Join the fun on Thursday, October 17, from 5 to 9 PM for an unforgettable Night of Hope and Healing at the Child Protection Center's Celebrity Bartender Challenge. Eight local celebrities will showcase their bartending skills, competing in teams for the title of Shaker Cup Champions. Enjoy unique specialty drinks, with all tips benefiting the Child Protection Center's mission to prevent, intervene in, and treat child abuse. The Celebrity Bartender Challenge serves as the kick-off event to the November 21st Night of Hope & Healing--a unique event with a relaxed feel, that will feature a wide selection of tastings from crowd-favorite restaurants, fantastic live and silent auctions, live music and dancing.

BrewBurgers Back Porch at 545 S Tamiami Trail in Venice will serve as location #1 for the event. Celebrity bartending teams at this location are: 5:00-7:00 – John Holic & Tish Murphy; 7:00-9:00 – Phil Adams & Charmaine Tincher. Specialty drinks are: ‘Segway’ – John Holic; ‘Coastal Breeze’ – Tish Murphy; Chocolate Thunder’ – Phil Adams and Venice Inspirator’ – Charmaine Tincher.

Shuck N’ Ale at 648 S Tamiami Trl, Venice will serve as location #2 where the celebrity bartending teams will be: 5:00-7:00 – Tom Knight & Victoria Stultz; 7:00-9:00 – Evan Duke & Bill Rhodes. Specialty drinks here are: ‘The Knight Cap’ – Tom Knight; ‘The Victoria Secret’ – Victoria Stultz; ‘Classic Screwball’ – Evan Duke and ‘The Final Payment’ – Bill Rhodes.

Guests are encouraged to visit both venues, just a short 3-minute drive apart, to soak up all the excitement! Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a Ladies ROLEX, generously provided by Classic Creations in Diamonds & Gold. The watch will be on display for guests to try on, and the winner will be announced at the event (you don’t need to be present to win).

CPC's Celebrity Bartender Challenge, Thursday, October 17, 5-9pm, no tickets needed. 

To learn more, visit.

Help us spread the word about supporting those impacted by #HurricaneHelene. This Saturday, if you're visiting the Museum or downtown Bradenton, consider bringing much-needed supplies for relief efforts. Realize Bradenton, in collaboration with Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, Inc., and O'Bricks Irish Pub & Martini Bar, will be accepting disaster relief supply donations at Bradenton Public Market. There will be two donation drop-off points just a block from the Museum. Every little bit helps! Let's come together and support our neighbors in need! 

The Market is centered around and built upon community. As we start our new season on Saturday, we come together to help our community members in need. Realize Bradenton will be accepting disaster relief supply donations at the Market in collaboration with Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, Inc. and O'Bricks Irish Pub & Martini Bar. Donations can be dropped off this Saturday, October 5 between 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Meals on Wheels Plus van on the corner of Old Main Street and Manatee Ave or in the tent in front of O'Bricks (427 12th St W). Supplies needed include: Cleaning Supplies; Heavy duty trash bags; Shovels, brooms, rakes; Batteries & portable chargers; Buckets & storage tubs; Hand carts & dollies; Bottled water. 

Aviva Senior Living is honored to announce the receipt of three significant donations, each reflecting the heartfelt appreciation and generosity of families whose loved ones have flourished within the Aviva community. These gifts, which will directly enhance the quality of life for residents and staff, exemplify the deep gratitude shared by those who have experienced Aviva’s compassionate care firsthand. The first gift came from Judy Honig and her husband, Stephen Robb, in honor of Judy’s mother, Ernie Kent, who has thrived as a resident of Aviva for several years. Their generous donation has already led to the renovation of the Kobernick staff break room, and plans are underway to refresh the community library—a beloved space for residents like Ernie who enjoy its many offerings. At a recent dedication, Judy shared her family’s motivation for the gift: “This gift of gratitude is because my mom has thrived at Aviva, living her best life.” Another touching contribution was made by the family of Dorothy Cohen, a beloved resident of the Anchin Pavilion, in her memory. Dorothy’s children, Margie, Gordon, and Michael chose to honor their mother’s legacy by making a donation that will help revitalize the memory garden and enhance the memory care unit. This donation ensures that future residents and their families will continue to benefit from the same exceptional care and support that Dorothy received during her time at Aviva. In addition, an anonymous donor has generously funded the purchase of a new vehicle to shuttle residents, further improving the services Aviva offers to support seniors in living full and active lives. “We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our residents' families and community supporters. These thoughtful contributions not only enhance the lives of our current residents but also leave a lasting legacy that will benefit generations to come,” said Jay Solomon, President and CEO of Aviva Senior Living. “At Aviva, we strive to create a place where seniors can thrive, and it’s heartwarming to see families recognizing that through their gifts. These donations remind us of the vital role philanthropy plays in helping us provide exceptional care and meaningful experiences for every resident.” These donations highlight the enduring impact of Aviva’s Grateful Family and Resident Program, which honors the meaningful relationships formed between Aviva’s residents, their families, and the dedicated staff. This program serves as a testament to the profound sense of community and care that is at the heart of Aviva Senior Living’s mission. 

Help raise money to benefit those in need after Hurricane Helene and enjoy light bites, drink specials, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and more at CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. There will also be a donation drive to collect essentials. Saks Fifth Avenue, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 

To learn more, visit.

FloridaCommerce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org. FloridaCommerce is accepting applications for DUA from residents and businesses in Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties.  Additionally, work search reporting, waiting week, and Employ Florida registration requirements for Reemployment Assistance claims have been temporarily waived for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Helene in FEMA disaster-declared counties. By waiving these requirements, eligible Floridians will be able to quickly apply and receive Reemployment Assistance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits. DUA is available to those who are ineligible to receive federal or state Reemployment Assistance benefits and the individual meets one of the following requirements: Is unemployed as a direct result of the major disaster; Was scheduled to start employment but was unable to as a direct result of the major disaster; Is unable to reach their job or self-employment location because the individual has to travel through an affected area and is prevented from doing so as a direct result of the major disaster; Has become the primary breadwinner because the head of the household died as a direct result of the major disaster; or Is unable to work because of an injury that was a direct result of the major disaster. DUA is available for weeks of unemployment beginning September 29, 2024,through March 29, 2025, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster in the designated-disaster areas. The deadline to submit a claim for DUA benefits is no later than December 2, 2024. To file a claim, go to www.FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim”, visit a  localCareerSource Career Center, or call 1-800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For DUA claims information, call 1-833-FL-APPLY(1-833-352-7759) to speak with a representative. Applications filed after the deadline will be considered untimely and DUA benefits may be denied unless the individual provides good cause. Applicants must submit their Social Security number, check stubs, and documentation to support the claim that they were working or self-employed when the disaster occurred, or evidence substantiating they were unable to begin employment or self-employment due to the disaster. In some cases, additional documentation may be required. To receive DUA benefits, all required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the date the DUA application is filed. 

In the wake of the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) – the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties – is supporting local disaster relief efforts while continuing to operate more than 700 monthly food distributions for neighbors in need. Over the weekend, AFFB distributed nearly 600 non-perishable food boxes to the Red Cross, more than 12,000 bottles of emergency water to an evacuation shelter at Twin Lakes Park, and snacks to residents in the Colonial Oaks neighborhood. Those who wish and are able to assist storm victims are asked to consider the following ways to help: Monetary donations are the best way to help AFFB to prepare for, respond to and recover from a disaster; donations can be made at allfathsfoodbank.org.Host a virtual fundraiser to raise money for people in our community. Register to volunteer. Volunteers are urgently needed, especially in the wake of a disaster. If you or someone you know needs food, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org and click on the Food Finder link to find a list of distributions near you. 

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, All Faiths Food Bank provided nearly 600 non-perishable food boxes to the American Red Cross Provided photo/AFFB.

All Star Children's Foundation is pleased to announce it recently received a $9,600 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support a one-time professional service fee for the migration and training necessary to implement a new customer relationship management (CRM) tool. According to Stephen Fancher, All Star’s chief advancement officer, the new CRM system will significantly enhance the nonprofit’s ability to manage donor relationships, streamline operations, improve foster care parent recruitment and enhance overall efficiency in its mission to provide trauma-informed care for children in foster care. 

As clean-up efforts continue after Hurricane Helene, many of our favorite restaurants remain closed, some indefinitely. Below is a list of some of the affected restaurants with status updates as of Tuesday, October 1:

Beach Bistro, Holmes Beach temporarily closed
Beach House, Mar Vista and Sandbar, all temporarily closed
Blue Marlin, Bradenton Beach (closed until further notice - still assessing damage and making repairs)
Bridge Tender Inn, temporarily closed
Cafe L'Europe, St. Armands Circle, closed until further notice
Clayton's Siesta Grill, temporarily closed
Columbia, St. Armands Circle, temporarily closed
Crab and Fin, St. Armands Circle, closed until further notice
Dry Dock, Longboat Key, open, modified hours
Green Zebra, St. Armands Circle
Old Salty Dog, City Island, temporarily closed
Poppo's Taqueria (Anna Maria location is closed, unknown when they will reopen - all other locations are open)
Shore, Longboat Key, temporarily closed
Shore, St. Armands Circle, now open
Sun Garden Cafe, Siesta Key, closed. Hoping to reopen October 11
The Donut Experiment (closed due to water damage, will reopen soon)
The Waterfront Restaurant, Anna Maria (closed - unsure when they will reopen)
Venezia, St. Armands, closed