After missing for almost six years, a lost dog has finally been reunited with his family thanks to having an updated microchip. Spanky went missing one day out of his yard in Bradenton. His family always believed he was taken from their yard, and after trying unsuccessfully to find him, they moved on with their lives and eventually got another dog which they also named Spanky. But on June 8, local nonprofit organization Lost Pet Services, Inc. received a report of a found dog. The team sent out a volunteer with a microchip scanner to see if they could identify him. Thankfully, Spanky had a chip that still had updated owner information inscribed. 

When President of Lost Pet Services, Patty Giarrusso, contacted Spanky's owner, Victoria, shock was an understatement. She immediately made arrangements to pick him up from Heather, the good Samaritan who found him wandering in the street. “Tears of joy and happy kisses were all around when Spanky and Victoria were reunited,” the nonprofit reported. 

Each year thousands more pets go missing in the area. Lost Pet Services has helped over 10,000 of them find their way home throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties—operating mostly on Facebook as Lost and Found Pets 941 and through systematic, free pet recovery services and medical funding. The organization also promotes responsible pet ownership through educational resources to keep beloved family pets out of the area’s overcrowded shelters. With June being National Microchipping Month, this reunion is a noteworthy example of the importance of having a pet microchipped and keeping that microchip information updated. Lost Pet Services urges the community to invest in microchips, collars with legible ID tags, or license tags, as they are the best way to ensure your pet makes it home safe if they ever get lost. 

Learn more at Lost Found Pets 941

In just seven days, members of The Oaks Club community in Osprey raised $13,000 to fund meals for Sarasota County firefighters and first responders. The “Gifts of Gratitude” project was recently inspired by The Oaks Club general manager and COO, Jeff Hartigan. Hartigan has been known to often cover the grocery bill for firefighters when he sees them shopping in Publix. The new program culminated on June 10 with a turkey and all the trimmings at nearby Station 14. The full feast was prepared by The Oaks Club executive chef, James Pampinella, with additional meals to be sent to 19 other stations.

Each station will receive a 10 lb honey-baked half ham, 4 lbs of BBQ pulled pork from The Rendezvous barbecue restaurant in Memphis, cookies from Fireman Derek's Bake Shop, Country Ham Biscuits from Callies of Charleston, meatballs from Bartolini’s Restaurant in Chicago, coffee from The Fire Department Coffee Company, and popcorn from Garret’s Popcorn Shop of Chicago.  In addition, Station 14 will get a whole bone-in ham, four slabs of ribs and blueberry biscuits. 

Nearly 200 members of The Oaks Club contributed to the Gifts of Gratitude fund. Some members even recounted first-hand encounters with Station 14’s paramedics, whose emergency response area includes The Oaks Club. “These firefighters and paramedics are looking out for us 24/7, every day of the year,” said Anne Lockie-Meehan, President of The Oaks Club. “This is really the least we can do to show our gratitude for their diligence and to celebrate the life-saving work they do.”

Sarasota County employs more than 500 professional firefighters, many of whom are also certified paramedics. Firefighters work 24-hour shifts followed by 48 hours off, cooking meals for themselves and their shift-mates while they are on the job.

“Sarasota is such an incredible community, and we’re honored that we get to serve here,” said Sarasota Fire Chief Michael Regnier. “We couldn’t be more grateful for this show of support from The Oaks Club." 

Pictured: Sarasota County Fire Chief Michael Regnier accepts a turkey feast from The Oaks Club executive chef James Pampinella.

The board of directors of Turning Points wanted to do something special for retired executive director Adell Erozer. After 15 years on the job, building the services and capacity of a one-stop center focused on serving individuals and families who are homeless or near homelessness, Adell Erozer announced her retirement in 2018. Her last day at work was June 15. Adell anticipated the work that has taken place to prepare for her succession but did not imagine that the board would create a new charitable fund in her honor. According to Turning Points board president Mark DeHaan, “We wanted a unique way to recognize Adell’s outstanding leadership and pay tribute to her passion for our mission and the incredible legacy she leaves behind.” 

“We are honored that The Adell Erozer Leadership Fund was opened at Manatee Community Foundation,” said Susie Bowie, executive director of MCF. “This creative and heartfelt gift to Adell is such a special recognition of her many years of advocating for individuals that may not otherwise be cared for.” The focus of the new fund is supporting individuals in Manatee County who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness. Adell Erozer is the advisor. Now, instead of asking for money to support the mission that is so important to her, she will be the one to recommend grants. “It is difficult to put into words how I felt upon about this gift,” said Erozer. “I am humbled, and deeply touched to be honored in such a profound way. This amazing recognition is an indication of the special people in the organization and the community that I have been blessed to work with.” 

Click here for more information.

Congressman Vern Buchanan announced yesterday that eight teachers in the 16th Congressional District were chosen for the Congressional Teacher Awards. The Congressional Teacher Awards, established by Buchanan in 2014, are given out annually to exceptional Suncoast teachers for their outstanding achievements on behalf of students. "While they may not always receive the appreciation or recognition they deserve, teachers have one of the most important and difficult professions of all," Buchanan said. "That is why I established the Congressional Teacher Awards, to honor educators for the crucial role they play in our community and inspiring our younger generations." 

Teachers who teach and live in Florida’s 16th District were nominated for the award by their principals. An independent panel of judges from Sarasota, Manatee and Hillsborough counties chose the recipients of the Congressional Teacher Awards. “On behalf of all of my constituents in the 16th Congressional District, I congratulate each of these outstanding teachers and offer my sincere appreciation for their service and dedication,” concluded Buchanan. The eight winners were given a certificate and recognized by the congressman in the Congressional Record for their achievements. 

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital has been honored once again by U.S. News & World Report on their annual best children’s hospitals list. This year, the hospital ranked in eight specialty areas, more than it has ranked for in a single year. Johns Hopkins All Children’s also had the most specialties ranked in Florida and was the only children’s hospital on Florida’s West Coast to make the list. The 2020-2021 list ranked Johns Hopkins All Children’s among the top 50. “We are humbled and honored by this recognition of the depth and breadth of services we offer to this community and its children and families,” says Thomas Kmetz, president of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. “There is much uncertainty in the world right now with COVID-19, but families can be assured that we are here to take care of their kids as we have been for nearly 100 years.” 

Click here for a full list All Children's Hospital rankings

Halfacre Construction Company, a Lakewood Ranch-based commercial construction company, recently broke ground on a new building for North River Church in Parrish, Fla.

Located at 5525 Fort Hamer Road in Parrish, the church’s new 10,500-square-foot addition will sit on a 10-acre parcel. The building will house a foyer, sanctuary with stage, classrooms, nursery, youth room and restroom facilities. Its existing building was converted into the church’s administration offices. Halfacre Construction Company will complete all site development and construction of the pre-engineered metal structure. The architect on the project is BWAS Design.

“As the community in Parrish continues to grow, we recognized the tremendous opportunity before us to be a beacon of hope in this area,” said Michael Kennedy, lead pastor at North River Church. “This facility will be a great tool as we seek to continue this mission, and we are grateful to partner with Halfacre Construction on this project.”

The $2.4 million project is scheduled for completion at the end of October 2020.In October 2010, North River Church began as a church plant from West Bradenton Baptist Church with the goal of reaching the growing city of Parrish with the gospel. The church has met at Williams Elementary School for the last nine years and will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in its permanent facility at the end of 2020. 

DeAngelis Diamond is pleased to announce its Special Projects division. With six offices specializing in 16 market segments, the new Special Projects division will concentrate on interior renovations, additions, tenant improvements, and build-outs for commercial, faith-based, nonprofit facilities and much more.

Founded in Southwest Florida, DeAngelis Diamond is the largest locally owned construction management firm and has completed over 1,200 local projects. The company has completed over $3.5 billion of construction since its inception in 1996, which includes a long list of special projects such as interior renovation and tenant improvements, and over 30 faith-based projects totaling over $160 million. With extensive “Special Projects” experience, DeAngelis Diamond has decided to create a division to focus specifically on this niche due to the great need in the market.

“DeAngelis Diamond was founded on core projects such as these. Projects in our community for non-profit organizations, banks, local developers, and small business owners. The Special Projects Division was formed in recognition of the importance of this work to our company in the past, at the present, and into the future,” says Brian McKenzie.

Brian McKenzie, a DeAngelis Diamond veteran, will be heading the new division as Director of Special Projects. A Florida native, Brian received his Bachelor of Science in Building Construction from the University of Florida before beginning his career as an Estimator/Project Manager. Brian has 22 years of construction experience in Southwest Florida and has been with DeAngelis Diamond for over 20 years. 

Click here for more information.

Genoa, the newest enclave in The Lake Club, Lakewood Ranch’s most prestigious village, made its debut last year with much success, offering exceptional homes on both 65’ and 84’ homesites. After the recent release of more 84’ homesites, the thriving enclave has expanded even further with new 95’ and 105’ homesite options. Additionally, two new neighborhoods, Sorrento and Azzuro, have been released along with new floorplans.

Homes available in the Sorrento neighborhood include the Glenmore, Gardenia II, Muirfield IX, and Margo III floorplans. Azzuro also includes the Margo III and Gardenia II floorplans, plus the Regency Manor III, Clairborne II, and Wyndam IV. Lake Club living is more dazzling than ever before, proven by its distinction as the Best Community, and 28 additional awards, in the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association’s Parade of Homes. Sales have also been booming, with 57 end-user home and builder lots sold through May. The village’s private 20,000-square-foot Grande Clubhouse serves as an exclusive gathering place for residents to host events and indulge in entertainment, dining, and sporting activities. A yoga lawn, children’s playground, fitness trail, dog park, and sports courts are also available to residents. Additionally, six tennis courts, four pickleball courts, and a Tennis Pro Shop opened this year as part of a state-of-the-art Tennis Center. 

The Lake Club, 8307 Lake Club Boulevard, 855 201-8065

To learn more about Lake Club living click here.

All Faith's food bank assembles the troops for a massive food distribution at Ed Smith Stadium. 

Click here to read the full article from SRQ's Summer 2020 edition.

The Suncoast’s premier sports facility and its leading TV station are coming together to celebrate Independence Day. Nathan Benderson Park’s annual July 3 tradition, NBP Fireworks On The Lake, returns with a social distancing twist. It’s the finale of WWSB ABC7’s Independence Day special, tentatively airing at 9 pm on Saturday, July 4, and anchored by ABC7 News’s Jacqueline Matter. The in-person fireworks celebration at the park will be a drive-in, social-distancing event. Fireworks will begin at 9 pm on July 3 at the park. 

Ticketed fireworks viewing areas are on the park’s Regatta Island, in the Green Lot next to the SCAT station on North Cattlemen Road, and on the park’s south end. Vehicles will be spaced to allow for social distancing, so parking in each lot will be limited. Tickets will be sold beginning June 24 at MySuncoast.com and NathanBendersonPark.org. This is the first time NBP Fireworks On The Lake has been televised. The fireworks show is a production of the park’s management, Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates (SANCA). ABC 7 is producing the Independence Day television special.

“Listening to our residents who enjoy the annual NBP Fireworks On The Lake, we decided to proceed with this tradition to observe our nation’s independence,” said SANCA’s president and CEO, Stephen V. Rodriguez. “As safety is our No. 1 priority, this will be a very different event from previous years. NBP Fireworks On The Lake is for our community to enjoy, but we understand that not everyone is comfortable getting out and about yet. Therefore, our partnership with ABC7 is a great opportunity to bring fireworks into everyone’s homes. Whether you come to the park or watch from home, SANCA is here to provide entertainment for our residents.”

ABC7 Vice President and General Manager Jeff Benninghoff said "ABC7 is excited to partner with Nathan Benderson Park to showcase this holiday tradition on television, to allow everyone to enjoy the fireworks from the comfort of their homes." ABC7 News Director Jennifer Hardy said that "with all of the disruption caused by the pandemic, we're proud to provide the Suncoast with this special program to assure that those who can't come out can still enjoy the holiday celebration." 

Click here for more information.

The Sarasota Farmers Market is greatly looking forward to being back soon; however, we also understand the severity of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we are working closely with the city of Sarasota on plans to reopen the market in a manner that is safe for the community, vendors, and our customers. We miss seeing you all! We really wanted to tell you that we were opening later this month, but unfortunately it won't happen in June. We are working on expanding the market footprint, among other COVID-19 guidelines, to ensure a safe and successful reopening as soon as deemed possible.

In the meantime, please continue to support our vendors. Many are doing pop up locations, selling online, etc. You can find their contact information through our website www.sarasotafarmersmarket.org. From all of us here at the Sarasota Farmers Market, thank you for your continued support and stay healthy! 

Click for links to vendor sites.

Renovations are scheduled to start at Bobby Jones Golf Club in early 2021. City leaders made the difficult, yet fiscally responsible decision to keep Bobby Jones Golf Club closed until construction is complete. During these difficult times and the health emergency, Bobby Jones Golf Club lost over six weeks of “in-season” revenue. The repercussions resulted in a substantial deficit to the operating budget.

The American and British courses are open to the public as nature trails for walking, jogging, running, birding, and bicycling. It is an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outside, get some exercise, and enjoy nature on over 250 acres of open space right in the City.

We all long for the day when the golf course reopens, however, we can’t store golf shop merchandise until that day. This is your chance, stock up on heavily discounted, exclusive Bobby Jones Golf Club merchandise, golf equipment, shoes, gloves, and more. Everything must go. All gently used Junior club sets are $28.03 and Adult club sets are $46.72. Callaway & Bridgestone Golf Balls as low as $18.34 a dozen. The sale starts today, Wednesday, June 17, 2020, and runs daily, from 9:00 am to 5:00pm through Tuesday, June 30, 2020.

Join us for our Father’s Day Sale and receive up to 30%. Offer runs from Wednesday, June 17 thru Saturday, June 20, 9:00am – 5:00pm. 

SHOPPING POLICIES

• Limit of four (4) patrons in the golf shop at one time
• Face covering required to enter
• All sales are final
• Trying on clothing prohibited
• Clubhouse Lobby and Restrooms are unavailable
• Please follow CDC Guidelines when entering the Golf Shop

Start Father's Day off right this year with free beer and chips and salsa for Dad on Saturday June 20th from 11am - 9pm or Sunday June 21st from 10am - 3pm.

Circo is a spot for rare and interesting bourbons and mezcals, fun cocktails and classic margaritas. Born from the marriage of two deeply interconnected cultures; Mexican and American, taco slinging and craftsmanship is what we do best. 

Circo, 1435 2nd Street, 941-253-0978, circo@tableseide.com

Click here for the full menu.

Although the positivity rate for COVID-19 remains low in our community, Sarasota Memorial is seeing a slight uptick in hospitalizations of people with COVID-19. Meanwhile, the local supply of convalescent plasma that can help treat patients is critically low. If you have recovered from COVID-19, or think you had COVID-19 but were not tested for the virus, SunCoast Blood Centers will run a serological test to determine if you have the antibodies present to help replenish our community's dwindling supply of convalescent plasma 

Call SunCoast at 941-993-8119 or email covid19@suncoastblood.org.