SRQ DAILY Jul 25, 2024
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"Applying HoneyStick to the club face basically allows you to hit a knuckleball"
Patrick Warren and Blake Brannan had a problem. The Sarasota-area natives and lifelong golfers loved the game. They also loved playing with a burgeoning group of golfers that included their friends and family members. The only issue? Golf didn’t love their friends and family back.
The barrier to begin playing golf, which exploded in popularity during the pandemic, isn't what most people think it is. It’s not a stuffy, ‘old school’ culture or some country club environment of toxicity. It’s not even the price point–a round at a public course can cost less than the price to fill up a gas tank. The barrier to entry is one of skill: hitting a golf ball, in the air, in the general direction of the desired target is hard. As in, even the Dalai Lama would likely snap a club in frustration over a bad shot hard.
Patrick and Blake, who both played for Cardinal Mooney High School and have continued to play into their professional careers, realized that. Where their swings had been perfected over a lifetime of practice, those of the novice golfer had not–but that didn’t mean that the novice golfer shouldn’t be able to enjoy the game.
Golf is largely a game of tricks and gimmicks, one of which being the chapstick trick: applying chapstick to the clubface is said to drastically reduce the spin of the ball when hit, thus eliminating or at least greatly lessening the slicing or hooking of a shot. From there, the HoneyStick was born. “The HoneyStick is a spin reducing device. People have horrible swings when they start and that’s totally fine. What HoneyStick does is reduce the amount of spin that comes off the face of the club by an insane amount and in some cases, depending on the person’s swing, it completely eliminates any spin,” says Warren. “Applying HoneyStick to the club face basically allows you to hit a knuckleball. You not only hit it substantially straighter, you actually hit it farther too.”
The HoneyStick golf product can be found online and is preparing for a larger drop later this month. 
Pictured: With the HoneyStick, golfers may be able to hit the ball straighter and farther than ever before. Photo courtesy of HoneyGolf.
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Sarasota Cuban Ballet School’s Summer Intensive program with On Stage 2024 on July 27 at 6:00 pm at the Sarasota Opera House. This gala performance features highlights from Don Quixote, plus classical and contemporary works performed by Summer Intensive dancers from around the world. Sarasota Cuban Ballet School alum who are now with professional companies will join the celebration. Don’t miss this special event!
TCG Entertainment, the leading producer of live entertainment, invites audiences of all ages to step into a world of enchantment this holiday season with the all-new Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, the perfect fusion of circus artistry and beloved holiday melodies coming to Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Sunday, December 22 at 6pm. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the magical holiday extravaganza filled with music, marvels and merriment will ignite the festive spirit in all who attend. New for 2024, a limited number of V.I.P. experience tickets will allow guests to meet the talented cast first-hand and go behind the scenes to learn how the magic happens. Tickets go on-sale Friday, July 26, 2024 at 10am ET and can be purchased VanWezel.org or www.CirqueMusica.com. Featuring awe-inspiring acrobatics, gravity-defying aerial feats and talented musicians and singers, Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland takes audiences on a spectacular journey into a world of music, cirque and wonder. With new costumes, music and storylines, the all-new show blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers with a musical mix of timeless seasonal favorites. Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is an unforgettable experience for the entire family to enjoy a world-class circus experience infused with the holiday classics we all love.
Photo Credit: TCG Entertainment
Last chance for Christmas in July deals and discounts throughout the entire Bazaar on Apricot & Lime! After Hours at The Bazaar happens this Saturday, July 27th until 7pm with Live Music by SRQ Hot Club of Sarasota outside from 5:30-8:30. Grab some dinner at Hamlet’s Eatery, enjoy stocking up your gift closet, and stay to dance the night away! Hot Club of SRQ is known for being the most swinging, versatile and refined Gypsy Jazz ensemble in the South. They play music deeply rooted in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. This music simply swings and is full of beauty and romance. They emulate the style of what the French call "Jazz Manouche" and "Le Jazz Hot" in the style of Sinti virtuosos and the "Quintette du Hot Club de France." The heart of this ensemble is the violin and vocals of Keven Aland, the guitar of Jon McLaughlin and bass playing of Glenn Stevenson. Beyond the genre of Gypsy Jazz, their vast repertoire includes Rumba Flamenco, Bossanova, Samba, Tango, BeBop, Modern Jazz, swing, Afro Cuban and the great American songbook. Meet the 40+ members of The Bazaar family as you browse their original art, vintage and new fashion, handmade items, jewelry, plants, and so much more. See why they have been named the Best Gift Shop for the past five years. Located at 821 Apricot Ave. For more information visit www.BazaarOnApricotAndLime.com
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to announce the extension of The Music of Laurel Canyon, a tribute to the legendary music scene of the 1960s and early 1970s featuring hits like “Desperado,” “California Dreamin’,” and, “Turn, Turn, Turn.” The show has been called, “Spot on,” and, “Mesmerizing” by Venice Gondolier. Due to audience demand, The Music of Laurel Canyon will now run in FST’s Court Cabaret through September 1. Tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or 941.366.9000.
Sarasota County Schools is proud to announce the release of the latest school grades by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), reflecting exceptional academic achievements across the district. This year, Sarasota County Schools was, once again, awarded an overall "A" grade, showcasing the dedication, hard work, and collaborative efforts of our students, educators, staff, and community members. The FLDOE's annual school grading system provides a comprehensive assessment of student performance, growth, and overall school effectiveness. On July 24, 2024, the Florida State Board of Education passed a revised rule that has increased the grading thresholds for the district grade and for middle, high, and combination schools. With the grading criteria increasing, Sarasota maintains its district overall "A" grade for the 21st consecutive year, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence and continuous advancement. Even more impactful, Sarasota County Schools improved an impressive 49 points on the overall district accountability system that currently has 12 components with the addition of the 3rd grade English Language Arts Achievement cell this year. Furthermore, Sarasota County's 3rd grade English Language Arts achievement ranks 2nd amongst all 67 Florida school districts.Sarasota County Schools remains dedicated to providing an exceptional education for all students. We will continue to implement innovative strategies, invest in professional development, and strengthen community partnerships to ensure sustained success and growth. For more information on the school grades and to view detailed reports, please visit the FLDOE’s website: https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/accountability-reporting/school-grades/.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSDC) is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Great Futures Academy School-Year Program, which will launch on August 12, 2024, at Club locations, school sites, and designated 21st Century Community Learning Centers across Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. The 2024-2025 program provides members, ages 6 to 12, from different school locations, with a safe place to access award-winning youth development activities after the school day. The Great Futures Academy School-Year Program features educational, recreational, and developmental activities with youth development professionals that empower children to excel in school, become leaders, adopt healthy habits, and plan for success after high school graduation. Daily snacks are served to program participants at no additional cost. The online application is available at bgcsdc.org.
Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is proud to announce the signing of its first-ever Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with 2024 USA Olympic Swim Team member, Olympic medalist and native of Sarasota, Emma Weyant. This groundbreaking partnership highlights Sarasota County’s commitment to promoting local talent and fostering community pride through sports and tourism. Fresh off her impressive performance at the US Olympic Swim Trials, Weyant was named to the 2024 USA Olympic Swim Team to compete in the Paris Olympics in the 400m Individual Medley. It will be a return to the same event in which she captured the hearts of millions with her impressive performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she won a silver medal. A former member of the Sarasota Sharks swim team, Weyant also led the Virginia Cavaliers to an NCAA Team Championship, before transferring to the University of Florida in 2022. She sees herself as role model who embodies the spirit of excellence and dedication, and proudly shares her hometown pride throughout all her competitions. Through this NIL deal, Weyant will be featured in Visit Sarasota marketing materials, and on its website and social media, highlighting the area as a premier destination for visitors, sports enthusiasts and sporting events thanks to its unique attractions, beautiful weather, cultural offerings and world-class sports facilities.The NIL deal with Weyant marks a significant milestone for Visit Sarasota County, setting a precedent for future partnerships with local athletes and personalities. By leveraging the power of sports and personal stories, Visit Sarasota aims to strengthen its brand and attract more tourists and sports teams to experience the charm and hospitality of the region.
Photo Courtesy of Visit Sarasota
An all-new installation at the Sarasota Museum of Art grounds visitors to Earth by pointing their eyes toward the cosmos, July/August 2024.
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.
We are proud to present our second annual art showcase, Expressions Exhibition, on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Sarasota Opera House. The Expressions Exhibition will include a silent auction of local artists’ works, live music, free lite bites, and a cash bar. Artwork in various mediums submitted by youth from Sarasota and Manatee County will also be showcased in celebration of their creative expressions.
Also Youth, 61 North Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota
Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens will be on view through August 31, 2024 at the Historic Spanish Point campus. Selby Gardens is excited to present the extraordinary imagery of photographer and conservationist Clyde Butcher throughout the grounds of the Historic Spanish Point campus. Large-scale prints on aluminum of Butcher’s beautiful photographs of plants, animals, and habitats of Florida will be exhibited amid the natural landscape of the 30-acre waterfront preserve, enabling the public to engage with the artist’s work like never before. In the tradition of earlier landscape photographers like Ansel Adams, Butcher captures the beauty and majesty of America’s natural treasures in dramatic black and white. The unique environments of Florida have been subjects of particular interest to Butcher since the 1980s, when he was first introduced to the magic and mystery of sites such as Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. Nature Through the Lens will include Butcher’s photographs of regional locales such as Myakka River State Park and Casey Key. This exhibition is presented in partnership with the Clyde Butcher Gallery & Studio in Venice, Florida. For more information, visit selby.org.
Join us for Space Saturday, the first Saturday of every month, as we explore a different topic in the world of astronomy. During Space Saturdays, you will discover an out-of-this-world activity during Backyard Science, formerly Science Sprouts, in The Mosaic Backyard Universe, explore space with a staff astronomer during KidSpace in The Planetarium, and finish your day with an astronomy-themed story during Tales Under the Tree. To learn more, visit bishopscience.org.
The Ringling, in collaboration with The Circus Art Conservatory of Sarasota, presents a fantastic, jaw-dropping, fun-filled show for the entire family. The Summer Circus Spectacular showcases some of the most thrilling circus artists from around the world in performances that will entertain and delight audiences of all ages.
The Ringling , 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
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). Learn how real, local experts solve crimes and then help us solve The Bishop Mystery. Will your critical thinking skills and the clues left behind be enough?
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. West Bradenton
NUTCRACKER Magical Christmas Ballet returns to captivate audiences this holiday season at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on December 27, 2024 at 3pm and 7pm. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.nutcracker.com or www.VanWezel.org.
From May 10th- October 18th, Sarasota Opera House will be showing classic movies as timeless as the theater itself. Our Classic Movies at the Opera House series begins on Friday, May 10. HD at the Opera House series begins on June 9. Tickets on sale now! This lavish tribute to circus life, features three intertwining plotlines concerning romance and rivalry beneath the big top. Action sequences include a show-stopping train wreck. The film won Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Story. Directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Charlton Heston, Betty Hutton, Dorothy Lamour, Cornel Wilde, and Gloria Grahame. Running time: 2 hours, 32 minutes.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
From May 10th- October 18th, Sarasota Opera House will be showing classic movies as timeless as the theater itself. Our Classic Movies at the Opera House series begins on Friday, May 10. HD at the Opera House series begins on June 9. Tickets on sale now! This Marx Brothers classic is a satire about the nature of war, politics, and affairs of the state. Directed by Leo McCarey and starring Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo Marx, and Margaret Dumont. Running time: 1 hour, 8 minutes
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
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 are our local marine mammals, and how are they critical to our ecosystem? We will look closely at a variety of marine mammals found in Florida.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. West Bradenton
Senior Friendship Centers announces the continuation of its popular monthly authors series, “Joyful Journeys.” This engaging, free series celebrates the art of storytelling and highlights local authors. Each month, “Joyful Journeys” features a different author who will share their unique insights, captivating stories, and personal experiences. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in lively discussions, participate in Q&A sessions, and connect with fellow literature enthusiasts. These monthly events are on Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m., at Senior Friendship Centers, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota. “Joyful Journeys” is free, but registration is required.
Senior Friendship Centers, Senior Friendship Centers, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota
All current jobs through the Department of Transportation for road/construction are listed on a map of Florida. Clients of the Women's Resource Center will first apply online and then begin the job search. Local agent for Manatee and Sarasota counties will work directly with client helping with job search and building a resume. Currently, they are working to promote womrn in this field.
The Womens Resource Center, 340 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237
NEW!! Gecko’s Grill & Pub’s have launched a special Summer Lunch Menu at all of our six locations. With specials from our menu sure to delight you, including our award-winning ½ lb. USDA Choice Angus Gecko’s Burger, Sandwiches, our Signature 1992 Salad and more…for $8 you can enjoy our favorite time of the year with some of your fav Gecko’s dishes when you dine in with us for Lunch. Always fresh, always made-to-order, join us to kickstart your Summer with our Summer Lunch specials from 11-3 Monday-Friday. Dine In only.
Gecko's, 1900 Hillview St, Sarasota, F
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.
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.
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