On Tuesday night, the Sarasota Paradise played perhaps the most pivotal game of the season. In a battle for the South Florida Division of the United Soccer League Two (USL2), the Paradise squared off against the division leading Miami FC–a victory over Miami would keep the Paradise’s playoff hopes alive. A loss or a tie would eliminate them from playoff contention.

“We came into the game feeling really confident. We knew we had to win and that there was no other option. Right off the bat we made sure that we had more energy, that we were off the front foot and were really attacking offensively,” says Captain Felipe Rojas. “Miami’s definitely a worthy opponent for the league title. They beat us in the first game and had only lost to Tampa Bay United coming into last night’s match. We knew that we had to have more of a will to win, more of a desire to win than they did.”

With their playoff dreams on the line, the Paradise answered the bell in spectacular fashion, thoroughly dominating Miami FC in a 4-0 shutout performance. Striker Kai Tamashiro set the tone early, scoring in the 13th minute and midfielder Juliano Manfro notched his second goal of the season just before the end of the first half. Not to be outdone, striker Seth Mahlmeister scored his team-leading ninth goal of the season in the 70th minute and midfielder Will Pierce scored just before the end of regulation for good measure.

The secret to their success? The players’ bond with one another. “I think what it came down to was that our chemistry as a team has improved so much that we’ve just gradually gotten better game by game. That allows us to kind of inexplicably perform very well without any specific thing that I can point out,” says Rojas. “Everybody’s individual talent is able to be expressed in the utmost way throughout the game.”

With their win on Tuesday night, the Paradise have flipped the script on their season. Instead of playing catchup with Miami FC, they are now solely in control of their own destiny–a win over St. Petersburg FC on Saturday would clinch the division and secure a spot in the Southern Conference playoffs.

Next Game: Saturday July 13, 7pm at St. Petersburg FC. 

Pictured: Paradise celebrating during their win over Miami FC. Photo courtesy of Sarasota Paradise.

Jillian Nelson, an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Resource Teacher at Sarasota Middle School, has been honored with the prestigious Barancik Foundation Ripple Effect Teacher Award. This award, designed to recognize exceptional and dedicated teachers in Sarasota County, is a testament to Nelson’s profound impact on her students and her unwavering commitment to special education.

Nelson's journey into teaching began with a unique experience that combined her love for horses and a desire to make a difference. She spent her life showing American Quarter Horses. She participated in a program where she and her miniature horse visited Nokomis Elementary School to teach students with autism how to groom and lead horses. This interaction ignited her passion for teaching, particularly in the realm of special education.

As an ESE Resource Teacher, Nelson helps students with learning disabilities, providing crucial support to ensure their success in general education settings. She explains, "I push into classes and also teach my own English classes, giving students with learning disabilities the support they need to be successful." Her dedication to her students, many of whom have conditions like autism and ADHD, is evident in her approach to teaching.

Nelson's impact extends beyond academic support. She emphasizes the importance of building personal relationships with her students. "Get to know your kiddos," she advises new teachers. She believes that students are more likely to thrive when they feel understood and supported on a personal level. This philosophy has led to numerous success stories, including a particularly memorable student who, despite initial resistance and frustration, made significant academic gains under Nelson's guidance. "She ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug, saying, 'This is because of you, Miss Nelson.' But I told her, 'No, this is because of you. You put in the hard work.'"

Nelson's dedication was recognized with the Ripple Effect Teacher Award, which she attributes to her consistent efforts and the strong working relationships she has developed with her colleagues. One teacher, in particular, with whom she has taught for many years, has helped create an environment where their students excel in state exams. "We instill a confidence in them that they will do fine as long as they use the skills we’ve taught them," Nelson says. Her advice to other educators is to meet students where they are and to be flexible in their teaching methods. For example, she suggests offering alternative assignments, such as creating a PowerPoint or a comic strip instead of a traditional essay, to cater to students' individual strengths and interests. This approach not only meets educational standards but also engages students in a way that feels more accessible and enjoyable.

Jillian Nelson’s work at Sarasota Middle School is a shining example of the positive impact that dedicated and innovative teaching can have on students' lives. Her ability to connect with her students, coupled with her creative teaching methods, ensures that each child feels valued and capable of achieving their best. The Ripple Effect Teacher Award is a well-deserved recognition of her tireless efforts and the profound influence she has on her students and the broader school community. 

Pictured: Ripple Effect Teacher Award winner Jillian Nelson with students at Sarasota Middle School. Photo courtesy of Barancik Foundation.

Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce that Mr. Sean Donovan – the current Assistant Principal of Exceptional Student Education at Sarasota High School – has been appointed as the new Principal of Oak Park School. He will assume his new role effective Monday, July 8. Mr. Donovan earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies – with a minor in Spanish – from Florida State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University. He holds certifications in Exceptional Student Education (K-12), Educational Leadership, Mathematics (6-12), and Biology (6-12). Before assuming his current role as the Assistant Principal of Exceptional Student Education at Sarasota High School in 2021, Mr. Donovan served as a Mathematics teacher at Venice High School. He has also served as a Mathematics teacher and a Foreign Languages teacher at Sarasota Military Academy. 

This Saturday, July 13, The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime is open after hours with live music by Suzanne Lucas & The Hot Boys. Talented vocalist Suzanne Lucas will captivate you with her jazzy sound and unparalleled ability to craft each song into a unique masterpieces. She elevates her performances with her “Hot Boyz” adding a full sounding band to her repertoire. From jazz to blues, they do it all.  Expect to hear such songs as “You Don’t Know What Love Is” and “Come Rain or Shine”.  Meet the 40+ members of The Bazaar family as you browse their original art, handmade items, vintage and new fashion, jewelry, plants, and so much more. Enjoy dinner at Hamlet’s Eatery.  Doors open at 5pm for dinner and music is from 5:30-8:30 on the outside patio. The Bazaar will close at 7pm. Located at 821 Apricot Ave. For more information visit www.BazaarOnApricotAndLime.com  

The Board of Trustees of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has elected three new members to their governing Board of Trustees. Businessman Ali Bahaj, executive Hosana Fieber, and entrepreneur and economist, Richard Sandor, will each serve a three-year term on the Board during which they will help guide the strategic vision for the future of the institution. Their term began on July 1.Ali Bahaj retired as Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Japan and Vice President of Caterpillar, Inc. after 32 years of service with the company. During his tenure with Caterpillar, Bahaj held several senior executive management positions within Caterpillar, including various assignments in Chile, Switzerland, Brazil and Japan. Bahaj served as Chair of the Van Wezel Foundation and is currently Vice Chair of Ringling College of Art & Design, and Board Trustee of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Hosana Fieber is an executive who serves as the CEO of Tervis, a national drinkware company. Prior to being named CEO in 2023, Fieber held other positions within the company such as chief operating officer and chief financial officer.  With a strong background in finance and accounting, before she began her career at Tervis, Hosana worked in public accounting, her latest experience at Dixon-Hughes in Charlotte, NC.  Hosana currently serves as a board member for the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation. Richard L. Sandor (Ph.D., Dr. sc. h. c.) is an entrepreneur and economist who invents markets. He is currently, Chairman and CEO of Environmental Financial Products (EFP).  Among Dr. Sandor’s academic roles, he is currently the Aaron Director Lecturer in Law and Economics at the University of Chicago Law School and an honorary Professor at the School of Economics at Fudan University and the University of Hong Kong. Dr. Sandor is a member of the Advisory Board of the Center for Financial Stability, a member of the Advisory Board of the Digital Dollar Project and a senior Fellow of the Milken Institute. His civic honors include recognition from the City of Chicago as the “Father of Financial Futures,” and “Hero of the Planet” by TIME Magazine. In October 2013, Dr. Sandor was awarded the title of Chevalier dans la Legion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honor) in France, for his accomplishments in the field of environmental finance and carbon trading. Joel Morganroth, M.D. and Teri A Hansen were reelected as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, for the current year of Board service as officers. Also continuing their service as Selby Gardens’ trustees: Daniel “Pat” Ball, Aaron Bellamy, Morgan Bentley, Mary Braxton-Joseph, Ariane Dart, Renée James Gilmore, Jean Weidner Goldstein, Marcy Klein, Katherine A. Martucci, Cornelia Matson, Marianne McComb, Keith Monda, Michael Quillen, Audrey Robbins, Jeannie Russell, Bruce E. Sorensen, Margaret Wise, and Jennifer O. Rominiecki, President & CEO of Selby Gardens. 

Twelve new internal medicine residents officially began this month at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. The group was recruited from around the world to come to Sarasota to live, complete their medical training and hopefully stay and serve the community as physicians. This new group joins 12 others who started last year. The group of 24 learn and practice for three years at the hospital as part of their residency. During a ceremony where the new residents recited the Hippocratic Oath and were presented their white physician coats, Michael Schandorf-Lartey, MD Program Director of Internal Medicine at HCA Florida Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine GME told the new resident physicians that patients always come first. “The white coat embodies trust, and trust is earned, we have to make sure we don’t let our patients down,” said Schandorf-Lartey. HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital received approval from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in 2023 to train and educate internal medicine residents. The hospital accepts 12 residents a year pursuing a career in internal medicine through the USF Morsani College of Medicine. The hospital also created a medical simulation lab, high-tech classrooms and resident quarters on site for the program. HCA Healthcare is the largest sponsor of GME training in the United States with more than 300 (ACGME) accredited programs, 5,100 plus residents and fellows across 16 states.  

Pictured: Physician faculty members join new physician residents after receiving their white coats.