SRQ DAILY Sep 3, 2026
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"We tell our guys, whether it says E-V-O or U-S-A on your chest it is the same thing."
At the 2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Phoenix, Arizona in early August, Sarasota’s EVO Gymnastics proved why it is pound-for-pound the most elite gym in the country. The event, which is the summer national championships for U.S. Gymnastics holds two purposes: to re-rank the athletes for the U.S. Senior National Team and to appoint the five athletes that will represent Team USA at the 2026 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Germany this October.
EVO, which sent a total of 14 athletes—eight seniors and six juniors, the most out of any gym in the nation—dominated the competition. In the all-around, EVO athletes finished second (Shane Wiskus), third (Danila Leykin) and fourth (Joshua Karnes). Wiskus, Leykin and vault-champion Kameron Nelson were all named to the World Championship team. Those three athletes, in addition to Karnes, Crew Bold and Donnell Whittenburg, were also named to the Senior National Team.
“60% of the world championship team is from EVO and six of the 20 national team members are from EVO,” says Syque Caesar, Men’s Senior Elite head coach at EVO. “It’s remarkable because we’ve only been in existence for essentially four years at this capacity.”
EVO’s mission as a gym is to help Team USA win a gold medal at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. “We tell our guys, whether it says E-V-O or U-S-A on your chest it is the same thing,” says Caesar. “That guiding light, that north star for us is a big reason why we’ve been able to gain success in such a short period of time.”
For Wiskus, Leykin and Nelson, the Xfinity Championships were not a “walk in the park.” All three EVO athletes faced adversity—Wiskus in the form of a shoulder injury on the second day and Leykin and Nelson with falls and gaffs during the competition. “You want to make sure that you can count on the guy, where if he messes up, he can still bounce back and finish for the team,” says Caesar. “That’s what I saw in those three guys. In their training and approach, they’ve prepared for that.”
EVO Gymnastics, 7188 15th St East, Unit 2, Sarasota 
Shane Wiskus, University of Michigan's Fred Richards and Danila Leykin at the 2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships. Provided photo.
Sarasota Paradise announced the signing of former U.S. Men’s National Team attacker Romain Gall for the remainder of the 2026 season. Gall brings extensive experience competing at the highest levels of professional soccer in both the United States and Europe, including four seasons with Swedish top-flight powerhouse Malmö FF and experience competing in the UEFA Europa League. At the international level, Gall represented the United States U-18 and U-20 national teams, recording four goals in four appearances with the U-18s and 13 goals in 25 appearances with the U-20s. He finished as the top scorer at the 2014–15 Concacaf U-20 Championship with five goals before earning his senior national team debut against Italy on November 20, 2018.
This Labor Day Holiday weekend, the sugar-white sands and gentle turquoise surf of Anna Maria Island are easier to reach than ever. Manatee County is expanding the popular Gulf Islands Ferry service to include a third stop at Coquina Beach, enhancing multimodal transportation options in the Bradenton Area. This additional stop further affirms the Bradenton Area’s commitment to its residents and visitors with safe, scenic and convenient car-free alternative travel on Florida’s West Coast. Round trip from Historic Bridge Street Pier to Coquina Beach are $9 for adults; $7 for seniors, military and children. The fare remains free for seniors aged 80 and older and children under the age of 4.
Provided photo.
Avelo Airlines extends its Central Florida flight schedule through April 20, 2027, just in time to start planning spring travel. Avelo Customers can now book travel to 12 popular destinations from Avelo’s Central Florida airports. Affordable one-way fares start at $42* and travelers can make reservations at AveloAir.com. Avelo Airlines Head of Network and Revenue Trevor Yealy said, “We've extended Avelo's Central Florida flight schedule through April 20, 2027, so travelers have even more runway to lock in our affordable fares and start planning. Whether it's a spontaneous weekend trip or that spring vacation you've been eyeing, we're focused on making travel convenient and reliable so you can just show up and go. From sun-soaked beaches to buzzing cities full of food and culture, your next adventure is just a nonstop flight away.”
Provided photo.
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) will host its 9/11 Memorial Ceremonies on Friday, Sept. 11, in remembrance of the lives lost during the attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001. The community is invited to attend. The events will be held from 8:30-9:15 a.m. at SCF Venice, 8000 S. Tamiami Trail (southeast parking lot flagpoles), and from 9-9:45 a.m. at SCF Bradenton, 5840 26th St. W. (south entrance flagpole on 60th Ave. W., near the Carol F. Probstfeld Library & Learning Center, Building 3). SCF’s Veteran Services Office and Student Veterans of America Club will present the events. SCF Bradenton’s ceremony will include remarks from guest speaker John “Captain” Phillips, a retired U.S. Coast Guard chief warrant officer 4 with more than 31 years of distinguished service.
The Peanut Butter Challenge is back for its 14th year! This annual event is led by UF/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University (FAMU) Cooperative Extension. In addition to community donations, the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA) and Florida Peanut Federation (FPF) have been longtime partners and help make the challenge a success every year. It started in 2012 in the Florida Panhandle counties and became a statewide challenge in 2020. The 2025 Peanut Butter Challenge collection totaled 44,564 lbs. of peanut butter filling participating counties’ local food pantries – a new record! Starting Monday, August 31, through Friday, October 31, UF/IFAS in partnership with the Agriculture and Extension Service of Manatee County as well as Manatee County Animal Welfare, Manatee County Veterans Services Office in Bradenton, each Manatee County Library location, the Manatee County Administration Building and the Utilities Department Administration Buildingwill be collecting unopened jars of peanut butter (any size) to support local food banks and the Bishop animal shelter in Manatee County.
Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) recently received a $5,000 grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation to support its November 2026 educational tour of “I Never Saw Another Butterfly.” This grant enables the production to be taken to local middle and high schools, reaching over 3,000 students. “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” is based on the true story of the children interned at the Terezin concentration camp during WWII. Over 15,000 children passed through Terezin’s gates; only about 150 survived. A dedicated teacher in the camp gave the children the courage to write and draw descriptions of their lives in the camp along with their hopes and dreams. The grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation enables the production to be taken to local middle and high schools, reaching over 3,000 students.
Michael Saunders & Company has appointed experienced real estate leader Mick McCalley to oversee its Venice and Wellen Park offices, bringing more than a decade of industry experience spanning residential sales, new home sales, and brokerage leadership. As Managing Broker, McCalley will lead agent support and day-to-day operations across both offices as the company continues its growth in southern Sarasota County. “We are thrilled to welcome Mick to our Venice and Wellen Park offices. Mick's professionalism, combined with his hands-on, agent-first style, is what makes an exceptional managing broker,” said Chip Murphy, Executive Vice President of Michael Saunders & Company. “His dedication to supporting our agents at all levels reflects the culture of excellence the company was built on.”
Mick McCalley. Provided photo.
Join us on November 6 at Michael’s On East for the 2026 Women Who Roar Leadership Awards, a celebration of the exceptional women shaping the Sarasota and Bradenton community through business, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, innovation and leadership. This inspiring gathering brings together women in business and community leaders to connect, celebrate and honor the remarkable women whose vision and contributions are making a lasting impact across our region.
November 6, 2026 at Michael's On East
The Annual Giving Coast Luncheon celebrates the independent sector in the Sarasota and Manatee region featuring the Philanthropic Agenda With Community Foundations and the Good Hero Awards Program. Join us on December 9, 2026 at Michael's on East to celebrate our local heros. Tickets and tables are now available!
Michael's on East, 1212 S. East Avenue, Sarasota, FL
Each year, SRQ MEIDA recognizes local leading women who have deeply contributed to our community through their business, philanthropic, health and wellness, entrepreneurial, cultural, science, technology and educational endeavors through the Women Who Roar Initiative. We invite our readers to nominate an individual who best exemplifies the attributes of professional acumen, philanthropic passion, personal integrity and community leadership. Gather with us on November 6, 2026 at Michael's on East. Reserve a spot today!
Michael's on East, 1212 S. East Avenue, Sarasota, FL
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
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.
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
More than 30 Creative Liberties artists come together for a group exhibition showcasing the range of talent, styles and perspectives within the Creative Liberties community. An opening reception will be held on September 16 from 5pm-7pm.
Creative Liberties at ARCOS, 340 Central Ave., Sarasota
Win prizes while you think, drink and enjoy fresh seafood and signature cocktails at Lefty's Oyster and Seafood Bar when Trivia Nation hosts Trivia Tuesdays. Test your knowledge across a variety of categories, bring your friends, family and coworkers, or jump in and join a team when you arrive. Win a $100 gift card every week and the admiration of your smartest friends.
Lefty's Oyster and Seafood Bar, 428 N Lemon Ave., Sarasota
FST's resident improv team returns with Out of Bounds, an audience-favorite competition where two teams battle for laughs in a fast-paced series of games. Every scene is inspired by audience suggestions, and the winning team is up to the spectators to decide–and the method of voting is applause! This no-holds-barred comedy showdown runs 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.
Bowne's Lab, 1265 1st St., 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
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
Tee off for a great cause at the Communi-Tee Golf Classic, a day dedicated to golf, community, and connection. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or simply looking for a fun way to support local initiatives, this event offers an enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. Participants will enjoy a beautiful day on the course while helping strengthen programs that bring neighbors together. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and organizations looking to make an impact. Gather your foursome, enjoy friendly competition, and help build a stronger, more connected community.
Calusa Country Club, 18812 Scallop Lp, Lakewood Ranch
Experience the Englewood Pioneer Days Parade on Dearborn Street this September, which runs from Obee's parking lot down W Cowels Street, to McCall Road to Dearborn Street and finishes at Veterans Memorial Pavilion. After the parade, family activities include a pie-eating contest, a watermelon-eating contest, children's games, crafts and live music. Snacks, water and food are provided by Florida Bible Church and Hippie Squeeze Lemonade.
Pioneer Plaza, 325 W Dearborn St., Englewood
Celebrate two decades of community leadership and the lasting impact of investing in young people at the 20th Annual IPG Leadership Breakfast. This event will honor the legacy of those who have helped shape great futures while looking ahead to the next generation of leaders who will continue to strengthen Sarasota and DeSoto Counties for years to come.
Lee Wetherington Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota, 3100 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota
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
At this Botanical Briefing, join legendary American photographer Lynn Goldsmith for a talk about her work and her exhibition, Shared Light: Lynn Goldsmith, at the Downtown Sarasota campus. On view through September 13, Goldsmith's exhibition combines stunning images of flowers with intimate portraits of Selby Gardens' artist in residence, Patti Smith. This event is complimentary for members and included with admission.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota
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 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
From the smooth soul of Motown to the irresistible hooks of pop and R&B, this dynamic tribute spans the greatest classics from the 1960s through today. Relive beloved hits made famous by icons like The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Four Seasons and The Temptations. Featuring tight harmonies and charismatic showmanship, this energetic revue delivers constant hits and fresh takes on old favorites.
Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N Palm Ave., Sarasota
Every Saturday and Sunday, Cask and Ale on Main Street lifts a toast and taps a toe to a delicious brunch with a diverse chef-prepared menu. Try the rotating chef's special menu, bottomless mimosas and a wide selection of craft cocktails. On Sundays, hear live jazz music from 12pm-4pm.
Cask and Ale, 1548 Main St., Sarasota
Enjoy a delicious brunch offered every Sunday at Tripletail Seafood and Spirits on the beautiful covered patio or casual dining room. The menu features a variety of dishes created by Chef Cesareo Cardenas, including his decadent creme brulee French toast, steak and eggs, lobster benedict, crab and shrimp omelet and the Tripletail brunch burger. Guests will receive a complimentary Bloody Mary or mimosa with the purchase of any entree.
Tripletail Seafood and Spirits, 4870 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Joseph Kesselring's classic comedy is coming to Bradenton this fall with a blend of mystery, mayhem and outrageous humor. Drama critic Mortimer Brewster discovers that the sweet, elderly aunts who raised him have an unsettling hobby: poisoning lonely old men with arsenic-laced elderberry wine. Brewster tries to manage his aunts and his psychotic brother while frantically attempting to cover up the crimes.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton
Celebrating its 17th year, the Venice Craft Festival showcases vendors throughout Downtown Venice on Labor Day Weekend. Visitors can explore a wide array of handmade items from jewelry and ceramics to coastal decor and candles. You can also bring your pets to this family-friendly event.
Downtown Venice, 200 Miami Ave. W, Venice
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
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
Based on a ridiculous tabloid story, Bat Boy: The Musical is a comedy horror show about a half-boy, half-bat creature who is discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, West Virginia. As he learns to navigate human society and falls in love with a local veterinarian's daughter, Bat Boy discovers that fitting into a community can be far more complicated than simply learning how to act normal. The production will be performed in-the-round, placing audiences in the middle of the action and creating an immersive theatrical experience.
The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S Tamiami Trl, 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
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