SRQ DAILY Oct 28, 2026
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"This visitor center is here because we want to reach out and expand our mission across our community."
With a snip of the giant scissors, the ribbon was officially cut last Thursday at The Stephen & Lisa Hyde Visitor Center in Lakewood Ranch, a new facility for Dogs Inc. The Center will help Dogs Inc recruit new volunteers, connect with potential donors and engage with applicants in need of services—all essential to expanding the organization’s mission: to transform lives through extraordinary dogs. The purpose-built facility is dedicated to raising awareness and serving more people with vision loss and veterans through its guide and service dog programs.
Longtime Lakewood Ranch residents and dedicated Dogs Inc supporters Stephen and Lisa Hyde served as lead donors, providing vital support to make the project a reality. Through a generous matching campaign, the couple helped fund the building and inspired fellow supporters to join them in bringing the Visitor Center to life.
The ribbon-cutting took place on day six for Dogs Inc's new CEO, Veronica Thames.
“This visitor center is here because we want to reach out and expand our mission across our community. Lakewood Ranch is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, and we rely very heavily on puppy raisers and philanthropists. We also want to be closer to those who need our amazing dogs. To transform those lives, we need to be available and accessible, and this center allows just that,” Thames explained. “No appointment is needed and if you visit, you will see a lot of activity–kids in the discovery zone learning about our process and our dogs, trainers who are training on site and around the town and dogs resting in our comfortable kennels in the back when they need a break. You will see us recruiting new volunteers, which we are so grateful for, as well.”
The dogs of Dogs Inc transform lives across the United States—at no cost to the recipients—thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
Visitors to the Lakewood Ranch Center, located at 5815 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., will often be greeted by Dogs Inc. Ambassador Dogs, who are frequently on-site to welcome guests. 
Photos by Barbie Heit. and Wes Roberts.
After years of planning and good-faith collaboration, the Board of Directors for the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation has initiated the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process outlined in its 2022 Public-Private Partnership Agreement with the City of Sarasota for the proposed new Performing Arts Center. The decision follows extensive efforts to address amendments proposed by the City to the existing partnership agreement and establish a clear, fiscally sound path forward for the project. The Foundation reported $50 million in private gifts and pledges this spring, before launching a formal capital campaign. Its board is also evaluating whether the center could move forward through an alternative structure, including independent development. No decisions have been made regarding a future location, funding structure, or timeline. The Foundation says its commitment to arts education, cultural access, and Sarasota’s creative future remains unchanged.
For the entire Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation board statement, visit
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has received a $140,000 grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation to support its one-to-one Mentoring Program across Collier, Lee, Hendry and Charlotte counties. Through one-to-one mentoring, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast connects young people with caring adult mentors who provide consistent encouragement, guidance and support. Professional staff work alongside families and volunteers to help build and sustain meaningful mentoring relationships that support young people in reaching their full potential. Learn more or get involved at BBBSsun.org
The Newtown Business Council, which works to support and empower local businesses in Sarasota’s historically Black community of Newtown, recently awarded $100,000 in grants to nine nonprofit organizations. The funding will be used to help residents recover from and become more resilient to natural disasters, provide youth with after-school enrichment opportunities, assist seniors in fortifying their disaster resilience and more. Funding for the grants came from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, which collaborated with the Business Council through a process known as participatory grantmaking. Participatory grantmaking is a philanthropic strategy in which local communities analyze community needs and determine where to best allocate charitable dollars in partnership with a funding organization. During the Newtown Business Council’s recent grantmaking process, the Community Foundation provided platforms for discussion and decision-making and technical support, while the council oversaw all decisions related to the grant application process and worked with community members to decide on which programs to support. For more information, visit cfsrasota.org or call 941-955-3000.
Pictured: Mary Butler, with grantees. Credit - Studio 1415.
The future of Black entrepreneurship is already taking shape in Sarasota, and some of its youngest business owners will have a place to shine at Black JoyFest Expo ’26 on Saturday, November 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the historic Leonard Reid House in Newtown. Presented by the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC) in partnership with Greatness Beyond Measure, the family-friendly celebration will spotlight young entrepreneurs alongside Black art, music, dance, and soul food. The event gives young people a chance to introduce their ventures to neighbors, engage potential customers, and see the wider community celebrate their ambitions. Participating young business owners include Genesis Williams of Little Genny’s Italian Ice, Zahi’ Jennings of Jass Lemonade, Tyreke’ Jefferson of a technology-services venture, and Kay Gallego of Kay’s Sweet Empire. Organizers are working to confirm additional youth vendors.
For a fourth consecutive year, Florida Trend Magazine has named president and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki to the Florida 500, a list of Florida’s most influential business leaders representing 500 candidates across major industries. The editors of Florida Trend selected the executives after conducting hundreds of interviews and months of research, culminating in a highly selective biographical guide to the leaders of Florida.
Sunday, October 11, marked the beginning of a new era at Temple Emanu-El, as the religious school was formally dedicated in memory of Rickie Paley by her beloved daughter Jana Paley. Benefactors, friends, rabbis, and Temple leaders joined Rickie Paley Religious School Director Segall Ben-Herut, students, teachers, and families for the naming ceremony. In addition to offering sincere gratitude to Jana for her generous and visionary financial gift, attendees were inspired to learn directly from Jana Paley about her mother, and why naming the religious school was such a meaningful and appropriate way to honor Rickie’s legacy as an entrepreneur, innovator, philanthropist and devoted Jewish mother.
Pictured: “RPRS dedication” Temple Emanu-El Executive Director Christine Elliott, Rabbi Michael Shefrin, Rickie Paley Religious School Director Segall Ben-Herut, benefactor Jana Paley, and Rabbi Brenner Glickman display the beautiful plaque honoring
On Thursday, November 5, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Easterseals Southwest Florida will present a Job Fair, in hopes of dramatically increasing its workforce in advance of the opening of the Malcolm Family Autism Center of Excellence in January. Positions available include preschool and K-12 teachers and teaching assistants, behavior technicians and board-certified behavior analysts, certified therapeutic riding instructor, employment specialists, facilities coordinator, occupational and physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, front desk administrator, and direct support professionals.
During the 2026 Florida Department of Children and Families child welfare conference in Orlando, Safe Children Coalition and its Independent Living Life Skills Manager, Wendy Readus, earned several significant awards. Readus was recognized as the Florida Youth SHINE Mentor of the Year and also received the Spark of Change Award; additionally, SCC’s Independent Living team and All Star Children’s Foundation earned the Circuit 12 (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties) Breakout Collaboration Award. These awards showcase Safe Children Coalition's innovation, quality of programming and commitment to prepare foster care youth ages 13-18 to live independently as well as support young adults who have aged out of the care system with support critical to helping them prepare for adulthood.
Pictured: Safe Children Coalition’s Independent Living team includes (from l-r) Sarah Hawk, Wendy Readus, Christine Jones and Dave Luebcke Provided photo/Safe Children Coalition
The Social Circle will host One Night Only on Saturday, November 14, 2026, an evening of chef-driven tasting plates and live music benefiting its scholarship program. Four local chef pairings each create a trio of tasting plates for the evening, with live sets from Harper Lee and Chance Pressley between courses. Up to $10,000 of scholarships will be awarded. "Every ticket helps fund scholarships for local students in need," says founder Audrey Merkle. Tickets are limited, with a VIP offering tasting plates, champagne, goodie bags, and elevated seating. Tickets: thesocialcirclegirls.co/products/one-night-only-on-the-farm. The event takes place at The Homestead Farm. The Social Circle Girls Inc is a Sarasota-based women's social club and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information contact Audrey Merkle, socialcirclesarasota@gmail.com
When over 50 members of Impact100 SRQ recently visited Starfish Academy, they had a chance to see what their investment looks like through the eyes of preschoolers and their teachers. Starfish Academy is The Florida Center for Early Childhood’s inclusive preschool, where children with a wide range of abilities learn together in an environment designed to meet their individual needs. During the visit, the Impact100 SRQ guests toured The Florida Center’s Sarasota campus, where new Reggio Emilia-inspired classroom furnishings are helping create calmer, more flexible learning environments designed around the ways young children explore, interact and learn.
Pictured: Children explore and build with wooden blocks in a newly transformed Reggio Emilia-inspired classroom at Starfish Academy, part of The Florida Center for Early Childhood. The transformation was made possible in part by a $109,500 grant from Impa
A $12,500 grant from the James M. Doss Sr. Charitable Foundation will help the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) give teachers and families more ways to support young children receiving services through its Spot On program.
Sarasota’s biggest celebration of local businesses is back and nomination round is extended to November 18, 2026!
The Best of SRQ Local Readers Competition celebrates the locally owned restaurants, shops, arts organizations, people, experiences and can't-miss spots that make our community one of a kind.
If your brand is ready to get on the ballot, now is the time to rally your customers, clients and community!
Nominations Extended Until November 18, 2026
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
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
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
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
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
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
Think big on a small scale. This playful exhibition at Creative Liberties features imaginative, affordable original artworks that make memorable holiday gifts. An opening reception will be held on November 6 from 5-7pm.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios, 927 N Lime 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
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
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
Ringling College's first art walk of the academic year presents seven galleries including Nancy Hartman: Dreams and Fancies, Illest of Ill: Out of This World, Rob Tarbell: Illuminations and more. Whether you're a longtime gallery-goer or stepping into a contemporary art space for the first time, this free art walk is designed to feel welcoming—a night to explore, discover and connect. Enjoy live music and food trucks throughout the evening.
The Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
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
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
Delight in thrilling tournaments, delicious feasts and exciting games at the 22nd Annual Sarasota Medieval Fair. On Saturdays and Sundays, travel back in time to The Siege of Paris in 845 A.D. through plays and shows about the people who shaped this time period. Kids can participate in crafts, storytime and dress-up while adults embark on a pub crawl or attend the Masquerade of Mordred Pendragon. An artisan marketplace will showcase over 140 vendors. Act fast, because ticket sales end on June 24.
Mallaranny Farms, 29847 FL-70, Myakka City
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
From visual art to live entertainment, November's Fresh Fridays event brings the community together to explore the many ways art inspires and connects. Beyond The Canvas is dedicated to the local artists, creators and creative energy that make Sarasota such a vibrant place. Spend your evening strolling through downtown, discovering something new and enjoying the energy of Sarasota's arts scene on North Palm Avenue.
North Palm Avenue, N. Palm Ave., Sarasota
Celebrate the rebellious nature of America through the music of artists who challenged convention, inspired change and gave voice to generations of Americans. Featuring unforgettable songs like Born in the U.S.A., Blowin' in the Wind, What's Going On and True Colors, this joyous musical journey celebrates the rebels, dreamers and visionaries who helped shape the American story. Written by Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins; directed by Catherine Randazzo; music arrangements by Jim Prosser.
Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N Palm Ave., 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
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
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