SRQ DAILY Sep 23, 2026
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"By year's end, I hope to work with our board to begin a strategic planning process focused on greater impact: growing our capacity to create more partnerships between people and dogs, strengthen community relationships and expand our reach."
Dogs Inc. is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Veronica Thames as CEO, effective October 15, 2026. With more than two decades of experience across philanthropy, healthcare and nonprofits, Thames brings a proven track record of strengthening organizations, investing in people and advancing meaningful community impact. Currently CEO of Manatee Community Foundation, she joins Dogs Inc, a national nonprofit providing expertly trained guide and service dogs, along with lifelong support, completely free of charge to people with disabilities. Check out our Q&A below to learn more about Veronica as she steps into her new role at Dogs Inc.
What drew you to Dogs Inc?
What drew me to Dogs Inc was its focus on transforming lives and creating opportunities for all, a mission I discovered after moving to the U.S. at 19 for my father’s job. As a Latina immigrant with opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise, I feel a duty to invest in the community that welcomed me. And where else can one get puppy hugs at meetings? For 40+ years, Dogs Inc has provided life-changing guide and service dogs and support at no cost to recipients. I’m dedicated to honoring those who built this organization and bringing these partnerships to more people.
You’ve spent more than two decades strengthening nonprofits and developing people. What leadership principles will you bring to Dogs Inc, and how do you hope they will shape the organization’s culture?
Over two decades in leadership, I've learned that an organization's impact is only as strong as its people. I lead with my “3 Ts”: Trust, Transparency, and Team. Building trust and psychological safety inspires innovation and commitment to our mission. Communicating with transparency encourages alignment and ownership of goals. Focusing on team is at the core of talent retention. We must create an environment where collaboration thrives. I cannot wait to invest in our team, volunteers, and supporters so everyone understands how their contributions help make that magical connection between a graduate and their life-changing guide or service dog possible.
As you begin your tenure, what are the priorities you’ll be listening and learning about first—and what would you hope to accomplish in your first year as CEO?
My first months at Dogs Inc will focus on listening and learning. I’ll shadow our teams (and, if they allow me, help!) as they care for and train dogs. I’ll connect with graduates to understand their experience, from application through the years after receiving a dog, and with donors, volunteers, and community partners to learn how we can support our community. By year's end, I hope to work with our board to begin a strategic planning process focused on greater impact: growing our capacity to create more partnerships between people and dogs, strengthen community relationships and expand our reach. 
Pictured: Veronica Thames. Photo courtesy of Dogs Inc.
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. The Board is proud to announce that Yolanda Mancha, MCF's Vice President of Philanthropy, will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mancha brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience — spanning philanthropy, fundraising, strategic planning, donor engagement, and community partnerships — and a deep, personal familiarity with MCF, its donors, and its community.
Pictured: Yolanda Mancha will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer of MCF. Provided photo.
On Saturday, October 24, local LGBTQ+ advocacy organization Project Pride SRQ will present - along with Lead Community Sponsor Gulf Coast Community Foundation - the Gulfcoast Pride Festival & Street Party. The event, which takes place from 4-11 p.m., will feature an expanded, multi-block footprint in Sarasota's Rosemary District. The community festival takes place from 4-8 p.m., with local vendors, community organizations, food available for purchase, live entertainment, a Family Zone, Pup Pride Pit Stop, and more. From 8-11 p.m., SRQ Beats will produce the Pride Street Party. Gulfcoast Pride is free and open to all ages.
Pictured: On October 24, Project Pride SRQ will present the Gulfcoast Pride Festival & Street Party in the Rosemary District of downtown Sarasota, Photo courtesy of Bekah Horsley Photo/Project Pride SRQ.
Mothers Helping Mothers (MHM) has been awarded a $550,000 three-year grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to help children and families across Sarasota and Manatee counties overcome immediate challenges and build more stable futures. For information about MHM, visit https://www.mhmsarasota.org.
Sarasota Orchestra polled audiences on which film to show at its ultra-popular Movie Pops concert in the 2026-2027 concert season. The response? An overwhelming “finish what you started!” On October 23-24 at the Van Wezel, Sarasota Orchestra completes the original trilogy with a symphonic screening of Return of the Jedi. In the saga’s climactic sixth episode, Darth Vader readies the second Death Star while Luke Skywalker joins R2-D2, C-3PO, and Princess Leia to free Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and launch a desperate attack upon the Imperial Fleet. Sarasota Orchestra plays John Williams’ extraordinary music while the iconic film is shown in its entirety on the big screen. The Orchestra’s last two Star Wars concerts filled up quickly, so don’t wait to secure your seats for the best show in the galaxy! Add it to a Flex Pass concert bundle and save up to 20% off your ticket price.
Phillip Lanham, President | CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast), has been selected to participate in Leadership Florida’s Cornerstone Class 44, joining a group of 55 distinguished leaders from across the state in one of Florida’s most respected leadership development programs. Founded in 1982, Leadership Florida brings together leaders from business, government, education, nonprofit, and civic sectors to deepen their understanding of the issues shaping the state and strengthen their ability to serve their communities. Lanham has been leading Gulf Coast since June 2023, working with the Board of Directors and staff to advance its three priority areas: Attainable Housing, Environmental Resilience, and Helping People Through Times of Crisis. During his tenure, Gulf Coast has launched a bold three-year strategy to expand its impact in partnership with donors.
Resilient Retreat has received a $750,000 grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to strengthen the organization for the long term and ensure continued access to no-cost mental health services for thousands of individuals impacted by trauma. As communities nationwide grapple with increasing mental health challenges, affordability remains one of the most significant barriers to care. Resilient Retreat addresses that by providing evidence-based, trauma-informed services at no cost to participants, ensuring support is available regardless of financial circumstances.
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.
Pictured: It was a full house at the Remarkable Women: An Equality Day Luncheon held August 26, at The Grove in Lakewood Ranch. Provided photo.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSDC) is proud to announce that the 2026 Champions for Children gala, presented by the Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation, will honor the extraordinary legacy of Louis and Gloria Flanzer. Louis and Gloria Flanzer’s lifelong commitment to philanthropy transformed communities across the region. Deeply dedicated to serving others, they believed in the power of investing in organizations that strengthen lives, build stronger communities, and create lasting opportunities for generations to come. The annual gala will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at The Ora, located at 578 McIntosh Road, Sarasota.
Argument of Time, a new Sarasota-based arts nonprofit founded by poet Teresa Carson and producer Cynthia Burnell, has received a $5,000 grant from the Johnson Singer Foundation to support an October 2026 residency bringing together six artists to develop “Visit to an Extinct City,” a multidisciplinary performance project inspired by the ancient Roman city of Ostia Antica. The five-day residency, October 9-13 in Sarasota, marks the next stage in the development of a project that began with Carson’s poetry about Ostia Antica, the remarkably preserved ruins of an ancient Roman port city outside Rome. The work has since grown into a collaboration among theater artists, a director, a musician and Carson, who have been developing the project remotely.
Pictured: Teresa Carson and Cynthia Burnell. Photo by Lori Sax.
Last year, Embracing Our Differences’ (EOD) Bucket Fillers Reading Day put nearly 12,000 books into the hands of young readers in 611 classrooms and early learning centers throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. But demand exceeded available resources, leaving more than 1,000 students without books of their own. A new $33,000 Strategic Partnership Grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County will help EOD continue expanding the reach of programs that use education to foster kindness, empathy and respect. Funding for this grant was made possible by the Community Foundation’s Allen Wirtz Nobbe and Jo Bowen Nobbe Fund, Libby Yungblut FOI Charitable Fund and Robert and Willa Bernhard Fund for Books and Literacy.
An exciting new partnership has just launched: Easterseals Southwest Florida and Easterseals Florida are collaborating with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to increase awareness of autism and various disabilities, while alerting families in the region about the life-changing programs and services available to help individuals with disabilities live their best lives and be engaged in their communities. Under the five-year deal, the Easterseals affiliates are sponsoring the dedicated sensory rooms at Raymond James Stadium while the Bucs will create awareness visible on its own platforms such as the team’s website, inside the stadium (through in-seat toolkits available to fans at the stadium), on the radio, through social media, and much more. To learn more about this collaboration, visit championfordisabilities.org.
Second Heart Homes has received a $15,000 Capacity Building Grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to strengthen the organization’s ability to track and evaluate the progress of residents who have experienced homelessness and live with mental illness. Funding for this grant was made possible by the Zella I. and Junius F. Allen Fund. The grant will fund new case management software, replacing much of the manual documentation and data collection Second Heart Homes currently relies on. The new system will allow staff to more efficiently track residents’ housing stability, participation in case management and progress toward individualized goals.
Pictured: Charles, a resident of Second Heart Homes, stands inside one of the nonprofit’s supportive housing residences. A $15,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County will fund new case management software to help staff better track r
On October 10, The Harvest Sarasota will present the 4th annual Diverse Fest. The event, which is a celebration of inclusion, connection and love, will feature live performances, workshops, tabling by local resources, and a variety of food trucks. Visit diversefest.com or email info@harvesthousecenters.org for more information.
Three Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) staff members were recently selected for both regional and national leadership programs. Erin Minor, Vice President, Community Leadership, has been announced as part of the 2026-27 cohort of CFLeads’ Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) for VPs. The year-long learning opportunity focuses exclusively on building skills and exchanging ideas with peers in the national community leadership space. Elizabeth Welch, J.D., Director, Professional Advisor Relationships, was named to Leadership Venice’s 2026 class by the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce, and Jess Blagdon, Grants and Evaluation Officer, was selected for Leadership Sarasota’s 2027 class by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Both of these chamber-run programs are designed to deepen participants’ understanding of their communities, connect them with local leaders, and strengthen their ability to serve as engaged community partners.
The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota has received a $10,000 grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) to support Hocus Pocus Pops II, a family-friendly Halloween concert designed to welcome new audiences into the excitement of live orchestral music. The grant is made possible through Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Samuel J. and Susan A. Campbell Charitable Fund, a donor-established legacy endowment.
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
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.
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
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
Celebrate the Autumnal Equinox by exploring the rising fall constellations and getting to know your night sky. Learn some tips and tricks for finding your favorite objects and take a closer look at images from the James Webb Space Telescope. Keep an eye out for amazing meteor showers and dive into stories among the stars. Doors open at 6:30pm. Beer and wine cash bar available.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W, Bradenton
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 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
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
Sarasota Opera's DaCapo Society invites Sarasota's younger arts patrons aged 21-45 to go Behind the Seams at the fall season launch party: Cocktails, Costumes and Connections. The evening will include appetizers, an open bar and a behind-the-scenes tour of Sarasota Opera's renowned costume warehouse led by longtime resident costume designer Howard Tsvi Kaplan, highlighting this season's newest designs. DaCapo's launch party will give both current DaCapo members and those interested in learning more about the group a backstage look into the world of opera costuming.
Sarasota Opera Costume Warehouse, 8161 25th Ct. E, Sarasota
Directed by Preston Boyd, this bold new drama explores guilt, redemption and the search for light in a world shattered by violence. A haunted young Latino gang member and an aging rabbi form an unlikely bond inside a crumbling East L.A. synagogue, now used as a community center. Blending humor, poetry, rap and prayer, the performance asks whether broken souls can find a way to heal.
The Sarasota Players, 3501 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Sarasota's forward-looking contemporary chamber ensemble, enSRQ, opens its 11th season with the Sarasota debut of two-time Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth. The collaboration brings together eight singers and five instrumentalists for a boundary-pushing program exploring the expressive possibilities of the human voice. Hear Peter Shin, Leilehua Lanzilotti, Caroline Shaw and more.
First Congregational Church, 1031 S Euclid Ave., Sarasota
Each Saturday in October at the Arts Advocates Gallery, guests can view Elisabeth Trostli's new exhibition. The artist's work explores artificial intelligence as a provocative tool for expanding the artist's imagination and invites viewers to look beyond the technology itself and consider what it means to create art in an era when the boundaries between imagination, digital tools and artificial intelligence are rapidly changing. Trostli will present a demonstration on October 3 at 3pm.
Art Advocates Gallery, 3501 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Open to ages 5-19, this tournament is an awesome opportunity for young anglers to enjoy some friendly competition. Bring your rod and reel, and arrive by 8am for an 8:30am check-in. The tournament begins at 9am.
Lake Uihlein, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton
Enjoy fresh produce, local art, music and free family activities on Bradenton's Old Main Street every Saturday from October through May. Local farmers, artisans and chefs share their talents, and you'll always be greeted with a smile from the market vendors.
Old Main Street, 400 12th St. W, Bradenton
This special Chilean Wine Dinner featuring Vina Concha y Toro offers guests an elevated evening of curated Chilean wine pairings paired with a four-course dinner, beginning with a welcome reception followed by a dinner service. Meet fellow wine lovers and enjoy a relaxed, fun atmosphere that promises great sips and good vibes. Regional manager for Vina Concha y Toro, Joe Consolo, will educate guests and help them enjoy these robust wines.
Tripletail Seafood and Spirits, 4870 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
This Tony-winning stage musical is about a shy high school student with social anxiety who becomes entangled in a lie after a classmate’s suicide. By fabricating a friendship with the deceased, Evan finds the popularity and connection he always craved. He faces a crisis when his deception threatens to unravel his life and ruin his relationships. Dear Evan Hansen reminds us all that–even in our loneliest moments–you will be found.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton
This new outdoor music event celebrates the missions of both The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Palma Sola Botanical Park through live performances, natural beauty and opportunities to gather with friends. Guests will enjoy the scenic grounds of the Park while listening to live jazz from The Pops Orchestra's Jazz Combo. Valet parking and food add-ons will be available, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton
This annual event returns for a free, one-day celebration featuring live performances, literacy activities, food trucks, games, a photo booth and more on Van Wezel's back lawn and in the Grand Foyer. Van Wezel will also present two sensory-friendly performances of Asolo Rep on Tour's BEANSTALK: The Adventures of Jack and the Giant at 10am and 1pm. Families can enjoy Florida Studio Theatre Improv as they lead fast-paced, family-friendly games at 11:30am. Throughout the day, young entrepreneurs with Kids Market will provide shopping and activities with a Jack and the Beanstalk theme.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
This festive community event features a variety of eateries with tasty food samples and wine tastings. What better way to support the nationally recognized Sarasota Youth Opera! VIPs enjoy early access and special seating at 12:30pm.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Participate in the third annual Farmhouse Scramble golf tournament to benefit all furry, feathered and shelled animals at Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary. With an 8am shotgun start, this 18-hole course builds community spirit and camaraderie throughout the day. Enjoy contests, games, raffles and prizes, as well as complimentary practice balls on the driving range. A light continental breakfast, indoor salad bar and deli lunch buffet are provided.
Tara Golf and Country Club, 6602 Drewrys Bluff, Bradenton
This gripping musical journey by Karl Jenkins is widely recognized as the most performed classical work by a living composer. Hear musical traditions and texts from cultures around the world that echo a universal plea for peace. The Armed Man moves audiences from conflict to hope in this unforgettable concert experience presented by Key Chorale, with guest artist Amanda Crider.
First United Methodist Church, 104 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Opening the fall 2026–spring 2027 season at SPAACES, this exhibit showcases artists who work outside the public eye. Curator Yosnier Miranda brings together artists who maintain dedicated, disciplined studio practices while choosing not to exhibit their work publicly. Bedroom Communities offers a rare opportunity to encounter work that has largely remained unseen despite years of thoughtful and passionate creation.
SPAACES, 2051 Princeton St., Sarasota
In its third year, this Wellen Park festival invites family and friends into a traditional Oktoberfest atmosphere with German dancers, a live polka band, a stein-hoisting competition and plenty of beer and brats. Experience the inaugural keg tapping and hear the DeLeon Family Oktoberfest Band with three generations of accordion players. Food and drink options include Banyan House, La Maison, Pop Dawgs and more. Parking lots and street parking are available along Sunglow Boulevard and Springtide Way.
Downtown Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice
Get ready for a fang-tastic afternoon of fun at Wellen Park's Spooktacular Halloween! Bring family and friends for trick-or-treating, music, costumes and spooky good vibes.
Downtown Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice
Featuring a special performance by Sarasota Ballet's Dance: The Next Generation program, this high-energy concert highlights a delightfully spooky set list that fills the theater with eerie melodies, playful chills and family-friendly fun. Dancing is inspired by iconic hits like Thriller and The Monster Mash. Costumes, choreography and suprises at every turn make this Halloween-eve celebration truly unforgettable.
Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota
Inspired by the Brothers Grimm fable, this fairy tale opera follows two siblings who encounter a beguiling Gingerbread Witch. This opera displays a timeless reflection on innocence, resourcefulness and the power of family. Hansel and Gretel is presented in three acts and includes music by Engelbert Humperdinck and words by Adelheid Wette. Tickets go on sale online on August 1 and at the box office on September 1.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Join Blase Martini Bar for its first dart tourney, prizes and to make a difference in the health of the community. Show off your skills on the new dart boards to benefit Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation's program to provide low-income women with diagnostic screenings. Enjoy Miller Lite's all day and the special martini of the month, the Boo-Hoo.
Blase Martini Bar, 5263 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key
Experience an afternoon of local flavor, live music, waterfront views and some of Sarasota's favorite locally owned restaurants. You're invited to come hungry, bring your friends and celebrate the flavors of the local community and the delicious Gulf-coastal lifestyle. Admission is free, and food can be purchased with food tickets—each sold in $5 increments.
The Bay Park, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota
Join climate leaders, researchers, community partners, business professionals and students for the 6th Annual CAC Florida Climate Conference: From Climate Risk to Climate Resilience. Experience a full day of inspiring presentations, engaging discussions and networking with the exciting vision of the Living Laboratory for Coastal Resilience. This collaborative initiative brings together science, technology, education and community partnerships to build a stronger Suncoast. For an early bird bonus, register by August 15 to enjoy a complimentary catered lunch.
Selby Auditorium at the USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus, 8350 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Sarasota brings one of the most influential trailblazers to the city for a powerful series of experiences designed to inspire courage, character and civic engagement among youth and throughout the community. Local students will walk together in honor of Ruby's historic steps. A community town hall conversation, moderated by Charlayne Hunter-Gault, will reflect on Ms. Bridges' defining place in our nation's story and the enduring power of civic engagement, community dialogue and collective action.
Booker Visual and Performing Arts Center, 3201 N Orange Ave., Sarasota
Olympic Medalist Nancy Kerrigan joins Our Mother's House for An Afternoon with a Champion, celebrating resilience, determination and the power of community. Nancy's journey from a hardworking family to the Olympic stage was shaped not only by determination but by the sacrifices and support of those around her. During the luncheon, she will share her personal story of perseverance and overcoming adversity, offering an inspiring perspective on resilience and finding the strength to keep moving forward.
Michael's On East, 1212 S East 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
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
In its 21st season titled Raices y Vuelos, Sarasota Contemporary Dance partners with acclaimed bassist Johnnie Barker and The Barker Project for a high-energy collaboration that fuses live music and contemporary dance into an electrifying shared experience. Known for its signature combination of jazz, funk, blues, rock and gospel, The Barker Project brings a fluid, improvisational sound world that meets SCD's dynamic movement language in real time.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton
The popular Halloween-inspired light show returns to Selby Gardens' Historic Spanish Point! The campus is transformed into Spooky Point where you can follow an eerily lit path and encounter fantastic creations and boo-tanically-themed decorations along the way. Equal parts campy, creepy and cute, this walk-through show is fun for all ages. Tickets go on sale August 24.
Historic Spanish Point Campus, 401 N Tamiami Trl, Osprey
This spirited musical ghost trolley tour with an historic bent returns for its 8th year with tour times at 7pm or 8:30pm. Talented cast members Kaylene McCaw and MariAnne Hernandez alternate as Lady Melody, the tour's ghost hostess, and tell stories of haunted buildings as they welcome aboard mystery spirits played by David Springer, Michael De Mocko, Olivia Turpening and Sarah Van Keuren. Prizes are awarded for best costume each night. Tickets include complimentary beer or wine before boarding and free parking.
Discover Sarasota Tours, 1826 4th St., Sarasota
Think and drink presents From Nest to Sea at the Planetarium at The Bishop. Learn about nesting sea turtles and hatchlings, what the community-based conservation group Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch does to monitor and protect them from human threats and how you can help ensure their survival. Doors open at 6pm, and the presentation begins at 6:30pm. Beer, wine and concessions are available for purchase.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W, Bradenton
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