During a time of increased costs for gas, food, and school supplies, young adults pursuing higher education are also facing higher prices for enrollment in secondary education. With a focus on ensuring students have the means to complete their education and earn degrees, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County adjusted its scholarship awards this year to more fully address the true cost of college attendance.

“Getting to college is one thing, but staying there is an entirely different matter,” said Kay Carrington, Manager of Scholarships at the Community Foundation. “We know students can be derailed from attaining their degrees for a variety of reasons; we feel it is important to support students who are persistently pursuing higher education and help them achieve their goals.”

Of the 294 scholarship recipients who received more than $1 million from the Community Foundation for the 2022-2023 school year, 100 – more than one third of awardees – were already enrolled in college. This reflects a larger national trend of supporting students already in college with related expenses, as well as renewable scholarships. The average scholarship awarded this year was about $3,500, with some annual awards reaching as high as $12,500 for the school year as with the Lela D. Jackson Foundation Scholarship – a 4-year, $50,000 scholarship – which recognized seven students this year. Additionally, the Suncoast Nursing Action Coalition (SNAC) provided 33 scholarships to working nursing professionals who are pursuing RN, BSN, Doctorate and PH.D. degrees to enhance the local nursing workforce. Nearly 80 percent of this year’s scholarship recipients will be attending institutions in Florida with the University of Florida, University of South Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida and State College of Florida making up the top five colleges for enrollment among scholarship recipients. By completing a single application, local students are considered for more than 88 scholarship funds. The applications are reviewed by nearly 90 local community volunteers. 

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An effective mental health and supportive-housing program for homeless adults in Sarasota will be expanding its work into Manatee County. Second Heart Homes recently purchased a property in Bradenton on June 9, expanding its program capacity to serve 43 men and women. The timing of the expansion comes as homelessness is up 25 percent in Manatee County since September, and more than 65 percent of those are homeless for the first time. Second Heart Homes’ high-touch, tailored-services approach sets it apart from other homelessness nonprofits by providing long-term housing and care that revives dignity, establishes stability, and teaches independence. Clients come to the organization based on their commitment to address their mental and physical health, remain sober and achieve personal goals toward self-sufficiency. Many later rejoin the community. The purchase of the new property was enabled by a $300,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. Other community leaders came together quickly to support the purchase, too, Howell said. Since being founded in 2019, the organization has provided its clients with more than 10,000 nights of living off the street. This has helped alleviate the strain on emergency and other social services personnel to care for homeless individuals, as well as the prevalence of panhandling. 

Pictured: Megan Howell, founder and executive director of Second Heart Homes (second from left) celebrates with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty team members Emilie Sebion, Craig Cerreta and Tamara Currey, who helped facilitate the purchase. Photo

Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Board of Directors approved over $3.3 million in grant awards last week. The funding, approved at the final Board meeting of the foundation’s 2022 fiscal year, included grants from legacy donors who established funds which allow Gulf Coast to fulfill their philanthropic goals and support the causes most important to them in perpetuity. Some of these donor legacy fund grants approved by the Gulf Coast Board were made to support incredible community projects and causes. These grants included: $150,000 to support Phase 2 of The Bay Park; $125,000 to Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce CareerEdge; $50,000 to Education Foundation of Sarasota County. 

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Leadership Florida, an organization made up of community leaders in the state, has welcomed Superintendent Cynthia Saunders and Latrina Singleton, the School District of Manatee County’s Director of Federal Programs and Grants, as their newest class members. They join five others appointed to the Education Class 7 in the Calusa region, which includes Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Leadership Florida was created in 1982 by the Florida Chamber of Commerce to “build a sense of statewide community by identifying and educating individuals who have the passion, commitment and positioning to help make great things happen.” It’s a program designed to enhance the understanding of issues critical to Florida and develop bonds among leaders who use their talents and resources to build better communities. The goal of the Leadership Florida Education Class Program is to propel Florida’s K-12 public schools to national prominence. Members include accomplished superintendents, school board members, principals, teachers, state education department professionals, education foundation representatives, business partners and other public officials. The eight-month program will focus on best practices, schools, classrooms, partnerships, innovation and more. A total of 45 new class members were chosen for the 2022 Education program statewide. Since being sworn in June 2018, Superintendent Saunders has led the School District of Manatee County with exemplary energy and imagination. She has guided the school district to impressive improvements academically and financially, while introducing innovative new programs and initiatives. Latrina Singleton became the Director of Federal Programs and Grants in October 2020. She leads the department that supports the successful implementation of federal, state and local programs and grants to ensure that all children have an equal opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. Ms. Singleton previously served as the principal of Blackburn Elementary in Palmetto. 

HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital continues to invest in the latest medical technology for the community. The hospital recently opened its 11th operating room. The hospital now has an entire suite dedicated to robotic/minimally invasive surgery. Robotic surgery is used to perform many operations, including general, gynecology, orthopedic, thoracic and urological procedures. Surgeons guide robotic arms to make small, precise movements during the surgical procedure. Smaller incisions allow patients to recover faster and have shorter hospital stays. The use of robotic/minimally invasive surgery is the latest in medical technology. Surgeons say that, by having this available in the Sarasota area, patients don’t have to travel to larger cities and can receive all the benefits of complex operations through a minimally invasive approach. 

Sarasota-based law firm Bentley Goodrich Kison (BGK) is pleased to announce that Morgan R. Bentley, Brian D. Goodrich, Amanda R. Kison, and Jennifer L. Grosso have been named to Florida Trend magazine’s prestigious Legal Elite list. Lawyers on the list are chosen by their peers, who are invited to name attorneys whom they hold in the highest regard or whom they would recommend to others. Legal Elite lawyers are considered among the top 2% of lawyers practicing in Florida. Bentley Goodrich Kison focuses primarily on business and commercial litigation. Businesses throughout Southwest Florida turn to the firm for pointed advice and assertive legal representation. The team is well-equipped to handle even the most complex, high-profile commercial matters in an effective manner. 

On September 6, 2018, the city of Sarasota adopted a master plan for the Bay Park, with a new performing arts center at its heart. Now, over three years later, the city has partnered with the Van Wezel Foundation to lead this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity forward, guided by the aspirations of our community.

Through community feedback from 18,000 residents, one thing is clear - there is a passion to ensure Sarasota is the preeminent destination for the performing arts. 

You told us you want a performing arts center that’s a civic asset and iconic symbol. We assembled global experts for siting and engineering studies to plan for a contemporary venue that’s environmentally sustainable, resilient and designed for future sea rise.

Respondents prioritized universal design, building accessibility - including center aisles - and state-of-the-art technology. We’ve researched arts centers and compiled best practice models and case studies to inform the architectural selection process.

Respondents want a main hall large enough to compete for first-run Broadway tours, popular contemporary acts, and internationally renowned artists. The building program outlines a 2,200-seat main theater, a 300-400-seat flexible space, and multiple public and event spaces.

The time is now to invest in building a contemporary civic asset —A place for ideas. A place for the arts. A place for you.

For more information, visit vanwezelfoundation.com/spac. 

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The Players Centre for Performing Arts is excited to announce the finalists for this year’s New Play Fest July 5 through 8, 2022. Four plays written, directed and performed in readers-style theatre by Sarasota locals will take the stage at The Players Studio, 1400 Blvd. of the Arts, Suite 200, Sarasota. Be the first to experience a never-before-seen play and support local arts and those creating it! These playwrights have earned the opportunity to have their work read and critiqued by area professionals. Each reading will conclude with a question-and-answer session for the audience to participate in to help the playwright improve their work. Listed below are the four competing shows. Congratulations to following playwrights. Of the Lake;  Gin Rickey; Lateral Moves; When Lightning Strikes.  Tickets are $10 per show, $24 for three shows and $28 for a four-pack. Seating is first come first served. Learn more about The Players New Play Fest and other upcoming Players Centre events by visiting us at www.theplayers.org.To access our discounted prices, patrons must call the box office at 941.365.2494.  

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