SRQ DAILY Oct 12, 2026
Monday Business Edition
"Ultimately, our focus is preserving access to high-quality care for all Floridians and supporting the hospitals that provide the state's most complex and essential services."
This November, architects and designers will flock to Sarasota for the Sarasota Design Conference. The conference, which has taken place every two years since 1988, is themed Duality: Harmony in Contrast and will take place in St. Paul Lutheran Church, a Victor Lundy-designed campus and a sterling example of the Sarasota School of Architecture. Organized by the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the conference’s focus has always been firmly on design. Featuring lectures and a panel discussion with four prominent industry professionals, the conference intends to inspire and creatively invigorate the minds of those in attendance. Below is an excerpt from an interview with one of the conference’s keynote speakers, Leo Marmol, FAIA, co-founder of the Los Angeles-based, design-build practice Marmol Radziner, set to appear in the January 2027 issue of SRQ Magazine.
SRQ: The Sarasota School was a foundational movement in modernist architecture.. What can today’s architects take from the past as they design and build for the future?
Leo Marmol: One thing I’m looking forward to studying in Sarasota is how the architects of the Sarasota School dealt with an extreme climate. The climate in Sarasota is far more challenging than the relatively mild climate of Southern California. We have the benefit of year-round mild weather, so we haven’t faced the same kinds of challenges that Sarasota’s architects had to address. Those architects looked at things like cross-ventilation and how sunlight could be controlled within interior spaces. I look forward to seeing how those historic buildings incorporated what we would consider environmental responses today: ways in which buildings could naturally heat and cool without the benefit of forced-air heating and cooling.
How could we use nature itself to provide a more comfortable living experience? That might involve evaporation, water and how water can be used alongside air movement to cool spaces. I think there are some really important lessons that we, as Californians, can take from the early Sarasota projects and hopefully adapt to contemporary needs.
Sarasota Design Conference, November 12-14, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sarasota 
Leo Marmol, keynote speaker at the Sarasota Design Conference. Photo by Jesse Green.
This October, The Sarasota Ballet celebrates 20 Seasons under the leadership of Iain Webb with Program One, a captivating mixed-repertoire production that highlights the Company's artistic range and excellence. Audiences will experience the Company premiere of Manner by acclaimed choreographer Gemma Bond, an insightful work exploring identity, behavior, and human connection through expressive movement. The evening also features a collection of celebrated Divertissements by Sir Frederick Ashton, one of ballet's most influential choreographers. These highlights showcase the elegance, musicality, and charm that define his beloved works. Concluding the program is Wolfgang for Webb by Dominic Walsh, the first ballet commissioned by Webb for The Sarasota Ballet. Set to the music of Mozart, this dynamic work blends classical artistry with contemporary energy. Whether you're a lifelong ballet lover or attending for the first time, Program One promises an inspiring evening of beauty, innovation, and unforgettable performances.
For the second time, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System President and CEO David Verinder will lead Florida’s Safety Net Hospital Alliance. During his two-year term as chair, Verinder will help set the organization’s strategic direction and work with its member health systems and leadership to advance policies and funding efforts that support high-quality care for Floridians.
What was your reaction to receiving the honor of chair of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance for the second time?
It’s an honor to once again have the opportunity to serve as chair of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance and work alongside healthcare leaders from across Florida. We provide essential, highly specialized services and train the next generation of physicians to serve our communities. I’m grateful for the confidence my colleagues have placed in me and look forward to working together to strengthen that mission.
What are some of your responsibilities within this position as chair?
As chair, I’ll work closely with SNHAF’s executive leadership and the CEOs of our member health systems, which are all public or nonprofit mission-driven organizations that reinvest earnings in health services, facilities, jobs, equipment and innovation that serve our communities. A significant part of the work is sharing our patients’ needs as state and federal leaders develop healthcare policies and funding priorities. Ultimately, our focus is preserving access to high-quality care for all Floridians and supporting the hospitals that provide the state’s most complex and essential services.
How do you hope to impact the Safety Net Hospital Alliance as chair, and in turn, how do you hope this role will impact your work as SMH CEO and President?
My goal is to continue to strengthen the collective voice of Florida’s safety net hospitals and ensure they have the resources and support necessary to continue serving their communities. Sarasota Memorial shares many of the same challenges and responsibilities as our fellow safety net health systems, so there is tremendous value in learning from one another and working collaboratively on issues affecting access, quality and the future of healthcare.
smh.com
Pictured: David Verinder has served as President and CEO for Sarasota Memorial since 2014. Photo courtesy Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.
Fruitville Library will reopen to the public at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, following renovations to the library. The library has been updated with new paint and furnishings, as well as additional spaces for reading, studying and collaboration. For more information, visit SarasotaCountyLibraries.org or call 311 or 941-861-5000.
Provided photo.
Results from the 35th annual Citizen’s Opinion Survey show remarkable stability in resident satisfaction, quality of life and county services. Of the 1,250 residents surveyed from across the county, 96% rated the county’s quality of life as excellent or good, and the same percentage reported being satisfied with county services. For more information, call 311 or 941-861-5000, or visit scgov.net/citizensurvey.
NDC Construction has broken ground on The Fields at SeaFlower, a 362-unit apartment community within SeaFlower in West Bradenton. Working alongside NDC Development and NDC Asset Management, the company is delivering the project through its 360 Project Delivery℠ approach, bringing construction, development, and property operations expertise together from the start. That coordination helps the team consider how construction decisions influence the community’s quality, day-to-day operation, and future residents. For more information, visit SeaFlower.com
Manatee Memorial Hospital is proud to announce the opening of Manatee ER at Harrison Ranch. On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the new freestanding emergency department, located at 10820 U.S. 301 North, Parrish, FL 34219, accepted its first patient.Manatee ER at Harrison Ranch, an extension of the hospital, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides care for all ages. The 10,884 square ft. facility includes six exam rooms, with three rapid medical spaces, and full-service laboratory, X-ray, CT, and ultrasound areas. To learn more about the hospital’s emergency services, please visit manateememorial.com/er.
Bank of America has named Jeff Crabtree, Consumer Banking region executive, as its new president of Sarasota/Manatee. Crabtree has 15 years with the bank and has been a central member of the local leadership team. He will lead efforts to grow market share by building local connections and deepening client relationships. Locally, the bank has more than 400 employees at 31 locations. It extended $143 million in small-business loans and $246 million in commercial loans in Q2 2026.
PGT Windows and Doors, part of the MITER Brands portfolio, recently updated the hurricane preparedness page on its website to include expert insights and free resources for homeowners to utilize during hurricane season. The guide includes information on hurricanes and severe storms, including categories of storms, types of damage caused at various wind speeds, recommendations for fortifying the home against storms, tips for personal safety during storms, and how to assess structural damage after. A chart is also included that provides a visual comparison of different products designed to secure the home, including impact windows, shutters, and panels.
Provided photo.
JETSET Pilates, the fast-growing modern Reformer Pilates franchise, will open its first Lakewood Ranch studio this October, marking the brand’s entry into the Sarasota-Bradenton market. The studio is the fifth Tampa-area location for Pure Form Studios, the local development group led by co-owners Lauren and Patrick Christopher. Located at 8386 Market St., the 16-reformer, 2,400-square-foot Lakewood Ranch studio will offer two weeks of complimentary preview classes beginning October 3, leading up to a grand opening celebration on October 17. Regular paid classes will begin October 18. Founding Membership presales are currently underway.
Sarasota County voters will be able to access free, bilingual voter guides for the November 2026 election at four Sarasota County Public Libraries starting next week or online now at lwvsrq.org. Those libraries are Jacaranda, Elsie Quirk, North Port and Selby. The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County (LWVSRQ) has also created flyers in English and Spanish featuring links and QR codes to Vote411.org, the League’s voter guides, and live and recorded candidate forums. For more information and to access the voter guides, visit lwvsrq.org.
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.
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
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
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
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
From fiery chemistry and haunted experiments to escape rooms and flying pickles, STEAM Saturdays classes return this fall. Every Saturday, students in grades 2-3, 4-5 and 6-8 are invited to participate in hands-on, project-based activities with themes including Haunted Alchemy, Autumn Escape Room, Fireball Chemistry and a pickle-powered aerospace class. Younger students have the chance to build technical skills, confidence and creativity while learning alongside near-peer role models.
Faulhaber Fab Lab, 4452 S Beneva Rd., Sarasota
A work doesn't have to be monumental to demand our attention. The fifth installment of 502 Gallery's popular annual invitational exhibition, Shopliftable, is a celebration of small-scale works by 20 artists. Each artwork is modest in size but full of possibility, inviting viewers to look closely and discover how much an artist can say within a limited physical space. The opening reception will be held on October 3 from 5-8pm.
502 Gallery, 502 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Drawing on the ephemeral and fragile properties of smoke and mirroring, along with the purity, fragility and apparent permanence of porcelain, the work exposes false narratives, conflicted virtues and fractured identities. Using transience and tension as both visual and material metaphors, figures formed with smoke hover between presence and evasion across pristine porcelain and mirrored, color-shifting grounds. The opening reception will be held on October 3 from 5-8pm.
502 Gallery, 502 S Pineapple 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
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
Based on the novel by Bram Stoker and adapted by Ren Pearson, The Players Studio Black Box invites audiences into the shadows with one of the most iconic Gothic tales ever written. Mysterious, thrilling, romantic and terrifying, Dracula will explore fear, obsession and the darkness that lives just beneath the surface.
The Players Studio Black Box, 1400 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota
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 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
In this collaborative playreading series led by Roxanne Baker, The Script Society will read I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire by Samantha Hurley. Stop by Bookstore1 to buy a copy of Hurley's book and participate in this farcical and subversive play, which takes place at 4pm in the bookstore loft.
Bookstore1, 117 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
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
Ringling College of Art and Design alum Chie Fueki synthesizes Japanese ukiyo-e atmospheric techniques with Western abstraction, perspectival space and practices of overlay and juxtaposition. Drawing from her own Japanese and Brazilian heritage, Fueki's vibrant and densely layered works dance with an elaborate interplay of painting, drawing and constructed mulberry paper compositions. Spanning 25 years of Fueki's career, these works carve out familiar scenes that fuse figuration and abstraction to create an intricate floating world.
Sarasota Art Museum Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Explore the collection of photographer and humanitarian Judy Glickman Lauder in this exhibit featuring approximately 100 photographs by over 50 artists. Presence creates an inspiring dialogue through tender portraits, candid photojournalism and spontaneous cityscapes. See works by Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, Danny Lyon, Gordon Parks and more.
Sarasota Art Museum Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Hear this award-winning Chicago-based saxophone quartet at the First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota for an evening of lively contemporary music. Synchrony Quartet features Philip Kleutgens on soprano saxophone, Hudson O'Reilly on alto, Matthew Johnson on tenor and Haven Kahn on baritone. The program includes works by Caroline Shaw, Anton Webern, Astor Piazzolla and more. After the concert, join the musicians at a meet and greet with light refreshments.
First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota
Decorate floating lanterns with personal messages of love, hope, remembrance or intention and release them together onto the water at sunset. This nationally recognized event offers a display of glowing lanterns to create a powerful, shared moment that many attendees describe as one of the most beautiful nights of their lives. Add a flower crown, mandala throw or glow sticks to your ticket purchase.
Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota
One night, two great causes and countless wagging tails. This dog-friendly fundraising event benefits the American Cancer Society and EIO Rescue Ranch. Enjoy live music by Nora Ricci, adoptable animals, raffles and a dog fashion show while supporting local businesses and community partners. Join Paws for the Cure to help support people impacted by cancer and animals in need.
Dog Bar Sarasota, 1314 10th St., Sarasota
Join Jorge Blanco for an intimate conversation as he explains the inspirations behind the work in his current exhibition, Joy in Motion. Blanco is a Venezuelan-American artist, internationally recognized for his public sculptures, graphic design and illustrations. An opening reception for his exhibition—a vibrant collection of drawings, prints and sculptures—will be held on October 8 from 5-7pm.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
This rock musical adaptation of Stephen King's novel follows Carrie White, a shy, bullied teenage outcast with telekinetic powers. Dominatingly controlled by her religious fanatic mother at home and tormented by peers at school, Carrie unleashes her destructive powers on prom night after a cruel prank. Powerful vocals and raw storytelling will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton
Hear Duke Ellington's music as you've never heard it before with this Tony Award-winning theatrical journey. Directed by Jim Weaver, Sophisticated Ladies shares elegant and timeless hits including It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing and Don't Get Around Much Anymore. Every song tells its own story of the romance, humor and refined style of the time. Performances are offered at 2:00pm and 7:30pm.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave., Sarasota
Join the Markovitz Socratic Stage Series for a vital dialogue on the state of American education featuring Erika Donalds, Founder and Chairman of the Education Freedom Foundation, and Richard Corcoran, President of New College of Florida.
Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
Featuring Isabella Ling Sun on violin, Ching-Yu Tseng on cello and Daniel Chen-Wang on piano, Trio Sinfonia opens the season for Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota. Born out of the chamber music department at the New England Conservatory, the ensemble unites three passionate musicians who share a deep love for chamber music. Their program will feature Brahms' Trio in B Major and Mendelssohn's Trio in C Minor.
Fischer/Weisenborne Residence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Ct., Sarasota
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
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
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
Throughout November, visit all 10 library locations of Sarasota County Libraries for a literary celebration featuring author talks, book signings, writing workshops and family activities. See bestselling authors including Anthony Horowitz, Brad Meltzer, Nathaniel Philbrick and Kate Quinn. This annual event will kick off on November 1 with a publishing day and local author fair, and a family day will be held on November 7.
Sarasota County Libraries
The only U.S. stop of the 2026 UCI World Cup brings the world's elite BMX Racing riders to Sarasota on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Sarasota BMX was selected by the UCI to host two UCI World Cup final rounds in 2026 and two in 2027. The facility is home to a year-round local racing program with USA BMX-certified coaching for riders at every level.
Sarasota BMX Track, 1590 N Tuttle Ave., Sarasota
Across from Marina Jack's in downtown Sarasota, see a variety of original fine art pieces. Peruse and purchase drawings, fiber works, jewelry, photography, paintings, sculptures and other media. Hot Works focuses on visual arts that are juried by art professionals.
J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr., 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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