There’s a new team in town, Sarasota. Well, maybe not brand new as the team began play in 2023, but still new and exciting enough to be worth paying attention to. The Sarasota Paradise, a pre-professional soccer team playing in the United Soccer League Two (USL2), made landfall last year and kicked off their 2024 campaign this May. Now sitting at 2-1-0 on the season, the Paradise won their home opener against Swan City FC at Sarasota High School last Saturday and are gearing up for their next contest on Sunday against Weston FC.

Sarasota Paradise is the brainchild of Swedish entrepreneur Marcus Walfridson, founder and president of the club and co-founder of the owning company, Audigr Group Inc. Walfridson, a former semi-professional soccer player and long time coach in Sweden and Norway, came to the United States around 2019 with the dream of building his own soccer program. Due to the chaos that was the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 however, the creation of Sarasota Paradise–named after the idyllic environment of the region–was delayed for a number of years. Business partners switched, investors hopped on and off, but eventually the team was able to break into USL2 in 2023.

As a member of the 128 team USL2, Sarasota Paradise operates in a unique environment. The USL2 is a developmental league. Above it slots USL1, a fully professional league, followed by the USL Championship and eventually, Major League Soccer. Just last year, the Paradise’s own Hosei Kijima, was selected 17th overall in the MLS Draft. The Paradise have even more of a local connection with their roster–nearly 80% of their players have to be sourced locally from the area, creating a pipeline of soccer development for the community. “My vision for the club is to have it be a centerpiece of the community where people come together and unite,” says Walfridson. “It’s a club that should represent everyone in the community. It’s here to make our city better.” 

Pictured: Kai Tamashiro from Sarasota Paradise during the game against Swan City. Photo courtesy of Sarasota Pardise.

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In honor of World Oceans Day this Saturday, June 8, the iconic Tervis drinkware brand is set to release its specialty line of products in collaboration with Dr. Guy Harvey, world-renowned marine wildlife artist and conservationist. Customers can purchase from a collection of 16-ounce tumblers inspired by the ocean in a vibrant array of colors and sea creature designs, such as stingrays, dolphins, manatees, fish and turtles, either individually or as a set in the four-pack Living Reef Collection. Tervis will also give customers 20 percent off on all products from its Guy Harvey Collection, as well as the standard donation of $1 from every product sold from the collection to the Guy Harvey Foundation, which collaborates with local, national and international organizations to conduct scientific research and fund researchers within marine conservation. Tervis and Guy Harvey have been fostering their business partnership for 22 years, and Tervis has donated more than $200,000 to the foundation since 2019. Sip your libations in style while preserving our majestic oceans by shopping this collection at https://www.tervis.com/guy-harvey-living-reef-16oz-tumbler-1461029.html Learn more about the Guy Harvey Foundation at https://guyharveyfoundation.org/.  

Pictured: The Living Reef Collection by Tervis and Guy Harvey in celebration of World Oceans Day. Photo Courtesy of Tervis.

Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, under the baton of Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins, announces Season 40. Key Chorale’s 40th Ruby Jubilee season will be a magnificent celebration of music’s rich history and its power to inspire. From stirring Gospel grooves to the intricate harmonies of Baroque, and masterpieces of Verdi and Beethoven, it’s sure to be an unforgettable series of performances and dynamic collaborations. “We are pulling out all the stops this year,” said Maestro Caulkins. “This will be our biggest and boldest season in our history. We have more than a dozen featured Guest Artists, including bringing back some audience favorites: The Lubben Brothers, The Stephen Lynerd Group, and vocal phenom Jamal Sarikoki who will be with us three times. If you haven’t heard Key Chorale recently, this is the year to do it!” 

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Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce that Mrs. Jamie Lowicz has been appointed as the new Principal of Atwater Elementary School. She will assume her new role on Monday, July 1, 2024. “I am incredibly excited to join the Atwater Elementary community,” said Lowicz. “I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated staff, supportive families, and enthusiastic students to create an environment where every student can thrive. Together, we will continue to foster a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. I am eager to embark on this new journey and build upon the strong foundation already in place at Atwater.” Mrs. Lowicz earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Central Missouri State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from National-Louis University. She holds certifications in Educational Leadership, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Exceptional Student Education (ESE), and Reading, among others. Before assuming her current role as the Principal of Oak Park School in August 2017, Mrs. Lowicz served as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum at Sarasota High School and an ESE Behavior Specialist at Riverview High School. 

NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S CHINA CABINET | Ceramic Artist and Designer Molly Hatch continues to make her mark on the history of ceramics with Amalgam at the Sarasota Art Museum, May/June 2024. 

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