SRQ DAILY Oct 15, 2026
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"This represents a tremendous demand from our families, and we are honored to provide this opportunity for our students."
Around 10 years ago, Geri Chaffee was volunteering at a local public school, when she noticed something—a large group of students spoke Spanish and not English. Chaffee began working with three boys who only spoke Spanish in math lessons. “The teacher said, ‘Mrs. Chaffee, we’re in America, you need to speak English. You need to teach them math in English,’” says Chaffee. “I was floored.”
The experience led Chaffee, the daughter of Hispanic immigrants who holds a Masters in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, to start asking questions about learning, demographics and how to better serve the Sarasota community—a community that includes a large demographic of non-English speaking, low-income students. Those questions led to Chaffee’s founding of Dreamer’s Academy in 2021, a K-8 public charter school that offers a whole-school dual language immersion model in which students learn Florida state standards in both Spanish and English.
“We rented space for two years before building our elementary school on Myrtle Street. We started with 200 students and have grown to 650 in five years,” says Chaffee. “Eventually, families began asking us to open a middle school because they didn't want their children to lose the benefits of the program once they reached middle school. We spoke with staff, the district and the Florida Department of Education, and we secured an infrastructure bond to build the middle school.”
On September 17, Dreamer’s Academy broke ground on a new 10-acre upper campus in Newtown. The campus will include a 42,000-square-foot middle school building housing fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades, allowing for students to fully progress from kindergarten through eighth grade upon its opening in August 2027.
“This represents a tremendous demand from our families, and we are honored to provide this opportunity for our students,” says Head of School Dr. Catherine Rodriguez. “It's an amazing milestone for Dreamers Academy. I'm especially excited about giving families the opportunity to have their children grow in one school.”
The campus will include increased potential for sports, with an indoor gym, an outdoor soccer field, two outdoor basketball courts and a volleyball court.
Dreamer’s Academy, 2146 Myrtle St, Sarasota. 
Geri Chaffee (left, in black) and Dr. Catherine Rodriguez (right, in black) at the groundbreaking of the Dreamer's Academy upper campus in Newtown. Photo by Isabel Herrera Studio LLC.
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) will hold an Open House from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at SCF Bradenton, 5840 26th St. W. The community is invited. RSVP is not required. Guests can visit the Stephen J. Korcheck Student Services Center, Building 1, to learn about degrees, workforce certificates and online programs offered at SCF, as well as financing options and student clubs, organizations, activities and support services. Attendees can also tour departments, meet faculty and staff and explore career and university transfer pathways designed to help students enroll, stay engaged and succeed. For more information about applying to SCF, visit SCF.edu/Admissions, call 941-752-5050 or email Admissions@SCF.edu.
On Saturday, October 24, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office will host its seventh annual Halloween Drive-Thru event at the agency's headquarters, 6010 Cattleridge Blvd., Sarasota. Attendees should enter Cattleridge Boulevard between Arby's restaurant and the BP convenience store, then proceed north to the event. As this is a drive-thru event, on-site parking will not be available, and all attendees are asked to remain in their vehicles. The event will feature decorations, costumes, K-9 units, mounted patrol, and more. Plus, there will be nearly 70,000 pieces of candy for attendees to enjoy. For more information, contact the Community Affairs Office at 941-861-4005.
Provided photo.
Celebrate Halloween at the Bradenton Public Market with a festive, family-friendly day of shopping, activities, treats, and Halloween fun throughout Old Main Street! The market will transform for Halloween with trick-or-treating at each vendor booth, themed shopping opportunities, festive photo ops, kids' crafts, and plenty of spooky touches to create a memorable experience for market-goers of all ages. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in costume and enjoy Halloween at the Market!
Provided photo.
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) held its SCF Weather Ready celebration of the new weather station at SCF Venice on Sept. 26 during National Preparedness Month. The weather station, named Dorothy, is one of the few professional-grade weather monitoring systems in the Tampa Bay area. Measuring atmospheric conditions at SCF Venice, local meteorologists and SCF STEM program students can use the weather station’s live data in weather forecasting and in science, mathematics and meteorology classes. Learn more at SCF.edu.
Photo provided by State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.
As tourism continues its fourth consecutive month of year-over-year growth, local businesses and residents are rightfully asking: what does this momentum mean heading into peak season and 2027? To help answer, Visit Sarasota County has invited C-Suite executives and industry experts to speak on local, statewide, and national perspectives at our Indicators & Insights Summit, scheduled for Thursday, November 19 from 8:00-11:30 a.m. at the Art Ovation Hotel.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is excited to announce the cast of Kimberly Akimbo, which will launch the theatre’s 2026-27 Winter Mainstage season. Winner of five Tony Awards – including Best Musical – this moving and unconventional coming-of-age story follows a young woman determined to make the most of her life. With Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and Music by Jeanine Tesori, Kimberly Akimbo begins previews November 18, opens November 20, and runs through January 3, 2027, in FST’s Gompertz Theatre. For more information, visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org or call (941) 366-9000.
The holiday season is unwrapping at University Town Center (UTC) on Saturday, November 14, when thousands of families will gather for Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade, a spectacular evening of exciting entertainers, giant balloons, fabulous floats, fireworks and holiday fun, followed by a free after-party concert featuring a nationally known headliner to be announced later this month. The magical celebration begins at 6 p.m. with a thrilling FMX stunt performance presented by Nik Wallenda’s Wonderland Circus, culminating in the lighting of UTC’s 50-foot Christmas tree and the debut of the season’s first light show. For the full Holidays at UTC schedule and event details, visit utcsarasota.com/holidays.
Provided photo.
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
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
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
Join Project Pride SRQ for a joyful day of Pride, community and celebration in Sarasota to bring together LGBTQ+ residents, families, allies, artists, local businesses, nonprofits, sponsors, volunteers and community partners. Explore a lively vendor marketplace, connect with local organizations and resources, enjoy delicious food, experience live performances and celebrate in an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere built around visibility, joy and belonging.
Project Pride SRQ, 1370 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota
Dress for the sock hop, dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for a 50s sock hop gone sour. This interactive murder mystery dinner is filled with clues, suspects, twists and plenty of laughs along the way. For attire, think poodle skirts, swing dresses, saddle shoes, cat-eye glasses or cuffed jeans, white tees, bowling shirts and slicked-back hair. Tickets include a three-course chef-curated dinner and a welcome cocktail.
GROVE, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch
To open Sarasota Ballet's upcoming season, hear a special selection of Sir Frederick Ashton's celebrated Divertissements, offering a suite of excerpts from some of his most renowned works. Meditation from Thais, Friday's Child from Jazz Calendar, Pas de Trois from Les Rendezvous and intricate ensemble patterns of Pas de Cinq from Illuminations will take the stage. Gemma Bond tests the limits of composure with Manner, a Company premiere that explores inherited and performed behaviors through intimate choreography.
FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
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
The Sarasota Speaker Series presents Building an Unconventional Business, bringing together three local leaders at distinctly different stages of the journey: from a rapidly expanding young brand, to an established company navigating growth, to a Sarasota institution that has been making people laugh for nearly four decades. Hear Stacey Marks of Fly Dance Fitness, Bill Johnson of Brilliant Harvest and Les McCurdy of McCurdy's Comedy Theatre and Humor Institute. Networking opportunities and a VIP afterparty are included.
Community Center at The Bay, 803 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Visit the beautiful Phillippi Estate for Friends of the Sarasota County History Center's third annual picnic fundraiser. Enjoy a variety of offerings from food trucks and listen to Paisley Craze Band perform rockadelic 60s hits. Advance reservations open September 14.
Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Kick off the holidays with a merry celebration along N. Cattlemen Rd. that features giant balloons, fantastical floats, marching bands, dance troupes and a special appearance by the one-and-only Santa Claus. The excitement continues with thrilling FMX stunts by Nik Wallenda's Wonderland Circus, the lighting of UTC's 50-foot holiday tree, dazzling fireworks and an after-party concert. Visit the kids zone for games and crafts from 3-5pm, and pre-party entertainment begins at 4:15pm.
UTC District, N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota
Presented by Key Chorale, the Chamber Singers invite you into a world of beauty, reflection and wonder at this candlelit choral experience. The choir is joined by renowned organist Jeremy Filsell, violinist Jeff Thurston and cellist Susan Dobronsky. Here contemplative and sacred selections by Faure, Paulus, Gjeilo and Esenvalds at this evening of serenity and inspiration.
Christ Episcopal Church, Bradenton, 4030 Manatee Ave. W, Bradenton
Since 2010, this four-day event has brought together talented master sand sculptors from around the world to transform Siesta's famous sand into stunning, large-scale works of art. Visitors can enjoy live music, local food and drink, shopping, sand sculpting demonstrations and family-friendly activities–all set against the backdrop of one of America's top-ranked beaches. Whether you're an art lover, beachgoer or local supporter, the Crystal Classic offers a truly unique experience that inspires creativity and brings the community together year after year.
Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Rd., Sarasota
Appropriate is a biting, dark comedic drama that follows estranged siblings returning to their late father’s decaying Arkansas plantation to settle his estate. While sorting through hoarded items, the family discovers a disturbing photo album of slave lynchings, triggering deep-seated, explosive confrontations over family history, racism and inheritance.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton
Sarasota Opera's inaugural staging of a Gilbert and Sullivan work, H.M.S. Pinafore is a cornerstone of Victorian comic operetta, where questions of love and social rank spark humor and delight. At the center of this story, set aboard a British Navy ship, is the earnest sailor Ralph Rackstraw and Josephine, the captain's daughter, whose affection challenges the strict hierarchies of their world. The uproarious satire includes witty patter songs and memorable melodies that make it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. This opera is performed in two acts.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Laughing Matters is an all-new collection of songs and sketches inspired by the headlines, trends and everyday moments everyone seems to be talking about. From the latest cultural obsessions to the quirks of life here on the Suncoast, nothing is off limits in this fast-paced comedy revue that finds humor in the wonderfully ridiculous world we're all trying to navigate. Written by Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins; music arrangements by Jim Prosser.
Court Cabaret, 1265 1st St., Sarasota
The 11th annual Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition at Selby Gardens welcomes a collaboration with Maestro Victor DeRenzi, former Artistic Director of Sarasota Opera. Verdi: Composer and Farmer 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 combine a dynamic display of objects, images and horticultural vignettes that draw inspiration and feature selections of music from Verdi's operas.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota
In honor of Maestro Victor DeRenzi, Il Giardino di Verdi will celebrate the 2027 Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Verdi: Composer and Farmer throughout the grounds of Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus. The event begins with a champagne reception, followed by dinner and dancing. Silent disco concludes the night at 10pm. Attire is opera-inspired black tie, and individual tickets go on sale in December.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., 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
Explore the Mote Aquarium after dark as you stroll through immersive exhibits, encounter sharks, rays, sea turtles and thousands of other marine animals, and enjoy tastings from local and regional breweries, wineries, distilleries and other beverage partners. Enjoy live music throughout the evening. Tickets include a commemorative tasting glass, Sharktoberfest swag bag, raffles and access to the entire Aquarium after hours. Must be 21 years or older to attend.
Mote Science Education Aquarium, 225 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota
Sarasota's swankiest slumber party returns for its second year in support of Teen Court of Sarasota's restorative justice, prevention, counseling and youth development programs. Justice and Jammies will feature dinner, dancing, live auction experiences, mission moments and an official after-party. Funds raised will help Teen Court continue expanding services that guide young people toward accountability, leadership and brighter futures. Tickets go on sale August 1.
The Westin Sarasota, 100 Marina View Dr., Sarasota
To kick off The Ringling's 2026-27 season, experience an unforgettable celebration under the stars in the Museum of Art Courtyard. Enjoy a first look at the upcoming season's world-class exhibitions, live performances and inspiring educational performances. Hear an electrifying performance by GRAMMY-nominated Cuban vocalist Jose Pepito Gomez and his dynamic ensemble, La Royal Orquesta. Food and drinks are available for purchase, and doors open at 7pm.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
The seventh year of the popular Hermitage Sunsets at Selby Gardens will feature six programs between the Selby Gardens Downtown and Historic Spanish Point campuses. See performances and explorations of works-in-progress by Hermitage artists-in-residence and alumni. Dates include October 16, November 20, February 11, Feburary 25, March 18 and May 6. The first event, New Music Under the Old Oak, is at the Downtown Sarasota Campus at 5:30pm.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota campus and Historic Spanish Point campus, 1534 Mound 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 |
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe
