Soccer has officially made landfall in Sarasota. In just their second season, the Sarasota Paradise of the United Soccer League Two (USL2), cemented their status as Sarasota’s soccer team. 2024 was a season of firsts for the Paradise: they won their first South Florida division title, thanks to a dominant 8-1-3 record. They secured their first playoff berth, a landmark achievement for the club. Most importantly, perhaps, they secured the fervor and passion of a local fanbase, one that followed the team throughout the season, both at home and away.

“I’m extremely proud of the group we had, from the staff to the coaches to the players and the fans, who were huge this season in propelling us forward,” says Captain Felipe Rojas. “I’m happy that we were able to bring home a division championship and qualify for the playoffs for the first time in the team's history. I think it just builds momentum for the seasons to come.”

The Paradise’s season, which came to a close on July 19 in an extra-time loss in the first round to Brave SC, was a dramatic one that saw the club climb from the bottom of the division all the way to the top. The team’s success was chartered by the resolve and chemistry of their players–a loss in their first game and a tie in their second contest made a postseason berth seem all but impossible.

Their early season struggles, however, only seemed to motivate the Paradise even more. On the backs of leading scorers Seth Mahlmiester, Will Pierce and Kai Tamashiro, the Paradise fought tooth and nail to earn a postseason berth and never lost again for the rest of the year. The team’s landmark moment came at the end of the year: after beating division rival Miami AC, only one win separated them from a division title. Fans came out to support the team in droves, traveling to St. Petersburg to watch the Paradise secure a postseason berth in a dramatic, rain-soaked 1-0 victory over St. Petersburg FC. “We learned that with the right chemistry you can go really far,” says Rojas. “ For a team that’s in its second season, that lost its first game, tied the second game and then to make the turnaround that we did is a testament to the good people that are running the club.”

Pictured: Sarasota Paradise celebrating a goal during their July 9 win over Miami AC. Photo courtesy of the team.

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What are people saying about their children's experiences at Venice Theatre? Donna Cox and Catherine Lebouteiller recently wrote this note of appreciation to the theatre staff, "A big thank you for putting together a fun-centered, action-packed, theater camp full of new learning experiences for our kiddos! Our children (and grandchildren) are coming home every day bubbling over with enthusiasm and chatter about the songs, dance, or acting they've done. Last night, they sang for us, and then did an impromptu 'park bench' improv, using our piano bench! It is clear that you have provided them with a rich introduction to theater. We have two very, very happy children who get to breathe, relax and explore new areas of interest with your able guidance." For students of all ages looking for new learning experiences, Venice Theatre will hold an Education Open House on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the theatre's main lobby located at 140 Tampa Ave. W. in downtown Venice. The Education and Community Engagement Department and teaching team will explain the different class offerings, share information about scholarships, and assist families with registration. However, students do not have to wait for the open house to sign up for fall classes. Registration is already open at VeniceTheatre.org/education. Those interested in auditioning for shows are encouraged to register now for the Musical Theatre Audition Workshops led by Director, Choreographer, and Lead Instructor Brad Wages on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. More details are available on the website or by calling 941-484-4033. Many more classes are available for children, teens and adults. They typically run four to eight weeks. For those unable to commit to a whole semester, there are a variety of one or two-day workshops as well as a series of drop-in improv comedy classes with St. Pete-based improv pro, Spencer Cross. In addition to Wages and Cross, instructors include Director of Education and Community Engagement Sandy Davisson, Assistant Director of Education and Community Engagement Kelly Duyn, Arts Integration Specialist and Home School Program Director Tarah Hart, Artistic Director Benny Sato Ambush, Technical Director John Andzulis, Preston Boyd, Rebecca Holahan, Scott Keys, and Vanessa Russo. New students are welcomed to explore beginning, intermediate, advanced, and specialty classes at the downtown Venice campus and in Downtown Wellen Park at Solis Hall located at 19745 Wellen Pk Blvd, Venice, FL 34293. Again, registration and more information is available by phone at 941-486-8679 and online at VeniceTheatre.org/education. 

Pictured: VT's youngest students strike a pose before their summer camp showcase. Provided photo.

Sarasota Military Academy (SMA) is excited to announce the integration of Leader In Me at SMA Prep Middle School, the only Sarasota County Leader In Me school!  Based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this innovative framework will be infused in every  classroom, every day, enhancing our Military Studies curriculum and reinforcing the Army Core Values  of Honor, Integrity, and Respect. By instilling these values in our students, we lay a strong foundation for  character and leadership development, preparing them for the comprehensive JROTC program at the  high school level. Leader in Me focuses on five essential paradigms:  1. Leadership: Everyone can be a leader. 2.Potential: Every student has unique genius and strengths. 3. Change: Change begins with the individual student. 4. Motivation/Release: Faculty are equipped with tools to empower students. 5. Education: SMA partners with parents to achieve success for every student. The Leader In Me framework complements our Military Studies curriculum by embedding leadership  principles and character development into daily learning.  Here’s how: Leadership Development: By recognizing that every student can be a leader, we foster a culture  of self-confidence and responsibility; Uncovering Potential: We help students discover and leverage their unique strengths, aligning  with the Army's emphasis on individual excellence and personal courage; Empowering Change: Encouraging students to take ownership of their growth aligns with the  discipline and initiative promoted in Military Studies; Faculty Empowerment: Providing our educators with the tools to inspire and empower ensures  a supportive and dynamic learning environment; Community Partnership: Collaborating closely with families, the program creates a cohesive and  supportive network that reinforces the values of Honor, Integrity, and Respect at home and in  school, ensuring a consistent and unified approach to student development. As the only school in Sarasota County to become a Leader in Me school, SMA is dedicated to providing  a values-rich education, complemented by resources and tools for all faculty and staff needed to ensure  our students excel academically and grow as honorable and respectful leaders. Leader In Me not only  enhances our middle school curriculum but also provides adaptable resources for the high school  program, preparing students to embrace the challenges of the JROTC program and beyond. We are excited about this new chapter in our educational journey and look forward to the continued  success of our students. Together, we will embody our new motto, "Great happens here!"  

Young performers, ages 8 and up, may now register to audition for a part in Sarasota Youth Opera’s fall production of Dean Burry's “The Hobbit.” This is a fully staged production with professional sets, costumes and orchestra with the Youth Opera singing most of the lead roles and chorus.  “The Hobbit” is set in Middle-earth and follows home-loving Bilbo Baggins, who joins the wizard Gandalf and the 13 dwarves, on a quest to reclaim the dwarves' home and treasure from the dragon Smaug. On this journey, Bilbo gains confidence as he draws on strength he never knew he had. In addition to performing in “The Hobbit,” fall Youth Opera members also will have the opportunity to audition to be part of the children's chorus in Sarasota Opera's 2025 mainstage production of Mascagni's “Cavalleria rusticana” and Leoncavallo's “Pagliacci”where they will sing on stage with professional opera singers. The semester starts the week of Aug. 19 and culminates with performances of “The Hobbit”on Nov. 9 and 10. Program enrollment opened on June 15 and runs through August 31. Auditions will be held by appointment. All rehearsals and performances take place at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Prep Chorus: Ages 8 and above. Must be 8 or older by Dec. 31, 2024. Tuition $225  Mixed Chorus: Ages 11 and above. Must be 11 or older by Dec. 31, 2024. Tuition $275 Tuition Assistance: Assistance is awarded on a need-based policy. Decisions are communicated upon acceptance into the program. The official rehearsal calendar will be sent out upon acceptance.    

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The Sarasota Housing Authority is buzzing with excitement as the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab (Fab Lab) teams up with the Sarasota Police Department (SPD) to deliver an interactive learning experience for 12 elementary school students in the Housing Authority’s Youth Thrive Summer Enrichment program. Over the course of a month, students were challenged to customize and race remote-control cars, a nod to the Fab Lab’s annual RC Custom Car Open competition. Each student team received a remote-control car kit, generously sponsored by the Sarasota Police Department Foundation. With the support of Fab Lab volunteers and SPD officers, students decorated their cars according to a Lilo & Stitch theme, which was chosen by the children during the first session. The final session will see students racing their uniquely designed cars for fun prizes. This summer project highlights Fab Lab’s ongoing commitment to bringing unique, hands-on programming to local organizations and schools serving underprivileged children, fostering access to and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) fields. To learn more about the STEAM programming offered by the Fab Lab, visit suncoastscience.org.  

Pictured: Fab Lab volunteer Nathan works with Youth Thrive students.

Famed Cuban-British ballet dancer Carlos Acosta makes a personal statement with his Sarasota performance of On Before, July/August 2024.

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