Last month, phase one of the Master Plan at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus opened to the public. Phase one of the three-phase Master Plan is perhaps the most transformative of all the phases–with the addition of 188,030 square feet of new facilities and amenities to the Downtown Sarasota campus, Selby Gardens has become the world’s first net positive energy botanical garden complex. More than $56 million has been raised for the implementation of the Master Plan, with $51.6 million going toward the capital needs of phase one.

For Selby Gardens’ however, it’s money well spent. Phase one has elevated Selby Gardens into truly one of the preeminent botanical garden complexes in the world, with new facilities that include the Morganroth Family Living Energy Access Facility, which houses parking as well as vertical gardens, a garden-to-plate restaurant and most importantly a nearly 50,000 square foot solar array. Amongst the other improvements which include a new welcome center and a major stormwater management system, is the Steinwachs Family Plant Research Center, a hurricane-resilient structure that is home to organizations’ permanent collections of plants, research laboratories and library.

“When we set out to create the Master Plan there were several key challenges that we wanted to address. The first is that we have the world's best scientifically documented collection of orchids and bromeliads,” says Jennifer Rominiecki, President and CEO of Selby Gardens. “And they have been housed on the ground in the flood zone in aging infrastructure. It was really Hurricane Irma that put an exclamation point on our need to act. Another core challenge was that we could no longer accommodate thousands of visitors who wanted to connect with our mission. The third challenge we wanted to address was preserving our 15 acres of land in the heart of downtown Sarasota– one of the aspects of the Master Plan is codifying those parcels as a botanical garden to prevent it from being broken up for future generations. Lastly, we wanted to address long term fiscal and environmental sustainability.”

Selby Gardens, Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, 941-366-5731. 

Pictured: The new welcome center at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Photo by Ryan Gamma

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Six couples started a new chapter in their love story at Wednesday’s Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s Fourth Annual Valentine's Day Group Wedding ceremony. The couples joined together in love and commitment when they exchanged vows in a picturesque ceremony outside in Courtyard Square officiated by Clerk Angel Colonneso. Augustine “Auggie” Garcia and Maryann Lawler met in downtown Bradenton ten years ago. When they became engaged, finding the right time and place took a while due to money, time, and COVID. The Clerk’s Valentine’s Day Group Wedding became the perfect opportunity to bring their love story full circle by returning to the place they originally met on the most romantic day for the year. Joining Auggie and Maryann, and the couples, were family and friends who gathered to witness and celebrate the union of their loved ones, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and joy. "This event is something our office has done for a number of years," said Clerk Angel Colonneso. "It is always a day filled with smiles and joy. Performing ceremonies is one of the many services our office offers, and to be able to celebrate Valentine’s Day with this ceremony makes for a great day for all." The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller office extends its warmest congratulations to Auggie and Maryann, and all the newlyweds, and wishes them a lifetime filled with love, happiness, and cherished memories. Ready to tie the knot? The Clerk’s Marriage License Division is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to assist couples with applying for their marriage license. The Division also performs wedding ceremonies. For more information, visit the Clerk’s website at www.ManateeClerk.com. 

Get ready to experience world-class sailing when approximately 100 women sailors around the Sunshine State who are members of the Florida Women’s Sailing Association (FWSA) showcase their skills, adventure and decades-long friendships as they celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary with the Rainbow Regattataking place at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron (SSS) on April 10 and 11th. Competitors will single-handedly rig and race Sunfish, Pram’s and International Opti dinghy boats on the sparkling waters of Sarasota Bay. All are female racers spanning in age from 25 to more than 80-years old. Members of the SSS’s Luffing Lassies and the Venice Bitter Ends will host the FWSA Rainbow Regatta with up to six races over two days.  Nearly every Thursday morning, for 51 years, a score of Luffing Lassie members continue the group’s mission of learning to sail, competing and being together to honor the late Lily Kaighin’s philosophy of motivation, organization, involvement and good sportsmanship.  “The Florida Women's Sailing Association started as an ecosystem five decades ago for promoting women leaders who love to sail. We have grown to 11 clubs across the state. We also have a Young Women’s Sailing award that helps sailors financially continue the love of this sport into college, win Olympic spots and compete globally. We look forward to another 50 years of honoring sailing for the life skills that it develops: adventure, independence, curiosity and motivation,” notes Joy Sheets, president of FWSA. This summer’s first gender-equal Olympics, Paris 2024, is the first time that sailing features duo female-male teams. In preparation for the games, local nautical devotees are invited to watch world-class sailors competing in the Rainbow Regatta. A SSS spectator boat will teach Admiral sponsors the strategies of sailing in a narrated, on-the-water experience. For sponsorship opportunities, call Vilia Johnson at 425-883-8905. 

Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources is teaming up with the Baltimore Orioles to offer children in the community a chance at a triple play – read three books and earn tickets to a baseball game. Children, ages 6-18, who register at any of the 10 Sarasota County library branches and read three or more books from now until March 6 can receive a complimentary grandstand ticket to the Orioles’ Spring Training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. This year's Big-League Reader program is coming in time to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of spring training in Sarasota County. The Big-League Reader program, now in its 14th consecutive year, is a joint partnership between Libraries and Historical Resources and the Orioles to promote literacy and a love of reading. "The Orioles' generous donation of tickets over the years speaks volumes about their commitment to literacy,” said Dr. Renée Di Pilato, director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources. “It's incredibly uplifting to witness their support, and it sends a powerful message to our children about the value of reading." After registering, children will receive a scorecard to keep track of the books they’ve read. Once they complete their three books, they return to the library to have their scorecard stamped and signed by a library staff member. The stamped card can be exchanged at the box office up until March 6 for a ticket to the game on March 10. The collaboration between Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources and the Baltimore Orioles instills the invaluable lesson that reading is a gateway to endless possibilities. For additional information on the Big-League Reader program, visit www.SarasotaCountyLibraries.org or call 311 or 941-861-1110. 

The School District of Manatee County is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Excellence in Education Awards. A tremendous event was held at Manatee High School last Thursday evening, February 8, 2024, to celebrate public education. Manatee County's Educator of the Year: Katie Bagley, 3rd grade Academy Teacher - Prine Elementary School, 5 years with School District of Manatee County. As a young girl, Katie found herself in a safe place surrounded by adults who taught her things most don’t learn in a classroom. “I learned morals, life skills and how to be a good citizen,” said Katie. “School was never a place I went solely to learn academics.” Her experience inspired her to become the teacher she is today. When she’s not delivering remarkable results in student growth, Katie is motivating running buddies as a coach for Prine Elementary School’s Girls on the Run team. She also started a fifth-grade science club, which sparked excitement throughout the entire school. As a new teacher mentor, she takes pride in leading 24 educators on a successful path. “Katie Bagley’s outstanding contributions as a 3rd grade academy teacher, mentor, leader and community volunteer, make her an exemplary candidate for this prestigious recognition,” said Principal Greg Sander. “Her dedication, passion and positive impact on our school community cannot be overstated.” What’s next for Katie? She aspires to become a school principal. Support Employee of the Year: Denise Costello, Paraprofessional - Sea Breeze Elementary School, 23 years with School District of Manatee County. Denise lives by the philosophy to always go the extra mile. While dedicated to helping students improve their reading and math skills, she is also a passionate volunteer for the parent teacher organization and organizes the school’s annual Walk-A-Thon. “Over the years, I’ve encouraged everyone to do a small part,” said Denise. “I’ve always believed that people just want to be involved, not overwhelmed.” Her position allows her to work with students and help them build their leadership skills. As safety patrol coordinator for 13 years, Denise has taught students how to serve their school as role models for safe, responsible, and respectful behavior. Lessons she says will serve them well into their future. “Denise has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Sea Breeze Elementary School,” said Principal Aliki Bovoletis. “She is a dedicated, passionate and supportive paraprofessional, who makes a significant difference in the lives of her students and colleagues.” Both winners receive a $5,000 cash prize, provided by Suncoast Credit Union; four tickets to a 2024 spring training game at LECOM Park, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders; and exclusive use of the Mayor’s Suite at LECOM Park for 24 friends and family during a Spring Training game. In addition, the Educator of the Year received a trip for two to Hawaii, including round trip airfare and hotel, courtesy of Astro Skating Centers; and an all expenses paid trip to the University of Notre Dame for the Notre Dame Excellence in Teaching Conference.Katie Bagley will now advance to the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Program, while Denise Costello will advance to the Florida School-Related Employee of the Year Program. The remaining six finalists, who were also deserving of the “Educator of the Year” and “Support Employee of the Year” recognition, received a custom engraved award and $1,000 cash award from the Manatee Education Foundation. The Excellence in Education Awards wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our community partners including the Manatee Education Foundation, and a long list of event sponsors. Please visit www.ManateeSchools.net/EEA for details.   

During a School Board meeting Tuesday morning, Board members approved the following leadership candidates put forward by Superintendent Dr. Jason Wysong. “Each one of these individuals is an important contributor to the success of the school district and an accomplished leader,” Dr. Wysong said. “I am excited about the opportunities in front of them and I look forward to working with them closely as we all continue to move forward together. Reginald Goff – Assistant Director of Construction Services, Willie Clark – Executive Director of School Support Services, Sharon Scarbrough – Executive Director of Secondary Schools, Shane Hall – Interim Principal of Manatee High School. 

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The New College of Florida Foundation has added seven new members to its Board of Directors for 2024. The Foundation, which raises money to support student scholarships, academic programs, faculty hiring, capital improvements to the New College campus, and other key initiatives, is striving to build on the fiscal success achieved in 2023. Rob Bilott‘83 – Bilott is a partner in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, where he has practiced in the Environmental and Litigation Practice Groups for over 32 years. Hazel Bradford ’73 – Bradford is an award-winning senior reporter covering institutional investing regulatory issues in the United States and Europe. She is a graduate of New College and has previously served on the New College Alumni Association Board. Greg Douglas – Douglas is a Sarasota native and local business owner. He graduated with honors and distinction from Stanford University with degrees in history and political science. Brian McCarthy – Admiral McCarthy is a Vietnam combat veteran who served for three decades in the U.S. Navy. As a longtime entrepreneur, Admiral McCarthy most recently founded The Pickleball Club, with the first location opening in Lakewood Ranch and several additional under development. James McDonald ’77 – McDonald is a member of the bar in Florida and California, having founded the Irvine, California office of Fisher & Phillips LLP. Elizabeth Moore – Moore co-chaired the 2023 New College Foundation Clambake. She has been a significant civic activist and philanthropic conservationist in Sarasota and Manatee counties for years, supporting noteworthy initiatives such as Mote Marine Aquarium and Research, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Lemur Conservation Foundation, Tree Foundation, Southface Institute, Climate Adaptation Center, Gulf Shellfish Institute and, recently, Roger Williams College President’s Taskforce on the Blue Economy. Fermin “JJ” Miranda – Miranda served previously on the New College Board of Trustees as an appointee of then-Governor Rick Scott. He is passionate about education for underprivileged children, serving for 15 years in various roles with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast and on a national leadership position on an advisory council to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. His daughter Alexandra is a New College alumnae who is giving back to the community as a teacher at Bradenton Christian School. Learn more about the New College Foundation at ncf.edu/alumni/foundation. 

 Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is delighted to announce their 20th Anniversary February spotlight, Enhancing Communities. As they celebrate twenty years of conservation and community, each month the not-for-profit land trust is spotlighting a different aspect of their work and the corresponding community impact. This 20th Anniversary spotlight series is generously sponsored by Elizabeth Moore. Saving land enhances communities in a myriad of ways. At the most fundamental level, land conservation protects vital natural resources such as forests, wetlands, rivers, and wildlife habitats. These resources contribute to clean air and water, regulate climate, support biodiversity, and provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Saving land in Florida also yields significant economic benefits, contributing to the multiple industries, property values, and overall economic prosperity. Florida's natural landscapes attract millions of visitors each year, and conserved land provides extensive opportunities for nature-based recreation such as hiking, biking, kayaking, birdwatching, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing, which are vital to our state’s tourism revenue. By protecting natural habitats and biodiversity, land conservation helps to sustain tourism and nature-based businesses, including tour operators, guides, and outdoor suppliers, thereby creating jobs and income opportunities for residents. Visitors to the Sunshine State also spend money on accommodations, dining, transportation, and other recreational services, further supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and generating revenue for communities. To learn more about how, together with their conservation community, Conservation Foundation is enhancing communities, visit conservationfoundation.com/februaryspotlight. 

INHERITING A COURTROOM CLASSIC | Peter Rothstein brings back an old classic in Asolo Rep's production of Inherit the Wind, February 2024. 

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