SRQ DAILY Apr 11, 2024
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"Our kids are our future. This survey gives all of us the opportunity to shape the support we can provide here in Manatee County."
A miniature version of the famed Bal Harbour Shops in Miami arrived in early March at University Town Center. It’s called the Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up, and through the end of April, shoppers can revel in its luxurious atmosphere while shopping, dining or attending various events.
Bal Harbour Shops in Miami is no stranger to hosting temporary pop-ups for their various tenants throughout their home city, often setting up shop in hotels or other buildings for a short period. After the team hosted a larger pop-up at a Formula 1 racing event in Miami, they began to brainstorm ways to create a similar experience on a larger scale. “We thought, why don’t we find a brick-and-mortar shop that’s vacant temporarily and go into it for 30 to 60 days, operate out of it and move on to the next location as so many retailers do?” says Matthew Lazenby, the CEO of Whitman Family Development which oversees Bal Harbour’s original location and the Pop-Up. After realizing that renovating previously existing real estate wasn’t a viable option, the team landed on the idea of using shipping containers to house the Pop-Up. The question now became “Can we dutifully and faithfully recreate a part of the Bal Harbour Shops experience through what ended up being about 30 shipping containers and take them to markets that we deem appropriate for what we’re trying to do? When we’re done, can we just pick them up and move them to the next market?” Lazenby adds. “So far, the answer to that question has been yes.”
“When you arrive, it looks inviting and warm. If you’ve been to Bal Harbour Shops before, hopefully, it feels somewhat like home. All the palm trees, lush tropical foliage, water features and koi ponds are a nod to Bal Harbour Shops,” says Lazenby. To gain access to the Pop-Up, guests must download a loyalty app and provide credit card information, allowing the Pop-Up to better serve them using their personal shopper service. Once shoppers have provided their information, they become part of Bal Harbour’s loyalty program and are whisked through the Pop-Up by their very own personal shopper. Bright, bubbly and eager to assist guests with all of their needs, the personal shoppers add a sense of fun and occasion to the experience. They escort loyalty members to various shops like Tiffany and Co., Dolce and Gabbana and Golden Goose, providing suggestions and in-depth product information. Aside from shopping, guests can enjoy a delicious meal from The Whitman, the Pop-Up’s onsite restaurant, which takes its name from The Whitman by The Sea, which was owned by Lazeby’s ancestors.
While the Pop-Up is only in Sarasota for a short time, its goal is to create strong relationships with local customers. “We hope that we will have forged some relationships with customers through our personal shopping service that will endure long after we’re gone,” Lazenby adds, “so that we’re able to continue to service that customer with whatever she might need, essentially in perpetuity.”
Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up, 297 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, balharbourshopspopup.com. 
Pictured: A shopping associate ready to help guests at the Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up. Photo Courtesy of Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios and Gallery continues its season’s offerings with an all-packed April, starting with a program, April 1-30, to meet artists Tom Rio, Charlotte Jordan and Michelle Depaolis-Wampner, the featured artists-in-residence at Creative Liberties in Gaze Gallery at the ARCOS Apartments, 340 Central Avenue in Sarasota. Meet the artists, learn about their process, and view and purchase their art. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pictured: Creative Liberties members. Photo by Peter Acker.
The Sarasota Film Festival announced today their brand new partnership with USA Swimming in support of the latter’s “Make A Splash” initiative. “Make A Splash” aims to provide the opportunity for every person in the US to learn to swim and to raise awareness around water safety.
This new partnership is perfectly fitting as Sarasota's Nathan Benderson Park is home to this year’s Open Water National Championships, taking place May 3-5. The Open Water National Championships is a key stop on the road to the Olympics. USA Swimming Foundation representatives joining the festival this year will be Tom Luchsinger and Bob Vincent, alongside their Olympic Athlete Ambassador Natalie Hinds. Hinds is an Olympic medalist winner and 2-time World Champion medalist. As part of this partnership, a portion of festival proceeds will directly support a donation to the USA Swimming Foundation. Luchsinger, Vincent, and Hinds will accept this honor from Mark Familgio and SFF at the festival’s Friday Night Fantastical Street Party, taking place at 332 Cocoanut Avenue on the evening of April 12. The USA Swimming Foundation works to strengthen the sport of swimming by Saving Lives, Building Champions, and Impacting Communities. Whether providing learn to swim grants, or supporting heroes on the National Team, or growing the sport in traditionally underserved populations, the Foundation is proud to serve as the philanthropic arm of USA Swimming. Swimming is the only sport that can save a life, and their work is critical to making the sport an equitable space. A portion of ticket sales to the Street Party goes toward the donation to the Foudation.
The Pickleball Club, a firm founded in 2019 that develops and operates private, membership-based high-amenity indoor pickleball facilities throughout Florida, recently hosted HAMILTON cast members, who performed at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, at its Lakewood Ranch club to play pickleball and receive instruction, as well as hold a meet and greet with the performers for the club’s members. On Thursday, March 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., HAMILTON cast members Alexis Hasbrouck, Alex Nicholson and Zach Bravo, pickleball players and enthusiasts, were treated to a morning of playing pickleball and receiving pointers and instruction from Dominique Lemperle, director of programming and instruction at The Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch, and Forest Dennis, head professional at The Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch. Afterwards, members of The Pickleball Club enjoyed a private meet and greet with the performers in the upstairs Players’ Lounge, which included a Q-and-A session, light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. While the HAMILTON cast members were in town, The Pickleball Club gifted the trio Passport Memberships, the club’s newest membership option. Ideal for individuals in town for a visit, those interested in what the club has to offer or anticipating inclement weather, the 14-day Passport Membership offers access to the Lakewood Ranch club and its amenities for two consecutive weeks.
Pictured: l-r: Zach Bravo, cast member; Forest Dennis, head professional at The Pickleball Club; Alexis Hasbrouck, cast member; Dominque Lemperle, Director of Programming and Instruction at The Pickleball Club; and Alex Nicholson, cast member.
The Out-of-Door Academy is pleased to announce the Youth Summer Music Intensive, taking place at ODA’s Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch from July 15-19, 2024. Geared towards rising 9th to 12th grade string, piano, and vocal students, this event will include an exceptional group of both aspiring artists and seasoned music professionals. Organized by the Art Music Society in collaboration with ODA, the goal of this 5-day immersive retreat is to elevate music performance skills to the next level. Participants will learn directly from internationally renowned performing artists, educators, scholars, and music entrepreneurs in a positive, vibrant setting. Whether students are preparing a college application, simply like music and love to learn and perform, or need help deciding whether music is the right path for them, this week filled with daily private lessons, master classes, concerts, and workshops will not only provide a unique opportunity to hone their musicianship but also answer important questions about what it means to embark on a career in music. To learn more or to register visit, www.oda.edu/youth-summer-music-intensive.
Photo courtesy of The Out-of-Door Academy.
Manatee County Government wants to hear from you! Now through June 14, residents are encouraged to let leadership know what they think of current County children’s programming and assistance by taking the Children’s Services Gap Survey. County residents are welcome to voice their opinion(s) in the survey, tailored to their individual relationships with youngsters in the community, by sharing their unique perspectives on what is working well and what gaps they may be experiencing or seeing in services for children and families in Manatee County. “Our kids are our future,” said Manatee County At-Large Commissioner George Kruse. “This survey gives all of us the opportunity to shape the support we can provide here in Manatee County.” By collecting and quantifying the data received, Manatee County Children's Services team members will gain valuable insight and understanding of current or potential shortfalls within our community’s family services network. The findings will be shared with the public as responses are gathered. They will also be provided to the Children’s Services Advisory Board to guide and assist them in future funding recommendations. The results also will be considered by the various community groups and advocacy agencies that oversee youth initiatives. For up-to-date information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota recently held a statewide piano competition for students between the ages of 17 and 22. Ten applicants from four schools participated. The first-place prize ($2,000) went to Lynn University Conservatory student Yance Zheng of Boca Raton, FL; second place ($1,500) was awarded to Le Phuong Pham from Fort Myers, FL studying at Florida Gulf Coast University; and Quang Vo of Fort Myers, FL, also studying at Florida Gulf Coast University, took third place ($1,000). The winners will perform a concert during Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota’s 2024-2025 season. Participants were required to submit a 25-minute video performance of contrasting styles and various periods of music. The judging criteria included technique, rhythm accuracy, interpretation, and presentation. The judges were Sylvia Reynolds Eckes, a professor emerita from Ohio University who has performed hundreds of concerts around the world; Kevin Robert Orr, a Steinway Artist and professor of piano and director of the School of Music at the University of Florida; and Grigorios Zamparas, a concert pianist, recording artist, active clinician for piano competitions, and a professor of music and head of the piano program at the University of Tampa. Part of the mission of Artist Series Concerts is to support young musicians in as many ways as possible. This recent statewide piano competition was an important process for participants to prepare repertoire and present it for judging. In addition to performance competitions, Artist Series Concerts offers awards to assist with tuition and instrument repair and to purchase instruments. For more information about Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota, visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or call (941) 306-1200.
Pictured: ArtistSeriesConcerts first place winner 2024 statewide piano competition Yance Zheng. Photo courtesy of Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota.
Heritage Golf Group, the fastest-growing owner and operator of golf and country clubs in the US, has acquired Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch from Legacy Golf Holdings LLC. Terms are not disclosed. Legacy Golf Club is located adjacent to Heritage’s most recent acquisition – Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club and features an Arnold Palmer Signature 18-hole golf course, a 12,500 sq ft clubhouse, and practice facility. Immediately following the acquisition, Heritage Golf Group has strategically repositioned the Legacy Golf Course as Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s fourth private golf course, solidifying its position as the Sarasota area’s premier private golf and country club with 72 holes of championship golf. Additionally, LWRG&CC offers a host of world-class amenities, with two award winning clubhouses, two golf practice facilities, 20 pickleball courts, 20 tennis courts, a full-service 24-hour fitness center, two heated swimming pools, bocce ball and croquet courts. The Legacy repositioning provides an opportunity to elevate the overall experience for existing members and serves as a compelling draw for prospective members seeking exclusive access to premium private golf in the Sarasota area. Legacy’s Arnold Palmer signature golf course is currently closed for a multi-million-dollar golf course renovation project consisting of rebuilding greens, tee boxes, fairways, bunkers, and cart paths. The restoration is anticipated to be completed and the course reopened in late 2024.
The Office of Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Manatee County, assisted hundreds of customers with driver’s license reinstatement and passport applications on Saturday, April 6, during its annual Operation Green Light and Passport Saturday events. Operation Green Light is an opportunity for Manatee County customers with suspended driver licenses due to unpaid court fines and fees, including traffic tickets, to save money to reinstate their driver licenses. At this year’s event, the Clerk’s Office assisted 411 customers with one or more cases with setting up a payment plan or paying cases in full and reinstated 9 driver licenses. In total, the team handled over 500 cases and collected over $50,000 in unpaid court fines and fees during the one-day event. Passport Saturday gave customers who cannot make it to the Clerk’s Office during regular business hours due to work or school a more convenient time to apply for a passport. The Office's Passport Division assisted first-time passport applicants for adults and minors, renewal of adult passports (issued more than 15 years ago), and renewal of minor passports. During the event, the Division processed 94 applications. "Our goal during Operation Green Light and Passport Saturday is to assist our valued customers at times that are most convenient for them," emphasized Angel Colonneso, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Manatee County. "Recognizing that work and personal commitments may hinder visits to our office during regular hours, we organize these events annually on Saturdays." For customers who missed this year’s events, be the first to know when 2025 dates are announced by signing up for the Clerk’s monthly e-newsletter, The Clerk's Digital Brief, or following the Clerk on Facebook.
2024 DECALS AND DONUTS | We are thrilled to recognize and celebrate the winners and honorees at the 3rd Annual Decals & Donuts hosted at SRQ Studios on Wednesday, April 17th from 8-1pm. Please join us for coffee and donuts to grab your window cling decal, magazines, and photo opportunities.
The Venice Symphony is proud to present the fifth annual Patriotic Pops and Fireworks Concert, American Heroes, on Saturday, May 25 at 7:30 pm at CoolToday Park, the Spring Training home of The Atlanta Braves. A spectacular fireworks display will follow the concert. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Visit the CoolToday Park Box Office at 18800 S. West Villages Parkway, Venice, or call 941-413-5004 or visit Ticketmaster to purchase tickets.
Celebrate Mothers Day amid Mother Nature at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus. Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet catered by Michaels On East with a special performance by the female vocal trio The Vocalitas at each brunch seating. Tickets to Mothers Day Brunch grant you full access to our Downtown Sarasota campus to view our Spring Exhibition Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia OKeeffe before and/or after brunch. Check-in opens at 10:00 a.m. outside of the Welcome Center. Mothers Day Brunch takes place inside the Event Center. To learn more, visit selby.org.
Annette Dignam State College of Florida Residency in Literature at the Hermitage presents Writing for the Stage with Hermitage Fellow Sarah Gancher, Wednesday, April 24, 3:30pm: An Obie Award-winning playwright whose work has been produced at some of the top theaters in the country, Hermitage Fellow Sarah Gancher is no stranger to writing for the stage. From works such as the recent Off-Broadway play Russian Troll Farm to collaborative musical projects like Hundred Days and The Lucky Ones with The Bengsons, Gancher has done it all. In this special program, Gancher will offer insight into how she approaches a range of projects, give updates on what is next for her, and share samples of her original works. Presented in partnership with State College of Florida. Registration is required at HermitageArtistRetreat.org. $5/person registration fee. State College of Florida, Venice Campus, 8000 S Tamiami Trail, Venice.
Experiencing an increase in demand during the summer can be exciting for small business owners, but finding the right hire to meet that demand can be challenging. In this webinar, we will dive into the fundamentals of hiring a seasonal worker and the strategies you can use to hire the right employee fast while staying compliant with regulations. From posting job listings to on-the-job training, we will cover everything you need to know about the hiring process. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
Chaired by leading philanthropists, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Lunch in the Gardens series features engaging speakers with interactive elements during a delightful lunch in an unforgettable bayfront setting at our Downtown Sarasota campus. Proceeds support Selby Gardens community education programs, international research, conservation, and beautiful world-class horticulture displays. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit selby.org.
For more than a decade, Theresa Caputo, known worldwide as the Long Island Medium, and star of the new Lifetime Series Raising Spirits, has touched the lives of millions of fans, comforting supporters when they need it most. Now Sarasota fans will get their chance at healing when the acclaimed medium and beloved personality appears live at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Thursday, April 11 at 7:30pm. Known for her unique ability to communicate with those who have passed on, Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience brings Theresa face-to-face with her fans as Spirit guides her through the audience. A full-stage video display ensures that everyone in the theater has an up-close experience regardless of seat location. Through personal life stories, candid humor, and intimate details about her gift to communicate with those who have passed, the beloved television personality and best-selling author delivers healing messages to her audience, reassuring them with the revelation that their deceased loved ones are still with them, just in a different way. Recognized as one of the most renowned mediums for over 20 years, Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience is an awe-inspiring event you will not want to miss. Learn more about Theresa at www.theresacaputo.com. Tickets start at $64.23 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office. Pre-show dining is available through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office.
Prepare for an awe-inspiring journey into the world of birds. The prestigious Bird Photographer of the Year exhibition has landed at The Bishop, showcasing winning and finalist images that capture the beauty, drama, and intricate details of avian life. Travel to remote corners of the globe through stunning photographs: witness eagles soaring, hummingbirds hovering, and penguins waddling. Each image is a testament to the skill and passion of the photographer, offering a unique window into the lives and wonders of these feathered marvels. Beyond a visual feast, the exhibition is a powerful reminder of our interconnected planet and the importance of bird conservation. Prepare to be captivated, and inspired, and leave with a renewed appreciation for the birds that share our world. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit bishopscience.org.
Embracing Our Differences celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. Visit the exhibit at the downtown Bayfront Park in Sarasota. The winning artworks combine a deep understanding of both medium and message. Awards are given for Best-in-Show Adult, Best-in-Show Student, and Peoples Choice categories, with the last chosen by visitors to the exhibit. Adult winners each receive $2,000, and students receive $2,000 to be split with their school’s art or writing program. The statements accompanying each artwork are also vital and provide insight into our common humanity as well as the differences that make us all unique. For more information, visit www.embracingourdifferences.org.
Friday Fest, the free, outdoor summertime concert series at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall returns with an exciting lineup of bands who will bring the audience to their feet. This year the festivities kick off in May. Each event runs from 5-9 p.m. on the lawn of the Van Wezel overlooking beautiful Sarasota Bay. Bring blankets or lawn chairs, take in the music and the sunset, and enjoy food and beverages from local vendors.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to welcome The Concert, A Tribute to ABBA to Sarasota on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 8 p.m. The Concert: A Tribute To ABBA continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling all who see with their fantastic performance while playing the most iconic hits from ABBA, including Mamma Mia, S.O.S, Money, Money, Money, The Winner Takes All, Waterloo, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, and Dancing Queen. Tickets are $30-$75 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Pre-show dining is available through Mattisons at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office.
In this seminar, business owners will gain essential insights into insurance coverages that can safeguard their enterprises. We will explore practical steps to protect your business. Whether you are a startup or an established company, understanding the insurance partnership is crucial for long-term success. Join us to learn how to fortify your business against unforeseen challenges. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
Head out to Waterside Place for a rocking evening as part of the Lakewood Ranch Sights and Sounds Program. Enjoy a live concert in partnership with Easterseals and EveryoneRocks, featuring artists who are rocking their spectrum. This event is free and open to the public; there is limited seating at the Plaza, but attendees are welcome to bring their own seats. Food and beverages will be available from numerous Waterside Place merchants. For more information on shows, dates, and times, visit lakewoodranch.com/sights-sounds/. Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota.
Connect with local business owners at every Thursday at Oscura. Lets Connect is a community of collaborative business professionals from the Manatee and Sarasota County areas. RSVP on Eventbrite to attend, admission is free.
Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops. 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch.
Realize Bradenton is happy to announce the return of the Bradenton Market to its weekly schedule. This beloved community gathering will be held Saturdays through May 25, 2024 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm on Old Main Street in Bradenton. Founded in 1979, the Market has expanded to include more than 90 local vendors. In addition to the weekly shopping and music, the Market hosts special event days throughout the season. Halloween at the Market will be held on Saturday, October 28. This family-friendly event includes trick or treating with vendors, face painting with Manatee School for the Arts Academic Team from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, and a dance performance by Slick Motion Studios at 10:00 am. For more information, visit RealizeBradenton.com.
Enjoy the extraordinary opportunity to experience the work of contemporary artist Shinique Smith in conversation with the collection of European art at The Ringling. Unfolding across six galleries of the Museum of Art, the exhibition creates a series of unique stories that together form an abstract narrative of the parade as a metaphor for life. Well known for her monumental sculptures created from an array of materials, including luxurious textiles, personal clothing, dyed fabrics, ribbon, and wood, and for her abstract paintings of calligraphy and collage, Smiths work in this exhibition speaks to various facets of the European artistic tradition, such as classical drapery and religious iconography, while foregrounding notions of Black femininity and the history of the circus. Learn more at ringling.org.
The Womens Resource Center presents You Are Worthy, an eight-week series moderated by Chris Florand and Denise Whalin. This in-person series is part of the Womens Resource Center’s life enrichment programs and helps participants improve self-confidence, boundary-setting, and negotiation skills. No program the week of March 14. The program is $25 for all sessions and takes place at WRCs Sarasota office at 340 S. Tuttle Ave. To register, please call 941-256-9721 or visit mywrc.org/youareworthy.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will present Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O Keeffe as the eighth iteration of its annual Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, which examines the work of major artists through the lens of their connection to nature. The exhibition, which will be on view from February 11 through June 30, 2024, at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, will explore the unexpected yet profoundly impactful mentoring relationship that developed between iconic artists Yayoi Kusama and Georgia O Keeffe. The theme of the upcoming Goldstein Exhibition is the latest announcement of programming planned for Selby Gardens 50th anniversary season. For more information, visit selby.org.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new line of live online courses featuring the expertise of Dr. David Miano. In this six-part series, we will study the emergence of the first complex societies in the ancient Near East, beginning with the earliest settlements in the Epipaleolithic period and finishing with the development of the first empire in the mid-third millennium BCE. We will pay special attention to how societies grew across the expanse of time, from small hunter-gatherer villages to large consolidated states, taking a close look at the invention of agriculture, the wheel, bronze metallurgy, writing, literature, and the development of religion and government. To do this, we will rely on material remains, primary source documents, and art, which illuminate the unique features of ancient Near Eastern societies. Enroll now to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to learn from one of the best, live on Zoom. To enroll and learn more, visit mianoacademy.org.
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