The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department (PNRD) takes its educational programming to a new level, literally, with today’s opening of the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology, known more readily as the Mosaic NEST. Nestled amidst the 150-acre expansion to Robinson Preserve currently underway, which will include canoe and kayak launches, mangrove islands, tracks and walking trails, freshwater ponds and restored wetlands, the Mosaic NEST will be open to the public today at 4pm with a ribbon cutting, guided tours, special activities and a sneak peek at the coming expansion.

An elevated structure, the entire NEST is lifted off the ground to place the occupants among the thriving natural world of the tree canopy. “Almost as if you are in a tree house,” says PNRD Volunteer and Education Division Manager Melissa Nell, or a nest. Within this NEST, those looking out can wonder at an exotic landscape, as this part of Robinson Preserve actually preserves the area’s history as a botanical testing ground for species from around the world, not a refuge for Old Florida flora. Within, eyes and ears will be directed toward any number of educational programs hosted at the NEST. Old favorites like the Tall Tails Tribes for preschoolers and adult photography classes will transfer to this new location, and join new programs like yoga, Mommy and Me nature walks and a food-focused exploration that includes local plants used to make marshmallows. “We are locked and loaded and fully booked,” laughs Nell. “And we’re pretty excited.”

At tonight’s opening, which runs from 4pm to 6pm, there will be the ceremonial ribbon cutting and statements, but also guided tours and community activities designed to get participants hands-on with nature and learn a little bit. One activity asks visitors to decorate their own oyster shell and help volunteers recycle them by integrating them into a giant mat for new oysters to grow on. The opening will also give a curious community the opportunity to sneak a peek at the coming expansion to Robinson Preserve—something many have already taken to doing, trespassing illegally through the construction area. “So come on out and see it with us legally,” says Nell.

For those wondering if this means the NEST will soon be open to the public for casual viewing at their leisure, open eight hours a day and seven days a week, Nell says, “Probably not.” With 15 preserves, 50 parks and anywhere from 30 to 50 public events a month to staff and keep track of, Nell represents one of a staff of six, and the NEST did not come with any extra staff. The six do receive considerable help from an army of volunteers numbering near 3,000, but staffing the NEST on a permanent basis remains infeasible. A majority of the events held there, however, will be free and open to the public.

The Mosaic NEST opens tonight, February 16, at Robinson Preserve South with a ribbon cutting and community celebration from 4pm to 6pm. Visitors are asked to enter through the gate at the corner of 9th Avenue Northwest and 99th Street Northwest. Parking will be available. 

Pictured: The Mosaic NEST. Photo by Aeden Stockdale/Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources.

Ringling College of Art and Design welcomes a guest from Yale University this Monday with a presentation in the Academic Center Auditorium from Jae Jennifer Rossman, director of the department of area studies and humanities research support at the Yale University Library. In the talk, which plays off the current Peace Paper Project exhibit currently showing at the college, Rossman will address the intertwined and oftentimes collaborative goals and journeys of socially minded artists and archivists. Free and open to the public, the presentation begins February 19, 11:30am, in the Ringling College Academic Center Auditorium.

As much an artistic social endeavour as a socially aware artistic enterprise, the Peace Paper Project leads community workshops and teaches traditional papermaking techniques as a means of meditation, communal gathering and art therapy. Some find comfort in the mechanical nature of the process, others engage the transformative aspect as they change old clothes—memories—into fresh paper and potential from their own hand. Begun by artists Drew Mattot and Margaret Mahan, the Peace Paper Archives resides within the Yale University Library system, facilitated by Rossman.

First contacted by Mahan with a collection of the Peace Paper Project’s finished works, Rossman agreed to purchase the assembled books and artifacts as the beginnings of an archive, but she had a condition. “That we would develop an ongoing relationship,” she says, “where they would send documentation of their public events and workshops.” Rossman saw the value in the Peace Paper Project, and saw it was twofold. Not only were Mattot, Mahan and the project regulars creating stunning work all their own that could be shared as finished art, but they were creating community experiences that would never come again. “And their work in the community is just as important as the final products that they make,” says Rossman.

In the Academic Center Auditorium this coming Monday, Rossman will talk about the Peace Paper Project and the archiving process, but also expand upon the relationship between artist and archivist, each needing the other like the fabled warrior and poet, and each necessary to the other’s desire for social justice and change.

Rossman takes the stage Monday, February 19, 11:30am at Ringling College. 

Swim City may be inspired by Sarasota’s pure white sandy beaches and year-round balmy weather, but the wall you’ll find walking through the shop on North Tamiami Trail, was inspired more by darker waters. While Swim City embodies the spirit of the Suncoast culture, store manager Libby declares, “I call it my Black Sea wall.” And it’s easy to see that the wall indeed is brimming with trendsetting BBS (Basic Black Suit) one-pieces, encompassing different sizes and styles for essentially every woman and any body type. With each one more runway-ready than the next, Swim City has you covered (well, partially). Prices range from $35-$198 from varying top designers of swim and resort wear, making it close to impossible to choose which ones to bring to the dressing room.

Some highlights include sexy strappy cut-out looks of Kenneth Cole, subtle simplicity of Bleu by Rod Beattie, tummy control swimwear from Miracle Suit and chlorine resistance material from Reebok. There are also bikinis in our favorite slimming color from Body Glove, Seafolly, Peixoto, Hobbie, Vitamin A and L-Space. From bra size tops with underwire to bandeau and triangle styles, find the ideal fit for you whether you’re floating around Eastern Europe in the Black Sea or basking in the sun on the Florida Keys. And be sure to add more fashion to your beach attire with a hat, tote, pair of sandals or signature piece of jewelry from one-of-a-kind local designer, Diana Kahlenberg, offered only at Swim City. Not to mention, full-time fit specialists will guide you to pieces that best flatter your shape and size, ensuring you’ll find the perfect black suit to either flaunt, forgive, minimize or emphasize whatever you want it to. Move over LBD, summertime is on the horizon and we’re gearing up.

Swim City is a Member of Provisionist, the SRQ magazine content marketing program for local retailers. 

Photo Credit: Wyatt Kostygan

Swim City

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) is offering flu shots at no cost at the Ringling and North Port immunization clinics. No appointment is necessary. Flu shots are available at the following DOH- Sarasota locations: William H. Little Health and Human Services Center, 2200 Ringling Blvd., the North Port Health Center, 6950 Outreach Way and the Health in Motion, Mobil Unit. For those who have still not received a flu shot this year, it's not too late. Annual vaccinations are safe and provide protection for each flu season. Getting vaccinated helps protect you and your loved ones. Getting vaccinated yourself also protects people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and children, older people and people with certain underlying health conditions. All five pediatric flu deaths reported in Florida to date this year were in unvaccinated children. For more information, follow the link below. 

Flu Free Florida

Sample ballots for the March 20 School District Ad Valorem Millage Election, the Holiday Park Park & Recreation District Election and the Town of Longboat Key General Election are now available online, Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner announced today. Voters may go to the website below, choose the “Precinct Finder” icon at the top of the home page and follow the easy instructions to view their sample ballots. For assistance or for more information, voters may call (941) 861-8600. 

Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections