Calling all young science enthusiasts! Come out and explore the latest science through monthly themes of Engineering, Experimentation, and Creativity at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s IQuest program. IQuest is for middle school students (11-14 years old) who are looking for a fun, relaxed evening of testing, building, laughing, and exploring alongside friends. Participants will discover, test, and create new things each month using The Bishop’s unique spaces, exhibitions, and resources.
IQuest is a drop-off program for kids only. The program, with a cost of $15 per person for Discovery Society members and $20 per person for non-members, includes a pizza dinner provided by Wilder’s Pizza!

This year in IQuest, a pinball machine was engineered out of cardboard, there were experiments with food science, and planet-themed crafts were created. Participants learned that making ice cream from a bag is really cold, and got to experiment with different kinds of milk to see which made the best ice cream. They also were able to hang out in the planetarium to learn more about the planets before making their crafts.

Spring 2023 IQuest Programs and dates are as follows: January 14 Engineering; February 11 Experimentation; March 11 Creativity; April 8 Engineering; May 13 Experimentation. The program will take a break for the summer and will not be offered in June, July, or August.

Pre-registration and payment required at least 24 hours in advance. IQuest runs from 5-8pm on the second Saturday of most months. For additional information, please contact Special Programs Manager, Meghan O’Brien, at MOBrien@bishopscience.org or (941)746-4131 ext 145.

Bishop Museum, 201 10th Street West, Bradenton, (941) 746-4131. 

To learn more, visit

This Saturday, head downtown for Sarasota’s annual New Year’s Eve block party. The celebration, which runs from 1pm-1am and is free to the public, will feature an array of events including Sarasota’s signature Pineapple Drop when the clock strikes midnight, reigning in the new year. “The Pineapple Drop is the largest new year's eve celebration in southwest Florida,” says Laura Kresl of Pro It Out Marketing and Advertising, one of the organizers of the event. “It’ll feature carnival midway rides and games for all ages. There will be fair food favorites, live music and DJs, along with special offers and extended dining in the restaurants in downtown Sarasota.”

Since 2000, the block party, which attracts around 35-40,000 people a year, has centered around the signature lowering of the lit up Pineapple as the clock ticks down to the New Year. “We put it on a crane and lower it at midnight. Following the pineapple drop, the marina lets off a beautiful fireworks show over the sarasota bay. It’s an awesome celebration, you have the carnival rides, the fireworks display, live music from national recording country artist Chas Collins, 22N – which is our local favorite dance band – and SRQ Beats who is a DJ,” says Kresl. “The party takes up about 8 blocks of the downtown area with three stages – one on Lemon Street, one on State Street, and one on Main Street. What’s really nice is that you can make a dinner reservation and have the beautiful Pineapple drop and the buzzing of the downtown all in the same night.”

Saturday, December 31st 1pm-1am, https://destinationdowntownsarasota.com/event/sarasota-new-years-eve-pineapple-drop-downtown/ 

Pictured: The annual Pineapple Drop--a great way to ring in the new year. Photo courtesy of Norman Schimmel.

Explore The Studios at SAM for the holidays! The Studios at SAM will be open 10am-4pm for hands-on activities Friday, December 23 through Sunday, January 8! Families and people of all ages are welcome to get creative in our art spaces. Meet Museum Educators and Teaching Artists, dig deeper into the works on view through engaging and fun art-making projects, and join our art-ful learning community! Friday, December 23 through Sunday, January 8 (Closed Christmas): 10 am – 4 pm (Closing at 3pm on 12/24 and 12/31), Peggy A Hall Classroom, Linda & Dick Dickinson Ceramics Studio, and Sally F. Huisking Classroom. 

To learn more, visit

Celebrate New Years’ Eve in Downtown Venice at the Market on Saturday, December 31, 2022. The Venice Farmers Market operates year-round, Saturday mornings, April - September, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and October - March 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Venice City Hall located at 401 West Venice Avenue, Venice. Market Hours: Saturday mornings year-round, April – September | 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., October – March | 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Browse Vendors here: https://www.thevenicefarmersmarket.org/vendors. Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/independentjones/  and https://www.instagram.com/indiejoneslive/. Follow Independent Jones on Eventbrite for the latest events | https://www.eventbrite.com/o/independent-jones-17338267201. 

The City of Sarasota has achieved LEED Gold certification with the U.S. Green Building Council. The certification recognizes the City’s commitment to improving sustainability and resilience through practical and measurable strategies. Gold certification is the second highest level awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council based on its LEED for Cities rating system. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system.

“Being LEED certified to the Gold level is a significant achievement for the City,” said Sustainability Coordinator Jeff Vredenburg. “It highlights the City’s dedication to creating and tracking specific innovative plans to attain sustainability goals for improved quality of life for our residents and visitors.”

The City is taking an innovative, responsible and holistic approach to sustainability. In addition to tracking performance levels with traditional targets, such as energy and water consumption, programs that create a healthier environment and boost residents’ quality of life are also being documented. Bicycle and e-scooter rentals, the Bay Runner trolley, The Bay Park and public art in roundabouts are among the City’s new sustainability and resiliency initiatives being studied. The City of Sarasota is now a LEED case study with data available online that can be reviewed and compared to other communities worldwide. Learn more about the City of Sarasota Sustainability program at www.SarasotaFL.gov. 

United Way of South Sarasota County’s Affinity Group, Women United, will be hosting their New Year Celebration on Friday, January 13 th , 2023 starting at 5:30 PM. The meeting will be held at the United Way Office located at 4242. S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL. 34293. Women United was created to engage, empower, and educate local women interested in strengthening their community through selfless work such as fundraising, volunteering, networking, and educational opportunities. The funds raised through Women United are dedicated to Eviction Prevention and Homeless Mitigation. During this free meeting, guests will learn about Women United, enjoy light bites and beverages, take advantage of the
decorative photo station, and more! In 2023, Women United will be launching a Philanthropy Mentorship program for High Schools students. Those interested in becoming a mentor or mentee are welcome to attend this meeting and learn more about involvement opportunities. Guests are encouraged to pre-register for the event at www.uwssc.org/women united-meeting. For more information about United Way of South Sarasota County’s programs, services, or ways to get involved to help improve lives locally, visit www.uwssc.org or call 941-484-4811. 

The composer George Crumb (1929-2022) has been celebrated as one of the 20th century’s most adventurous and exceptional composers. ensembleNewSRQ (enSRQ) pays tribute to him with “George Crumb Tribute: Remembering an American Icon and Those He Influenced,” a concert showcasing two works, “Black Angels” and “Madrigals,” by the trailblazing composer. The concert also features the emotionally powerful “Demeter Prelude” by Crumb’s protégé, Margaret Brouwer. Renowned soprano, Lucy Fitz Gibbon returns to sing Crumb’s evocative “Madrigals.” The concert is Sunday, January 16, 7:30 p.m., at First Congregational Church, 1031 S Euclid Ave, Sarasota. Single tickets are $25. Single tickets for streaming options are $10. For more information on ticket packages and single tickets, including student ticket pricing, visit www.ensrq.org. 

Pictured: George Crumb. Photo by Rob Starobin. Courtesy of Bridge Records Inc.

Join us on March 7, 2023 at Michael's On East for a dynamic luncheon symposium centered on conversations focused on regional philanthropic topics. The luncheon will include a panel discussion to explore the ever-changing world of non-profits and honor outstanding individuals who have made a meaningful impact within the community. 

Reserve Your Tickets Here