While the white sand beaches, glittering ocean waves and calming bays are what Florida's Gulf Coast is most commonly known for, a quick trip inland reveals an entirely different world within reach. Myakka River State Park, one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks, cuts through the heart of Sarasota, encircling the twelve miles of the Myakka River that run through Sarasota county.

“The Myakka River is a rain-fed river which means that its levels greatly fluctuate depending on precipitation. During the summer, which is typically our rainy season, the levels of the river rise and overflow into the Myakka River’s floodplains and hydric hammocks, basically flooding the park. This is absolutely natural for this area and the ecosystems have adapted to those fluctuating levels of water,” says Dr. Miri Hardy, Executive Director of Friends of Myakka River, a citizens support organization for the state park. “The wildlife loves it and for park visitors, this time of year is a magical time to visit the park because there’s water everywhere. It’s amazingly beautiful, but also just goes to show you the importance of floodplains and how watersheds naturally function.”

With over 37,000 acres of protected land, the Myakka River State Park effectively is the Myakka River’s watershed. The river and its floodplains breathe life into the park’s incredibly diverse array of flora and fauna–within the large swaths of Florida Dry Prairie, hydric hammocks and swamps can be found all sorts of endangered species, such as the American Alligator, Florida Scrub-Jay, the Gopher Tortoise and Crested Caracara to name a few. Visitors can experience this amazing ecosystem in any number of ways. A canopy walkway, the first public treetop trail in North America, sits 25 feet above the ground and stretches along the top of a hardwood hammock, providing ample views of the vegetation and wildlife below. A bird walk winds through the swamps and wetlands of the park. Hiking, biking and horseback trails snake through the entirety of the state park and flat-bottomed boat tours are offered daily throughout the year.

13208 State Rd, Sarasota, 941-361-6511, floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park; friendsofmyakkariver.org/ 

Pictured: Myakka River State Park. Photo courtesy of Friends of Myakka River, taken by Executive Director, Dr. Miri Hardy.

The School Board of Manatee County is accepting name nominations for a new East County K-8 school through Friday, September 27, 2024. The school is currently under construction east of Uihlein Road, approximately a quarter of a mile south of S.R. 64. It's scheduled to open in August 2025. School name nominations must include the person’s name who is submitting the name nomination, and their email address, phone number or both. You can look for information about the school naming process on the home page of the school district’s website at www.manateeschools.net, under “District Top Stories.” School name nominations can be submitted in the following ways: Email nominations to: communications@manateeschools.net. Mail nominations to: The School District of Manatee County, PO Box 9069, Bradenton, FL 34206-9069. Personally deliver nominations to: Miller School Support Center, 215 Manatee Ave. W., in Bradenton. Name nominations for the East County K-8 school will be accepted through Friday, September 27, 2024. Nominations have been accepted since August 28, 2024. The School Board will publish the list of the name nominations submitted on its district website on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. The School Board will then discuss the list of names at a regularly scheduled School Board meeting on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, where a list of finalists will be selected. The School Board is scheduled to select the name of the new K-8 school at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Public comment on the name nominations is welcomed at all School Board meetings and workshops in September and October, 2024. 

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“I’m not usually speechless, but…,” Kevin Purcell said, trailing off. Mr. Purcell, a 21-year educator at Heron Creek Middle School, had just been presented with the Ripple Effect Teacher Award from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.  He was one of five Sarasota County Schools teachers who were surprised with the award at their schools on Friday, Sept. 20. The Ripple Effect Teacher Awards program celebrates teachers in the Sarasota County School District who have made a lasting impact in their classrooms, schools, and beyond.  Twice a year, in partnership with the school district, Barancik Foundation presents Ripple Effect awards to five teachers.  Each recipient, who is nominated by their school principal, receives $5,000 from the Foundation. “So many of our wonderful teachers go above and beyond in service to their students and their schools,” said Teri A Hansen, president|CEO of Barancik Foundation.  “This award is just one way we can recognize and thank outstanding teachers for the meaningful difference they make for their students, their colleagues, and our community.”  The Fall 2024 Ripple Effect Award winners are: Rob Rowe, North Port High School; Kevin Purcell, Heron Creek Middle School; Tarra Martello, Brentwood Elementary School; Julia Tilford, Alta Vista Elementary School; Edgar Vazquez, Booker High School. Throughout the morning of Sept. 20, a group that included the superintendent and other school district leadership as well as members of the Barancik Foundation board and staff visited each school to present the awards.  Superintendent Connor read from the nomination submitted by each winner’s principal, then a Barancik Foundation representative presented them with a framed award certificate and their check.  School administrators, fellow teachers and staff, excited students, and, in some cases, proud family members were in on the surprise and cheered on the honorees. The Ripple Effect Teacher Awards were created in 2021 in memory of Margie and Chuck Barancik.  Margie was a teacher herself, and both were passionate advocates for Sarasota’s educators and students.  Barancik Foundation presents the awards in September and May to commemorate the respective birthdays of Margie (September 29) and Chuck (May 27).  The award’s name recalls something Margie memorably said about the couple’s philanthropy: “We can’t change the world, but we can change little pieces of it and hope for a ripple effect.”  To date, Barancik Foundation has recognized 40 Sarasota County Schools educators with the Ripple Effect Teacher Award. 

Music Director of The Venice Symphony, Troy Quinn, has been selected for the prestigious opportunity to conduct with the Boston Pops during their highly anticipated New Year’s Eve Concert, featuring the legendary Broadway icon Bernadette Peters to ring out 2024. The event, set for December 31 at 8:00 PM, promises an unforgettable evening filled with timeless Broadway hits and more. Emmy-nominated conductor Troy Quinn, known for his dynamic and sensitive conducting style, will lead the orchestra during the first half of the concert. Quinn, who is in his seventh season as Music Director of The Venice Symphony, has gained acclaim for his versatility and artistry, having worked with prestigious orchestras across the country. The second half of the program will be conducted by Joseph Thalken, Ms. Peters' music director, who will also accompany her at the piano. Together, they will showcase Peters' iconic voice and charismatic stage presence, making this concert a must-see for Broadway enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Tickets are available on the Boston Pops website. 

Pictured: Troy Quinn will conduct with the Boston Pops during their New Year’'s Eve Concert. Photo courtesy of The Venice Symphony.

Get ready for a spooktacular day of fun and festivities at the highly anticipated "Boo! At The Bazaar”! A day filled with treats, live music, and magical moments on Saturday, October 26th from 11am to 3pm at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime. To make the event even more enchanting, Belles Princess Parties in joining us! Capture unforgettable memories with your favorite Disney princesses and villains, perfect for photo opportunities that your children will cherish forever. This free, family-friendly event promises to be a hauntingly good time for all ages! Families can stroll through our vibrant bazaar, where every booth will be overflowing with candy and special surprises. Dress in your favorite costumes and join in the fun as we celebrate the spirit of Halloween together! The Bazaar is located at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. For more information, please contact www.bazaaronapricotandlime.com. 

As soon-to-be Hurricane Helene continues its track toward landfall in Florida, All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) is on the ground providing food and water to shelters, disaster relief organizations and potential storm victims in our community. As one of the lead emergency response agencies in Sarasota and the state, All Faiths Food Bank has already initiated the movement of product: Wednesday morning, AFFB drivers delivered 44,000 lbs. of emergency water and nearly 26,000 lbs. of MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat) as well as cots to all 14 evacuation shelters in Sarasota County. Delivered nearly 14,000 lbs. of disaster response supplies – including water and MREs – to AFFB’s DeSoto Food and Resource Center for potential post-storm relief. As of this (Wednesday) morning, AFFB will have two team members stationed at the Sarasota County Emergency Operations Center around-the-clock throughout the duration of the storm. Many food distributions scheduled for this week have already been canceled – community members are encouraged to visit AFFB's website, allfaithsfoodbank.org, “Food Finder” link, as well as its social media platforms for updates on additional closures and potential disaster relief efforts. All Faiths Food Bank also works with Feeding Florida and sister food banks around the state to coordinate recovery efforts, stage product, and transport food to Florida communities affected by the storm. Depending on the magnitude and location of the damage, AFFB’s fleet of trucks and its food may be deployed to other food banks in Florida. The national organization, Feeding America, will coordinate resources from around the nation to help sustain relief efforts. “Our thoughts are with those who will be affected by Hurricane Helene,” said Nelle S. Miller, president and CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. “We want to reassure the community that we have been doing this for many years, and the planning for any disaster goes on year-round – not just during hurricane season. Please know that we are here to support you and are ready to respond to any needs that may arise.” At this time, AFFB plans to close its offices at 2 p.m. today and remain closed Thursday, pending storm developments and impacts. Local community support will be needed after the storm; AFFB will communicate specific needs as they are determined. If you need food or want more information about Hurricane Helene and AFFB’s hunger relief efforts, please visit allfaithsfoodbank.org. 

Pictured: Even before the storm makes landfall, All Faiths Food Bank is delivering water and Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) to evacuation shelters in Sarasota County and the DeSoto Food and Resource Center in Arcadia. Provided photo/AFFB.

With over 75 years of experience in delivering precious life-saving products in our community, SunCoast Blood Centers is the go-to partner for blood-related healthcare services in Southwest Florida, September 2024.

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