It’s June and that means the local LGBTQ+ community is out and proud in celebration of Pride all month long.

At Seaward CrossFit in the Rosemary District, inclusiveness is a key value. The owners, staff and clients believe that everyone deserves to flourish in a safe space without judgment or fear. On June 24th, the gym will proudly host their 2nd annual Rainbow Relay fundraising event for the local LGBTQ+ community at their new location on North Lemon Avenue in downtown Sarasota. The event will include six scavenger hunt/fitness challenges and prizes for best dressed/costume team. And best of all, 100% of profits and donations raised from this event will be donated to ALSO Youth, a nonprofit charity that provides peer support services, educational programs, advocacy, and referrals for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning youth ages 13 to 24, their families and friends, and the community.

According to the gym's owner/coach, Olivia Hardwick, the Rainbow Relay is a mixture of fitness and art appreciation. At the start of the event, challenges will be handed to each team in a sealed envelope. The teams will then leave the gym to scavenger for a local mural (located in the Rosemary District) and complete a fitness challenge at Seaward CrossFit where there will be fitness stations that can include riding on a stationary bike and completing push-ups or pull-ups. All fitness levels are welcomed to join as there will be scaled movements for all abilities.

Bobby Alford, a participant in the first annual Rainbow Relay and part of the Team Unicorn Squad called the event “amazingly fun and exhausting” adding that the kids loved it. “Great cause, great allies, great fun,” he said.

Registration for the Rainbow Relay opens at 7:30 am on the morning of the event with a start time of 8:00 am. The cost is $45 per person and there is a maximum of three people per team.

Seaward CrossFit, 423 N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, 941-867-0808. 

Pictured: The Rainbow Relay is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Photo courtesy of Seaward CrossFit.

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Petco Love is a national nonprofit leading change for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested $350 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And Petco Love helps find loving homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations across North America, with 6.7 million pets adopted and counting. “Our investment in the Humane Society of Sarasota County is part of more than $15M in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love. “Our local investments are only part of our strategy to empower animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us. We recently launched Petco Love Lost, a national lost and found database that uses patented image-recognition technology to simplify the search for lost pets.”

“HSSC’s goal for the year is to save 2,700 cats and dogs. It takes a tremendous amount of support to make that goal a reality. From Petco Love lifesaving investments on the national level to in-store adoptions and collaborations with our local Petco Pet Care Center, it all makes a difference. We are so grateful for Petco Love’s investment in our lifesaving mission,” said Anna Gonce, Executive Director of HSSC. The Humane Society of Sarasota County is the area’s premier no-kill shelter and has served the Sarasota community since 1952. HSSC is committed to going “Beyond Shelter” for cats and dogs and realizing our vision of a community where all animals are cared for and loved. HSSC has received the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator, for six consecutive years. Furthermore, HSSC has a perfect score, something only eight animal welfare organizations in the United States can claim.  

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As Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month takes center stage, Senior Friendship Centers brings attention to the alarming statistics that more than 500,000 people aged 65 and older in Florida are living with Alzheimer's, while 827,000 family caregivers provide unpaid care valued at a staggering $23.4 billion in 2023. This month, Senior Friendship Centers proudly highlights its programs that effectively reduce the risk of the disease and promote brain health through its Activity Centers and Nutrition Services in Southwest Florida. Additionally, the organization emphasizes its commitment to providing essential safety, quality care, and support through its Adult Day Care and Caregiver Support Groups. Alzheimer's is a growing public health crisis affecting a significant number of older adults in Florida. According to the National Institute on Aging, healthy lifestyle behaviors such as increasing physical activity, keeping your mind active, consuming a high-quality diet, and engaging in social activities can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The Activity Centers and Nutrition Services at Senior Friendship Centers are designed to support brain health and promote socialization for older adults. The organization's Activity Centers serve as vibrant hubs offering classes that keep the mind and body active. In addition, meals served through our neighborhood dining locations and home-delivered meals are reviewed by a registered dietician to ensure optimal intake and meet daily nutritional guidelines for seniors. Through these programs, seniors can actively reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's by participating in engaging activities that promote mental agility and having access to well-balanced meals that support optimal brain function. Moreover, Senior Friendship Centers understands the vital need for safety, quality care, and support for both individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The organization's Adult Day Care program offers a secure and compassionate environment where individuals with dementia or other frailties of aging can engage in activities such as music, art, or pet therapy, and exercises that help maintain cognitive function and delay cognitive decline while providing respite time for their caregivers. Simultaneously, support groups provide a valuable lifeline for those caring for individuals with cognitive impairment, offering education, resources, and emotional support to alleviate the challenges associated with caregiving. To register or for any questions about events, please contact nnatal@friendshipcenters.org. To learn more about our programs and services, call (941) 955-2122 or  visit our website at www.friendshipcenters.org 

Pictured: Zumba, Tai Chi and line dancing are just some of the activities offered at Senior Friendship Centers. Photo courtesy of SFC.

The Hermitage Artist Retreat (Sarasota County, Florida) today announced new programs throughout the months of July and August. Continuing its commitment to innovative year-round arts programming, these events will be presented all across Sarasota County, from the Hermitage’s beautiful beachfront campus on Manasota Key to the heart of Sarasota’s vibrant downtown arts scene in collaboration with Sarasota Opera and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Hermitage programs introduce world-renowned artists to Florida’s Gulf Coast community and audiences across the country for candid and engaging conversations, open rehearsals, play readings, and film screenings. Newly announced summer programs include partnerships with the Florida Alliance for Arts Education (F.A.A.E.) and the Englewood YMCA in a family-friendly program with five gifted arts educators from across disciplines and across the state of Florida. Featured Hermitage Fellows in July include Hermitage Greenfield Prize finalist Christopher Williams, who the New York Times calls “one of the most exciting choreographic voices out there.” Williams is joined by his frequent dance collaborator Caitlin Scranton. August programs will spotlight the powerful storytelling of John Murillo (National Endowment for the Arts Fellow and 2021 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award winner) and Nicole Sealey (PEN Open Book Award and Rome Prize winner). Programs in August continue with celebrated playwright Dave Harris, who comes to the Hermitage as part of the recently announced partnership with New York’s Roundabout Theatre Company and their Underground Series, focused on producing some of the most exciting voices writing for the theater today; and returning Hermitage Fellow Hilan Warshaw whose films about music and opera have been seen around the world.

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Danielle Hughes, Team Coordinator of the Child Protection Team (CPT) at the Child Protection Center (CPC), has been named next year’s co-chair of Sarasota County’s Sexual Abuse Response Team (SART). This will be Danielle’s second time serving as a chair for SART. Danielle has served as a child abuse expert for 17 years at the Child Protection Center, where she leads the Child Protection Team in coordinating and providing intervention services in cases of children who are suspected victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect. Services include medical exams, forensic interviews, psychological and psychosocial assessments, and court testimony. CPT is a legislatively mandated program and the only provider authorized by the state to perform these intervention services in Sarasota County. Danielle’s additional contributions to improving the welfare and safety of victims include her founding of the PAWS (Pet Advocates Working in the Suncoast) pet therapy program, her service on the Department of Health’s Quality Assurance Team, member of the Critical Incident Rapid Response Team, member of the Child Death Review, member of the Child Interview Advisory Committee, and Supervisor of the VOCA Victim Advocate/Administrative Duties. Danielle’s expertise has also been utilized in training Child Protection Team Case Coordinators across Florida. The Child Protection Center’s mission is the Prevention, Intervention, & Treatment of Child Abuse, as the organization envisions a community where children are safe from abuse and free to thrive. For over 40 years, CPC has been serving Sarasota and DeSoto Counties in the State of Florida, and is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance. For more information on CPC, visit www.cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277. 

Pictured: Danielle Hughes, CPT Team Coordinator and CPC’s PAWS Pet Advocate Dog, Cracker . Photo courtesy of CPC.

On June 9, the Science and Environment Council (SEC) and philanthropist Elizabeth Moore hosted the Growing Green Reception to announce details of two major events taking place in December: EcoSummit and Green Living Expo. Approximately 70 guests attended, representing interests across the region from Tampa Bay to Charlotte Harbor, including prominent members of the community, SEC sponsors and partners, elected officials, and the media. The EcoSummit, which takes place Dec. 5-6 at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, is a lively and entertaining solutions-oriented experience with lectures, panel discussions, storytelling, and music. Dozens of national, regional, and local experts will share fascinating insights and innovations for recharging our environment and reducing our impacts. World-famous author Carl Hiaasen will lead a special evening of Florida environmental stories with local storytellers and music. Australian environmental thought leader and filmmaker Damon Gameau will kick off the EcoSummit with a keynote that re-envisions mankind’s relationship with Earth and how we find a new balance with nature. The Green Living Expo, which takes place Dec. 2-3 at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, is a unique two-day trade show featuring sustainable products, services, and opportunities to get involved in local environmental issues. Meanwhile, outside at The Bay, Sarasota’s newest signature park along Sarasota’s bayfront, families can enjoy hands-on environmental activities and eco-tours from SEC’s partners. All activities will be free and open to the public. During the Growing Green Reception, guests enjoyed elegant canapes, wines, and presentations by SEC leaders, partners, and sponsors. Event host and lead sponsor Elizabeth Moore welcomed the assembled with a heartfelt call to action to protect our natural environment.  Next, Matt Sauer, Collaboration and Impact Officer for the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation and the presenting sponsor, spoke of the important role of charitable foundations in supporting the environmental community of practice in their work to protect and restore the environment. Then City of Sarasota’s Sustainability Manager Jeffrey Vredenburg shared that as part of its commitment to the collaborative work of the SEC, the city would be the Host Sponsor of the dual events at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Municipal Auditorium. Dr. Michael Crosby, CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium and vice-chair of the SEC board of directors, spoke of the important partnerships that thrive within the SEC’s network of 40 science-based environmental organizations and pledged Mote’s continuing support as one of SEC’s founding members. Finally, Dr. Jennifer Shafer, SEC co-executive director, shared details of the upcoming December events. Presenting Sponsor is the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation; EcoSummit Lead Sponsor is Elizabeth Moore; Gulf Coast Community Foundation is sponsoring the Florida Stories session with Carl Hiaasen; and the Venue Host is the City of Sarasota. Numerous sponsorships are available; to learn more, visit eco-summit.org. 

Pictured: L-R David Shafer, Elizabeth Moore, Jon Thaxton, Jennifer Shafer, Jeff Vredenburg, Matt Sauer.

Sarasota County developer and attorney Hugh Culverhouse Jr. contributed $50,000 to support the Sarasota County Mental Health Court, a diversion program that helps move individuals with mental issues out of the jails and into treatment programs. The funds will be directed to the Comprehensive Treatment Court (CTC), which delivers services to individuals who commit non-violent offenses and suffer from severe mental health disorders. Repeated arrests on minor charges clog court dockets, lead to overcrowding and unnecessary expenses in the county jail, and trap defendants in an endless cycle of personal and financial challenges. Treating the underlying mental illness for defendants who have committed certain non-violent offenses and do not have a significant criminal history, instead of detaining and prosecuting them, benefits society by decreasing the likelihood of repeated and possibly escalating criminal behavior and providing a cost-effective alternative to incarceration. In most cases, the criminal acts committed by individuals due to their mental illness are low misdemeanors, such as criminal trespass, theft, public intoxication, and other non-violent crimes. According to a recent article published in the Wall Street Journal by Dan Frosch and Elizabeth Findell, the issue of incarcerated people with mental illnesses has dramatically increased nationwide since the pandemic. The Wall Street Journal queried all 50 states in March on the number of people accused of crimes who are waiting in jail for inpatient treatment so they can be stabilized enough to stand trial. Of the 39 states that provide complete data, 34 saw their waitlists for such treatment lengthen since before the pandemic. Many of the lists are triple or even quadruple what they were prior to the start of the pandemic. (Frosch, D., Findell, E., “Mentally Ill Languish in Jail: With psych wards full, people ruled incompetent to stand trial lack treatment.” Wall Street Journal, May 30, 2023.) Sarasota County Judge Erika Quartermaine founded the Comprehensive Treatment Court in 2017 after presiding over a troubling number of cases involving the same defendants repeatedly arrested for non-violent offenses. Larger jurisdictions, including Hillsborough County and Miami-Dade County, have already implemented successful diversion programs, and Sarasota’s program is modeled after Miami-Dade County’s program. Funding for CTC comes from a grant from Florida’s Department of Children and Families, Sarasota County, the City of Sarasota, as well as the private sector. The program’s success is a result of intensive collaboration among the courts, law enforcement agencies, and social-service organizations. Centerstone, a not-for-profit organization, serves as the coordinating service provider for CTC with the mission to safely divert individuals with mental illnesses and criminal justice involvement in Sarasota County from jail to treatment and recovery services in the community. Centerstone works with the Salvation Army, Second Heart Homes, and CASL, Inc. The program offered by Centerstone includes addiction treatment, counseling, drug testing, medication and medical care management, life skills training, linkage to housing and job training, and relapse prevention. Centerstone also features specialized programs for the military community, trauma care, and children’s services. Centerstone’s Research Institute provides guidance through research and technology, leveraging the best practices for use in all our communities. Centerstone’s Foundation secures philanthropic resources to support the work and mission of delivering care that changes people’s lives. For more information, visit https://Centerstone.org.

It's Never Too Late To Grow Up | Producers Alexandra Barreto and Taylor Feltner were drawn to the reliability of the script written by Anna Greenfield about two women of two generations inspiring each other forward, May/June 2023. 

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