SRQ DAILY Sep 10, 2026
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"We are hosting this tournament as a fundraiser to help us give back to residents through our events."
On a hot September day, where the sun shined down with a certain relentless quality, over 100 golfers gathered at Calusa Country Club in Lakewood Ranch. The sprawling property, a golf course community built by Lennar, opened in early 2025 and features two courses designed by renowned architect Gordan Lewis—an 18-hole championship course and an auxiliary 12-hole course.
The sun, however, was not a deterrent for the golfers participating in the second annual Communi-Tee Golf Classic on September 9, a fundraiser supporting Lakewood Ranch Community Activities (LWRCA). The nonprofit organization is responsible for curating and producing all types of events and resident-led clubs for those that live in Lakewood Ranch, helping to create connections in the master-planned community.
“Last year was our first year, and we did this to celebrate our 25 year anniversary as a nonprofit in Lakewood Ranch,” says Danielle Bugel, marketing manager for LWRCA. “Our organization was created to bring residents together and create a fun lifestyle by all we do with the parks and recreation programming, community events and clubs that people can be a part of. We are hosting this tournament as a fundraiser to help us give back to residents through our events.”
For businesses, the Communi-Tee Classic was a chance to promote their wares to area residents, with sponsorship opportunities at each hole. For the players, the tournament offered the opportunity to play on an emerging golf course. Long, undulating Bimini bermuda grass fairways, pockmarked with expansive white sand bunkers made for an approachable, yet challenging venue.
The Communi-Tee Classic was open to all that wanted to participate, regardless of handicap. Golfers played in teams of four, competing in a “best-ball” scramble format. The tournament featured on-course contests such as longest drive, closest to the pin and hole-in-one, in addition to prizes for the top finishers. “The first place finishers all get medals and a free foursome to come back and play here. The second place winners get $50 each to spend at the pro shop and third place all receive a $25 gift card to GROVE in Lakewood Ranch,” says Bugel.
Calusa Country Club, 5667 Calusa Golf Blvd, Lakewood Ranch 
The Communi-Tee Golf Classic supported Lakewood Ranch Community Activities. Photo by Dylan Campbell.
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources invites the community to volunteer and enjoy family-friendly nature activities on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Shamrock Park and Nature Center, 3900 Shamrock Drive, Venice. This event is in celebration of National Public Lands Day and Take a Child Outside Week. The volunteer event will take place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to join Parks staff for activities including pulling invasive grass, spreading mulch and cleaning signs around the park. Registration is required and interested volunteers can register online. Volunteers are encouraged to bring hand pruners, work gloves, hats, sunglasses, a refillable water bottle, bug spray and sunscreen. Closed-toe shoes, such as boots or sneakers, are recommended.
Provided photo.
The Pittsburgh Pirates released their spring training schedule for the 2027 Grapefruit League season. The schedule includes a total of 30 games, 15 of which will be played at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida. The Pirates will open up their 2027 spring schedule with a home game on February 19 vs. Toronto. Additional highlights of the 2027 spring training schedule include: February 24: The Pirates will host Boston for the first of two times (also March 12). February 28: The Pirates will host Philadelphia for the first of two times (also March 15). March 13: The Pirates will host New York (AL) for the only time. March 20: The Pirates will host Baltimore for the final home game of the spring training season.
The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) partnered with the Leagues of Women Voters of Sarasota and Manatee counties to host the “Remarkable Women: An Equality Day Luncheon” on August 26, commemorating the 19th Amendment – the first step in granting women the right to vote. Mercedes Soler, co-owner and president of Solmart Media, moderated a panel of local women who spoke about the role women have played in shifting U.S. policies, and the opportunities to continue elevating their voices. “We are recalibrating and calling on all women to help us move the work forward,” Soler explained. Panelists encouraged women to become more civically engaged and have a voice in all levels of our democracy.
Provided photo.
Since 2012, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) has been honored to be among the arts organizations supported by generous funding from The Exchange. This year is no exception: The Exchange awarded WBTT $35,000 this year; $30,000 is designated toward WBTT’s 2026-2027 MainStage “Rhapsodies of Rhythm” theatre season and $5,000 toward the outreach education program, Jazzlinks. The Exchange announced its 2026 grants and scholarships during an event in June. The organization awarded $500,000 to 25 regional arts and cultural organizations, in addition to 10 Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education grants and numerous high school and college scholarships. The Jazzlinks funding was awarded through an Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education grant.
A recent grant from The Exchange will support WBTT’s 27th anniversary theatre season and its Jazzlinks outreach education program (pictured during a free performance at The Bay Sarasota). Photo by Sorcha Augustine.
Sarasota Opera will welcome the community and opera patrons to the return of its traditionalCurtain Raiser Dinner on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Michael’s On East in The Dining Room, located at 1212 S. East Avenue in Sarasota. Revived for the 2026–27 season, the evening will celebrate the opening of the Sarasota Opera season with live performances, elevated cuisine, and the first notes of a new year of extraordinary music and artistry. A cherished Sarasota Opera tradition, the Curtain Raiser Dinner will offer guests a sophisticated season-opening experience at one of Sarasota’s premier dining destinations. The event will take place in the newly reimagined Michael’s On East Dining Room, whose luxurious decor is inspired by the big city supper clubs of 1930s New York and Paris.
Michael's On East. Provided photo.
Wildewood Professional Park, a well-established professional office community located along Cortez Road West in Bradenton, is under new ownership following its acquisition by Wildewood Property Group, LLC. The approximately 75,000-square-foot office park includes 10 buildings and more than 70 office suites serving a diverse mix of professional, medical, financial, service and small-business tenants. The new ownership group plans to make a series of improvements throughout the property while maintaining the established character and professional atmosphere that has made Wildewood a recognizable Bradenton business location for decades. “Our goal is to build upon what already makes Wildewood a desirable professional office community while continuing to improve the appearance, efficiency and overall tenant experience of the property,” said a representative of Wildewood Property Group, LLC.
Sarasota's biggest celebration of local businesses is back and nominations open October 7!
The Best of SRQ Local Readers Competition celebrates the locally owned restaurants, shops, arts organizations, people, experiences and can't-miss spots that make our community one of a kind.
If your brand is ready to get on the ballot, now is the time to start rallying your customers, clients and community!
Nominations open October 7, 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 an evening of warmth, reflection, joy, and musical intimacy as Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota presents Close to the Heart: Diversity Unplugged, a unique concert that strips away the electronic layers to reveal the pure emotional connection between singers, musicians, and audience. For two nights only on December 13 and 17, these performances feature acoustic instrumentation, luminous harmonies, seasonal favorites, heartfelt ballads, uplifting anthems and moments of humor and celebration. Diversity Unplugged creates an atmosphere that is both deeply personal and universally welcoming.
St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Rd., 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
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.
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
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
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
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
SCF, Manatee-Sarasota will host its 9/11 Memorial Ceremonies in remembrance of the lives lost during the September 11, 2001 attacks. The college's Veteran Services Office and Student Veterans of America Club will present the events. SCF Bradenton's ceremony from 9:00-9:45am will feature remarks from guest speaker John Phillips, a retired U.S. Coast Guard chief warrant officer 4 with more than 31 years of distinguished service.
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota Venice Campus, 8000 S 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
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
SCS College Night brings together colleges, universities, technical programs and military representatives from across the country to help students and families explore postsecondary options. This event is open to all high school students, grades 9-12, and their families. Meet with admissions representatives, learn about financial aid, explore career and technical education pathways, discover careers in the military and ask questions about admissions, housing and campus life.
Suncoast Technical College, 4748 S Beneva Rd., 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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