SRQ DAILY Sep 9, 2026
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"Women are constantly surrounded by messages about how they are supposed to look, and it can be incredibly difficult to feel confident when you don't even have access to the basic products that help you care for your skin, your hair or the things about yourself that make you feel like you."
Antonia Rolle believes in the power of second chances. As President and CEO of Project 180, Rolle leads the Sarasota-based organization dedicated to helping people successfully reintegrate into their communities after incarceration.
Project 180 recently introduced Her Next Chapter: The Choice Fund, an initiative designed to give women in the Women’s Residential Program greater autonomy over their personal care. With community support, participants receive up to $150 to create personalized Confidence Kits, choosing their own hygiene, skincare and hair-care products.
The idea grew from a simple but meaningful moment. The day after Lisa, an incoming resident, was released from incarceration, Project 180 Brand and Operations Manager Stacey Rickelmann was helping her get her ID. Rickelmann noticed Lisa seemed uncomfortable and asked what might help. Lisa explained that the hard water in jail had caused her skin to break out, leaving her feeling insecure. Rickelmann reached out to friends for extra skincare and makeup. When several offered to donate money instead, she realized there was an opportunity to do something more meaningful than simply providing secondhand products. For many women returning from incarceration, it may have been years since they had the freedom to choose something as personal as a skincare or hair-care product.
“We didn’t want to make another choice for them. We wanted to give the choice back to them,” Rickelmann says. From that thought, Her Next Chapter was born.
“Women are constantly surrounded by messages about how they are supposed to look, and it can be incredibly difficult to feel confident when you don't even have access to the basic products that help you care for your skin, your hair or the things about yourself that make you feel like you,” Rolle says. The community response has been strong enough that Project 180 now has funding for a substantial supply of makeup and basic beauty products. The organization’s broader needs, however, remain ongoing.
“Project 180 has been doing this work for years,” Rolle says. “There are so many less visible needs that keep our programs running, from transportation and our next vehicle, to housing, food, technology, staffing and the countless practical needs that come with helping someone successfully rebuild their life.”
Donations to Project 180’s general fund can help provide the core wraparound services and daily operations that make those new beginnings possible.
To learn more or make a donation, visit project180reentry.org. 
Pictured: (l-r) Tara and Victoria are getting fresh starts in life thanks to help from Project 180. Provided photo.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSDC) received support from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to enhance structured literacy instruction to elementary-age youth participating in the organization’s Great Futures Academy Summer program (GFA). The grant was provided through the Ira and Patricia Strauss Fund for Children’s Literacy, the Allen Wirtz Nobbe and Jo Bowen Nobbe Fund, the Leslie and Margaret Weller Fund, and the Bert and Betty Rosen Fund. This support provided Club members in grades K-2 the tools, resources, and academic support they needed to prevent summer learning loss. To learn more about BGCSDC, visit bgcsdc.org. To learn more about the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, visit cfsarasota.org
During the summer Community Grant cycle, Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) awarded nearly $1 million to organizations serving Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto Counties. $345,000 was granted to organizations that addressed three priority areas identified by the 2025 Regional Scan: Attainable Housing, Protecting Our Natural Environment, and Helping People through Times of Crisis. These priorities were determined by the results of the 2025 Regional Scan, which gathered perspectives from more than 1,500 residents across the region. Gulf Coast's Board of Directors invested more than $900,000 to fuel bold work region-wide, reaching 79 organizations spanning the Foundation's five focus areas: Arts and Culture, Civic and Economic Development, Education, the Environment, and Health and Human Services.
his summer, Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) awarded nearly $1M in impact to 79 organizations including All Faiths Food Bank (pictured here) serving Sarasota, Charlotte, and DeSoto Counties.
Registration is open for the 2026 fall semester at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College, which offers noncredit educational opportunities for adults to pursue new interests, expand intellectual horizons, and enrich their lives. The semester, which runs Sept. 28-Nov. 20, 2026, features more than 70 classes, events, and programs covering a wide variety of topics, including arts and entertainment, history, music appreciation, health, literature, philosophy, religion, and science. Semester highlights include The Great Debate: Monogenism vs. Polygenism; America 250: America Defiant; Funny Girls: Women of Stand-Up Comedy; Do Books Have a Future?; and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Drugs. OLLI at Ringling College is located in the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
Provided photo.
PGT Windows and Doors, America’s authority in high-performance windows and doors and part of the MITER Brands portfolio, announced today that its WinGuard Vinyl line has been named a winner in the Building Envelope Systems category and an honorable mention in the Best Tried and True category in The Construction Specifier’s inaugural Readers’ Choice Product Awards. “We continually innovate to provide window solutions that offer protection and performance without sacrificing style,” said Debbie Bondonzi, PGT Brand Manager. “Seeing WinGuard Vinyl recognized in these two categories by The Construction Specifier readers demonstrates the desire among building design and construction professionals for windows that have been proven over time to serve as an important part of a secure building envelope, as well as a design element.”
Provided photo.
Wellen Park has completed the private amenity campus at Oakbend, marking the latest development milestone for the gated neighborhood of 181 single-family homes by Toll Brothers and ICI Homes. The amenities include a clubhouse with social gathering space, fitness center, resort-style pool, event lawn, pickleball and bocce courts, playground and neighborhood park. The facilities are now open to Oakbend residents. “The completion of Oakbend’s amenities reflects the continued progress we are seeing across Wellen Park’s residential neighborhoods,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “These spaces give residents more opportunities to gather, stay active and build connections within their neighborhood.”
The amenities include a clubhouse with a resort-style pool, event lawn, pickleball and bocce courts, playground and neighborhood park. Provided photo.
Single tickets for the Sarasota Concert Association’s 2026–27 season are now available, opening the door to a resonant celebration of world-renowned orchestras and chamber musicians. This season features five Great Performers Series concerts and two distinguished Special Events, bringing some of the world’s most celebrated artists to Sarasota. The 2027 Great Performers Series launches in January with a lineup of artistic brilliance: the Takács Quartet with pianist Jeremy Denk; Van Cliburn Competition-winning pianist Aristo Sham; Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason; Midori with The Festival Strings Lucerne; and the return of The Cleveland Orchestra, led by conductor Semyon Bychkov with pianist Alexandre Kantorow. Enhancing the season’s musical tapestry, the Sarasota Concert Association presents two distinguished Special Events: the Sarasota debut of internationally acclaimed pianist Daniil Trifonov and the much anticipated return of the Grammy Award winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer.
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason. Provided photo.
The Orioles announced their 2027 Grapefruit League schedule, which is scheduled to begin Friday, February 19, at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Fla. against the Atlanta Braves. The club’s 2027 spring schedule features 15 home games, including eight home games on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Orioles will play their last home game on Friday, March 19, vs. the New York Yankees before concluding Grapefruit League play against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, Fla. on Saturday, March 20. Following the schedule in Florida, Baltimore will travel north for a pair of exhibition games against the Washington Nationals, including Sunday, March 21 at Camden Yards. The 2027 season will mark Baltimore’s 18th Spring Training season in Sarasota.
SRQ Magazine’s 35 Under 35 Young Professional Awards returns for its sixth year, celebrating the innovators, creatives, entrepreneurs, advocates, and changemakers making an impact in our community. Public nominations are now open until October 9, 2026. Know a young professional who deserves recognition? Visit the SRQ Magazine website to nominate a rising local leader!
Nominations close October 9, 2026
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Dogs Inc invites the community to stop by 99 Bottles to grab a pint, meet future service and guide dogs and learn how to help change a life as a puppy raiser. Guests can talk to volunteer puppy raisers, hear from a local guide dog recipient and discover how they can play a role in Dogs Inc's life-changing mission. This is not a pet-friendly event.
99 Bottles Craft Beer and Wine Bar, 1445 2nd St., Sarasota
This two-week dining event at University Town Center features delicious deals from your favorite restaurants and dessert shops. Enjoy three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus, plus sweet specials you won't want to miss. Participating restaurants include Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Blu Kouzina, Florence and The Spice Boys, Mademoiselle Paris, Selva Grill, Norman Love Confections and more.
University Town Center Sarasota, 210 N Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota
Celebrate 31 years of Anna Maria Oyster Bar's five-star fun for everyone with Rollback Day, bringing back throwback prices for one day as a thank-you to the guests and community who have supported AMOB for more than three decades. Guests can enjoy lighter-bite fish and chips, lighter-bite popcorn shrimp, hushpuppies, domestic drafts and house margaritas.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar Locations
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
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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