August has nearly come and gone, but that doesn’t mean that baseball has left the Gulf Coast. In the Florida State League, the Bradenton Marauders are knocking on the door of the playoffs with just 12 games left in the regular season. The Marauders are in need of a major hot streak, however, if they want to make it into the postseason–they are currently 4.0 games back from the Lakeland Flying Tigers for the lead and the final playoff spot in the Florida State League West division.

Due to the hurricane, the Marauder’s have pushed the start of their final homestand of the season against the Palm Beach Cardinals to Thursday, August 31. The original game scheduled for Tuesday, August 29 will be made up in a double header on Thursday and Wednesday’s game will be made up as part of a double header this Saturday.

In other news surrounding the team, Paul Skenes, the dominant right-handed pitcher out of Louisiana State University and the Pirates’ number one selection overall in this year’s MLB Amatuer draft has moved on from the Single-A Marauders. Skenes, MLB’s no. 3 ranked prospect, was promoted to Double-A Altoona after just starting just one game in the Florida Complex League and two games in the Florida State League. Skenes, a true power pitcher with a fastball known to reach triple digits, was clocked at over 98 mph four times in his last outing with the Marauders, striking out two over two no-hit innings. Although Skenes struggled in his initial outing with the Double-A Altoona Curve, the future could not be brighter for the 21-year-old, with the thought that Skenes could reach the big leagues as soon as 2024.

LECOM Park, 1611 9th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205 

Pictured: Paul Skenes warming up before a start against the Lakeland Flying Tigers on August 15. Photo by Steve Nesius for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

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Six months ago, Naples residents and owners of Cariloha Naples at Mercato Jeff and Robin Snell decided to expand their Cariloha store collection to Sarasota by opening a new location at St. Armands Circle. The new store will carry the same high-quality, unique and sought-after bamboo products offered at the other numerous Cariloha locations across the country and in many popular cruise ports.

Jeff, originally from Minnesota, and Robin, who is from North Dakota, initially met and got married while in college, but later divorced and moved on separately, advancing in their respective careers, Jeff working as an airline pilot and Robin in the financial aid office at the University of North Dakota. Thirty years later, the pair found each other again and have now been happily married for the past six years.

The Snells discovered Cariloha products while on vacation and knew it was a business opportunity they wanted to bring back to Southwest Florida. “I can’t fly anymore because of back issues, so we went on a cruise to the Caribbean and that’s where we initially saw these products,” Jeff says. “Afterwards, we opened a store in Naples and now, with the Sarasota location, we have the top two stores in the country.”

The Snell’s Naples store is currently the top-selling and most successful Cariloha store in the country. However, Jeff says that the couple’s new location in St. Armands Circle is currently on track to surpass the Naples location by the end of the year. “It all depends on what happens in the fall, but both stores are doing fantastic.”

For Cariloha and bamboo goods amateurs, the store’s bamboo sheets and mattresses are a must-try and the overall best-selling products. “Our sheets are 100% bamboo sheets. They are as good as it gets,” Jeff says. “And the mattresses also sell very well. They’re bamboo mattresses, so they keep you cool and there are no chemicals in them. They’re 100% pure and certified chemical free.”

Along with the sheets and mattresses, the store also offers bamboo blankets, towels and clothing. A line of baby bibs, blankets and rompers is also available. The bamboo fabric is known for being incredibly soft and comfortable while also being breathable, making it perfect for infants and adults alike.

The Snells are now the only private Cariloha franchise owners in Florida. The husband and wife duo purchased the new St. Armands Circle location from its previous owner after he retired. “Now, we actually have products in the store. Prior, the previous owner was basically just having people drop ship items from the company,” Jeff says. “We still offer that, but we also sell everything that the company offers inside the store, with the exception of the mattresses.”

Cariloha Sarasota, 349 St Armands Cir, Sarasota, (941) 388-0412, 10am-9pm Monday through Saturday, 11am-6pm Sundays. 

Pictured: Jeff and Robin Snell's newly opened Cariloha store in St. Armands Circle offers premium bamboo goods, such as sheets, mattresses and clothing.

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The eagerly anticipated 27th annual Chargers Soccer Club Labor Day Tournament is scheduled to take place from September 2-4, 2023, at the prestigious Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Hosted in partnership with Visit Sarasota County, this marquee event is an integral part of the local soccer tradition, has been a source of excitement for players, fans, and communities alike for over a quarter-century. For the past 15 years, the Labor Day Soccer Club Tournament has been a staple in the vibrant Lakewood Ranch area. The Premier Sports Campus has been its home for the past 12 years, playing a pivotal role in its growth. In fact, the tournament served as the inaugural event at the Premier Sports Campus in 2011, highlighting its significance as one of the driving forces behind the venue's creation. A true testament to its importance, the Labor Day Tournament has consistently contributed to the economic prosperity of Sarasota and Manatee counties. The 2022 edition generated an impressive economic impact of over 8 million dollars, underscoring the positive influence the tournament has on the local economy. This year's event is anticipated to continue the trend, further cementing its role as a key annual gathering. Over 200 teams from cities across Florida, and even beyond the state borders, have registered for this year's tournament. The event is open to teams of all levels, making it an essential pre-season competition for participants who have been honing their skills in preparation. The tournament format guarantees each team a minimum of 3 games, making it an ideal kickoff for the upcoming soccer season. The range of competition includes boys' and girls' teams from U9 to U19. An integral aspect of the Chargers Soccer Club's mission is to provide opportunities for aspiring players. All proceeds from the tournament contribute to a scholarship fund established by the nonprofit organization. The Chargers Soccer Club, with its campuses in Clearwater, Lakewood Ranch, and Tampa, nurtures competitive and premier level players between the ages of 7 and 19. Through their scholarship programs, many players within the competitive program are able to benefit directly from these scholarships, enabling them to pursue their soccer dreams. Games will run from 8 am to 5 pm on September 2nd and 3rd, with final matches set to be played from 8 am to 2 pm on September 4th, the tournament promises an exhilarating display of skill and determination. The conclusion of the games will be marked by the presentation of trophies and medals to the victorious teams, capping off a weekend of intense competition. Admission and parking for the tournament are free to the public, making it an inclusive event for soccer enthusiasts of all ages. So, mark your calendars and gear up to catch all the heart-pounding action at the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch!

Lights at Spooky Point, the Halloween-themed light show that Selby Gardens introduced at its Historic Spanish Point campus in Osprey last year, returns in October for a second season. This year’s show kicks off Friday, October 13 (naturally!) and remains on view nightly through Halloween. Tickets for Lights at Spooky Point can be purchased through Selby Gardens’ website at selby.org or in person at either of its two campuses. Visitors to Lights at Spooky Point will follow an eerily lit path through the wooded campus and past several of its historic structures. Along the way, they will encounter fantastically fun creations and unique Halloween light displays around every bend. Highlights that return for the second year include spectral “ghost orchids” floating above the Pioneer Graveyard, giant “Dracula orchids” draped with Spanish moss, and colorful “spider orchids” clinging to their webs in the trees. These and other decorations are inspired by actual plants of the same names, a creative nod to Selby Gardens’ botanical and horticultural mission. Guests also will find plenty of pumpkins, scores of skeletons, and other Halloween classics at “Spooky Point.” The show is designed for all ages, with just a few minor jump-scare opportunities to keep older kids happy. A limited number of tickets will be sold for each night of the show, with two entry times available—6:30 and 7:45 p.m. Guests with young children or mobility issues are encouraged to consider the earlier entry. Those who want the full “Spooky Point” experience can opt for the later slot, after dark. Ticket prices for Lights at Spooky Point are $30 for adults ($20 for Selby Gardens members), $15 for ages 5-17, and free for children 4 and under. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged, as some nights may sell out prior to opening time. Food and beverages will be sold on-site throughout each evening of the show. To learn more and purchase tickets, go online to selby.org or visit the Welcome Center at either the Downtown Sarasota campus or the Historic Spanish Point campus. 

New College of Florida announces Allyce Heflin Moriak as assistant vice president, budget & administration. Moriak is the former CFO for the Florida Department of Commerce and an expert in education policy and funding. She begins her role at New College on August 28.Moriak has been involved with the state’s education policy since 2007, working with legislators and education advocates on funding issues, education technology, state college and university performance funding, and fixed capital outlay funding. Moriak holds both graduate and undergraduate degrees in social work with a focus in social policy and administration. In addition to her expertise in education policy and funding, specifically funding formulas, she has worked extensively with the state’s Division of Early Learning, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Board of Governors of the State University System, and the State Board of Education. 

Florida Studio Theatre is announcing the lineup for its four-show Children’s Theatre Series, providing families with outstanding theatre experiences on the weekend at an affordable price. From a touching adaptation of The Velveteen Rabbit to award-winning plays written by elementary school students from around the world, this year’s lineup has something for children of all ages—and their favorite grownups. “This Season, we really wanted to focus on the power of storytelling and its importance in all of our lives,” said Caroline Saldivar, FST’s Director of Children’s Theatre. “Stories spark our imaginations, help us connect with one another, and shape our understanding of the world. So, we wanted to offer a variety of shows and stories that could speak to everyone. This year’s lineup includes the heartwarming classic, The Velveteen Rabbit, our yearly holiday show, Deck the Halls, a comedy-filled retelling of a popular fairy tale with Red Riding Hood, and our annual production shining a light on children’s creativity titled The Power of Peanut Butter and Other Winning Plays.”

Pictured: Caroline Saldivar, FST Director of Children's Theatre. Photo by FST.

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Deer Prairie Creek Preserve, North Entrance

Get all your ducks in a row and visit this park where you may be lucky enough to see the Florida scrub-jay, deer, river otter, bobcats, a gopher tortoise and more. This 6,400-acre preserve has more than 60 miles of hiking trails. The North entrance features a large parking area for general parking and equestrian trailer parking, designated equestrian trails and a trailhead to the North Port Connector Trails.  

7001 Forbes Trl., Venice.

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Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road in Sarasota, welcomes Jewish and interfaith families to observe the High Holy Days with uplifting, spiritual, and engaging services at no cost. Free family services will be held on Saturday, September 16, at 1:30 p.m. for Rosh Hashanah, and Monday, September 25, at 1:30 p.m. for Yom Kippur. These age-appropriate, warm, and meaningful services, led by Temple Emanu-El Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman and Associate Rabbi Michael Shefrin, feature an original High Holy Day family prayerbook composed by Rabbi Glickman, an abbreviated shofar service on Rosh Hashanah, brief rendition of Kol Nidrei on Yom Kippur, and Torah readings and a special story on both holidays. Children and adults of all ages are warmly invited. “It’s a special opportunity to share these holiest days of the year not only with the families of Temple Emanu-El but with other Jewish families in the community,” Rabbi Glickman said. “We welcome unaffiliated families, interfaith families, and those exploring or returning to Judaism to join us for these services.” Traditional evening and morning services for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, are also planned, with an additional Yizkor Memorial Service on Yom Kippur afternoon. For a complete schedule of services and reservation and ticket information, please call the Temple Emanu-El office at 941- 371-2788 or visit www.sarasotatemple.org. 

Pictured: Temple Emanu-El Senior Rabbi Brenner Glickman, Associate Rabbi Michael Shefrin, and Temple Emanu-El children look forward to High Holy Day Family Services at Temple Emanu-El.

OLD IS NEW AGAIN | Damien Blumetti blends well-established architectural practices with modern design sensibilities, July/August 2023. 

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