SRQ DAILY Aug 19, 2026
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"With his deep respect for Margie and Chuck's memory and his love of our community, John is the perfect fit to lead Barancik Foundation into its next chapter."
John Annis has been appointed as President/CEO by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation Board of Directors, transitioning the interim leadership role he's held since March into a permanent position.
“John has provided steady, thoughtful leadership during an important time for the Foundation,” said Rebecca Barancik, Board Chair of Barancik Foundation. “The Board quickly saw that as interim CEO, John was so much more than a caretaker. He has already developed and enacted new ideas for moving the Foundation forward, and he has provided the stability and confidence that enables our amazing team to excel at their work. With his deep respect for Margie and Chuck’s memory and his love of our community, John is the perfect fit to lead Barancik Foundation into its next chapter.”
Since assuming the interim role, Annis has worked with the Board and staff to improve the Foundation’s operations, clarify its priorities and strengthen relationships with nonprofit and other community partners. He has brought extensive experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership and community collaboration, and has spent much of his career building relationships across organizations and sectors to address community needs.
Annis joined the Barancik Foundation in 2017 as Senior Vice President of Collaboration and Impact. He was hired by Teri Hansen, who was serving as President and CEO at the time. She noted, “John has been a great connector for the Foundation to a lot of the organizations that are small, upcoming grassroots that we might not have otherwise found.” She often referred to Annis as her “fixer,” explaining that whenever she gave him a problem, he solved it. Highlighting how his sense of humor kept her on her toes, Hansen added, “Life is boring when John Annis is not here.”
“Teri Hansen did such a nice job of getting everything set up," Annis said. "My plan is to continue her legacy and continue to honor the memory of Margie and Chuck." Annis added that he is grateful for the confidence that the Barancik Foundation Board has placed in him and excited about the work ahead.
Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.
On Thursday, August 27, our community will come together at The Ora to officially kick off the 2026 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer season! Breast cancer touches nearly every family and community – 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. But there is hope, and together, we can help create more of it. Join survivors, thrivers, supporters, local businesses, and community leaders for an inspiring evening celebrating the people at the heart of the nation’s largest breast cancer movement. Hear powerful stories, connect with others passionate about making a difference, and discover how you can help fund lifesaving breast cancer research and critical patient support. Whether breast cancer has touched your life personally or you simply want to make an impact in Sarasota and Manatee, there’s a place for you in this movement. The celebration is free to attend – all you need to do is RSVP!
Family Pools, a family-owned pool design and construction company serving Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and surrounding Southwest Florida communities, has announced a pro bono partnership with Big Cat Habitat Conservation and Education Center to rebuild the park’s panther den. The contributed services, valued at an estimated $250,000, reflect Family Pools’ deep roots in the Sarasota community and its commitment to supporting organizations that make the region extraordinary. The rebuilt panther den is expected to be active in early 2027, providing an enhanced and more enriching habitat for the park’s resident Florida panthers, one of the rarest and most endangered mammals in the United States, with just over 200 individuals remaining in the wild.
Pictured: l-r - Max Lautenschlager, Co-Owner and CEO, Family Pools > Clayton Rosaire, VP/COO, Big Cat Habitat, Paul Lautenschlager, Co-Owner, COO, Family Pools. Photo ourtesy of Family Pools.
Gecko’s Grill & Pub partnered with Meals on Wheels, Sarasota on Wednesday, Aug 12, to support elderly and homebound members throughout the Sarasota community. Members of Gecko’s culinary team worked alongside Meals on Wheels volunteers at the organization’s Lime Avenue facility to pack 469 meals for local seniors who rely on the program. For more information about Gecko’s Grill & Pub visit www.geckosgrill.com. To donate, volunteer, receive meals or learn more, visit www.mealsonwheelsofsarasota.org or call 941-366-6693.
Pictured: Executive Chef James Veldhouse, Kitchen Manager Forrest Driscoll, Kitchen Manager Mason Biener, Director of Training Amy Leithauser, Chief Operating Officer Fiona Farrell, Culinary Director Brant Good, Executive Director Rhonda Leiberick. Provid
Join Teen Court of Sarasota on October 17, 2026, at The Westin Sarasota for Justice & Jammies, a pajama glam evening filled with dinner, dancing, auctions, and meaningful support for second chances. After a sold-out first year that raised more than $300,000, Justice & Jammies is back, and tickets and sponsorships are now available. We hope you will join us for another unforgettable night benefiting Sarasota’s youth and families.
The Manatee Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the finalists for the 46th Annual Small Business & Non-Profit of the Year Awards.honoring the outstanding businesses and non-profit organizations that are helping make Manatee County a stronger, more vibrant community. The annual awards recognize organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, business excellence, and community impact while helping make Manatee County a stronger, more vibrant place to live, work, and do business. Finalists earned their place through a comprehensive application process followed by an in-person interview with an independent panel of volunteer judges. Together, these two rounds of judging evaluate each organization’s leadership, operations, culture, customer or client service, and overall impact on the community.
Caring Collective, a nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving better lives and livelihoods for all our neighbors, is pleased to announce its Board of Directors for FY 26-27. Barbara Coleman, Jeanne Armour, and Ann Olson will serve as President, Vice President and Treasurer, and Secretary, respectively. Nancy Lyon, Katie Kominos, and Robert Harlan became Board members this year, joining Henry Decoo, Lisa Matthews, Lauren Tominelli, and Sadie V., STAR Student Representative. Learn more about our specific programs and services that contribute to nonprofit excellence at www.caring-collective.org.
The Board of Trustees of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has elected four new members to their governing body. Healthcare professional and educator Sondra Biller, radiologist Richard Mones, M.D., conservationist Elizabeth Moore, and academic physician Gail Morrison Morganroth, M.D., will each serve a three-year term on the Board of Trustees during which they will help guide the strategic vision for the future of the institution. Their terms began in July. For more information visit www.selby.org.
The Columbia Restaurant Group will once again support Suncoast Charities for Children and a dozen other local nonprofit agencies through its 29th Annual Community Harvest program throughout the entire month of September. The Tampa-based restaurant group is donating 5% of all diners’ checks to local charitable organizations in communities near their various restaurant locations. Here in Sarasota, any customers dining inside or ordering takeout at either the Columbia Restaurant or Cha Cha Coconuts can choose a charity from a ballot that is included with their check or write in the charity of their choice. Both restaurants are located on beautiful St. Armands Circle, and once the program ends, Columbia Restaurant provides each charity with gift certificates valid for up to 12 months. For reservations, visit the websites of the participating restaurants. To learn more, visit suncoastcc.org
Pictured: Lucy Nicandri, Executive Director, Suncoast Charities for Children Casey Gonzmart Jr., Owner/Operator, 1905 Family of Restaurants Lisa Bear, Director of Special Events, Suncoast Charities for Children. Provided photo.
One of classical music's most celebrated works will return to Sarasota this December, thanks in part to a $10,000 grant from The Exchange. Each year, The Exchange awards grants to nonprofit organizations that enrich Sarasota through the arts, education and community programs. The grant will help La Musica Chamber Music present an encore performance of all six of J.S. Bach's "Brandenburg Concertos" in a single evening, performed by distinguished artists from the world-renowned Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Regarded as one of the crowning achievements of the Baroque era, the six concertos are celebrated for their dazzling virtuosity, inventive orchestration and remarkable range of musical expression.
Pictured: A $10,000 grant from The Exchange is helping La Musica Chamber Music present an encore performance of Bach's complete "Brandenburg Concertos" on Dec. 16, featuring artists from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Provided
The Lake Club Women’s Charitable Foundation (TLCWCF) invites the community to an unforgettable evening of entertainment and purpose at Casino Royale: A License to Give on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at The Lake Club Grande Clubhouse in Lakewood Ranch. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, donate an auction item, or purchase tickets, visit https://tlcwcf.org/event/casino-royale-license-to-give/ or email www.tlcwcf.org.
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
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
Explore a diverse array of creations at the Art Mart, including artwork, jewelry, crafts, glass art, ceramics and more. Interact with over 30 talented artists and discover unique, giftable items available for purchase. This lively atmosphere is perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind treasures for any occasion or season.
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection, 1255 N Palm Ave., Sarasota
North Sarasota County residents looking to dispose of unwanted household items and yard waste can take part in this community cleanup at Newtown Estates Park and Dr. Martin Luther King Way. Dumpsters for residential customers will be available at 2800 Newtown Boulevard, and additional free dumpsters will be located at the intersection of 23rd Street and Chester Avenue. Small vehicle tires (limit of four per household), yard waste, tree trimmings, appliances and discarded household items are accepted.
Newtown Estates Park, 2800 Newtown Blvd, Sarasota
Join Moms Incredible for this exciting 6-mile race from Sharky's on the Pier to the South Jetty and back. Paddleboards, prone paddles, surf skis, kayaks, canoes and rowing boats are welcome. Check-in is from 6:15-6:45am, and the race begins between 7:15-7:30am. Participants will challenge themselves to an open-water Gulf paddle, touring much of Venice. After the event, enjoy light bites and awards at Sharky's on the Pier.
Venice Fishing Pier, 1600 Harbor Dr. S, Venice
Browse available items and take home clothes for free at this clothing swap. Find back-to-school options for kids while supporting a more sustainable community. Whether you're donating, swapping or browsing, every item reused helps conserve valuable natural resources. Before the event, you can drop off clean, gently used clothing at the Agriculture and Extension Service Office. Donations will also be accepted during the clothing swap. Men's, women's and children's clothing, as well as shoes, hats, purses and backpacks, are accepted.
UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension Office, 1303 17th St. W, Palmetto
As Art Sarasota Center closes its centennial season and begins another century, it welcomes four artists and their works for the upcoming August and September season. Molly Duff-Clarke will showcase Home for Dinner, and curator Alecia Harper will present Shaping Sarasota: A Century of Art, which presents a chronological visual history spanning 100 years of creativity. Antoine Williams presents a new body of work that reimagines Black southern cultural folklore and traditions with Putting Breath in the Body. Finally, juror John Pirman presents the juried show, Icons.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Whether you're a gardening newbie or a plant pro, visit Palma Sola Botanical Park to learn all about plants that thrive in the heat. Hear cool tips to keep your garden flourishing even when the temperature rises and see how sun-loving plants can handle the extreme summer heat.
Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton
Learn what fertilizers are, how nutrients work and how to choose the right products for your garden at this Plant Food 101 workshop. Instructor Mack Lessig will help you gain the practical knowledge to choose the right products and feed your garden for peak seasonal performance. Also, you'll decode the essential elements of what fertilizers contain and how plants utilize these nutrients at a cellular level.
UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension Office, 1303 17th St. W, Palmetto
Big Waters Land Trust brings back its annual summer trivia with a twist: a one-night-only, winner-takes-all event! Trivia begins at 6pm with a wide range of questions about movies, music, fashion and more, with a conservation theme woven throughout. Teams may include up to eight people. The top team will take home a prize package including their choice of a private guided hike or a kayak outing for up to ten people. A Hawaiian-inspired food truck, Killiks Kitchen, will be on site with food available for purchase.
Bay Preserve at Osprey, 400 Palmetto Ave., Osprey
Learn the basics of choosing the right plants to create a beautiful yard that beats the Florida heat. This workshop explores the nine principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping in a fun and informative environment. You'll learn how to save water and also create a haven for pollinators. At the end of the class, you can take home a copy of the new Florida-Friendly book.
UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension Office, 1303 17th St. W, Palmetto
To commemorate the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment that granted many women in the United States the right to vote, a luncheon at the Grove will showcase women-owned businesses and celebrate Women's Equality Day. A guest panel will be moderated by Mercedes Solar, co-owner and president of Solmart Media. Attendees can learn about local women-owned businesses, participate in networking and hear from a multi-generational panel about the strides women have made and can continue to build.
The Grove, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch
As part of Sarasota Jewish Theatre's Newish Jewish Plays series, Yinoelle Colon directs Un Hombre: A Golem Story, written by Stephen Kaplan. A sculptor is trying to get back on track after her husband's death. She is suffering from intense artist's block, and her son is withdrawn and unprepared for his upcoming Bar Mitzvah. All seems hopeless until a lot of wine and a little magic transform a hunk of clay into the answer to all of their problems.
The Sarasota Players, 3501 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
This free summer program encourages guests to explore all six Anna Maria Oyster Bar locations while enjoying exclusive savings and creating memories along the way. Available while supplies last, each passport includes more than $100 in exclusive offers that can be redeemed throughout the promotion. The grand prize winner will be announced on September 8, and passport offers are valid through October 31. A bonus grand prize entry is available at Cafe on St. Armands.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar
A reimagined fairy tale comes to Sarasota this August that brings beloved characters in a magical and bold performance. Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and more experience the thrill of wishes being granted and the struggle of moving forward when life does not go as planned. Under the direction of Jacob Ruscoe, Into the Woods explores family, grief, responsibility and community. Evening performances are at 7:30pm, and Sunday matinees are at 2:30pm.
Rise Above Performing Arts, 3501 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Back for its seventh year, the 2026 Modern Works Festival is a two-week celebration of new play development and women in theater. With a festival pass, you gain all-access entry to the work in progress, including staged readings of finalist plays, a kickoff celebration, guest speaker events, artist performances and post-show conversations that bring audiences and creators into direct dialogue. Tea Time by Erika MacDonald is this year's headlining production.
Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota
Don't miss William Shakespeare's timeless comedy of love, identity and finding yourself in unexpected places. The play delivers one of The Bard's most hopeful messages: people can change, grow and discover who they truly are. Experience wit, romance and how theatre can be a place where humanity explores itself.
The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
A pioneering artist, world traveler and champion of women in the arts, Yoshida Fujio was one of the first Japanese women to receive formal training in Western-style painting and build an international career. Yoshida Fujio: Secret Gardens is the first exhibition in the southeastern United States devoted to this remarkable artist. It brings together a selection of woodblock prints and one painting spanning key moments in Fujio's long career, from her early naturalistic works to the striking abstractions of her later decades.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
During the 25th Anniversary of 9/11, Lakewood Ranch Community Activities invites the community to this commemoration at the pavilion at Greenbrook Adventure Park. The event will honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and will pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the first responders and everyday heroes who answered the call. Nominations are encouraged for residents who served in response to the 9/11 events, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, medical professionals, military members and others.
Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Pl, Bradenton
This special benefit concert commemorates the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Led by conductor Evan Roider, the program features iconic works including Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man, Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings and John Williams' Summon the Heroes. The performance will bring the community together through music while honoring those who served, sacrificed and supported others in the aftermath of 9/11.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Win prizes while you think, drink and enjoy food at Lefty's Oyster and Seafood Bar at trivia nights every Tuesday. Trivia Nation hosts a Game Show Loco Trivia experience inspired by classic game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Test your knowledge across a variety of categories, make strategic choices and try your luck with games of chance. Bring your friends, family and coworkers, or jump in and join a team when you arrive.
Lefty's Oyster and Seafood Bar, 428 N Lemon Ave., 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
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
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
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