SRQ DAILY Oct 26, 2026
Monday Business Edition
"We're able to support on the office side and communication side, but also get on site and support the contractor."
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, Daniel Ralls, AIA, a principal/owner at Olson Kundig, set to appear in the January 2027 issue of SRQ Magazine.
SRQ: Why do you find it important to create close working relationships with local tradespeople and to incorporate their building traditions when working on larger projects?
Ralls: Architecture is a collaborative process, and some of the best ideas come from the people who know a place and its materials firsthand. Local tradespeople bring a depth of knowledge about regional building traditions, climate and craft that you can’t get from drawings alone. Building those relationships helps us make better decisions, but it also creates a sense of investment in the work. During a project in Southeast Asia for instance, we worked with our local partners to develop a method in our drawings to better communicate crucial details to achieve the design. It gave them agency and an invitation to collaborate, but also reassured them that we would be there to support with the expertise we bring. Building these relationships is about respecting what’s already there, learning from the people who understand it best and finding ways to carry that knowledge forward while still exploring new possibilities.
Sarasota Design Conference, November 12-14, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sarasota. 
Daniel Ralls, principal/owner at Olson Kundig. Photo by Elizabeth Rudge.
This holiday season, Bedford Falls comes to life inside a bustling 1940s radio station. Asolo Repertory Theatre presents It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, a new take on the holiday classic where the excitement of a live radio broadcast becomes part of the show. Five actors play dozens of characters, creating an entire town through quick transformations, clever sound effects, and theatrical magic. As the radio station comes alive, so does the story of George Bailey, a man who discovers just how much his life has meant to the people around him. From the chaos and charm of a live broadcast to the warmth of a familiar Christmas story, this production brings audiences into the action in unexpected ways. Directed by Scott Keys, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play brings humor, heart and Christmas nostalgia to Asolo Rep’s new Second Stage series.
After eight years as a satellite office in Sarasota, Stofft Cooney Architects has officially opened under the direction of Gage C. Duran, the firm’s newly appointed Sarasota-based senior project architect. Duran previously owned and led GDArch, where he managed several multi-million-dollar custom homes nationwide.
“The best thing is that we can get to a site quickly,” Duran says about the Sarasota office. “We can support someone as they’re thinking about what they want to do on their property and understand what their vision, style and hopes are for their custom home.”
Founded in 1985, the architectural group has headquarters in Naples and Delray Beach, led by Randall Stofft and John Cooney, respectively. Cooney, the company’s CEO and owner, says Sarasota clients can expect the same high level of architecture that the entire firm is known for.
“About 98% of our projects are on the water,” Cooney explains. “This level of architecture executed on the water requires a certain expertise to not only do great architectural designs, but designs that have longevity and minimal maintenance.”
While the Sarasota office had previously been by appointment only, it’s now becoming a full office with Duran’s hiring and the addition of two local designers.
“The great thing about this office is that we have the full support of our Naples team,” Duran says. “We’re able to focus and be the boots-on-the-ground here, while also having a lot of production and design horsepower from our Naples office.”
Duran says supporting the contractor is an integral part of executing the completion of a home, and the firm is hyperfocused on both its presence and becoming even more integrated within the architecture and home-building community.
“We’re able to support on the office side and communication side, but also get on site and support the contractor,” he says.
With a full-time staff at the new office, Stofft Cooney Architects will be able to organize initial concepts and support project construction in the heart of Sarasota.
“We’ve always had a very nice, steady workflow in the area,” Cooney says. “What this will do is elevate our presence to have a full-time key person making decisions, and will upgrade our service to our clients.”
100 N Washington Blvd, Sarasota
Pictured: Stofft Cooney Architects handles homes in Tampa and St. Petersburg all the way to Boca Grande. Photo courtesy Stofft Cooney Architectural Group.
Sarasota County Schools is proud to announce that Dr. LaShawn Frost – the school district’s Executive Director of Student Services – has received the Arts Schools Network Presidential Founders Award. Presented at the discretion of the Arta Schools Network (ASN) President, the Presidential Founders Award is a distinguished honor recognizing individuals whose exceptional contributions have significantly influenced ASN and the schools, educators, students, and communities it serves.
Provided photo.
Shumaker has added Marisa S. Agganis as an associate in the firm’s Labor & Employment Service Line, strengthening its support for employers seeking to address workplace concerns before they become disputes. Representing employers and management, Marisa brings experience in employment counseling and litigation, helping clients navigate day-to-day workplace issues and respond when disputes arise. Learn more at shumaker.com
HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital recognized more than 100 colleagues recently for their service to patients and the community. Colleagues were celebrated for achieving five, 10, 15 and more than 20 years of service.
Provided photo.
At the 2026 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) named Susan Kopstad, founder of Sarasota's Sea Breeze Coffee & Tea, its Supplier of the Year. For more than 30 years, the small family-owned company has served as a premier beverage supplier of coffee, tea, espresso, and more for hotels and restaurants across Florida and the nation.
Provided photo.
Essential Health, a direct primary care and longevity medicine practice with more than 20 years of experience, has opened its first Florida location in Sarasota, led by Dr. Kyle O’Brien. The practice takes a proactive approach to health, combining conventional and functional medicine with personalized assessments that measure more than 100 biomarkers and evaluate factors including fitness, body composition and cognitive health. With growing interest in preventive care and healthy aging, the new Sarasota location offers a local perspective on how primary care is evolving to help patients take a more proactive role in their long-term health. For more information, visit: essentialhealth.health.
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of approximately 711 acres of environmentally significant land during Tuesday's regular meeting, advancing the County's efforts to protect natural resources, preserve wildlife habitats and expand public access to conservation lands. For more information, visit MyManatee.org or call (941) 748-4501, and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.
The Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller will honor veterans and active-duty military members throughout November with free certified copies of official and court records, passport photos, and notary services in recognition of Veterans Day. Veterans and active-duty military members can receive these services Nov. 1–30, 2026, by presenting a valid DD-214 or military ID. There is no limit on the number of services per visit. Veterans and service members can visit the Clerk & Comptroller’s office in person at 1115 Manatee Ave. W. in downtown Bradenton during regular business hours, Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office will close Wednesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day, and Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26–27, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The Clerk & Comptroller’s office is also honoring the veterans on its own team this November. Follow the Clerk on Facebook at facebook.com/ManateeClerk to meet team members who have served. For more information, call the Clerk & Comptroller’s office at (941) 749-1800 or visit www.ManateeClerk.com.
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Celebrate The Orchid Show 2026 with an exclusive after-hours viewing of the exhibition along with a cocktail reception and live entertainment by the Sarasota Opera in Selby Gardens' Event Center. The evening is sponsored by Mike and Dee Bennett.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota
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
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
Experience a morning of fall fun at the Runaway Pumpkin 5K and free family festival. Food trucks, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, a bounce house, costume contest and PAWS therapy dogs are featured. Kids ages 12 and under can participate in the mini monster dash. Consider donating non-perishable food items that will be distributed to local families facing food insecurity through partnering organizations.
The Child Protection Center's Monda Campus, 5600 Peace River Rd., North Port
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
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
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
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
A celebration of American passion for freedom, opportunity and expression, this concert features choral and instrumental music by Benjamin Britten, Anton Dvorak and a host of American composers part and present, performed by choir and string orchestra.
First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota
The Sarasota Youth Opera presents a whimsical journey of imagination, family and self-discovery this November. With music and text by Rachel J. Peters, Rootabaga Country follows Gimme the Ax and his children as they journey through the imaginative landscape of Rootabaga Country to learn more about the mother they never knew. Along this way, they discover that love and belonging come in many forms. Tickets go on sale online August 1.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Celebrate 10 years of making a difference for homeless animals at the sixth annual Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare Friendsgiving. Enjoy an exciting live auction, silent auction and live music while helping raise critical funds to support this organization's life-saving programs. Every dollar raised helps provide specialized medical care, heartworm treatment, enrichment and second chances for animals in need.
The Pavilion at Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E, Bradenton
A longtime Sarasota resident, Pirman has developed a distinctive visual language that blends the precision of graphic design with the sensibility of fine art. His work transforms familiar places, architecture and characters into sophisticated compositions of color, shape, pattern and line. The opening reception will be held on November 7 from 5-8pm.
502 Gallery, 502 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Learn about Sarasota history with guide John McCarthy on this relaxing cruise to learn illuminating facts about the region. This event is a major fundraiser that helps with the restoration and preservation of the Crocker Memorial Church and the Bidwell-Wood House. Enjoy snacks and a cash bar on board the LeBarge. Reserve tickets soon because seating is limited. Meet at Bayfront Park on the lawn in front of LeBarge at 10:30am to receive your name badge, which serves as your entry ticket.
Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota
Celebrating 20 years, Bowls of Hope attendees select offerings from dozens of the community's finest restaurants and caterers as they serve delicious soups, bread, desserts and more. Guests choose from beautiful, handcrafted bowls–all donated by local potters, artists and students–to keep, while enjoying a modest meal as a reminder of the empty bowls they help to fill. This year's event is chaired by Ruth Hochman. Individual tickets go on sale October 1.
Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota
The annual Living Arts Festival showcases diverse art forms in Sarasota through performances, visual art, family events and live music. Throughout Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice, see the Sarasota Orchestra, Artists on Art: Photography, Rising Stars Talent Show, Creative Liberties Galleries, Perlman Music Program, Jazz Club of Sarasota and more. This is your opportunity to join the community in shared experiences, strengthening the connections that make the Cultural Coast a wonderful place to live, work and visit.
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
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
Rhythmic intensity and lyric experimentation are at work in pieces by Timo Andres, Curtis Stewart, Vivian Pung and Charles Wuorinen, and the world premiere of Shawn Allison's Vigil for the Disappeared. Examining the expressive power of music in the absence and aftermath of text, this program of works for smaller forces powerfully reshapes our perception of time and sound.
First Congregational Church, 1031 S Euclid Ave., Sarasota
Laurie Maves has spent more than three decades exploring the emotional language of shape, color and abstraction. Inspired by coastal landscapes, travel and the natural world, she creates richly layered works where the quiet geometry of nature, repeated forms, color and gesture invite moments of reflection and calm. A reception for Shapes of Resonance will be held on November 12, and a meet-and-greet is scheduled for December 10.
Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Trl, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
