SRQ DAILY May 9, 2024
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"Our Modern day library system is about much more than just books."
In an effort to inspire healthy, green living in a fun and educational manner, Sarasota County Libraries, in partnership with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, is inviting library card holders to embark on exciting eco-friendly adventures with family-fun backpack kits. The partnership began about ten years ago and the new kits are the latest in the series of educational items aimed at teaching the public about healthy and sustainable living. The program is geared toward children in elementary through middle school grades.
Taking part is fun and easy. First, visit your local library and ask for a library card. Next, check out one of the three very cool backpacks. Inside each one, you’ll find a laminated paper with instructions, different gadgets to use for exploration, such as an insect catcher with a built-in magnifier, and some fun and educational books.
Spending time in nature has proven benefits for mental and physical health. However, on average, children spend 50% less time outdoors than they did two decades ago, according to Dr. Katherine Clements, ecology and natural resources educator for Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability. “It is the heart of our mission to create fun and educational opportunities that help make nature more accessible to all while inspiring environmental stewardship,” Clements said.
The backpacks are conveniently available at all Sarasota County libraries in the following options:
• Explore Your World Kit – Crafted to ignite the spirit of exploration and adventure at every age, this kit is a passport to the great outdoors. With a curated selection of books, essential gear and engaging activities, it's a great companion piece for discovering wonders, ranging from a local neighborhood to the wilderness.
• Family Green Living Kit – Allows families to explore sustainability with interactive and eco-friendly fun and learning for all ages. This kit fosters an understanding of conservation and sustainability concepts and encourages environmental stewardship within the household.
• Insect Investigator Kit – Patrons can investigate the incredible world of insects using magnifying tools and other instruments. Learn about different kinds of insects, such as what they eat and how they’ve adapted to survive. Youth who check out this kit will receive a free “Mosquito Detective” pin.
The newest edition, the Insect Investigator Kit, was created by Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension in partnership with Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources and Sarasota County Mosquito Management. It encompasses insect science and promotes healthy living, particularly in a region where certain insects can pose health risks due to their potential to transmit disease.
“Our Modern day library system is about much more than just books,” says Merab-Michal Favorite, marketing coordinator for Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources. “We're really trying to bring in different activities that we know families and children will enjoy. One of our new initiatives is green and healthy living and sustainability so this program fits in perfectly. We are hoping to help children and families to get outside more, exercise and appreciate nature.”
All kits are available to check out for free by community members with a Sarasota County library card. 
Pictured: Insect Investigator Kit, one of three options available with a library card. Photo courtesy of Sarasota County Libraries.
Get ready for a night of incredible music and timeless hits! Join us at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime’s outdoor stage on May 10th as Music Compound presents their exciting tribute to the iconic album, "Rumours" by Fleetwood Mac. Featuring a talented ensemble of 14 students, ranging from ages 13 to 70, alongside five amazing staff members, this performance is bound to blow you away. "Rumours" was a groundbreaking album that took the world by storm in 1977, with hit singles like "Dreams," "Go Your Own Way," "Don't Stop," and "You Make Loving Fun." It became Fleetwood Mac's first number-one album in both the U.S. and the United Kingdom, and its impact on music history is undeniable. Doors open at 6pm for a delicious dinner, and the show will kick off at 7pm. Don't miss out! For more information, visit www.HamletsEatery.com.
We are thrilled to usher in a fresh chapter of soccer right here in Sarasota! Introducing your hometown heroes, Sarasota Paradise, part of the exciting USL League 2 and playing their home games at the Charlie Cleland Stadium on Ihrig Field at Sarasota High. Proud recipients of the "USL League 2 New Organization of the Year" award, our team embodies the heart and prowess of Sarasota, boasting a roster where 80% of the players have local ties. Our proudest moment last season was witnessing our exceptional player, Hosei Kijima, being selected 17th overall in the MLS SuperDraft. Sarasota Paradise serves as a vital platform for top college athletes aiming to make their mark in professional soccer. We are committed to nurturing talent and equipping our athletes for the challenges of professional leagues. Mark your calendars! Our new season kicks off soon, featuring six exhilarating home matches between June 1st and July 3rd. Be part of the excitement and support the next wave of soccer stars! Check out our full schedule and secure your spot in the stands by visiting sarasotaparadise.us/schedule. We're excited to see you there as we kick off another memorable season of soccer!
Step right up and join the excitement! Gather your loved ones for an unforgettable day of free, family-friendly fun at Creative Liberties’ circus-themed Family Art Day on Saturday, May 25, 9:30 a.m.-noon, at 927 N. Lime Avenue, Sarasota. Artist Shelley Kishpaugh will lead families in a circus-themed art project. The event will also feature a stilt walker, face painter, balloon artist, cotton candy and other goodies! This event is open to all ages and skill levels and there is no RSVP required. All supplies are included. This is a free program, made possible by generous funding from the Johnson Singer Arts & Education Fund.
Pictured: Artist Shelley Kishpaugh with students. Photo courtesy of Creative Liberties.
New College will host a daylong Global Liberty Institute symposium titled “Reversing the Ideological Capture of Universities and Institutions” in Mildred Sainer Pavilion, Saturday, June 1, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. The event will feature five panel discussions exploring the extent of single-ideology takeovers at universities and major societal institutions, while focusing on solutions for restoring civil discourse and the free exchange of ideas.“Evidence-based discussion and function are increasingly contaminated by ideology in a wide array of institutions and public agencies,” said Scott W. Atlas, Robert Wesson Senior Fellow | Health Policy, Hoover Institution, Stanford University. “The overwhelming majority of universities have betrayed the public trust and in expertise overall by denying fact, spouting politicized opinion as university-endorsed thought, and now emphasizing ideology-based social policies as a guiding light for curriculum. This has damaged trust in institutions essential to a free society.” Panel topics include humanities, economics and data-driven inquiry, science and public health, law, and policies for reform. A ticket to the event costs $75 and includes a light continental breakfast, lunch, and admission to a post-event reception with complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Tickets can be purchased online. New College student and faculty tickets are complimentary. Additional details about the event are available at NCF.edu.
The Pickleball Club, a firm founded in 2019 that develops and operates private, membership-based high-amenity indoor pickleball facilities throughout Florida, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary with a special day of member events. On Thursday, May 2, nearly 100 club members, staff and leadership of The Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch enjoyed a day of fanfare, including food, fun, a Pro-Am tournament, live music, raffles, league announcements and membership sales to commemorate the occasion, including 50 percent off all passport memberships for the clubs in Lakewood Ranch, St. Lucie West and Village Park Center. Prospective members of the clubs in St. Lucie West or Village Park Center can still take advantage of the following incentives: The Pickleball Club at St. Lucie West: Those that sign up for an annual or seasonal membership will receive 50 percent off their initiation fee. This offer expires on Wednesday, May 8; The Pickleball Club at Village Park Center: Those that sign for an annual or seasonal membership will receive 50 percent off. The 33,393-square-foot club located at 1300 Sarasota Center Blvd. in Lakewood Ranch features championship-grade courts with permanent nets, an outdoor players’ courtyard, Pickles Café, Dink’s Pro Shop, an indoor players’ lounge observation deck, luxurious locker rooms and a HEPA filtered air-conditioned environment. Since its inception in 2023, the club has hosted a number of clinics and skill-based camps open to members and non-members. Last month, The Pickleball Club celebrated the topping off for its Village Park Center club, located at NE 62nd Terrace in The Villages. The club is projected to open in fall 2024. Other locations under development for The Pickleball Club include St. Lucie West, set to open in summer 2024, Greenacres, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Pinellas Park and Venice. The company has a goal of opening 15 clubs over the next five years. For more information, visit ThePickleballClub.com.
Pictured: Interior shot of The Pickleball Club during its one-year anniversary celebration. Photo courtesy of The Pickleball Club.
Join us at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime as we celebrate our 6th birthday this Saturday, May 11. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience from 10-3pm, where you can embark on a journey like no other. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you collect stamps on your very own "passport" from the 40 talented local artisans, makers, and curators. Each stamp brings you closer to winning an amazing $1,000 Sarasota Staycation! But that's not all! Brace yourself for a day filled with joyous melodies, as the air will be filled with live music from the incredible instructors and students of Music Compound. It’s also the perfect day to pick up something special for Mom. (Mother’s Day is the next day!) See why The Bazaar has been named Best Gift Shop for 5 years in a row! We can't wait to see you at Passport to The Bazaar!
Located at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. For more information visit, www.BazaaronApricotandLime.com
As a museum complex featuring visual and performing arts alongside circus history and a Gilded Age mansion, all situated on a bayfront campus, The Ringling is truly a site filled with wonder. This interdisciplinary symposium explores wonder as a source of creative inspiration, artistic medium, and physical and social well-being. Join us for the full symposium or catch the not-to-be-missed keynote sessions, open to the public. To learn more, visit ringling.org.
Back by popular demand, the Summer Movie Nights provide a unique experience for everyone during the summer, while remaining fun and affordable. The 2024 Summer Movie Night lineup offers something for everyone. Summer Movie Nights will take place on most Sundays during the months of June and July, inside the stadium at CoolToday Park. The movies will be shown on the scoreboard and will begin at 5 PM each night. Children ages 3 and under will receive free admission, while tickets for ages 4-9 are only $3, and ages 10 and up are $7. Tickets are available now at the CoolToday Park box office, online at cooltodaypark.com/movies, or by calling 941-413-5004. Parking is free, seats will be available in the seating bowl. No outside food, beverages, or chairs are allowed inside the stadium. The Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar and Grill will be open for full dinner service.
Irish dancers and musicians from Edmonds Herbert W. Armstrong College and Armstrong Dance will embark on their fifth U.S. tour beginning May 5, visiting 10 states over seven weeks with their show Celtic Throne, The Royal Journey of Irish Dance. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will host a one-night performance at 7:30 p.m., June 2. Celtic Throne, The Royal Journey of Irish Dance explores the ancient origins of Irish step dance and celebrates the millennia-long journey of a music-and-dance-loving people as they migrate from the ancient Near East to Ireland, Scotland, England and the United States. Tickets to Celtic Throne, The Royal Journey of Irish Dance begin at $25 and can be purchased at VanWezel.org. For more information, please visit celticthrone.com.
On June 1, Project Pride SRQ will present the Grand Carnival In Bloom. Event organizers are looking forward to launching Pride Month in grand style with the Grand Carnival In Bloom, an enchanting evening filled with flowers, a DJ spinning music hits, cool country performances, and delightful surprises. Dive Bar Wine and Spirits will be on-site to craft specialty cocktails that will elevate the experience, and some of the finest restaurants in Sarasota will tantalize your taste buds with lite bites and desserts. The Grand Carnival takes place on Saturday, June 1, 8-11 p.m. at the Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota. Tickets, which include open bar, food and entertainment, are $125/VIP, enables early entry at 7 p.m., $85/general admission; door price is $150, subject to availability. Proceeds from the event will support Project Pride programs and events. For more about Project Pride and its Pride Month events, visit www.ppsrq.org.
Dylan Healy will give an industry perspective on the animation industry, and its benefits to potential clients, and showcase their work and who they are at Animation Explainers. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
This Memorial Day weekend, make it a beach day to remember. Join the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau along with Keep Manatee Beautiful from 9 a.m.- 11 a.m., May 27, 2024, for the Love It Like a Local Beach Cleanup. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. in the South Coquina Beach parking lot. Snacks will be offered from 11 a.m. until noon. The first 100 volunteers to sign up will receive a free commemorative rash guard. To learn more, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/love-it-like-a-local-memorial-day-clean-up-tickets-894345129357?aff=oddtdtcreator.
The annual Tribute to Heroes Parade is back and bigger and better than ever. Join us on Sunday, May 26th, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Lakewood Main Street for a celebration of our local veterans, active duty, and fallen heroes. This special event aims to pay tribute to those who have served our country with honor and bravery. The parade will feature floats, live entertainment, delicious food and drink vendors, and activities for children, providing fun for the whole family. Admission to the parade is free, and event proceeds from the event will support local non-profit and veteran organizations. It is a great way to show our heroes the love and appreciation they truly deserve, so come out and join us in honoring our heroes. If you or if you know of anyone interested in participating in the parade, visit LWRTributeToHeroes.org.
You are invited to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Boo's Ice House and Dog Bar. Enjoy a One Night Rodeo, Zongo by the Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Patron Girls, limited edition birthday T-shirts and doggy bandanas, dog treats, birthday cake and discounted membership for that weekend only. To learn more, visit boosdogbar.com.
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.
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.
Break out your big hair and acid-washed denims and get ready to rock out with some of your favorite artists in The Planetarium. The event takes place every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from May 23 through August 31. There are various food and drink options available for purchase onsite with cash or card. Please note that Laser Light Nights involve bright, flashing lasers that may not be suitable for people with photo sensitivities. Viewer discretion is advised. Laser Light Nights are at a volume similar to a rock concert, so earplugs are recommended for those who prefer a lower volume. To learn more, visit bishopscience.org.
Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.
There are many things to explore and discover at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Summer Camp. Learn, explore, craft, play, snack, and have fun every day! Camp Times are 9am-3:30pm Monday through Friday with 8:30-9am Drop off & Pick up 3:30-4pm. $250 members/$300 non-members per week. Summer Science Camp is for campers in Grades 2-5, Ages 7-11 (starting second grade/Leaving fifth grade). What was Florida like more than 1 million years ago? Explore the animals and plants of this region during the Ice Age.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. West Bradenton
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.
Attention all business professionals. Join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event every Tuesday at Out and About Coffee in downtown Sarasota. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Limited spots available, so register now on Eventbrite. O and A Coffee Supply, 1316 Main St., 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.
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