SRQ DAILY Aug 20, 2026
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"The chief challenge for our dogs in an environment like this is the crowd work."
For the thousands of people that pour into Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) each day, the trip is relatively straightforward. Walk through the expansive aquarium in UTC, taking in the still-new building’s three floors of aquatic habitats, laboratories and educational areas. For struggling with vision loss, however, a trip to Mote SEA becomes a little more challenging. That’s where Dogs Inc comes in.
On August 18, the Palmetto-based non-profit specializing in training and raising elite working dogs—including guide, service and therapy dogs at no cost to the recipients—hosted a media event at Mote SEA, where dogs and puppies in training practiced real-world skills that are crucial to their future careers. Six guide dogs in training with their instructors and five puppies with volunteer puppy raisers went throughout each floor of the building, developing skills while around crowds and other animals in their habitats.
“The chief challenge for our dogs in an environment like this is the crowd work,” says Amra Dillard Rickwa, Regional Manager of Dogs Inc. “There are lots of kids, strollers and noises as well as some of the smells of the aquarium, which make it a unique setting. It’s a great training environment for our dogs to be able to work in. It’s funny, because the least distracting element for our dogs are the animals in the aquarium.”
For the team at Mote SEA, having Dogs Inc train there is part of the organization’s commitment to inclusivity. “Moat Science Education Aquarium was thrilled to have Dogs Inc, and the guide dogs in training, and provide an opportunity for these future service animals to experience the sights, sounds and smells and activity inside of a public aquarium,” says Amber Smalley, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
In turn, the dogs’ presence helps the aquatic animals at Mote SEA become more habituated to the presence of service animals. “Our American River Otters in particular absolutely love when the dogs come by, so it’s a great enrichment experience for them as well and helps them become accustomed to all of these animals coming through on a regular basis,” says Smalley.
Dogs Inc, 4210 77th St. E, Palmetto, 34221 
Guide dog in training, Samuel, with American River Otters. Provided photo.
As Sarasota families settle into a new school year, it’s a good time to make sure everyone’s smile is ready for the busy months ahead. At SRQ Smiles, Dr. Thomas Bowles and Dr. Garrett Karow provide comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages in a family-owned Sarasota practice. Routine exams and cleanings can help catch small concerns early, while treatments like fillings, crowns and Invisalign make it easier for families to receive the care they need in one familiar office.And when schedules get busy, having one dental home for the family can make life a little simpler. Appointments aren’t rushed, recommendations come without high-pressure sales, and there’s always time to ask questions.It’s advanced, personalized dental care designed to keep Sarasota families smiling through the school year and beyond.
The Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) will bring 26 Sailor Circus Academy students, ages 8 to 18, to Washington, D.C. this Labor Day weekend to perform at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. The Sarasota nonprofit was invited to present The Circus Arts Conservatory: Artistry, Education, and Labor of Circus Arts, part of this year's Festival program, Culture Of, By, and For the People, marking 250 years of American history.
Mrs. Michelle Bocock, a School Counselor at Skye Ranch School, has been selected as the 2026-2027 Florida School Counselor of the Year by the Florida School Counselor Association (FSCA). Last year marked the inaugural year of Skye Ranch School. As a founding staff member, Mrs. Bocock played a critical role in building the comprehensive school counseling systems from the ground up. She approaches her work with intentionality, professionalism, and a deep commitment to ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive.
Experience an extraordinary event back for its 20th dazzling year! Wine Women & Shoes returns to The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota on Friday, November 13, 2026, for a day of fashion, philanthropy, and fine wine — all benefiting Forty Carrots Family Center. Presented by Marlow Med Aesthetics, the Signature Luncheon brings together Sarasota’s most stylish supporters for an afternoon of sipping, shopping, and giving back. Guests will enjoy boutique wines poured by visiting vintners, luxury marketplace shopping, a high-energy fashion show, and an exciting live auction. The always-charming Solemen will add to the festivities, while a curated online auction will offer exclusive packages for bidding. Tickets are available now and guests are encouraged to purchase early, as seating is limited for this milestone 20th anniversary event. To reserve tickets or sponsorships, visit www.WWSSRQ.com. For additional information, please contact Events@FortyCarrots.com.
Provided photo.
The second annual Watershed Explorers Summer Experience, a free, all-inclusive program for teens hosted by Big Waters Land Trust and funded by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and the Bishop-Parker Foundation, concluded earlier this summer after three weeks of hands-on environmental education, outdoor adventure, and career exploration for 30 youth from Sarasota and Manatee counties. Participants traveled throughout Sarasota Bay, Manatee River, and Myakka River watersheds, exploring ecosystems ranging from coastal habitats to freshwater wetlands while learning about the connections between land use, water quality, local history, and environmental health. For many students, it was their first-time kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, or birdwatching, experiences designed not only to build confidence outdoors but also to foster meaningful connections with Southwest Florida's unique natural resources. Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org.
Celebrate the back-to-school season at the Van Wezel's annual Family Fest, a free, one-day celebration featuring live performances, literacy activities, food trucks, games, a photo booth, and more. Back by popular demand, Family Fest will take place on Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Van Wezel's back lawn and in the Grand Foyer. As part of the day's festivities, the Van Wezel will present two sensory-friendly performances of Asolo Rep on Tour'sBEANSTALK: The Adventures of Jack and the Giant at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Designed to create an inclusive theater experience, the performances feature flexible seating, with headphones, fidget tools, and other sensory supports available. A designated quiet space will also be provided for families who need a break during the performance. Families can also enjoy Florida Studio Theatre Improv as they lead fast-paced, family-friendly games at 11:30 a.m. where kids and adults can laugh, play, and create stories together in the moment.
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) has once again been recognized as one of the best employers in Florida, earning a spot on Forbes’ 2026 list of America’s Best-in-State Employers. The recognition marks the seventh consecutive year Sarasota Memorial has made the prestigious list, underscoring the community-owned health system’s longstanding commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed. Compiled in partnership with market research firm Statista, the 8th annual Forbes ranking identifies employers that stand out in each state based on survey responses of more than 245,000 people working for U.S. companies with at least 500 employees. Participants evaluated their employers on factors that included wages and benefits, management, workplace culture, flexibility and opportunities for career advancement.
SMH employees celebrate another perfect 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Provided photo.
HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital recently added the latest advanced imaging system that helps doctors better understand what is happening inside a patient’s body. The SPECT/CT scan combines two types of imaging: nuclear medicine imaging, which shows how organs and tissues are functioning, and computed tomography, or CT, which provides anatomical detail. The new system combines these images and gives doctors a clearer view to help with diagnosis and treatment of patients. “For patients and families in our community, this new technology means access to advanced imaging close to home for a wide range of healthcare needs, including heart, bone, cancer, thyroid, brain, lung, kidney and digestive health,” said Joe Rudisill, CEO of HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital.
Radiologist Steven Lipman, MD and the leadership team at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital cut the ribbon for the new imaging system. Provided photo.
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.
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
This long-term installation in Gallery 10 of the Museum of Art showcases five outstanding examples of 17th-century Dutch painting on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Featuring a dramatic seascape, an expansive landscape, and captivating portraits set in detailed interiors, this exhibition offers a window into the vibrant artistic production of the Netherlands as the small nation rose to global prominence in the 17th century. The five exceptional paintings from the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, complement The Ringling's holdings of Dutch art and provide additional perspective on the artistry, historical significance, and continuing appeal of Dutch painting from this period.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
The summer 2026 exhibition at Selby Gardens will celebrate the creative collaboration between two legendary figures and longtime friends, photographer Lynn Goldsmith and singer-songwriter Patti Smith, who is Selby Gardens’ artist in residence. The exhibition will feature Goldsmith’s photographs of Smith, past and present, in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. The images will offer an intimate portrait of an iconic artist over the course of her remarkable career.
Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St, 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
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
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
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
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
Facilitated by poet Doug Knowlton, Bookstore1Sarasota hosts an advanced poetry writing workshop every Wednesday this September. Expect close reading, generative exercises and thoughtful critique in this five-session, five-week program. Participants should come ready to share work and engage seriously with others' writing in a collaborative and supportive space. Tickets include a writing journal.
Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Bringing laughter to the community since 2019, the Teenyboppers entertain audiences with fun, fast-paced, hilarious shows that tell a story without the safety net of a script. Troupe members explore and develop their improv, storytelling, acting and teamwork skills in a safe, supportive environment, working on acting exercises, short-form improv games and long-form improv activities. At the end of each semester, they entertain audiences with their mad skills in a performance directed by Daniel Dagesse.
Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W, Venice
See the historic relationship between fiery abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass and a cautious statesman, President Abraham Lincoln, who is determined to preserve the Union. Written by award-winning playwright Beth Duda with original spoken word poetry by Cedric Hameed, this play explores how two men with different perspectives found common ground during one of the most divided times in American history. This is a 90-minute production that includes a staged reading, followed by a panel discussion with the actors and playwrights.
Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota
Sketch, sip and socialize at Art Center Sarasota's Evening Figure Drawing, launching this September as part of the new Creative Happy Hour series. Spend a relaxed, inspiring evening sketching from a live, costumed model in a welcoming atmosphere. All experience levels are welcome. Beer, wine and other beverages will be available for purchase.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Join Keep Manatee Beautiful at River Club Golf Course for a tournament that brings together local businesses, community leaders and golfers. The event features 18 holes, on-course contests and prizes, food, refreshments and networking opportunities. Proceeds from the tournament will support Keep Manatee Beautiful's year-round programs, including community cleanups, tree plantings and environmental education.
The River Club, 6600 River Club Blvd, Lakewood Ranch
Play for a cause this September in support of the Venice YMCA with this charity golf classic. Golfers of all skill levels are invited to tee off with a shot gun start at 8:30am, with lunch to follow. Build community and camaraderie with fun games and prizes throughout the day. Proceeds support children, families and individuals in the Venice community.
Plantation Golf and Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd, Venice
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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