SRQ DAILY Sep 17, 2026
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"For the police officers and firefighters who ran in to help, I feel that some of them knew they were not coming out."
Each step meant something. As the sun poured down over Nathan Benderson Park last Friday, September 11, the venue’s Finish Tower was populated with hundreds of people, not there for a regatta, but something else. Nathan Benderson Park was hosting a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and Day of Remembrance, presented by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center—the hundreds of participants included everyday citizens and local firefighters and first responders, were climbing the Finish Tower’s six flights of steps to honor those lost during the tragic terrorist attack.
A total of 2,977 victims died during the 9/11 attacks, with 343 firefighters from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) perishing in their efforts to save the lives of those in the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center. For the firefighters of Sarasota County, who have sworn an oath to protect, remembering the sacrifice of those in the FDNY is of the utmost importance.
“I went to the Fire Academy in 1996, so I was a young firefighter when this happened,” says James Mattera, a Battalion Chief with the Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD). “It’s a very significant day in the fire service. For the police officers and firefighters who ran in to help, I feel that some of them knew they were not coming out. I don’t ever want to have a September 11 when we’re not doing something for them.”
The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb included four bell rings and a moment of silence, along with a dispatch radio call honoring the North Tower’s collapse. For firefighters such as Chris Kelly, a firefighter training specialist in the training division of SCFD, the physical feat of what the FDNY firefighters did—climbing to the 78th and 83rd floors of the Twin Towers—is something that he marvels at. “What those guys and girls did on 9/11, to make it up those towers while carrying all of that equipment and still having breath left to do the job, it’s a feat,” says Kelly. “We train for that on the tallest buildings that we have downtown— to be able to get all the way to the top and still be able to do what we need to do.” 
SCFD Firefighters and civilians climb the Finish Tower at Nathan Benderson Park during the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Photo by Dylan Campbell
Bradenton Marauders RHP Seth Hernandez has been named the Florida State League Top MLB Prospect for 2026, as announced by Minor League Baseball. Hernandez follows Daytona's Alfredo Duno ('25) and Lakeland's Max Clark ('24) as the FSL's next star prospect. Hernandez made six starts for the Marauders before his call up to High-A Greensboro on May 12. Through those six outings, Hernandez secured 50 strikeouts over 28.0 innings and maintained a 0.96 ERA. Hernandez earned at least seven strikeouts in each appearance, including three consecutive outings with nine strikeouts. The 20-year-old from Pomona, California was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the 6th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.
Seth Hernandez on the mound for Bradenton. Provided photo.
For six decades, the Neel Performing Arts Center at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) has brought students, artists and audiences together through music, theatre and the performing arts. SCF is celebrating the Neel’s 60th anniversary throughout its 2026-27 performing arts season, honoring the thousands of people who have performed, learned and gathered there since the center opened in 1966. The celebration will include a special 60th anniversary cake celebration in conjunction with SCF’s student production of Oklahoma! on opening night, Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. The celebration will take place in the Neel lobby immediately following the performance.
Provided photo.
Sarasota BMX, in partnership with USA BMX and Visit Sarasota County, will host the final two rounds of the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Cup on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Rounds 9 and 10 will bring the world's elite BMX Racing riders to Sarasota for the season finale of the 10-round international series and serve as the only stop in the United States on the event’s 2026 calendar. “BMX Racing is an incredibly popular Olympic cycling discipline that continues to growglobally,” said UCI President David Lappartient. “The United States has played an important part in the discipline’s history, and we are delighted to bring the final rounds of the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Cup to Sarasota.”
Provided photo.
Local wellness brand LeLa V, founded by entrepreneur and athlete Erika Reyes, announces a partnership with the non-profit Mothers Helping Mothers (MHM) to host the 2nd Annual Community in Motion 5K/1M/Fitness on Sunday, October 4, 2025, at Sarasota Polo Club. The family-focused event aims to unite the community through movement and support local families in need. “Our Community in Motion: 5K Run 1M Walk and Fitness is back — bringing our community together for a morning of movement, connection, and purpose. Whether you’re running solo, rallying a team, supporting as a sponsor, or joining us as a vendor, there’s a place for everyone at the starting line!” said Cheri DeVries, Executive Director of Mothers Helping Mothers.
Selby Gardens announces the 11th annual Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, Verdi: Composer & Farmer, on view February 7, 2027, through May 30, 2027, at the Downtown Sarasota campus. Selby Gardens is thrilled to collaborate with Maestro Victor DeRenzi, former Artistic Director of Sarasota Opera, on this exciting exhibition, which will celebrate the life and legacy of Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, best known for his operas including Rigoletto, Il trovatore, and La traviata. The exhibition will explore Verdi’s lesser-known love of nature through his activities as a gardener and farmer. As with past shows in the Goldstein Series, the Verdi exhibition will combine a dynamic display of objects and images in the Richard and Ellen Sandor Museum of Botany & the Arts with stunning horticultural vignettes in the Display Conservatory and throughout the gardens of the Downtown Sarasota campus.
Verdi Villa. Provided photo.
Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) today celebrated a moment of transition and gratitude, announcing that Veronica Thames will step down as Chief Executive Officer, effective October 9, to become CEO of Dogs Inc. The MCF Board of Directors expressed deep appreciation for Thames' three years of leadership and reaffirmed its full commitment to a smooth, thoughtful transition — one that keeps donors, nonprofit partners, and community partners at the center of MCF's work. During her tenure, Thames led MCF through its transition to becoming an independent foundation, built an exceptionally strong team, and deepened relationships with donors and community partners in ways that will benefit Manatee County for years to come.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Set sail with the smooth sounds of the '70s and '80s in this feel-good celebration of Yacht Rock and beyond. Featuring favorites like Sailing, Margaritaville, Brandy, Escape (The Piña Colada Song), Arthur's Theme and more, this breezy musical revue charts a course through the songs that became the soundtrack to romance, adventure, heartbreak and endless summer nights. Written by Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins; directed by Catherine Randazzo; music arrangements by Jim Prosser.
Court Cabaret, 1265 1st St., Sarasota
The Markovitz Socratic Stage presents America 250 featuring Dinesh D'Souza and Dr. Stanley Fish. A former policy analyst in the Reagan White House, D'Souza attended Dartmouth College and also served as a research scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Dr. Fish brings decades of academic leadership to New College of Florida and extensive writings on the First Amendment, academic freedom and the art of persuasion.
Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
The Sarasota Orchestra Harmony Gallery collaborates with the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, the presenters of Voices of Color. This exhibit features the work of Jamaican-born artist Alicia Brown who works from her studio at SPAACES. Greg Cruz is a multidisciplinary artist and educator whose work bridges urban nostalgia and themes of healing and human connection. Ronnique Hawkins's work spans and supports peace initiatives, vulnerable communities and awareness of prostate and breast cancer. A reception will be held on October 7, and a meet-and-greet is scheduled for October 15.
Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
This halfway-to-St.-Patrick's-Day block party features live music from Jake Q Music from 1-4pm and The Bro-Code from 5-8pm, with DJ Kelly Crawford between live sets. See the Kavanagh Porter Academy Dancers in their five performances throughout the day.
Delany's Public House, 8110 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch
Get up close and personal with some adorable capybaras—meet them, feed them and snap some photos! Enjoy a free coffee or beverage served by Rise N Grind Coffee Co., as well as a free pastry or breakfast treat. This event has limited availability and sells out fast.
Big Cat Habitat, 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota
Help protect Sarasota's coastal wildlife from one of the deadliest forms of marine debris. The cleanup welcomes boaters, kayakers, students and community volunteers to target discarded fishing lines, hooks, lures and other fishing debris that can entangle and kill seabirds and marine wildlife. Students can earn community service hours, and a light lunch will be provided to registered participants. Wear heavy, closed-toed shoes that can get wet, and opt for clothing that covers your arms and legs to ensure comfort and protection.
Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota
Wish upon a star and follow Pinocchio on an unforgettable adventure! From curious encounters to daring escapades, this beloved tale springs to life with laughter and plenty of magic. As Pinocchio learns that honesty matters more than anything else, audiences of all ages will delight in this enchanting retelling of a timeless classic. The play runs 50 minutes with no intermission.
Keating Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., 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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