SRQ DAILY Apr 27, 2023
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"Studies have shown that comic books are a valuable tool for students who are English language learners, dyslexic, or reluctant readers."
Although it has been nearly a month since Major League teams packed their bags and headed north for the start of MLB’s regular season, baseball has yet to leave the Gulf Coast. Not only is the Florida State League, a 10-team Single-A Minor League already in full swing, but Extended Spring Training has begun as well.
On Monday, the Baltimore Orioles kicked off their 13-game schedule with a matchup against the Atlanta Braves, who they’ll play again on Friday at 12:00 p.m. For those curious as to what Extended Spring Training is, well, it’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like: an extension to the Grapefruit League games that ended nearly a month ago at the start of MLB’s regular season. The extension of Spring Training is designed to create a competitive environment for players in the Orioles’ system not yet assigned to one of their four full-season Minor League teams at the conclusion of normal Spring Training. Here in Extended Spring Training, prospects will have a chance to duke it out with players from other organizations in an effort to scratch and claw their way onto one of their franchise’s main Minor League affiliates.
While to some this may seem like a baseball purgatory of sorts, for the audience it’s a chance to see high end baseball at their home stadium free of charge. Not only is Baltimore’s farm system rated as the top player development system in baseball, but all but two of the 13 games in Orioles Extended Spring Training will be held at Ed Smith Stadium, with no cost for parking and entry. 
Pictured: Ed Smith Stadium. Photo courtesy of Ballparksofbaseball.com.
Sarasota Youth Opera (SYO) Summer Camp is an opportunity for young people ages 8-18 to explore the exciting world of opera. Led by a team of seasoned professionals, this day camp delves into the elements that go into opera such as singing, acting, movement, costumes, wigs and makeup, props a final demonstration for families and friends and more. Since 1984, SYO has given thousands of young people ages 8 to 18 an opportunity to experience the joy of opera firsthand through participation in fully-staged Youth Opera productions, Sarasota Opera main stage productions, summer camps, and concerts throughout the community. Please contact Cameron Maxwell, Youth Opera Coordinator, cmaxwell@sarasotaopera.org to learn more.
Registration is open and spots are filling quickly for Camp Lookout, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ fun-filled summer camp for young nature lovers. Designed for children entering first through fifth grade, camp sessions will teach attendees about the science of plants, local marine life, and even wilderness survival skills through a variety of hands-on activities. Camp Lookout 2023 will offer four one-week sessions (Monday–Friday) from June 5 through June 30. The first two weeks take place at Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus; the third and fourth weeks are held at the Historic Spanish Point campus in Osprey. Camp days begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. Weekly camp tuition is $230 for Selby Gardens members and $250 for non-members. Campers may sign up for individual weeks of their choice or all four sessions. Registration is limited to 30 campers per week.
The Pickleball Club, a firm founded in 2019 that develops and operates private membership-based high-amenity indoor pickleball facilities throughout Florida, recently secured locations for two new clubs in Venice and Pinellas Park, bringing its total to seven clubs statewide. The Pickleball Club purchased a 5.5-acre parcel for $2.8 million in Venice, Fla. for its sixth location at the intersection of Crestview Boulevard and Jacaranda Boulevard for a 40,000-square-foot climate-controlled facility with 14 indoor pickleball courts and an outdoor activity area with two outdoor pickleball courts and two bocce ball courts. The Venice location will also feature a 3,700-square-foot players’ lounge mezzanine overlooking the courts, the company’s own restaurant, Pickle’s Café and Dink’s Pro Shop. The club is expected to open in July 2024. In Pinellas Park, The Pickleball Club is under contract for its seventh site, an 8.07-acre parcel for $1.75 million located at the Gateway Centre Business Park. The 40,000-square-foot climate-controlled facility will offer members 16 indoor pickleball courts. Pinellas Park will feature an outside activity area, players’ lounge mezzanine, Dink’s Pro Shop and Pickle’s Café similar to the Venice location and other facilities. The land purchase is expected to be complete in December 2023 for an opening in early 2025. The Pickleball Club’s first location will open this month in Sarasota, near Lakewood Ranch, and feature 12 indoor pickleball courts, in addition to an outside activity area, café, pro shop and players’ lounge. Other locations under development include Port St. Lucie, which is currently under construction, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers and the Villages.
The annual Tennis Ball: A Grand Slam Event, took place on Friday, April 14, at Michael’s On East capping off the 2023 Joey Gratton Tennis Championship and closing out the final weekend of The Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open. Both the Joey Gratton Tennis Championship and the Tennis Ball honor the legacy of the late Joey Gratton, who was an exceptional athlete and beloved philanthropist in Sarasota. Proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Foundation and USTA Foundation. The evening entertained nearly 300 guests, including several well-known athletes from the Sarasota tennis community. The cocktail reception kicked off at 6 p.m., and featured hors d'oeuvres prepared by Michael's On East, a silent auction, and a chance drawing to win a 1oz American Eagle Gold Coin pendant. At 7:30 p.m., auctioneer and local comedian, Les McCurdy invited everyone to take their seats to begin the program and welcomed Bill Sadlo, BGCSDC President/CEO to the stage. Co-Chairs, Barbara Lancer, Christina Bonilla and Amy Lyons then took to the stage and thanked everyone for helping thousands of youth achieve their full potential at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties and recognized the key sponsors of the evening including Elizabeth Moore, Remington Reynolds, and Steve Gareleck of the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open, Juice Plus, Jay Martin Foundation, and Teixeira Family Foundation. The Co-Chairs then presented the annual Jimmy Arias Cup and Scholarship to high school student, Jackson C., who was unable to join in person, but accepted via video. Guests enjoyed an artfully prepared dinner by Michael's on East before McCurdy resumed the program by introducing BGCSDC Club member, Daria T., who shared her own deeply personal story reminding the audience of the power of their philanthropy and the impact it can have on our local youth. Daria said, “I spend most of my time at the Boys & Girls Club. It is where I can express my true self and continue to learn. It is where I discovered my passion for advocacy and became a leader. It is where I have overcome countless obstacles, such as my mom’s addiction. Daria continued, “the Club introduced me to my passion and future major, political science. I realized advocating for others and issues I believe in is something I want to do for the rest of my life. I am committed to reforming the criminal justice and rehab systems for other children and their parents.” Daria plans to pursue a double major in computer science and political science at Florida State University in the fall.McCurdy then led guests into the live auction as dessert was being served. Items included an exclusive US Open President’s Suite Pass Package, One Hour of Play on Center Court in Arthur Ashe Stadium (with airfare), a one week stay in the south of France, golf with LGPA professional, Nelly Korda, a Necker Cup Luxury Catamaran Yacht Trip, and many more. Following the live auction, there was a “bid from the heart” paddle raise followed by the announcement of the chance drawing winner. The evening closed with guests dancing the night away to the sounds of DJ Joey D.
Pictured: JG Tennis co-chairs Barb Lancer, Christina Bonilla and Amy Lyons with BGCSDC kids.
Students from 18 elementary, 7 middle, and 6 high schools throughout Sarasota County will show off their creative talents at the North County K-12 Spring Art Show, May 9-20, at Art Center Sarasota. Nearly 50 teachers are part of the effort. Debra Markley, Sarasota High School’s art department chairperson, and Angela Hartvigsen, the fine arts program specialist for Sarasota County Schools, are leading the coordination. The North County Art show is presented in conjunction with the South County Art Show at the Venice Art Center (May 2-11) to comprise the Sarasota County Schools’ Spring Art Show, serving all the county’s public schools. On Tuesday, May 16 and Thursday, May 18, Art Center Sarasota will stay open until 7 p.m. to give families an opportunity to view the exhibition. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For information, visit www.artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032.
Pictured: Artwork on display from 2022 art show. Photo courtesy of Art Center Sarasota.
Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce that Mrs. Cameron Parker has been selected to serve as the Principal of Emma E. Booker Elementary School, effective immediately. Mrs. Parker had been serving as the school’s Acting Principal since August 2022. Mrs. Cameron Parker received her bachelor’s degree in Education from Stetson University. She has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University in Tampa, as well as a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida. Mrs. Parker holds certifications in Elementary Education (K-6), Middle School Integrated Curriculum (6-9), Business Education (6-12), Principalship, and Educational Leadership in addition to an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Endorsement.Before starting her most recent role as the Acting Principal of Emma E. Booker Elementary School, Mrs. Parker served as the Professional Development Assistant Principal (PDAP) of Booker Middle School. She has also served as an Interim Assistant Principal at Laurel Nokomis School and an Interim Assistant Principal at Fruitville Elementary School. Mrs. Parker has also served as an Information Technology Specialist and an Instructional Technology Trainer with Sarasota County Schools, as well as an Instructional Technology Coach and a 4th & 5th grade teacher at Alta Vista Elementary School.
Bat City Comic Professionals invites the community to celebrate literacy with three comic-themed events happening in the upcoming weeks. Their Teaching with Comics Educator Seminar (April 27 at 6PM), Academic Avengers’ Reading Academy (April 29 at 12PM), and Free Comic Book Day (May 6 at 11AM), all feature one key way to get young people excited about reading - comic books. “As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Bat City Comic Professionals is always striving to drive community engagement and education through comic books, ” said Shannon Live, President and Director of Outreach at Bat City. “Studies have shown that comic books are a valuable tool for students who are English language learners, dyslexic, or reluctant readers. Not only that, comic books have been proven to teach more unique words per thousand than adult novels and have an uncanny ability to improve inference, evidence, and comprehension skills in readers of all levels.” The upcoming activities are just a few of the calendar of events that Bat City offers to help young people improve their reading, writing, art, and imagination skills. Bat City offers monthly kids’ book clubs, teen chatback days, and writing workshops for students who want to create their own comics. All of which are free to the general public. But these particular events are a part of something even larger. “We are so excited to bring these next few events to life” said Live. “Our Teaching with Comics seminar and Academic Avengers day are both a part of the international Remake Learning Days festival, which has over 200 events in the Suncoast area alone. It’s great to see how active our community is at inspiring STEAM and literacy education for families in the area. As for Free Comic Book Day, the fact that comic book stores all over the country hand out free books is just such a thrill. You can see hundreds of new readers born that day and it’s absolutely beautiful.” For more information regarding any of the upcoming events you can contact Shannon Live at contact@batcity.org or check out the event listings on Bat City’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/batcitycomicbooks.
The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, your source for arts and culture throughout the Cultural Coast, is proud to announce the appointment of Brian Hersh as its new Chief Executive Officer. Brian Hersh is joining the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County as its new CEO in June. Hersh has spent over 20 years in the field of nonprofit arts administration, including posts at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Asolo Repertory Theatre. In this new role, he will work to advance Sarasota County as a preeminent cultural community. Hersh has been the Program Director for Any Given Child in Sarasota County Schools. In partnership with John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, he has led the district’s strategic approach to arts education. Hersh is an active member of Leadership Florida and a graduate of the Education Class 5. Hersh is also a graduate of the Gulf Coast Leadership Institute and has served on the Board of Directors for various nonprofit organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Musical Arts from DePauw University where he studied percussion. In addition to all things arts and culture, Hersh loves following soccer and spending time with his family. He is thrilled and honored to be a part of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County.
The Wellen Park development team and resident volunteers gathered together recently to help make the place they call home a little greener. During the second annual Community Tree Planting Day, volunteers planted hundreds of saplings around the 80-acre Grand Lake in Downtown Wellen. With guidance from landscapers, the volunteers dug holes, added soil enhancers, planted the saplings and watered the new plantings. A mix of black olives, pine trees and green buttonwood was selected to enhance the aesthetic look of Wellen Park, provide shade along the trails, offer habitat to wildlife and increase the state’s pine population. Wellen Park takes an intentional approach to champion sustainability and celebrate its environmental assets. Shady trees branching overhead, healthy lakes shimmering in the sun and lush preserved natural areas are elements that help residents decide to plant roots, and the community has been planned and designed to showcase and protect those features. The new trees are spread amongst existing trees, which include those relocated through Wellen Park’s Heritage Tree Program. The Wellen Park development team relocated more than 25 healthy live oak trees from various locations within the community to Downtown Wellen. The nearly $1-million effort to relocate mature trees not only saved these well-established trees but also helped create an immediate sense of authenticity and scale for Downtown Wellen. Wellen Park’s wellness focus is holistic and practical, designed to give residents greater opportunities to connect with one another, take care of themselves and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle, all within an inclusive, genuine community vibe. To learn more about Downtown Wellen and living at Wellen Park, call 941-960-7805, go to wellenpark.com or visit the Welcome Center at 12275 Mercado Drive in Venice, Fla. The Welcome Center is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SCD closes its 17th Season with a comeback of its “Evolving/Revolving” showcase in which the company revives previously staged works to expand and deepen their meaning into evening-length performances. For Reclaim, SCD’s striking work of “Jehanne” returns to the stage, studying Joan of Arc’s strident and powerful cultural influence in the Hundred Year’s War, accompanied by live music with original composition by Mark Dancigers. This work honors the human spirit by demonstrating the resilience that has taken the company to this point and will continue its forward motion. Visit sarasotacontemporarydance.org to purchase tickets. Cook Theatre at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
The State College of Florida Coding Academy presents a Fun Tech Expo free for families and all ages. Participants can come and go and learn about technology as part of Suncoast Remake Learning Days. Experiment with drones, robotics, 3D printing, First Robotics Teams, Virtual Reality and Wacky Olympic Fun. Contact KeithN@scf.edu for more information. SCF Coding Academy (Building 8, 2nd floor), 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton.
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents Cameron Crozman, named “Canada's next big cello star” by CBC Music. Crozman is making a name for himself as the next superstar of the classical music world. He will be joined by pianist Meagan Milatz in a program titled “Wanderlust,” which features music inspired by composers’ vacation trips. Crozman and Milatz perform at the Sarasota Yacht Club on April 27, and the performance will be followed by lunch. Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota.
The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County is teaming up with Sarasota County Schools to host two free parties for all incoming public and charter kindergartners and their families. District leaders, kindergarten teachers from various schools, and get their questions answered. Eligibility specialists with the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County will also be onsite to help families navigate their childcare search for younger siblings including Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK), a free preschool program for all Florida 4-year-olds regardless of income. In addition to food and dancing with a DJ, the event will feature hands-on art activities with the Ringling Museum ROAR program, interactive science activities with STEMania, clever guessing games with prizes, and free book giveaways. The Sarasota party will take place on April 26, and the North Port party will take place on April 28. For Sarasota information, visit https://fb.me/e/WOeTwCwo. For North Port information, visit https://fb.me/e/D3GSryMb. Sarasota party, Suncoast Technical College, 4748 South Beneva Rd., Sarasota. North Port party, Suncoast Technical College, 4445 Career Lane, North Port.
UnidosNow is bringing their second installment of Noche Unidos, an event that weaves a tapestry of musical delights combining the dynamic exuberance of traditional mariachi with the emotional power of a classical symphony. This visionary concert will feature the fusion of the nationally acclaimed Mariachi Cobre band and the 72-piece Venice Symphony, blending the most treasured music forms of the Old and New Worlds to create a one-of-a-kind sound and experience for thousands. All funds raised will benefit UnidosNow. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, vanwezel.org.
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is delighted to announce the return of their virtual Summer Photo Contest. Entering its fourth year, this annual event invites photographers of all ages and experience levels to share their original work showcasing the natural beauty of the Sunshine State. As in years past, the exhibition will be entirely virtual with website and Facebook displays. Works submitted for this online juried exhibition must have been taken in Florida within the past year. There is also a Youth Perspective category for ages 15 and under. The submission deadline is midnight on May 31. For categories, details, entry rules, and submission forms visit conservationfoundation.com/summerphoto.
Eco Engineers are plants and animals that profoundly impact their ecosystem. Through their presence or behavior, eco engineers create microhabitats, or unique areas within an ecosystem. Other species have taken notice of these microhabitats and decided to move in! In this exhibition, explore nine of Florida’s eco engineers and discover why our landscape wouldn’t be the same without them. Eco Engineers is a bilingual (English and Spanish) special exhibition created by our own Museum curators. Included with museum admission. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton, bishopscience.org.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ 2023 Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature showcases the creativity and innovation of American artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933). The first exhibition of its type to be presented in a botanical garden, the exhibition highlights the inspiring connection between Tiffany Studios and the natural world through unique horticultural displays in the Tropical Conservatory and the Gardens, accompanied by seminal examples of Tiffany’s work on view in the Museum of Botany and the Arts. To learn more, visit selby.org. Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota.
This monthly gathering of car enthusiasts brings together automobile lovers from every walk of life, not to mention a wide array of spectacular cars. Bring your own vehicle (all makes and models are welcome) to show off, or check out the hundreds of cars on display. Each month, the event sponsors a different charity, and attendees are encouraged to donate $10 to benefit the charity. The event, occuring on the second Sunday of each month, will feature live music, complimentary coffee and more. To learn more, visit facebook.com/carsandcoffee941. Sarasota Cars and Coffee, The West District at University Town Center near Ford’s Garage, 295 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota.
Florida Studio Theatre is proud to present the world premiere of Visit Joe Whitefeather (and bring the family!) by award-winning playwright Bruce Graham. It’s the 1970s in Beaver Gap, Pennsylvania, a small town with a problem. Tourism has declined and it doesn’t look like there is any hope on the horizon. When a new resident joins forces with the bewildered city council, they devise a plan to rename the town to honor a dead, Native American war hero who had never visited the town before. It’s a plan so wild and insane that it just might work. Tickets range from $25-39 and are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000. FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 1st St., Sarasota.
FST’s 29th Burdick New Play Festival features staged readings of new works by contemporary American playwrights. This year’s Festival features the heartfelt one-man musical, Todd vs. The Titanic by Scott Rothman, Joe Kinosian, and Kellen Blair, and the dark comedy, Bleeding Hearts by Steve Yockey. Readings will takeplace on April 28, and May 5 at 3PM each day in FST’s Keating Theatre. Single tickets are $10. Subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling FST’s Box Office at 941.366.9000. Florida Studio Theatre, Keating Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota.
The Hats and Heels and Bow Ties Luncheon supports programs at Turning Points. Hats and Heels and Bow Ties centers around a friendly interactive competition between guests. Celebrity judges score the guests on several categories regarding the guests’ hats or fascinators, and/or heels or flats and or bow ties. Exceptional prizes are awarded to the winners. Tickets are $75 and there are several sponsorship opportunities available. Included in the ticket cost is a glass of champagne, a sit down lunch, dessert and photo booth pictures. Visit tpmanatee.org/events/ for more information and to purchase tickets. Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy, 5450 Bollettieri Blvd., Bradenton.
Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a block party at the University Town Center location, along with pop-up food and drink vendors, door prizes and live entertainment all weekend long. On Friday, May 5, guests are invited to party all day and into the night with free shots of Santo Tequila and live music while indulging in authentic Mexican cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and over 300 tequila varieties. Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, 243 North Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, roccostacos.com.
Taste Dining and Travel Magazine is celebrating spring with a Walking Progressive Dinner in Downtown Sarasota on Wednesday, May 10. Enjoy a course at three fabulous downtown Sarasota restaurants, Bevardi’s Salute, Azul and Tzeva, and a short walk to them for an evening to remember. Part of the event’s proceeds will benefit All Faiths Food Bank. Tickets are $125. Reserve your spot at tasteweb.net or call 941-366-7950. Meet at Bevardi's Salute, 23 North Lemon Ave., Sarasota.
Join Sarasota Art Museum for Jazz Thursdays featuring live jazz music, contemporary art, and sips and bites from Bistro. Hosted by the Jazz Club of Sarasota. Jazz Thursday happens on the second Thursday of each month, 5:30-8 p.m. Galleries, Bistro, and SHOP open. FREE for Members, $20 for Not-Yet Members.
Florida Studio Theatre presents the original music revue, Reel Music, celebrating the movies that helped create the soundtrack to the last century. Featuring classics like “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Circle of Life,” and “My Heart Will Go On,” this new Cabaret traces how films—and the music highlighted in them—have evolved over the past one hundred years. Created by Richard Hopkins, Rebecca Hopkins, and Sarah Durham with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser, Reel Music begins playing February 15, 2023, in FST’s Court Cabaret. Single tickets for Reel Music
range between $18-39 and are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000.
Joseph’s Coat: Skyspace by James Turrell (2011) is a triumph of technology, engineering, and aesthetics. The Skyspace, created by internationally-renowned artist James Turrell, is a gathering place for contemplation and offers a unique experience. At sunset, a sophisticated system of LED lights is employed to change the color of the space. In doing so, the artist changes the context in which we view the sky through the 24-foot aperture in the ceiling, affecting our perception of the natural environment and the surroundings. As we gaze up at the sky we are invited to contemplate light, perception, and experience. Tickets are $10 and are free for members. Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, ringling.org.
Oscura presents a free show with, Terrapin, TV Extra, Protman and Marianne Nowottny. All ages, no cover. Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave E., Bradenton, oscura.live.
Oscura presents a Sunday brunch featuring Dreaming the Blues. No cover. Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton, oscura.live.
SHE ENGINEERS is a bilingual (English and Spanish) poster exhibition highlighting eight women in various engineering fields. In their own words, the women share their passion and what inspired them to become engineers. If we support a woman in STEM, then she can change the world.
SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email |
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe
