SRQ DAILY Sep 4, 2026
Friday Weekend Edition
"We're really carrying on a phenomenal tradition of understanding plant diversity and distribution."
Almost every seat was filled for the first-ever botanical briefing at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on August 13.
At “What’s Up, Botany Department?”, visitors could learn about everything from phase two of the complex’s plan for a new building to the botany team’s updates about plant collection and conservation efforts in Florida, as well as in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.
Jennifer O. Rominiecki, President and CEO of Selby Gardens, explained the progress on building the first hurricane preserve complex in the world, which will open in November 2028.
“We have begun vertical construction and have secured financing needed for this over $6 million project,” Rominiecki said. “More than 98% is privately funded.”
Selby Gardens is also pursuing a trademark on the new conservatory, which will allow it to display almost 100% of its total living collections. Globally, this is the only botanical garden that focuses on epiphytes—plants that live on other plants to obtain better exposure to sunlight—such as orchids, ferns and bromeliads.
“We’re really carrying on a phenomenal tradition of understanding plant diversity and distribution,” said Bruce Holst, Vice President for Botany. “These are plants you won’t see at any other botanical institution.”
The Gardens’ living collection contains 17,070 plants and 12,665 accessions, and over 124,000 specimens live in the Marieb Herbarium.
Selby Gardens also extends conservation to an international level through work in Belize to strengthen botanical collections. Yuley Encarnación-Piñeyro, curator of the Herbarium, says the collection faced serious challenges that threatened its long-term viability with tobacco beetles, silverfish and infrastructure issues.
“Every specimen that was eaten by the insects was part of a last page of Belize’s unique plant history,” Encarnación-Piñeyro said.
Selby Gardens assessed the collection, and in September 2025, a mobilizing recovery group of 10 volunteers—named The Herbarium Warriors—traveled to Belize to mount 2,057 specimens in five days and enter approximately 500 specimens in the database.
“Our volunteers here at the Herbarium make things happen,” Encarnación-Piñeyro said, referring to the over 1,000 volunteers for this project alone. “They’ve been to conferences and they have an amazing turnout with their collection.”
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota, 941-366-5731, selby.org 
Pictured: All six members of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens botany team shared project and research updates at the August 13 botanical briefing. Photo courtesy of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is pleased to kick off its 2026-27 Children’s Theatre Series with Pinocchio, a lively adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s cherished classic, reimagined by Greg Banks. This inventive journey begins September 19 and runs through October 18, 2026, in FST’s Keating Theatre. Subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is excited to announce that its hit summer cabaret Legacy: Motown & More! has been extended through October 18, 2026, in the Goldstein Cabaret. This high-energy musical celebration brings together beloved songs from the 1960s through today, creating an upbeat evening filled with iconic melodies and plenty of opportunities to sing along.
Experience the musical joyride of Legacy: Motown & More!, now extended through October 18, 2026. Single tickets start at $37 and are available at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000.
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. For more information about SJT, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org. For more information about SJT, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org. For more information about SJT, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.
For more than two decades, The Perlman Music Program Suncoast (PMP Suncoast) has brought the celebrated Perlman Music Program (PMP) Winter Residency to Sarasota, where it has become a cornerstone of the region’s cultural season. Under the guidance of renowned violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman and his wife, Toby Perlman, the intensive program brings gifted young string musicians from around the world to Sarasota for two weeks of study, rehearsals and performances with PMP’s world-class faculty.
Pictured: Karuna Quartet. Provided photo.
There’s a popular misconception that dance is for an elite few: a pursuit of the genetically gifted that demands their undivided attention from childhood and holds no rewards for anyone else. All those stereotypes go out the window at at the second annual Thalhe Festival, a three-day celebration of the art form that’s taking place Friday through Sunday, September 11 through 13, at the beautiful and historic Sarasota Opera House. Expert instruction in a wide variety of styles will be available to adult dancers at all levels of development, culminating in a gala public performance on the final day. For full information, visit thalhefestival.com.
Provided photo.
The Sarasota Players is launching The Payne Park Sprint: 180 Days. Zero Overhead, a focused six-month campaign to raise $500,000 for essential renovations to Payne Park Auditorium. Beginning September 1, The Payne Park Sprint will bring together businesses, corporations, foundations, and community supporters to help create a stronger, more comfortable and more functional home for The Sarasota Players and the thousands of people it serves.
Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage Artist Retreat, announced that Talene Monahon will be the 2026 designee of the McNally Fellowship at the Hermitage, made possible with generous support from the Terrence McNally Foundation. This residency sponsorship is intended to support the Fellowship of an early-career playwright who is making a meaningful impact in the theater. In collaboration with the McNally Foundation, the Hermitage has selected Pulitzer Prize finalist and Hermitage Major Theater Award finalist Talene Monahon as the 2026 McNally Fellow. Learn more at HermitageArtistRetreat.org
Pictured: Talene Monahon. Provided photo.
September is here, and there’s plenty to look forward to with Sarasota-Manatee Originals! From the return of Dining Certificates to upcoming events, important Forks & Corks dates, and opportunities to come together as a community, we’ve got lots to share. Keep reading and mark your calendars for what’s ahead. Your next opportunity to save at your favorite Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurants is almost here! Our Dining Certificates go on sale September 10 at 7am. Purchase discounted certificates to some of the area’s best locally owned restaurants and enjoy them yourself or give the gift of local dining to friends, family, and clients. Certificates are delivered straight to your email, ready to print and valid for six months on the food portion of your bill. Mark your calendar—these sales only happen four times a year!
The Good Hero Philanthropic Awards honor the volunteers, nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, corporate changemakers and young heroes making a meaningful impact across our region. Through these awards, we’re proud to celebrate their stories and inspire locals to continue gathering for the greater good. Nominate a Good Hero by October 20, 2026 and help us recognize the individuals whose compassion and generosity are making our community stronger.
Nominations close October 20, 2026
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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