SRQ DAILY Jul 22, 2026
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"Adoption sometimes decreases in the summer, but Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Animal Services is almost at capacity, and we need the help of our community to put these animals into loving homes as soon as possible."
If you have room in your heart and your home for a new furry family member, now is a great time to visit the Sarasota County Animal Services shelter. The facility is nearing capacity with adoptable dogs, cats and kittens.
There are currently 12 adoptable cats and 46 kittens available, including 23 that recently returned from foster care. About three new litters are also in foster homes and will be ready for adoption in the coming weeks.
The adoption kennel can accommodate 19 dogs, with overflow space available as needed, explains Dana Judge, Media Relations Specialist for the Sheriff's Office. It currently has 26 dogs available, with more arriving daily.
“Adoption sometimes decreases in the summer, but Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services is almost at capacity, and we need the help of our community to put these animals into loving homes as soon as possible,” says Media Relations Specialist Dana Judge. “If you are considering adoption, this is a great time where you can adopt two kittens for the price of one ($60), or you can adopt a dog for $40. The adoption fee covers spay/neuter, microchip, first shots, heartworm negative status for dogs and FIV/FELV negative status for cats/kittens."
To learn more, call 941-861-9523 or email Adoptions@sarasotasheriff.org. 
Pictured: Help these adorable kittens find a new home and family. Provided photo.
Keep Manatee Beautiful will host its annual FORE the Environment Golf Tournament on Friday, September 18, 2026, at River Club Golf Course in Lakewood Ranch. The tournament brings together local businesses, community leaders, and golfers to support Keep Manatee Beautiful's environmental programs and community initiatives throughout Manatee County. Proceeds from the event will support the organization's year-round programs, including community cleanups, tree plantings, beautification projects, environmental education, litter prevention initiatives, and volunteer opportunities that improve parks, neighborhoods, beaches, and waterways across the county.
Stillpoint Mission of Bradenton was awarded a $16,211 grant from the Catholic Community Foundation of SW Florida to support its Benevolent Program for Food and Financial Assistance for Utility Bills. Funding for the grant came from the Fund for the Care of the Migrant Poor. Visit stillpointmission.org for more information.
Sarasota Orchestra announces a charitable gift of $15,000 from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. The funds will be used in support of the 2026-2027 Young Person’s Concerts (YPC). Sarasota Orchestra’s YPC are experienced by nearly 9,000 students annually and have been presented since 1953. This live orchestra concert experience for fourth and fifth grade students combines a year-long curriculum in schools with a field trip to see the professional Sarasota Orchestra in concert. To learn more about Sarasota Orchestra’s 2026-2027 season and programs, visit www.SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Sarasota Orchestra and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall are partnering to present Summon the Heroes, a special benefit concert commemorating the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, the performance will bring the community together through music while honoring those who served, sacrificed and supported others in the aftermath of 9/11. Tickets are $25 to $50 and are available through VanWezel.org beginning July 22. Ticket fees will be waived by the presenting organizations. All ticket proceeds after actual expenses have been recovered will be donated to the four first responder charities.
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at 7:00pm, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, VanWezel.org.
While July is National Make a Difference to Children Month, EVERY day is "Make a Difference to Children Day" for child welfare organization Safe Children Coalition. The organization's growing prevention and diversion program provides proactive and targeted resources that keep children out of the child welfare system and keep families together. The majority of Safe Children Coalition's work involves prevention and diversion, which helps to stabilize households, secure child safety, and reduce the likelihood that children will need to be removed from their homes. Prevention programs work to identify families who are experiencing stressors that may affect the safety of their children; diversion programs provide parents/caretakers with alternatives when they are on the verge of formal child welfare involvement.
Pictured: Safe Children Coalition’s prevention and diversion program team members (from l-r) Beth Hassen, Taylor Collins, Claudia Sbaschnik, Betty Mehari and Cynthia Zangari Rod Millington/Safe Children Coalition. Provided photo.
In fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026), Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast), together with its donors, contributed more than $49 million in community impact. This year's investments reflect three decades of partnership between Gulf Coast and the donors, nonprofits, and community leaders who share its vision for the region. Since 1995, that collaboration has helped advance more than $650 million in community impact, funding solutions to pressing challenges facing Sarasota, Charlotte, and DeSoto Counties. This includes more than $40 million in grants from Gulf Coast donors, with $7.7 million creating collaborative funding partnerships that advanced multiple cornerstone projects. In addition, Gulf Coast’s Board of Directors invested $6.9 million to fuel bold work region-wide across 225 organizations in arts and culture, civic and economic development, education, the environment, and health and human services.
Photo by Harry Sayer.
Big Waters Land Trust is pleased to announce a $2,500 grant award from the Junior League of Sarasota in support of its Community Outreach and Education Nutrition and Hydration initiative. An accredited land trust, Big Waters’ mission is to protect land and water for the benefit of people and nature. To learn more about Big Waters Land Trust’s youth education and outreach initiatives, visit bigwaterslandtrust.org/events.
Showcase your organization’s expertise and share your voice in SRQ Magazine’s IN CONVERSATION: Nonprofit Innovators special October feature. This editorially led roundtable brings together local nonprofit leaders to discuss innovation, collaboration and the strategies shaping the future of community impact. Highlight your organization’s work, share your insights and connect with an engaged local audience through print and digital storytelling. Reserve your space by August 7, 2026, and join the conversation.
Space Closing August 7, 2026
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
This gripping musical journey by Karl Jenkins is widely recognized as the most performed classical work by a living composer. Hear musical traditions and texts from cultures around the world that echo a universal plea for peace. The Armed Man moves audiences from conflict to hope in this unforgettable concert experience presented by Key Chorale, with guest artist Amanda Crider.
First United Methodist Church, 104 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Opening the fall 2026–spring 2027 season at SPAACES, this exhibit showcases artists who work outside the public eye. Curator Yosnier Miranda brings together artists who maintain dedicated, disciplined studio practices while choosing not to exhibit their work publicly. Bedroom Communities offers a rare opportunity to encounter work that has largely remained unseen despite years of thoughtful and passionate creation.
SPAACES, 2051 Princeton St., Sarasota
Directed by Preston Boyd, this bold new drama explores guilt, redemption and the search for light in a world shattered by violence. A haunted young Latino gang member and an aging rabbi form an unlikely bond inside a crumbling East L.A. synagogue, now used as a community center. Blending humor, poetry, rap and prayer, the performance asks whether broken souls can find a way to heal.
The Sarasota Players, 3501 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
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