It can be argued that hitting a baseball is the hardest thing to do in professional sports. For batters this season in the Florida State League (FSL), Bradenton Marauders pitcher Levi Sterling has made it significantly more difficult. The 19-year-old righty, selected 37th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2024 MLB Draft, has made a name for himself in his first year in Single-A. In 17 starts, the Pirates’ 13th-ranked prospect has posted a 4-5 record, racking up 87 strikeouts across 79 innings. For the week of June 16-21, Minor League Baseball named Sterling the FSL Pitcher of the Week, after a start against the Clearwater Threshers that saw him surrender just two hits over six scoreless innings.

“It was definitely nice to be recognized,” says Sterling. “It was one of my better starts of the year, but I’ve really just been trying to rack up consistently good starts. The season’s been going well. I’ve made a lot of adjustments and have figured out how to get better from week to week.”

Some of the adjustments Sterling has made this season have been the addition of a two-seam fastball to complement his 4-seam fastball and a radical improvement of his slider. “It’s been nice to have two fastballs to keep hitters on their toes and have another weapon to use, mainly against righties,” says Sterling. “I made major improvements to my slider over the offseason. Last year, it was a pretty inconsistent pitch, but this season it’s almost been my go-to to get me back into counts. I feel confident with it.”

For Sterling, those adjustments have paid dividends. In his last two starts on July 12 and 18, Sterling matched his season-high strikeout total with nine in each appearance. That’s not to say that what he’s doing is easy. Every start is a battle—against the opposing hitters and the limits of his abilities. “You have got to be able to compete without your best stuff. It’s very rare to have all five of your pitches being the best that they are at the same time,” says Sterling. “I might lower the percentage of a certain pitch that I throw on a given start, but I’m never going to completely abandon a pitch, because they all serve a purpose.”

Bradenton Marauders, LECOM Park, 1611 9th St West, Bradenton 

Levi Sterling warms up before a start for the Bradenton Marauders. Provided photo.

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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is excited to announce Melody Hardin of Parrish, Florida, as the recipient of the 2026 Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship. Ms. Hardin is a junior at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. She is also a student at Judy Genshaft Honors College. The Virginia B. Toulmin Scholarship is awarded in honor of and in partnership with a local leader in the Sarasota community – and that distinction has been bestowed upon Selby Gardens' President and CEO, Jennifer O. Rominiecki, who served as the scholarship's inaugural mentor during the 2024 award cycle and again in 2025 and 2026.

Pictured: Melody Hardin, Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship Award Recipient. Provided photo.

Families looking for a strong start to their child's educational journey are encouraged to apply now for available Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) seats at select Sarasota County school campuses. Enrollment is available on a first come, first served basis. Families are encouraged to begin the enrollment process as soon as possible due to limited classroom availability.  Sarasota County Schools' VPK program provides high-quality early learning experiences that help prepare children for kindergarten through engaging, age-appropriate instruction focused on literacy, math, language development, school readiness, and more. For additional assistance, families may contact the Sarasota County Schools’ Office of Early Learning at 941-927-9000, ext. 31267 or email vpk@sarasotacountyschools.net. 

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Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is delighted to announce that the new cabaret Songbirds of the Seventies: From Woodstock to Soft Rock has been extended through September 13, 2026. Highlighting powerful anthems from artists like Fleetwood Mac and Linda Ronstadt, this dynamic cabaret celebrates the bold voices of the ‘60s and ‘70s whose artistry continues to empower and inspire. Get swept away in Songbirds of the Seventies, now extended through September 13, 2026. Single tickets start at $37 and are available at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000. 

This summer season, Florida residents can enjoy a curated wellness retreat with 15% off luxurious facials and bespoke massage experiences, available Monday-Thursday through September 30, 2026. With purchase of a treatment, spa-goers have access to the spa’s wellness facilities including jacuzzis, steam and dry saunas and a waterfront relaxation terrace. This offer is subject to availability and excludes holidays. Cannot be combined with other offers or packages. Florida residency verification required. Book your treatment by calling (941) 309-2090 or online at ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/srqrz-the-ritz-carlton-sarasota/spa/. 

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The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is excited to announce the return of its popular “Digital Parenting 101” seminar, aimed at equipping parents with essential knowledge about the impact of electronics and social media on their children. This timely event will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. As the back-to-school season approaches, this seminar offers a valuable opportunity for parents to prepare themselves for the digital challenges ahead. The course, which has already received positive feedback from previous attendees, will provide parents with knowledge of various ways children are targeted through different electronic devices, how to safely monitor, tips from detectives who have experience working on these cases, and basic electronic device tips and tricks to help parents stay informed. Pre-registration is required for the event, and interested participants can register or obtain more information by emailing: digitalparents@sarasotasheriff.org. Join us in empowering parents with the tools needed to navigate the digital world alongside their children. 

Temple Beth Sholom welcomes Jack Dermer as its new rabbi on August 7. Rabbi Dermer embodies the values long associated with Temple Beth Sholom, strongly involving the congregation in all aspects of Jewish life, particularly in its own community. He previously served as rabbi at Temple Beth Torah in Westbury, New York. Originally from Fort Myers, Rabbi Dermer graduated from Brandeis University before attending The Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem and the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, where he earned a Master’s degree in Jewish thought. “We are thrilled to welcome Rabbi Jack Dermer as our spiritual leader,” said TBS president Elliott Corn. “We look forward to praying together and celebrating many joyous occasions in the years ahead.” The temple is the oldest Conservative synagogue in Sarasota, celebrating its 100th year. 

Pictured: Rabbi Dermer finishing a marathon in New York. Provided photo.

Travel + Leisure recently ranked Longboat Key No. 9 among the islands in the continental United States, and their Longboat Key travel guide also features The Sea Horse Beach Resort in its "Best Hotels & Resorts" recommendations. (Travel + Leisure). 

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Best of SRQ Local 2027 is your opportunity to put your business in front of thousands of engaged local consumers. After a record-breaking 2026 competition that generated more than 55,500 nominations and nearly 360,000 votes, Best of SRQ Local has become the premier way for local businesses to build visibility, engage the community, and attract new customers. Secure your 2027 Nomination and Voting Round package today at last year's rates before pricing increases, and position your business for success before the competition begins. 

Space Closing August 7, 2026

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