SRQ DAILY Jul 30, 2026
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"I started riding as a young child, when I was 12 years old, and when I was 15 I began riding professionally."
The equestrian sport of dressage is one of power, finesse and harmony. In this world, Kevin Kohmann stands alone. The German born rider emigrated to the United States at 18 and joined Diamante Farms in Wellington, Florida, as a rider and trainer in 2014. Since then, Kohmann has established himself as one of the foremost riders in the sport. On May 2, Kohmann competed at TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, where he topped the leaderboard in the B&D Builders LLC CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle. Below is an excerpt from the full Q&A interview that will appear in the September issue of SRQ Magazine.
SRQ: Where did your journey into horseback riding and the sport of dressage begin?
My mother always had horses and is still breeding them today. I started riding as a young child, when I was 12 years old, and when I was 15 I began riding professionally. In Germany, regardless of what career you choose, whether you want to become a hairdresser or car mechanic or horse rider, you first have to work for a master for three years and then you get something equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. I became the youngest professional rider in Germany with a degree and in 2006, at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, I met somebody who said to me, “Hey, do you want a job in America?” I said, “Sure, I don’t speak any English, but I’ll come over.” After my first three years in the United States, I went back to Germany to get my master’s degree and became the youngest master in Germany. A master’s degree gives you a very well-rounded education—everything from dressage to jumping to how to build a farm, horse anatomy and psychology and coaching. In 2014, I started my own business and immediately ran it out of Diamante Farms. I ended up marrying Devon Kane, who owns the farm, and also is a professional rider. This industry and all that it entails, is for crazy people. You kind of need to have somebody in the industry—nobody else will understand what it takes. 
Kevin Kohmann competing at TerraNova Equestrian Center. Photo by Jessica Buehler Photography.
Reinforcing a strong and growing commitment to the local community, New College of Florida and its Career Center recently hosted the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County for the organization's 2026 Teen Summit. The full-day event brought more than 100 local teens to the New College campus for an immersive, educational, and celebratory experience. The summit, themed T.U.F.F. (Transforming Under Fire and Flourishing), was designed to empower youth with practical life skills and early college exposure. The New College Career Center staff, alongside the college's events team, proudly facilitated the programming, providing professional, educational, logistical, and lunch support to ensure a seamless and inspiring day for the students. Learn more at ncf.edu
The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation invites you to join us on Thursday, October 1, 2026, for The Soirée at the Ranch—an elegant evening dedicated to celebrating philanthropy, honoring community leaders, and investing in the nonprofit organizations that strengthen our region. Whether you attend as a guest or support the event as a sponsor, your participation directly helps create meaningful change throughout the Lakewood Ranch community. Your support helps to continue funding local nonprofit organizations, expanding volunteer opportunities, and recognizing individuals whose leadership and generosity inspire positive change across our community.
Join us for the final “Bubbles Under the Banyans” event of the summer on Saturday, August 1 from 10am – 12pm! Bubble artist Blaise Ryndes will blow guests away with his immersive Spheres Bubble Show under the banyans in a comedic and mysterious fusion of art, science, and magic that the whole family will enjoy! Free for Selby Gardens members and included in admission for non-members. Come for Bubbles Under the Banyans and stay for Bubbles and Brunch at The Green Orchid by Michael's On East. Included with admission; Free to members. Bubbles Under the Banyans is sponsored by the Stone Foundation.
Whether you're a lifelong Deadhead or simply looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday, The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime invites you to celebrate Jerry Garcia Day on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.with live music, a vinyl record swap, guest vendors, local shopping and groovy food and drink specials. The free event pays tribute to the spirit of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead by bringing people together through music, creativity and community, values that have made Garcia's legacy endure for generations. Hamlet's Eatery will join the celebration with themed food and drink specials, including the signature Shakedown Street Blackberry Mojito, inspired by one of the Grateful Dead's most beloved songs. For more information visit, www.Bazaaronapricotandlime.com
Thousands of Pinellas County students and educators will explore art, empathy, and human connection through Embracing Our Differences' education programs during the coming school year, thanks to a $15,000 Janet A. Huntley Art Enrichment Grant from the Pinellas Community Foundation. The grant will fund “Art Intensive” workshops for educators and artist-led field trips serving kindergarten through 12th-grade students in Pinellas County. Approximately 3,000 Pinellas County students and 75 educators will participate during the 2026-27 school year. Local Pinellas County artists will serve as paid instructors and tour guides, providing students with meaningful visual arts, cultural and creative learning experiences.
Pictured: Students explore the Embracing Our Differences exhibition in St. Petersburg during a guided field trip. Funding from the Pinellas Community Foundation will support local artists serving as tour guides and instructors for Pinellas County students
Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar powered town, is bringing nationally recognized STEM educators Brian Copes and Jerry Webb to Babcock Schools as part of its continued investment in innovative education. The new educators bring more than 60 years of combined experience in project-based learning, STEM education and workforce development. Working alongside award-winning STEM Director Lori McLain, they will expand hands-on learning opportunities that connect classroom instruction to humanitarian challenges facing communities around the world. Beginning this school year, students will have opportunities to participate in numerous STEM projects that extend far beyond the classroom. Planned initiatives include designing and constructing solar-powered classrooms for an underserved community in Honduras, developing portable solar-powered backpacks for educators and students in Ukraine, producing 3D-printed prosthetic limbs for amputees in Central and South America and launching an electric vehicle engineering program that introduces students to advanced manufacturing and sustainable transportation technologies.
Michael Saunders & Company is pleased to announce that Sumeru "Sam" Patel has joined the company as commercial property manager. Patel brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in hospitality, resort operations, and multi-site property asset management to the firm’s Commercial Division.
Celebrate the leaders shaping Sarasota and Manatee’s business, philanthropic and cultural communities in SRQ Magazine’s annual WE ROAR special edition. Share the stories behind your leadership journey, recognize the individuals driving your organization forward, and showcase the visionaries who continue to make our region a destination for women in business. This October publication offers a powerful opportunity to connect your brand with an engaged local audience while celebrating the achievements of those inspiring progress across our community. Reserve your space by August 7, 2026, before availability is limited and request more information today.
Space Closing August 7 2026
When widower Ralph takes a different path on his daily walk, he meets Carol, an elegant woman who just might change his life. What begins as a simple conversation blossoms into an unexpected journey of second chances. Directed by Kate Alexander, this warm, witty comedy is about discovering how love can arrive when you least expect it–at any age.
Gompertz Theatre, 1265 1st St., Sarasota
Here is your chance to try Lakewood Ranch's vibrant food scene at this premier restaurant week event. Try prix-fixe brunch/lunch and dinner menus, specialty cocktails and wine pairings at participating restaurants in Waterside Place and along Main Street. Visit Agave Bandido, Carved Crafted Sandwiches, Quincy's Original Lobster Rolls, Kuro Sushi, Station 400 and more.
Waterside Place and Lakewood Ranch Main Street
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
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
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
See a haunting and powerful musical that reimagines two ancient Greek myths, the love story of Orpheus and Eurydice and the troubled marriage of Hades and Persephone. With a New Orleans-inspired folk and jazz score, Hadestown: Teen Edition follows stories of love, hope, doubt and the cost of following your heart. The musical combines a soulful score, poetic storytelling and a striking visual world to create an intimate and epic retelling of a culturally significant story.
The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S Tamiami Trl, 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
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
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
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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