When suncoast natives, Dom and Vince Marino, learned about the high rate of manatee death in Florida waters, they decided to take action. Early this year, the brothers began Oyster Boys Conservation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cleaning local waters with a little help from some oysters. Vertical oyster gardens (VOGs), the Marinos discovered, were one of the fastest and most effective ways to have a positive impact on their environment.

How do VOGs help with conservation efforts?

Vertical oyster gardening is like building affordable housing for those in need. Baby oyster larvae float through the water column looking for somewhere to land and call home. Residential seawalls and inshore dredging have reduced the amount of possible housing opportunities for these Oyster Spats to land and grow. Adult oysters can filter 50 gallons of polluted saltwater each day. 1,101 manatees died in 2021. Most of them from starvation. Seagrass growth is impaired because of harmful nutrient density and sediments in the water column, oftentimes reducing the amount of sunlight able to reach the seagrass causing it to die. Oysters are continually filtering both sediments and runoff nutrients like nitrogen out of the water column. VOGs also create micro habitats for smaller shrimps, fishes and crustaceans positively impacting the food web.

What makes you different from other conservation groups?

Our main purpose is to restore the oyster population within our Florida waterways. Our means of accomplishing that is through awareness, education and volunteer recruitment. Participants and supporters gain access to our web3 digital community CLUB MANNY. We use NFT digital collectibles as our membership passes, earning members opportunities to free raffles and invitations to private events and education. NFT collectors have sent $37B to marketplaces in 2022 so far. Utilizing blockchain technology and social currency with NFTs has allowed us to fundraise and educate at a global scale. The second piece of our authentic approach to protecting Florida will be to bring to life our concept of "Restoration Stations". We currently have our sights set on two preserved waterfront properties here in Florida that we plan to practice both regenerative oyster gardening on our shorelines as well as sustainable farming techniques like permaculture on land while remaining open to the public for agritourism advancements. Imagine an old Florida approach to a scientific and educational Disneyworld. The Florida Department of Agriculture's "Fresh From Florida" program has been instrumental in guiding and helping us develop this plan to emphasize the importance of responsibly caring for our homeland.

How can people help?

Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter. We will constantly be seeking people willing to volunteer their dock for VOG installation as well as drillers ready to drill some oyster shells. Monetary donations are encouraged so that we can prepare this defense system as more and more people move to Florida each day. 

Picture: Dom (left) and brother Vince, co-founders of Oyster Boys Conservation.

To learn more click here.

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County continues to support local artists, historic preservation, and arts and cultural organizations through the John Ringling Tower Fund and State of the Arts Opportunity Grants. Since 1986, the Alliance has provided funding to ensure that Sarasota's renowned arts and cultural community thrives. State of the Arts Opportunity Grants: Each “State of the Arts” license plate purchased in Sarasota County helps fund the Opportunity grants. As the designated local arts agency, the Alliance is responsible for establishing the program, managing the application and evaluation process and ensuring funds are used to support arts and culture according to established guidelines. Non-profit arts and cultural organizations in Sarasota County that do not qualify for or did not receive a Tourist Development Cultural/Arts Grant may apply. Eligible projects must demonstrate artistic merit, community involvement and administrative competence. The 2022-2023 Opportunity Grant Recipients are: Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota; Modern Marimba; Musica Sacra Sarasota; National League of American Pen Women; North Port Art Center; North Port Chorale; Sarasota Choral Society; Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative; Venice Chorale; John Ringling Tower Fund Grants: The El Vernona Hotel, designed by Dwight James Baum, who also designed Ca d’Zan, opened in 1924. In 1930, John Ringling bought the hotel and renamed it John Ringling Towers. This grand building presided over the bay front first as a hotel, then in the 1960’s it was converted to apartments, until it was abandoned by 1995. Despite vigorous efforts and fundraising, this historic landmark could not be saved. The building was demolished and the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota hotel now stands in its place. Funds raised to restore John Ringling Towers were entrusted to the Arts and Cultural Alliance as a fund to support individual artists and historic preservation in Sarasota County. Each year grants are awarded in two categories: Historic Preservation and Individual Artists: visual arts, literary arts, and performing arts. The 2022-2023 John Ringling Tower Fund recipients are: John Sims, Visual Arts; Larry Parr, Literary Arts; Melanie Lavender, Performing Arts; Venice Heritage, Inc., Historic Preservation. 

To learn more click here.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County partners with Laurel Civic to support The John Jefferson Youth Empowerment Programs. From 1969 through today this nonprofit has served children and families in Sarasota equipping them to lead successful lives. Over the years they have grown to provide programs with cutting edge technology, dynamic speakers and enhanced learning opportunities. Nearly 75 children arrive by bus after school, Monday through Friday for the Homework Assistance Program. During the summer, teenagers attend the Teen Empowerment Summer Camp for seven weeks to explore career and training opportunities that match their interests and aptitudes. They also experience field trips and speakers that challenge, motivate and encourage them. Laurel Civics’ Summer Reading Program supports younger children learning to read, and to help prevent “summer slip” that can happen when kids are out of schools. Single parents are often the most grateful for the staff’s dependability and assistance with their children. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, single parent households are projected to increase in Sarasota County and these families are well acquainted with Laurel Civic. The number of overall students attending Laurel Civics' partner schools is growing as more families move to Sarasota County and the organization is here to meet those needs for parents. 

Pictured: Laurel Civic youth have fun and learn on the Promethean ActivPanels. Photo courtesy of Laurel Civic.

To learn more click here.

Save Our Seabirds announces a first of its kind event, Art in the Garden, Sunday, November 13, 4:00pm to 6:00pm, bringing together talented, award-winning local artists and the local community in support of the critical mission of SOS. Located at the enchanting Sarasota Garden Club, the avian-inspired work of over a dozen artists will be on exhibit and offered for sale. Featuring beautiful paintings, photography, and other art that captures the amazing grace and beauty of our indigenous birdlife. Sip a cocktail and enjoy light bites while viewing the exhibit amidst the lush botanical gardens. Tickets are $50 per person with net proceeds from art sales benefiting SOS. Capacity is limited, so please reserve your spot by visiting www.saveourseabirds.org. SOS is open 7 days a week from 10 AM to 4 PM every day of the year. Annually, staff and volunteers respond to over 5,000 calls of birds in distress. Qualifying rescued birds that are unable to return to the wild are given permanent homes in the Wild Bird Learning Center. SOS provides a permanent home for more than 120 birds of 62 species including: brown pelicans, royal terns, great blue herons, sandhill cranes, and several species of owls, hawks, parrots, macaws, and conures. Strolling the “Birdwalk”, visitors can view the various types of diversification and adaptations that make each species unique. Save Our Seabirds is committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured birds with the goal of releasing them back to their natural habitats. A lifelong sanctuary and specialized medical care are provided for those birds that cannot be released. We use their stories to educate the public about avian conservation. SOS is on the grounds of the former Pelican Man Bird Sanctuary located at 1708 Ken Thompson Parkway on City Island, Sarasota. Visit www.saveourseabirds.org for more information.

MY FAMILY EMIGRATED FROM UKRAINE in 1992 with 2 suitcases and a hope for a better life. It was my parents’ will and determination that taught me to work hard for what I want and not be afraid of taking risks. Especially the resilience of my mom, Dr. Marina Tourkova, who opened the Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry (CRP) almost 20 years ago, inspired me to leave the pharmaceutical industry and join my sister Alina Nagdimunov in taking CRP to the next level. We strive to advance mental health beyond its conventional parameters, and help those who also find themselves navigating new waters, such as a psychological trauma, life in the pandemic, or finding balance in life. Every day I am thankful for . . . my family, who gives me support in both personal and professional endeavors, strength to get through most difficult situations, motivates me to move forward, and inspires me to be better and stronger with every step I make. 

CENTER OF REVITALIZING PSYCHIATRY 2033 Wood St. Suite 220, Sarasota, Florida 34237 - 941-677-3366 - revitalizingpsychiatry.com - facebook.com/FLCRP - We Will Revitalize Your Mind  

Vilia Dragovoy's Profile

Founded in 1958, Financial Access Federal Credit Union is a Treasury Certified Community Development Financial Institution and the only Credit Union chartered in Manatee County. This month, the Credit Union has been awarded a second grant to support their newly launched Employee Financial Empowerment platform. In September, the Credit Union received a $50,000 grant and this week it was announced the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund awarded the credit union a $125,000 Technical Assistance grant. The funding from these grants will support the launching of an Employee Empowerment Platform providing credit challenged employees access to low cost loans along with credit building and financial improvement resources. The grant will also allow the credit union to provide loan below market interest rate loans for financially stable employees as well. The program will be an incentive for local businesses to use for recruitment and retention and the outcome of this work will broaden the economic capabilities of our local residents. 

To learn more click here.

CenterPlace Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center, is pleased to announce that Tiona Settles, MPH, CCHW, recently became certified by the State of Florida as a Community Health Worker. Tiona joined CenterPlace Health in May of 2022 and is working on a health equity initiative funded by Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. The Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW) credential is for front-line health workers who, by virtue of their trusted status in the community, serve as a liaison, link and intermediary between health services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service
deliver. Earning this credential is a multi-step process that requires education, documentation, and experience. Applicants must also sit for an exam. Once certified, each professional is required to strictly observe a Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct and participate in annual continuing education events. 

The Van Wezel Foundation Board of Directors has committed a $100,000 gift to help fund Phase 2 of The Bay, the newly-opened signature public park on Sarasota Bay. Phase 2 is focused on completing the "ring" around the park, which includes Dockside (South Canal District), the Cultural District along N. Tamiami Trail, the Western Shoreline, and the Sunset Boardwalk. The Bay, which has been in development since 2019, recently opened on October 14 and includes more than 14 acres of revitalized greenspace, a larger-than-life Ibis playground, Common Ground lawns, a Fountain Garden, multiple walkways, an outdoor Reading Room, an ADA-accessible paddle launch, restored and preserved mangroves and shorelines, and spectacular sunset views. For more information about The Bay Park Conservancy, visit www.thebaysarasota.org or contact Julia Groom at julia@dreamlarge.org or 941-786-8732.