic perspective. Winning images will be selected by a distinguished juried panel based on artistic merit, creativity, and visual impact.
Tickets are now on sale for Manasota ASALH's inaugural Freedom School Gospel Brunch, a celebration of music, culture and community benefiting the organization's signature educational program. The event is Sunday, October 25, 11:30 a.m. in Michael's On East Ballroom, 1212 East Avenue, Sarasota. Tickets are $200 per person and may be purchased online at ASALH-ManasotaFL.org or by emailing info@asalh-manasotafl.org. Sponsorship opportunities are now available for businesses and individuals wishing to invest in this important community initiative. For more information about Manasota ASALH, visit www.asalh-manasotafl.org.
Pictured: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.
North Sarasota County residents looking to dispose of unwanted household items and yard waste can take part in an upcoming free community cleanup event. Join Sarasota County and drop off your items from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 18 at Longwood Park, where dumpsters for residential customers will be available at 6050 Longwood Run Blvd., Sarasota. For more information, call 311 or 941-861-5000, or visit scgov.net.
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) has opened enrollment for Fall 2026 classes. The semester runs from Aug. 17 through Dec. 4, with courses available at the college’s Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Venice campuses, as well as online. Students can choose from traditional 16-week sessions, Flex Start 12-, 8- and 5-week sessions and online instruction through SCF Online. SCF offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees and workforce certificate programs across a variety of academic and career-focused disciplines. Current students can register through MySCF. New students can apply online at SCF.edu/Admissions.
Innovation Academy SRQ (IASRQ) a tuition-free public charter school serving children from voluntary pre-kindergarten (VPK) through fifth grade, announced a gift of $10,200 to begin the planning and construction of its Legacy Field on the school grounds, located at 845 School Ave., Sarasota. The donations were a result of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s 2026 Giving Challenge, held April 15-16, 2026, with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation. The school's philosophy centers on personalized student development, building robust relationships with families, and recognizing that success in educating the whole child is intertwined with strong family connections.
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
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
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
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
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
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
By audience demand, Florida Studio Theatre is extending Dog Mom through August 2. This comical play created by writer, producer and filmmaker Tate Elizabeth celebrates the unconditional bond between a dog and its human–even if that human is the least dog-friendly person on the planet. Director Nancy Rominger delivers a heartwarming and hilarious production that journeys through self-discovery and unlikely friendships.
Keating Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., 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
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
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