About 35 miles south of Sarasota, located on the Cape Haze peninsula in Charlotte County, lies an oasis. For it is there, within the grounds of a long-defunct 18-hole golf course that one can find the Lemon Bay Conservancy’s Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, an 80-acre property that truly encapsulates the wild spirit of Florida’s natural wonders. The Conservancy, which has been around since 1971, is dedicated to preserving the habitats and water quality of the Lemon Bay and Gasparilla Sound Watersheds and has done so through a combination of acquiring undeveloped land, working to restore the habitats of those areas and educating the public about the importance of habitat preservation.

“We really focus on activities to improve water quality in Lemon Bay, Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding estuaries in addition to preserving the habitats that are part of the watershed, the surrounding wetlands and uplands. We do a whole range of environmental education and acquisition programs around those two zones,” says Eva Furner, one of the directors of the Conservancy and the chair of the Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve Committee. The Wildflower Preserve, which was bought by the Conservancy in 2010, is home to all types of native plant and animal species and has been the site of a major environmental restoration by the Conservancy. “We discovered a creek, called Lemon Creek, on the west end of the preserve that feeds out into Lemon Bay. We found out that juvenile Tarpon come back into that creek area after they’re born. We’ve been working with Florida Fish and Wildlife for years now studying the juvenile Tarpon and Snook populations in the creek,” says Furner. “Part of the restoration work we did was to expand the estuary area on the west side of the preserve to produce a better habitat for all of the fish and wildlife that use the estuary.”

On Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year, volunteers can join members of the Conservancy to do maintenance and enhancement projects on the preserve. Starting in October and continuing throughout the winter season, guided walks throughout the Preserve will be offered to the public.

3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood, 941-830-8922. 

Pictured: Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve. Photo courtesy of Lemon Bay Conservancy.

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Sarasota Children’s Museum, a rapidly growing local nonprofit, is getting a new set of wheels thanks  to an investment from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. The investment will bring the  museum’s innovative, hands-on education to families, children, and communities across the  region.  The idea of a children’s museum came to Sarasota local Christina “CC” Fredericks while helping  her 9-year-old twins with a school project. The kids had to come up with their ‘dream job’, and when  they turned to their mom for inspiration, Fredericks easily told them her dream was to build a  children’s museum. Established as a 501(c)3 less than a year ago, Fredericks’ dream is quickly  becoming a reality.  Fredericks knows all about STEAM: integrating science, technology, engineering, art, and math  explorations into teaching and learning. A mom of four, ages 4-11, Fredericks has assembled a  group of local leaders, many of whom are parents, and comprise the museum’s board of directors  and subcommittees. Fredericks, an operations manager for 20 years at Sarasota-based Atlas  Insurance, may be new to nonprofit work but has built a network of supporters who believe in her  vision, including the Barancik Foundation. Thanks to Barancik’s investment, Sarasota Children’s Museum is securing a state-of-the-art mobile  museum offering high-quality, hands-on STEAM education. The 24-foot, fully solar-powered mobile  museum is designed to meet children and families where they are, ensuring financial or logistical  barriers don’t hinder access to quality learning experiences.The mobile museum is expected to be completed by spring 2025, thanks to the Georgia-based  trailer company and students from Ringling College supporting the mobile unit’s creative design.  Sarasota Children’s Museum will celebrate its first year of success and unveil its new logo, designed  by Ringling College, during its first-anniversary celebration on Saturday, October 19, from 10 a.m.  to 2 p.m., at Payne Park. The event is free and open to the public and will feature STEAM activities,  vendors, food trucks, and more.   To learn more, visit www.sarasotachildrensmuseum.org. 

The School District of Manatee County is hosting two in-person hiring events in September. A variety of positions are available for job seekers with on-site interviews available. An Operations Hiring Event is being held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Wakeland Support Center, located at 1812 27th Street East in Bradenton. Available positions include food service workers, cafeteria managers, bus drivers, bus aides, custodians, electricians, HVAC technicians, maintenance workers and more. Starting pay for bus drivers is now $19.57 an hour, with paid CDL training. A Teacher and Paraprofessional Hiring Event is taking place on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Manatee Technical College - Main campus, located at 6305 State Road 70 East in Bradenton. Open positions include VPK teachers, Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, ESE teachers, teacher aides, paraprofessionals and more. The School District of Manatee County offers a competitive salary with great hours and benefits. Interested applicants are encouraged to view openings and apply online. For more information or view a list of open positions, please visit www.ManateeSchools.net/Careers. 

New College of Florida is proud to host a ribbon cutting event to mark the grand opening of the new on-campus bookstore. All members of the campus community and the public are invited to join the free celebration on Thursday, September 19 at 1 p.m. in ACE Plaza. The new bookstore, operated by Follett Higher Education, is the first on-campus bookstore in the College’s modern history. Complimentary refreshments will be served. The event will feature remarks from New College and Follett representatives, complimentary refreshments, and a commemorative giveaway item.  New College had previously shared a bookstore with the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee. After consecutive years with record new-student enrollment, the demand for an on-campus hub to purchase textbooks, apparel, and other supplies has reached new heights. The location of the bookstore in the heart of the campus makes it particularly accessible to both the campus community and visitors. Learn more about the bookstore or shop online by visiting NewCollegeBookstore.com. 

FORZA Education Management proudly commemorated the 100th anniversary of the historic Parrish Schoolhouse, a beloved local landmark that has been meticulously restored and repurposed as the FORZA Child Development Center. The centennial celebration honored the rich educational legacy of the schoolhouse, which has been a cornerstone of the Parrish community since its construction in 1924. The journey of the Parrish Schoolhouse began after the previous structure was abandoned in 1895. Construction of the current two-story tile and stucco building commenced in 1924 on the same property, opening with 12 grades and serving children from the local area. Historical records indicate the school closed in the late 1960s or early 1970s, remaining vacant for years until Manatee County Rural Health opened a clinic there. The building also served as the YMCA – Parrish Community Center before closing in 2020.mToday, the Parrish Schoolhouse stands as a testament to its rich history and enduring purpose. The Parrish Foundation, which owns the building, partnered closely with FORZA Education Management to restore the structure while preserving its historical essence. The schoolhouse retains its original doors, floors, interior windows, and general layout, allowing guests to experience the charm and history of the original schoolhouse during tours. Guests at the centennial event, including former and current students, educators, and members of the community, gathered to celebrate the transformation of the schoolhouse, with guided tours, historical exhibits, and presentations on the preservation efforts. The newly repurposed FORZA Child Development Center will continue the schoolhouse’s tradition of serving the community by offering high-quality early childhood education programs. The Parrish Schoolhouse holds deep roots within the local community, with many residents, past and present, cherishing their own experiences as former students. The centennial event concluded with the ceremonial burial of a time capsule, symbolizing the start of a new chapter for the Parrish Schoolhouse and the FORZA Child Development Center. FORZA Education Management extends its gratitude to all who contributed to the restoration project and to the Parrish community for its continued support of this important initiative. The FORZA Child Development Center will carry forward the legacy of excellence in education, providing a nurturing environment for the next generation. For more information, please visit FORZAedu.com. 

Join us for a unique and enriching experience as the Sarasota Sailing Club partners with Magnolia Tree Yoga to bring you Yoga classes set against the breathtaking backdrop of the bay at sunset. Starting September 24, our sessions will be held every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:45 PM, where you can unwind and connect with both nature and your community. Led by the talented Ksenia, who boasts over 15 years of yoga expertise, these classes promise to be transformative. Ksenia’s holistic approach integrates her certifications in Korean yoga, Power Brain Education, and Kundalini yoga, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching experience. As a Reiki Master, she incorporates energy healing and aromatherapy into her sessions, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. This is not just yoga; it’s a journey of self-discovery and healing. With only 20 spots available, this is a wonderful opportunity for members and non-members alike to gather, grow, and find solace in the beauty of our surroundings. First class is free for members, don't miss this opportunity! Additional classes: members $10.00 and Non-Members $15.00. 

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Registration is open for the 2024 fall semester at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College, which offers noncredit educational opportunities for adults to pursue new interests, expand intellectual horizons, and enrich their lives. The semester, which runs Sept. 30-Nov. 22, 2024, features more than 60 courses, lectures, workshops, and special presentations covering a wide variety of topics, including arts and entertainment, history, music appreciation, health, literature, philosophy, religion, and science. Semester highlights include Women and the White House; Opera Insights with Martha Collins; The Generative AI Revolution; On the Aisle with Peter Rothstein from Asolo Rep; and CONNECTIONS, the documentary film series. Classes are offered at Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; and online via Zoom. To register, or for information about becoming an OLLI member, visit www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org or call 941-309-5111. 

The Bay Park  announces “Two Terrific Years at The Bay” Second Anniversary Community Celebration - a month-long celebration offering nearly 70 FREE events that bring the best of The Bay to life and recognize the two-year milestone of the park. Since the park opened in October 2022, The Bay has become a beloved and sustainable gathering place for the community. More than 570,000 people have visited this “One Park for All” to enjoy all it has to offer including more than 10 acres of revitalized greenspace, a tree-shaded Mangrove Bayou Walkway, a larger-than-life Ibis Playground, sprawling Common Ground lawns, restored and preserved mangroves and shorelines, the architecturally stunning Nest Café, The Oval mini-amphitheater with stadium-sized LED screens, an ADA-accessible paddle launch, and spectacular sunset views. In recognition of the park’s Second Anniversary, a month-long community celebration will feature “the best of The Bay” and provide free, exciting, and diverse programming for the entire community to enjoy. The full schedule of events can be found online at TwoTerrificYears.org. The celebration includes free bayfront concerts by headlining musical acts like: World-renowned Scottish soul and funk group, Average White Band, with opener Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe “Sistas in the Name of Soul” (Oct. 18); The Breakers: A Tribute to Tom Petty (Oct. 19). Other Signature Events include fan favorites like: 3rd annual Taste of The Bay food festival Presented by Sarasota-Manatee Originals (Oct. 20); Boo! at The Bay Family Halloween event (Oct. 25); Park-toberfest (Oct. 6); Bark-toberfest (Oct. 12); Second Anniversary Community Celebration (Oct. 16) celebrating all things TWO (twins, couples, 2-year olds). This month-long celebration is infused with some of the best everyday free programming at The Bay including: guided kayak tours in partnership with Ride & Paddle, fitness classes provided by The Y, yoga led by the area’s favorite yogis, and music featuring some of the area’s favorite artists.  New park event series with new community partners are also being launched during this Second Anniversary month – including “Plein Air Painting at The Bay” with partner Art Center Sarasota and “Moderns That Matter: Architecture Tour of The Bay” with partner Architecture Sarasota. Other FREE activities happening across The Bay park 53-acre site during October include the Van Wezel’s final Friday Fest of the season featuring “Big Night Out,” a FREE Family Concert: Orchestra Games presented by Sarasota Orchestra at the Van Wezel, and Art Center Sarasota’s Opening Exhibition Reception. Everyone is encouraged to bring family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, meet-up and other groups to attend any of the free events offered in the park.  For more information and to register for the various “Two Terrific Years at The Bay” events, visit TwoTerrificYears.org. The community is also invited to subscribe to The Bay newsletter and follow The Bay on Facebook and Instagram. For more information about “Two Terrific Years at The Bay,” The Bay and The Bay Park Conservancy, visit TheBaySarasota.org, or contact Julia Groom at julia@dreamlarge.org or 941-786-8732.  

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