This summer, beat the heat and get out on the water with one of the oldest forms of boat racing. The sport of Dragon boat racing–in which contenders square off in human-powered longboats adorned with the designs of dragons–dates back 2,000 years to Southern China, where contending villages would race one another. Now, the sport can be found all over the world, with rich traditions having been formed throughout not only Asia, but in Africa, the Pacific Islands and in Puerto Rico as well.

This ancient sport has made its way to Sarasota, where Nathan Benderson Park and its world-renowned rowing facilities, have made it a haven for the burgeoning sport. Dragon Boat 101, offered through July at the lake in Nathan Benderson Park, presents participants with the chance to engage in a fun and vigorous form of exercise in a supportive environment. “Everyone is always looking for that up and coming sport, pickleball was the thing a couple of years ago and Dragon boating is kind of this cool thing that’s been slowly creeping up and reaching all over the world,” says Marnie Buchsbaum, Marketing Director of Nathan Benderson Park. “So many people, however, can be intimidated by the Dragon boat or don’t know where to start, so this class is really just a smaller group on a smaller level where you can come out, try it and see if it’s for you.”

Nathan Benderson Park offers multiple Dragon boating opportunities beyond just Dragon Boat 101, with multiple teams that travel nationally and internationally to compete in Dragon boat races. There’s the NBP Survivors in Sync team, comprised of breast-cancer survivors, the NBP Dragons Competitive team that competes internationally year-round, the NBP Dragons Recreational team and the NBP Veterans team. “Dragon boating it’s great, it builds camaraderie, you see these people of all different ages and physical abilities and they love it,” says Buschbaum. “Dragon Boat 101 offers different sessions throughout the month where participants can meet some of the paddlers, get in the boat, learn some techniques and really see what it’s all about.” 

Pictured: The Veterans Dragon Boat team paddling on their lake. Photo Courtesy of Nathan Benderson Park

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The Manatee Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation (EDC), hosted its July Headliners Luncheon on Wednesday, July 10, featuring Tommy Gregory, the newly appointed seventh president of the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF). Held from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, the event brought together local business leaders and educators to discuss the region's future of higher education and workforce development.

Gregory, who began his tenure at SCF on July 1, delivered an inspiring speech titled "Shaping Our Workforce: The Future of Higher Education in Our Region." He outlined his vision for the college and emphasized the critical role SCF plays in building the local workforce. "We are building America," Gregory stated, highlighting the diverse array of programs offered by SCF, from commercial driver's licenses (CDL) to nursing and radiography, as well as various associate degrees and workforce certificates. The luncheon served as an opportunity for Gregory to connect with the business community and share his goals for SCF, which serves over 10,000 college credit students annually across its campuses in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice, with plans for a new campus in Parrish. Additionally, more than 11,000 individuals participate in SCF's professional development and personal enrichment programs each year.

Gregory's speech reflected his enthusiasm and commitment to SCF's mission. He praised the leadership team at SCF, including Dr. Probstfeld, his predecessor, and various key staff members, for their dedication and planning for the future. Gregory also highlighted the college's economic impact, noting a budget of $102 million and an annual regional economic impact of $432 million. One of the key initiatives Gregory discussed was the expansion of SCF's presence in the Parrish area to meet the growing needs of the community. With $27 million already secured in state funding, SCF plans to break ground on a new campus next year, with a goal of completing a 40,000-45,000 square foot building to serve the burgeoning population in eastern Manatee County.

The luncheon was not only an opportunity for Gregory to present his vision but also a platform for engaging in discussions and valuable networking among attendees. Gregory emphasized the importance of partnerships and collaborations with local businesses and other educational institutions. "We're here to help you," he said, encouraging attendees to reach out and explore potential collaborations with SCF. Gregory also highlighted the 26 West Center, an entrepreneurial hub at SCF that supports aspiring business owners in launching and growing their ventures. He urged those with entrepreneurial ambitions to visit the center and take advantage of the resources available.

In closing, Gregory reiterated SCF's commitment to meeting the needs of the community and ensuring that students have access to world-class education without leaving the region. He invited attendees to share their ideas and needs with SCF, emphasizing that the college is dedicated to serving as a vital workforce engine for the local economy. The Manatee Chamber of Commerce's July Headliners Luncheon provided an engaging forum for discussing the future of higher education and workforce development, with Tommy Gregory at the helm of SCF, poised to lead the institution into a new era of growth and community impact. 

Pictured: SCF President Tommy Gregory with Manatee Chamber President & CEO Jacki Dezelski at the July Headliners luncheon. Photo courtesy of Paula Rodriguez-Saenz

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation recently received a $7,500 Parent Leadership Grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support the First 1,000 Days Suncoast initiative at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System. The grant will support a regional Parent Advisory Committee, providing stipends for parent participation in monthly Parent Advisory Committee meetings and community events.

“We are so grateful for this grant from the Community Foundation,” said Healthcare Foundation president Stacey Corley. “The First 1,000 Days Suncoast is funded entirely by private donations which are essential to ensuring Suncoast families have the social, medical and mental health services they need when their child’s critical development occurs.”

The Community Foundation’s Parent Leadership Grant was created to encourage a commitment to ensuring the parent perspective and expertise to inform program and organization development. The funding will help support monthly English and Spanish-speaking parent advisory committees led by Family Navigator Tina Wilson at First 1,000 days Suncoast.

“Our initiative is built on the belief that parents' dreams, struggles and insights must be at the forefront of the solutions the initiatives create,” said First 1,000 Days Suncoast manager Chelsea Arnold, DNP, APRN.
“These parents will be seen as experts, leaders and visionaries for our partner network and support development of programs for other nonprofits.”

First 1,000 Days Suncoast is a partnership of more than 90 nonprofit organizations and healthcare providers, along with parent leaders, with one shared purpose: break the cycle of poverty and offer families the resources needed to give their children a healthy head start. 

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Manatee Memorial Hospital, a cornerstone of healthcare in our community for over seven decades, announces a strategic realignment of its network of healthcare services and access points. Comprised of Manatee Memorial Hospital, imaging, emergency, rehabilitation, home health, surgical and specialty care, Manatee Health represents the entire system of healthcare services.

In the 70 years that Manatee Memorial Hospital (MMH) has served the community, the hospital has grown rapidly in every category. MMH has been a market leader in innovation and recognized by accrediting agencies for several service lines. During these periods of growth, the hospital has added both inpatient and outpatient services to accommodate the needs of our expanding population. According to Josh Moore, COO and interim CEO, “Manatee Health was conceived to bring awareness to the breadth and depth of our services by integrating them into a unified brand. This new entity, Manatee Health, represents the collection of our network and better communicates our comprehensive menu of services. It embraces our size and scale while highlighting each affiliate as part of our integrated network.”

Manatee Memorial Hospital serves as the anchor brand and the inspiration for Manatee Health as the hospital was founded by the community in 1953. “We are proud of our heritage and look forward to continued growth and innovation under the Manatee Health network of care,” adds Moore. As part of the new brand launch, the entire network, including the hospital, benefitted from a unified refresh of the logo. Though subtle, Manatee Health has incorporated a more modern font and aligned a consistent icon of the three-quarter cross that has long been associated with the hospital. 

Join Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) in celebrating Park and Recreation Month this July. This year’s theme from the National Recreation and Park Association, “Where You Belong,” highlights the vital role park and recreation professionals play in fostering community through programs, essential services, and safe spaces for everyone. PRNR staff have planned numerous events throughout July. They can be viewed here. Whether you visit neighborhood parks, large preserves, beaches, or world-class athletic facilities, Sarasota County offers a wide range of safe, accessible, and diverse recreational opportunities and amenities for all ages. “We hope that you will take the time this summer, especially in July, to enjoy everything Sarasota County parks have to offer,” said Nicole Rissler, Director of Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. When visiting Sarasota County parks, beaches, or natural areas, please remember to pack out what you pack in, take only photos, and leave only footprints. Celebrate Park and Recreation Month with Sarasota County and experience why local parks and recreation are truly where you belong. For more information, please call 311 or visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.